Welcome to The Ingenious One drama hosted rewatch! It will be hosted by u/Regenwanderer and I. There will be discussions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Masterpost | All episodes | Character flashcards

----

In Episode 1, Yun Xiang, a Yun Tai disciple, leaves his mountain retreat to secretly rescue his mentor and saviour, Wen Cong, from Baiju Town’s prison. He outsmarts bandits, exposes corrupt official Yan Luowang’s schemes, and teams up with female warrior Shu Yanan after a dramatic gambling den confrontation. Their plan to infiltrate Yan’s mansion backfires (or did it?), landing Yun Xiang in the Salt Mine Dungeon.

Episode 2 reveals Yun Xiang’s tragic past: his family was massacred by Qi Tianfeng’s Cao Gang and Wen Cong saved him. In prison, Yun Xiang learns the truth from Wen Cong before his death. Shu Yanan leaks Yan’s corruption, sparking chaos that allows Yun Xiang to escape. The duo, now united against Qi Tianfeng, heads to Yangzhou, with Yun Xiang hiring swordsman Jin Biao for protection.

https://preview.redd.it/gn65r1j4f62h1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9b7e4a4e037b53f0b1c118b01c0c8d56e66d47c

These first two episodes drop us into a world where the Qian Men sect has split into warring factions: "Ling Yuan", a fiercely martial sect that is determined to resist the imperial court to the death, while the other faction, "Yun Tai", leaves the world of politics and decides to lean into the world of business. Their power comes from their wealth and connections. Eventhough the two sects were from the same sect, they have been fighting for centuries due to their differences.

Our male lead Yun Xiang is already playing 4D chess from the very first scene.

In a genre flooded with overpowered male leads who are brilliant scholars and martial artists (Luo Shen Yan - Rise of Ning - I'm looking at you), Yun Xiang’s lack of martial arts skills is actually a breath of fresh air.

Lmao how will they explain this to their grandkids

However, I'm still puzzled. (This could be a slight spoiler) It's not as if Yun Tai has >!completely abandoned martial arts. There are obviously disciples who are highly skilled warriors.!< Why didn’t Yun Xiao learn even the basics, especially with vengeance in his mind for years?

Like, Yun Xiang, honey, you’re in a world where people can literally kill you with by looking at you; at least learn to cultivate internal power or something and be a sucky martial artist on the side?

My theory is that either he was purposely nerfed or that the sect has rules against overpowering people - you choose two routes: Brains or Brawn. Yun Xiang is obviously gifted in the brains department, so he was personally taken in by the head of the sect to be trained in the ways of manipulation.

Anyway, Yun Xiang has a nice backup plan: hiring Jin Biao, the swordsman with a moral code: “I don’t kill women, children, or people I like.”

He's all brawn and honour

PS: I adored Jin Biao from his very first scene. Writers, don't you dare touch him!

Shu Yanan: Badass martial artist with low Yun Xiang tolerance

Shu Yanan is everything. Strong, determined, and actually convincing in her fight scenes—no delicate, flowery moves here. One of the better badass female heroines I've watched.

I like that she's not just assigned the role of "love interest of Yun Xiang". She's a full blooded partner in crime and, obviously, has an agenda of her own.

However, Yanan and Yun Xiang obviously doesn't trust each other, and Yanan is not beneath using her fists on Yun Xiang to demonstrate her distrust lol.

The bad guys

The corrupt officials are quite typical, to be honest. Yan Luowang frames the Jianghu heroes, tortures Wen Cong, so by the rules wuxia, he must die, of course.

So, Yun Xiang’s intelligence is his greatest weapon, but in a world where brute force and ultimate qigong moves wins, is it enough?

Later, however, we find out that he does have a special martial arts talent.

He's the Flash of jianghu world!

Kinda.

I was extremely cool to watch, but I also find it cute and hilarious that Yun Xiang’s ability is to run away very fast. (I shall name his move as "Run fast fast").

Of all the martial arts he’s learned, it’s that? (Though from a logical perspective, it is extremely useful to have Speedy Gonzalez abilities that even the most talented martial artists can't catch up to.) This move, however, lasts only "ten breaths", and it obviously takes a toll on him. Wonder if this is because he doesn't have any internal energy? Is it too late to develop internal energy at his age?

We meet Su Mingyu, and our wuxia quartet is complete!

Their first meeting wasn't super

Su Mingyu is like those green kids in Westerns who want to be a gunslinger but don't realise he has to pay a price for that life. He's pampered and rich and must've read too many novels, and even his steward reminds him he has other responsibilities and that the xia life is not for him. But he ain't budging, obviously. I guess he'll have to learn the hard way!

Yun Xiang meets Su Mingyu and immediately insults Su's family saying that their royal connections are going to fade soon. That, of course, doesn't endear Su Mingyu to Yun Xiang. 😛

What do you think of the first two episodes so far?

