Reel Tastes & Travels – a light dose of entertainment to wake you up

I guess that answers my question from last time. What does it take for Zhi to finally call Chong by his name instead of ‘Master’? Just a little near-death experience with an avalanche it seems. But rewinding back a bit before we delve into that momentous occasion (hopefully to be followed soon by them actually admitting their feelings to each other), the gang (+ the Jiang siblings) are all enjoying a night out in Xicheng.  In a fit of drunken pique at Yan on Nanfeng’s behalf (of all things because he agrees to give a class to another woman whose sole role in this series appears to be instigating fits of baseless jealousy in one main character after another), Zhi arranges for Dai Duo to teach Nanfeng. Several snide comments, glowering looks and a minor injury later, Yan and Dai Duo end up coming to blows. The fight is seemingly over Nanfeng, but as she wisely surmises, the intensity of their fight ties back to their latent rivalry over their respective relationships with Chong. As much as Dai Duo appears to dislike Chong, it’s fairly clear that he in fact looks up to him and the dislike stems from disappointment in Chong’s (perceived) abandonment of the sport they’re mutually passionate about. And perhaps Yan suffers a bit from jealousy as well given Chong and Duo’s longer history.

All this prompts the group to move up their plans to go to Lezou. But if Zhi thought that would enable her to escape Yiming’s attention, she’s sadly mistake. Like a ‘blue blistering barnacle’ he cannot be shaken and gamely tags along with them. Since things have been going fairly smoothly for a while we’re about overdue for some misunderstandings but to the series’ credit, they know their main selling point is the romance so they don’t drag it out too long.

Chong, overhearing Yiming talk about his plans of marrying Zhi, spends a good part of the episode stewing in jealousy. Meanwhile Zhi gets a hard dose of reality from Nanfeng when she points out that Chong has not actually given any sort of verbal indication of his feelings. But… But… The supermarket visit, and the snow glasses, and all the lessons! Nah, in all fairness in real life his reticence could very well be a red flag that he is just playing with Zhi and not looking for anything serious. After all, this is a guy they’ve known for maybe 2-3 weeks? As viewers we can see how sincere Chong is, but Nanfeng is right to look out for her friend. Of course, all of this could be resolved with simple communication – another reason I’m thankful this side plot doesn’t take up too much time.

Despite the frustrating lack of communication, Chong and Zhi manage to suppress their doubts long enough to make a date for the next day where Chong plans to take her to a romantic couples spot. However just as Zhi is thawing towards Chong, the aforementioned avalanche strikes. Despite a few moments of manufactured tension (did anyone seriously think they would kill off Chong halfway through the series), they both survive and make their way to a ranger supply hut to wait out the night till they can find their way back. Things are heating up now!

Stray Musings

• Chong looks so miffed when Zhi drunkenly attacks him with affection. Not quite how he would have liked their first affectionate encounter to go. He still remains the perfect gentleman though so props to him
• Interesting – it appears Shen’s and Dai Duo’s relationship is still a secret from her parents. I did not expect that given how warm and welcoming they are with him 
• It’s not a secret I’ve found Yiming’s persistence in chasing Zhi even in the face of her obvious indifference annoying. But for the first time, I genuinely felt bad for him. His panic and all-consuming worry when he realized Zhi was caught in the avalanche was very real. Whatever his flaws, his feelings are genuine. And while Zhi is safe, he is in for so much more heartbreak when she finally makes things official with Chong. It’s tough not to feel a bit sorry for him in the moment.