Ps: I always show those new to Cdramas to watch this MV to entice them to watch the drama 😉

Since there's lots of folks new to Cdramas lately (thanks to Pursuit of Jade, I believe), this is a community service message to watch A Dream Splendor, possibly the dreamiest costumed romance Cdrama ever made.

This drama was *almost* perfect (it stumbled very slightly with a typical >!angsty unnecessary separation of our couple and er, a strange preoccupation with chastity which made me admire the actors for keeping a straight face during that scene!<, but this was the first time in a long while that I felt that the chemistry between our couple was scorching.

Cdrama newbies will be introduced to the magic and charisma of veterans Liu Yifei and Chen Xiao, and the beauty of tea and the Song dynasty.

Incidentally this drama is based on a classic story from the Yuan dynasty. It's about Zhao Pan Er, a teahouse owner in Qiantang whi embarks on a journey to the Capital when she discovered her fiancé had left her for another woman after becoming a top scholar.

Along the way, she saves her two best friends, Sun San Niang and Song Yin Zhang, who joins her. She also manages to help Gu Qian Fan, a commander in the elite Capital squadron, a "Living Devil," who was framed by imperial forces.

Together they travel to the capital, and they end up, you know, falling in love.

If you've not watched this drama, run don't walk, and watch it!

Links to previous discussions: Masterpost | All Discussions | Episodes 1-4 | Eps 5-6 | Eps 7-8 | Eps 9-10 | Eps 11-12 | Eps 13-14 | Eps 15-16 | Eps 17-18 | Eps 19-20 | Eps 21-22 | Eps 23-24 | Eps 25-26 | Eps 27-28 | Eps 29-30| Ep 31 | Ep 32 | Ep 33 | Ep 34-35 | Ep 36-37

Express Episodes Discussion here.

https://preview.redd.it/w1ktz29ccwyg1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=b8408e022d7168c9fd529542cac642de35278f3c

When I first watched episode 38, I wasn't very satisfied. But after a second, more focused rewatch—meaning I didn't keep checking my phone and get annoyed at the lack of smooching scenes—I appreciated it a lot more, especially the endings each character got.

Now, let’s explore them!

Nie Yucheng

Frankly, I think his days are numbered. Probably realising that, he apologized to Miyu. Was that enough? Probably not, but Miyu is not the sort of person who holds grudges. I guess for her, it was just closure; his apology closed things neatly.

What a pitiful man, really. He never treasured what the precious jewel he had; he only realised it - and lost everything - after pursuing a fantasy with a woman that was there just to use him.

Wei

Buh-bye. Even the heavens dunked on him

The head of the "Nepo Quartet" was eventually taken out by Ji Feng and Miyu in a series of dog blood moves. The most delicious part is that he was set up and recorded by his wife, who will probably soon be his ex-wife.

Lu Zhenzhen

Lu Zhenzhen ends up being fired. As she pitifully took her box out of the building, she got arrested, as deserved.

https://preview.redd.it/9et187d2cwyg1.png?width=906&format=png&auto=webp&s=b7d6c27682b82b5f9fd8097e064a4e5cd49fda5c

We flash back to her past, where she was a poor student with a mom who reminds me of an extreme version of Miyu’s mom.

She depended on a series of "uncles". Her mum basically lived off them. Her mother didn’t acknowledge her daughter probably because these men didn’t want to end up funding an extra mouth to feed.

Lu Zhenzhen took her mom’s advice to heart: never let anyone look down on you and always fight your way to the top. Otherwise, she’d end up like her mother. Unfortunately, she took it a bit too far.

I see a similarity between Miyu’s mom and Lu Zhenzhen’s mum. Miyu’s mom is admittedly a kinder version, but both women grew up neglected in similar ways.

However, Miyu decided to be kinder to people because of her upbringing, while Lu Zhenzhen went the total opposite route. She decided to be a vicious, manipulative person because she felt life was a survival game, and you don’t win by being nice.

I don’t know what’s going to happen to Nie Qian, Lu Zhenzhen’s son, and that bugs me to death. I hope Nie Yucheng adopts him, because he’s the innocent party here.

Miyu's parents and sister

Yeah you go put him in his place, Mum

I know a lot of people got annoyed that the trio got a "happy" ending, but I think it's a good growth rather than being whitewashed. We don't see Miyu forgiving them and re-enabling their bad behaviour. Instead, they are now earning their own keep.

Also, I'm not sure if you noticed this - her parents did pay off Miyu's debt using the money Ji Feng gave them. So it's their version of "We're sorry".

I'm proud of Mum - she's now the breadwinner of the family, knows that her skills are worth something. Like Miyu, she now has a career! She knows her worth, and how to speak up and kick her husband's arse if she needs to. And her hubbie, by the way, happily takes it. That's amazing progress for both of them.

Miyu's step sister is now living out of Shanghai in her parents' town which means that she has given up on having a lifestyle beyond her means. She, too, is earning her keep by being a tour guide and promoter of sorts for the family business.

All in all they've quit becoming unrepentant leeches; they no longer treat Miyu as an ATM but are now working with their hands and making a living for themselves. That's a great ending for them to me.

Xue Rui x Qiaoqi x Duan Jr

Haha the amount of wild rumours that I saw about this trio! Duan and Qiaoqi ends up together, Xue Rui and Qiaoqi ends up together, Qiaoqi is an heiress blah blah. The amount of wild rumours on xhs was frankly hilarious.

But in the end, I don't think Qiaoqi ended up with anyone. Duan Jr is still a brat and Xue Rui finally returns to his career path after cleansing Pu Rong of its parasites with Ji Feng.

Miyu x Ji Feng

Augh why do they look so good together I need to hug them

Towards the end, I suppose the couple’s break is over, judging from the hand-holding, hugs, and kisses, even though they never made it explicit.

Miyu gets accepted to a prestigious hotel management school in Switzerland, and she’ll be away from Ji Feng for one and a half years.

When I first found out about this, I was really upset. I thought, "What? After all that, Ji Feng gets left alone for one and a half years??"

But then I reflected on the ending. Traditionally, dramas like this would end with her pregnant and married.

Instead, they chose a different and braver route: celebrating her independence and her dreams.

Miyu's biggest dream was to become a skilled hotel manager and getting into a premier school will make her ultimate goal come true.

I celebrate the fact that she prioritized herself over Ji Feng, even though my heart breaks for him.

The last shot of him staring at the Shanghai skyline (I guess our man does his best moping staring at the skyline lmao) and the fact that he often does this when he's melancholic, was a bit heartbreaking.

But hey, maybe seeing that he's looking at it during the day time, may mean that at least this time, while sad, he's looking on with hope?

One and a half years is a short time. He can fly over to visit her anytime he wants; he’s rich, right? They can have Zoom calls and all. It will be hard, but as he promised, if she doesn’t come back, he’ll be there as the "Velcro boyfriend."

PS: When Miyu was internally monologing, saying that "We may still argue, give each other the cold shoulder or even break up... " I thought, Miyu, don’t you dare say that! I do not permit you to even go down that route.

In my mind, they live happily ever after. She will come back with that fancy degree, they will marry. I picture a future where both of them are DINKs (Double Income, No Kids), or maybe they get a surprise baby along the way. The future is vast for our main couple!

The drama as a whole

So, the drama has ended. What do I think about it?

As I said repeatedly before, I was a little irritated by how convenient everything was for Miyu in terms of her rise through the ranks. I wish they had made it more realistic. I felt there was a missed opportunity to extend the timeline to two years instead of less than a year. Nothing would have changed in the story, not only would it have been more believable and the stakes could've been higher. For example, Lu Zhenzhen’s kid could be one or two years older, raising the stakes for her to be even more vicious to secure a future for her child. Very little would have changed plot-wise, but the relationship between Ji Feng and Miyu would have felt deeper and more touching. And we'd have seen them balance life as colleagues and lovers, more skinship (sobs). Oh well.

Still, this drama was very satisfying to watch from start to finish!

One admirable thing about this drama is that it leaned into the career aspects and didn’t lose its head over the romance.

It maintained a balance between career and romance, which I appreciate.

It was also fun to follow a drama that became the dark horse of the season. It was a bit hilarious because I told my co-host u/heartsandclouds that can "take it easy" with the discussion schedule because I doubted many would notice this drama. Bwahaha it turned out to be a Love's Ambition 2 for some reason.

I checked today, and the ratings went up to over 35%, which is absolutely stellar. It probably won’t surpass Love’s Ambition, which was at 41%, but what’s admirable is its market share trajectory. It steadily climbed from episode one to the end; there was no cliff fall. I'm used to watching dramas nobody watched so it's actually fun to be watching a"winning" drama for once lol.

It was fun discussing who was the right person for Miyu and all the various insane dynamics that happened in the hotel. Such an enjoyable watch. I hope you had an enjoyable watch, too.

So, what do you think about everyone's ending?

Links to previous discussions: Masterpost | All Discussions | Episodes 1-4 | Eps 5-6 | Eps 7-8 | Eps 9-10 | Eps 11-12 | Eps 13-14 | Eps 15-16 | Eps 17-18 | Eps 19-20 | Eps 21-22 | Eps 23-24 | Eps 25-26 | Eps 27-28 | Eps 29-30| Ep 31 | Ep 32 | Ep 33

Express Episodes Discussion here.

FYI, the hosts will still continue hosting the discussions. Here's the schedule, which follows the non-VIP schedule.

• May 4: Eps 36-37 u/heartsandclouds 
• May 5: Ep 38 u/lotus_swimmer

FYI Drama discussions are posted a day after the non-VIP schedule.

For the benefit of US members, u/lotus_swimmer usually posts around early morning while u/heartsandclouds posts in the evening 😄 Those who follow China/Southeast Asian timezones can expect u/lotus_swimmer posts around evening of the scheduled day and u/heartsandclouds' the next day, morning.

Miyu is super unimpressed by Ji Feng's suave move of unveiling the missing painting.

I have to say I am amazed that Ji Feng did what he did: turn Miyu’s big exhibition (something that she really put her heart and soul into) as a bait for the now Nepo Trio and get two of them sacked. Now, Wei has lost all his henchmen.

It was challenging taking Ji Feng's move seriously because it's so unrealistic.

I can't imagine how people working in hotel management would think of Ji Feng's move to use a client's pricey painting as bait. I mean, what if it really gets stolen?

At the same time, I remember Kdramas I watched in the past that had plots just as ridiculous or even more so. (I still remember one Kdrama my mum and I loved the 2004 KDrama Saved the last dance for me where the heir to a conglomerate gets amnesia, and then, during his amnesia, marries a woman. Then he gets amnesia again, completely forgets about her, and then she comes and works in his company, and she has zero experience as a corporate person.

And then he has amnesia again and marries another woman.

Just kidding, but I was expecting that lol

I did worry for his poor head, but me and mum enjoyed the soapy ridiculousness of it all.

Epoch of Miyu is like this, and we watch these dramas anyway not because it's realistic, but because the actors are able to carry the crazy emotional bents it goes on.

We watch it because you want to see two people you know live through things that you will never live through; if we wanted to watch something realistic, it would be a documentary. ;D

We are on a break!

Anyway, because of this incident, Ji Feng is in the doghouse with Miyu. He's in the doghouse so deep he will not be able to see light for quite a while.

I burst out laughing when, after Miyu tossed him into the doghouse, Ji Feng gets roaring drunk and is back to staring at the Shanghai skyline again.

The Shanghai skyline is gorgeous though but can it heal a broken heart haha

But Miyu has a point. They are now together, and he can't keep continuing to decide things for her and mislead her that way. The first time he did it, he covered up her husband's affair. She said, "I understood that."

The second time - he wasn't honest about his relationship with his ex; she also understood that it was a matter of privacy. But this one, she couldn't accept it because they're now in a relationship and if things didn't change she didn't want him as a partner. (Though I have to say her lack of pining for him makes me wonder just how much she loves Ji Feng 😛)

Ji Feng needs to learn that such acts are not permitted in a relationship. And I'm glad that Miyu put her foot down. I'm proud of her stance and her ability to enforce her boundaries.

Despite my criticisms, I'm still having a lot of fun, even though I wish that the Mary Sue shine is not so strong with Miyu. But I can understand the complaints.

For me, I just wanted more lovey-dovey scenes between our couple. And now they're on a break. I feel deprived!

Couldn't we stay here a bit longer?

Ji Feng stakes his claim

Anyway, before he landed in the doghouse, in episode 33 there was this moment when Ji Feng subtly signaled to Tan JZ to "hands off" by touching Miyu on the waist.

Hey boys, pretty sure Miyu is a grown ass woman who knows how to use a ladder

That was such a smooth and subtle way to signal to your rival that she is mine. Lame in a cave man way but haha so amusing to watch.

Yet, despite this, TJZ refuses to concede; you can clearly see that he is still pursuing her. He talks to his father after that and says that his opponent (Ji Feng) is a formidable one, and I want to tell him: "Honey, you're already out of the race. The race is over. You do not have a chance. Zero. Nada. Kaput. 没机会!"

But the man wants to snatch her away anyway. Super annoying!

And now that they're on a break, predictably, TJZ smells blood in the water and heads straight to Miyu, thinking he has a chance. SIGH.

Nie Yucheng's karma keeps on givin'

https://preview.redd.it/h7y4rb5lnvyg1.png?width=727&format=png&auto=webp&s=30dd9da9f8112e3492e6198048afaf575c6cd9ec

Lu Zhenzhen serves him divorce papers while he's sick in bed. Phew that's cooold.

And then he discovers that his kid isn't his and he has always been infertile.

I am slightly sorry for him. Just a tad.

Deleted scene: Lift kiss

The producers are so evil but apparently they removed a scene where Ji Feng and Miyu kissed in the lift, and I'm like why, why! But oh well since he's going to be in the doghouse for a bit we might as well enjoy this little tease. (They released it on their Weibo.)

https://i.redd.it/n719nfffovyg1.gif

PS: I can understand why they removed it though. There's like, a security camera in the lift, so if they did what they did, their affair would be all over the building in a second and our security team would have had quite a nice eyeful ;D

Note: This is a directory of drama discussions & their airing schedules this month. So, only leave a comment if you are volunteering to host a discussion. Comments from non-Mods or non-hosts will be removed.

If you want to discuss what you're watching this month, we have a "what are you watching" megathread every weekend.

PS: If you want to volunteer to host a drama discussion not mentioned here, leave a comment beneath this post. For newbie hosts, please also tag u/alcibiad in your comment.

To hosts: If you notice anything incorrect (hosts left out, drama links not updated etc let me know)

---

Here are Cdrama discussions for this month (it doesn't have had to air this month). Big, big thanks to the hardworking hosts:

(To go to the drama discussions, click on the drama name.)
Hosts, if I've not listed your drama, to DM lotus_swimmer or leave a comment below.

• Zhan Zhao Adventures by u/GoddessAthene
• A Splendid Match by u/sequesteredself
• Light to the Night - u/BasilOrdinary3617
• Fate Chooses You - u/LoudAvocado1387
• The Epoch of Miyu - u/heartsandclouds and u/Lotus_swimmer
• Guardians of the Dafeng (rewatch) - u/Beautiful_Candle1729 , u/BasilOrdinary3617, u/Emotional-Vegetable1, and u/Ateosira)
• Vanished Name - u/latefair
• The Mirage - u/Large_Jacket_4107

Upcoming dramas:

• Mo Li - u/latefair, u/Feeshpockets, u/Winterchampagne, u/Beautiful_Candle1729 and u/TheAlchemist420.
• Spring of the Blade - u/autuymnrain, u/Lotus_swimmer and u/winterchampagne

If you're new to drama hosting, please DM u/alcibiad . She'll help get you started.

Some ground rules for hosts

• Use the "Drama Host" flair for your posts.
• Have commented and participated in the sub before and not be a brand new account.
• Have watched the drama before writing the particular episodes' discussions.
• Should try to engage in the comments section (don't have to reply to every comment, mind, but participate in the discussion)
• Write their thoughts about what they watched (we are not going to dictate lengths but please don't just write one sentence and call it a day lol)
• Don't add spoilers in the title, and if you are creating a photo post, please spoiler tag it if the picture reveals too much plot.

Some awkward situations

If there's a drama discussion already hosted, and you want to host, please approach the original host to co-host first. Don't try to double post - it'll be awkward for everyone as the mods will defer to the first host.

If you can't finish hosting the drama, try to get a replacement or let the mods know and we'll automate the discussions.

Co-hosting

u/winterchampagne has written a really good guide to co-hosting, so do have a read!

Mods won't interfere or dictate how people should co-host, but here are some tips:

• If you see someone had volunteered already, reply to her comment and ask if you can co-host.
• Create a chat room between your co-hosts to agree on schedules: (eg A can do episodes 1-10 and so on)

How closely should the discussion posts follow airing schedules?

We know how crazy CDrama schedules are, but here's a good guide:

Popular idol dramas (for eg Chasing Jade, The Double) should follow the airing dates as closely as possible. For eg, if episodes 5-6 dropped on Feb 2, discussion can happen on Feb 3).

Check the masterpost discussion for the drama. If it has above 50-60 comments, it's usually going to be really popular and people would probably be eager to discuss it.

As for other dramas (ie, one that the sub is not clamoring to discuss, I suppose) you can take a slower approach.

For eg, discussions for Swords into Plowshares and Man's Inhumanity to Man are still taking place even after the drama has stopped airing.

How do I write discussion posts?

Structure the discussions the way you want. Some ideas:

• "Classic method" recap of what happened in selected episodes with thoughts.
• Share favourite moments in the episodes you discussed
• Group episode discussions according to character development

Express episodes / posts about the ending

We don't expect hosts to pay for express episodes!

You can ask the mods to create special express threads for the drama so that you, the host, won't be exposed to spoilers.

For commenters

Please do not discuss future episodes in a thread unless someone specifically ask for information/spoilers. And if you do share, please spoiler tag it.

For example, do not discuss plot points for episode 26 in a post about episode 19.

Those who spoil future episodes will get their comments removed.

Hosts, if you see these spoilery comments, feel free to report them.

Previous months' drama discussions:

• April 2026: The Eight Hundred | The Epoch of Miyu | Rebirth | Guardians of the Dafeng (rewatch) | Veil of Shadows | Love Beyond the Grave | Hold a court now | You are my fateful love | Love Beyond the Grave | Dream of Golden Years | Vanished Name | The Mirage
• March 2026: Hold a court now. You are my fateful love, Love Beyond the Grave, Dream of Golden Years, Vanished Name, The Mirage, Pursuit of Jade, About Love
• February 2026: Born to be Alive, Generation to Generation, The Devil Between Us, Love Story in the 1970s, Unveil: Jadewind, How Dare You!?, My Page in the 90s, Swords into Plowshares, Loving Strangers, Imperial Coroner s2, Man's Inhumanity to Man
• January 2026: My Page in the 90s, Swords into Ploughshares, Loving Strangers, Imperial Coroner s2, Love Between the Lines, Glory, The Unclouded Soul, Shine on Me eps 1-8 / 9 onwards, The Company, Dashing Youth (rewatch), Mysterious Lotus Casebook (rewatch), Strange Tales S4 aka Strange Chronicles of Tang, Man's Inhumanity to Man, The Vendetta of An, Speed and Love

Links to previous discussions: Masterpost | All Discussions | Episodes 1-4 | Eps 5-6 | Eps 7-8 | Eps 9-10 | Eps 11-12 | Eps 13-14 | Eps 15-16 | Eps 17-18 | Eps 19-20 | Eps 21-22 | Eps 23-24 | Eps 25-26 | Eps 27-28 | Eps 29-30 | Ep 31

Express Episodes Discussion here.

FYI, the hosts will still continue hosting the discussions. Here's the schedule, which follows the non-VIP schedule.

• May 1: Eps 32 u/lotus_swimmer
• May 2: Ep 33 u/heartsandclouds 
• May 3: Ep 34-35 u/lotus_swimmer
• May 4: Eps 36-37 u/heartsandclouds 
• May 5: Ep 38 u/lotus_swimmer

FYI Drama discussions are posted a day after the non-VIP schedule.

For the benefit of US members, u/lotus_swimmer usually posts around early morning while u/heartsandclouds posts in the evening 😄 Those who follow China/Southeast Asian timezones can expect u/lotus_swimmer posts around evening of the scheduled day and u/heartsandclouds' the next day, morning.

The simplest gestures says so much. Ji Feng is on cloud nine this episode.

I know important business developments are happening in this episode, something regarding the Lubot. But I am only laser-focused focused on our couple's honeymoon phase and a few key facts:

a) Ji Feng, is a "bag carrier." He’s the type who will carry his girlfriend’s bag, and as women, we 100% love that our boyfriends do that, don’t we? He'll literally carry Miyu's burden - physically and mentally. (awww)

b) he knows exactly what to bring Miyu at the right time.

https://preview.redd.it/3mnley0sljyg1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=247e30d1fd287355928c27a18b6ac362bbb16154

c) their attempts at hiding their lurve is shite

She knows whats up, the Nepo Quartet knows what's up, THE WHOLE WORLD knows what's up.

We know this honeymoon phase won’t last forever—that’s just how soaps roll. But I don't care I’m totally enjoying these romantic moments between them. But I have one question - these two, are their willpowers cloaked in titanium, because if I were Miyu I'd be having sleepovers at Ji Feng's every damn day, propriety bedamned.

Anyway, I’m puzzled by Miyu's choice of department to transfer to. She transferred to Sales, where Lu Zhenzhen reigns supreme. I suppose she did it because, as she told Ji Feng last episode, she has a natural aptitude for sales. But in my opinion, there are so many other options, like Communications or Marketing, which is a close cousin to sales. But no worries, she has this solid FL plot armour going on and the gods of sales are smiling down on her. No way can she fail!

I have to admit, at this point I am starting to have this "man she's such a Mary Sue" feeling with Miyu.

Honestly, if they'd stretched out her ascension from housekeeper to sales personnel in two years it wouldn't have changed a thing and it would actually have improved things a bit. Having her promoted by nine months felt too fast. (But I reason with myself that the Nepo Quartet also wanted her to "rise" so that they could throw her into various traps that would bring Ji Feng down so her swift ascension is all about making Ji Feng look bad.)

She was assigned telemarketing tasks—probably the most tedious part of sales—yet she not only managed it well, she excelled. Now, she’s even doing door-to-door sales in the AI park.

And Ji Feng not only carry bags for her, he took leave so that he can work with her.

https://preview.redd.it/hubh3fjxljyg1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2334ba7cd522e181c8a4693c61a466392b26f934

A boyfriend who takes time off to help you with the tedious job of knocking on doors is definitely a keeper, Miyu!

I’ve been enjoying the honeymoon aspect of this episode so much that I barely noticed how she clinched the deal. Heck due to how the show progressed, there was no surprise at all when she won the deal.

Naturally, her presence in Sales annoys and triggers Lu Zhenzhen’s attention in a bad way. She tries to sabotage the big deal, but Miyu overcomes it and signs the contract much to her irritation.

It’s really satisfying to see Lu Zhenzhen pissed off that he couldn’t "Tonya Harding" her.

All in all, a sweet, short episode before the STORM hits, and it'll come far too soon. SIGH.

Meanwhile, I'll just play this on an eternal loop

https://i.redd.it/9qh9ti5cljyg1.gif

This post is just for those who have bought the express episodes and want to discuss the finale! If you have not bought the package, do click away now as there will be spoilers to the finale.

Links to previous discussions: Masterpost | All Discussions | Episodes 1-4 | Eps 5-6 | Eps 7-8 | Eps 9-10 | Eps 11-12 | Eps 13-14 | Eps 15-16 | Eps 17-18 | Eps 19-20 | Eps 21-22 | Eps 23-24 | Eps 25-26 | Eps 27-28 | Eps 29-30

FYI, the hosts will still continue hosting the discussions. Here's the schedule, which follows the non-VIP schedule.

• April 30: Eps 31 u/heartsandclouds 
• May 1: Eps 32 u/lotus_swimmer
• May 2: Ep 33 u/heartsandclouds 
• May 3: Ep 34-35 u/lotus_swimmer
• May 4: Eps 36-37 u/heartsandclouds 
• May 5: Ep 38 u/lotus_swimmer

FYI Drama discussions are posted a day after the non-VIP schedule.

For the benefit of US members, u/lotus_swimmer usually posts around early morning while u/heartsandclouds posts in the evening 😄 Those who follow China/Southeast Asian timezones can expect u/lotus_swimmer posts around evening of the scheduled day and u/heartsandclouds' the next day, morning.

Apologies, my friends! I am a little late. Have been feeling unwell and my usual systems are off as a result, but I'm here now!

Links to previous discussions: Masterpost | All Discussions | Episodes 1-4 | Eps 5-6 | Eps 7-8 | Eps 9-10 | Eps 11-12 | Eps 13-14 | Eps 15-16 | Eps 17-18 | Eps 19-20 | Eps 21-22 | Eps 23-24 | Eps 25-26 | Eps 27-28 | Eps 29-30

Express episodes drop soon! FYI, the hosts will still continue hosting the discussions. Here's the schedule, which follows the non-VIP schedule.

• April 29: Eps 29-30 - u/lotus_swimmer
• April 30: Eps 31 u/heartsandclouds 
• May 1: Eps 32 u/lotus_swimmer
• May 2: Ep 33 u/heartsandclouds 
• May 3: Ep 34-35 u/lotus_swimmer
• May 4: Eps 36-37 u/heartsandclouds 
• May 5: Ep 38 u/lotus_swimmer

FYI Drama discussions are posted a day after the non-VIP schedule.

For the benefit of US members, u/lotus_swimmer usually posts around early morning while u/heartsandclouds posts in the evening 😄 Those who follow China/Southeast Asian timezones can expect u/lotus_swimmer posts around evening of the scheduled day and u/heartsandclouds' the next day, morning.

A lot of things happened this episode but we only care about this amirite?

What do we call Chinese Karens? Because Miyu's latest challenge is a type-A mum that micromanages her kid's life so tightly that the kid feels the need to flee from them and sleep in the gym.

Anyhoo, her usual way of offering service above and beyond not only got her digging through trash in the middle of heavy rain, it lands her in the hospital. She's none too appreciative of Ji Feng scolding her about her extreme ways before passing out, however. (I mean he had a point - couldn't she have found another method?)

The side benefit for Miyu is that we got Ji Feng stroking her hand all night. Too bad she's unconscious and won't remember that! (By the way, I can attest that those antibiotics going into your veins through the IV can sting like a bugbear and that's the exact technique nurses taught me to relieve the irritation.)

Ji Feng is working hard for the booty

If there's one thing I can say is that Miyu really made Ji Feng work super hard for her hand. Like I mean, super, super hard. I'm getting heart burn watching him going slowly crazy as she tries to decide, "I love him, I love him not".

https://preview.redd.it/x8idrumqc9yg1.png?width=776&format=png&auto=webp&s=750d78eae9d07f4ab7e57401ac0a229e1ede1c13

When he finally musters up the courage to invite Miyu to an industry trade fair, she turns him down only to accept Tan Jizhou's invite to Hong Kong instead.

Poor Ji Feng finds out and he flatly tells Xue Rui he doesn't want to know what she's doing with TJZ. You know the term "you drive me crazy?" Well, if this isn't the best illustration of how a human female can torture a human male, I don't know what is.

Frankly I'm not sure why Miyu accepted TJZ's invite. Maybe she just doesn't know what she wants. Maybe she sees TJZ as a good excuse to push Ji Feng away.

But the body knows!

When TJZ tries kissing her, Ji Feng's face flashes before Miyu's eyes and she just couldn't do it. (Thank you Miyu's neurons and hormones, you saved us.)

https://preview.redd.it/had8cmsxg9yg1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=917bdcc6d4096f79a619804a225ce03c6790178f

Puts on David Attenborough voice: And so, we arrive at the central paradox of this human courtship. To the casual observer, Tan Jizhou appears the more confident suitor: bold, articulate, unafraid to declare his intentions. Yet the female reads his confidence not as strength; TJZ has not learned her rhythms. He has not endured her rejection and returned anyway.

Ji Feng, by contrast, offers something far more valuable in the unforgiving calculus of the wild: proof. Proof that he will stand in the rain with her in the garbage, will sit vigil through a fevered night and that even when she pushes him away, he remains within the territory, waiting. The female does not want the male who approaches fastest. She wants the male who has already demonstrated that he will not leave. When Tan kisses her, her body answers before her mind can interfere: She is choosing between a performance of desire and a history of devotion.

(Is there an app for this? I kinda pity the men now lol)

And proof indeed is in the pudding, Ji Feng yet again invites Miyu despite knowing that she was in Hong Kong with the other male doing god knows what.

After rescuing her from a bitchy woman from her ex-social-circle, Miyu leaves, and now our human male is truly in despair.

Well, at least this time he doesn't stare at the Shanghai skyline for hours. He gets some liquid courage.

Correction, he doesn't get some, he gets a swimming pool full of it and marinated himself with it.

He's so sloshed that even Miyu had to comment why he did it to himself. But methinks seeing him so out of control got Miyu hot under the collar herself, because maybe she realised that if the ever-impeccable, in control, sharp-tongued Ji Feng can end up being this vulnerable and half-mad because of her, he's truly into her.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT, MIYU??

Anyway, her hormones respond at last.

\"Why won't you admit that you like me?\" I felt it there. Nothing like putting in all that effort and getting zero KPI

Remember what I said that viewers are in for a treat because Wallace Chung is known for his kissing scenes? Boy, honey, we weren't disappointed. And the best thing is Zhu Zhu is equally good; a mature woman who knows how to play one, so we get a delicious scene of two mature adults finally giving in to their passions.

They like, literally fall into each other's arms. Oooooh

There was much admiration on Chinese socials over Ji Feng's unzipping technique ;D

It was, unfortunately, over too fast. And I have so many questions. Like, if they had their rendezvous in Miyu's manager's apartment, how did they escape detection?? Did they like kiss their way up her apartment? Is her apartment, perhaps on the first floor? After a couple of stairs?? Did a security guard ended up enjoying a show??

Oh well, technicalities let's just imagine they teleported there, xianxia style.

After the deed, Miyu ends up awake, probably thinking about her life choices. (Ji Feng is out like a light, and poor baby, why shouldn't he? Miyu put him through hell lol).

I can't interpret her expression (and can't help but notice that her makeup is still impeccable lmao) but it's interesting that she's holding his hand. What do you think she's thinking here?

Ji Feng probably needs 10000 naps after this

We don't see the morning after (why?? I protest!) but we see Miyu walk around at work like nothing happened. I suspect she abandoned Ji Feng first thing in the morning, poor dear no morning cuddles for you.

Too many exes and wannabes

Anyhoo, before we can savour our couple finally getting together again, the EX PLOTLINE rears its head and derails Ji Feng's hard won work. Gossip explodes online, saying that Ji Feng and whats-her-name ex is together. Miyu, of course, goes to the extreme interpretation of the events and believes that Ji Feng is a two-timer just like Nie Yucheng. And that if THAT is not bad enough, TJZ wants to talk.

Illustration of all Epoch of Miyu viewers at the end of ep 30. Who do we want to strangle? Maybe all of them

Links to previous discussions: Masterpost | All Discussions | Episodes 1-4 | Eps 5-6 | Eps 7-8 | Eps 9-10 | Eps 11-12 | Eps 13-14 | Eps 15-16 | Eps 17-18 | Eps 19-20 | Eps 21-22 | Eps 23-24

Discussion schedule (to be updated soon):

• April 28: Eps 27-28 - u/heartsandclouds
• April 29: Eps 29-30 - u/lotus_swimmer

FYI Drama discussions are posted a day after the non-VIP schedule.

For the benefit of US members, u/lotus_swimmer usually posts around early morning while u/heartsandclouds posts in the evening :) Those who follow China/Southeast Asian timezones can expect u/lotus_swimmer posts around evening of the scheduled day and u/heartsandclouds' the next day, morning.

https://preview.redd.it/eoojmyvpyvxg1.png?width=1244&format=png&auto=webp&s=69c6b6b9ab9107d336393fd29cd1d7cf5c97bd34

(Puts on David Attenborough voice): Behold two male hominids sitting opposite one another, postures rigid, yet outwardly polite. Here, we are witnessing a fascinating courtship ritual. Two virile, mature males - both have detected the presence of a fertile female nearby. She is not present at this table, but her influence permeates the air between them.

Notice the eyes. They meet, hold, then flicker away—a classic assertion of intent without open aggression. Their speech, while outwardly cordial, is laced with what ethologists might call 'veiled threat displays.' Each sentence carries a secondary meaning: a compliment that implies a flaw, an inquiry that masks an insult. These are not mere words. These are two stags locking antlers—a test of wit, status, and resilience.

The goal is to diminish the rival in the female's unseen eyes, without ever raising a hand. It is a duel of innuendo and inference fought with bitter smiles and eyes shooting daggers. A remarkably elaborate, strategy for securing a mate.

Ji Feng could barely mask his intense jealousy behind his usual veneer of professionalism, while Tan plays the “it was just an accident” card.

But Ji Feng has a valid point. Tan could have handled it without compromising Miyu so publicly. Couldn’t he have done it in a way that didn’t let the entire lobby see him princess carry her to his room? I mean, he did it right in front of her colleagues which he could see were not kind to her too.

I suspect a part of him was deliberately staking his claim: A caveman carrying his woman to his cave ;D

If Tan wasn’t aware of the competition from Ji Feng before, he certainly is now after this!

Unpopular opinion: Miyu should've faced harsher disciplinary actions

Let’s circle back to the complaint letters filed by the lobby staff.

Honestly, they have a point, even if their motives weren’t pure and their approach was unprofessional. The department head was right: Miyu was seen acting in a way that violates basic hotel standards. Sure, it wasn't really her fault. She didn't ask to be princess carried to TJZ's room, but in real life, especially in Asian corporate culture, it often doesn't matter because she'd be judged automatically as appearances are everything. And if she's not guilty, I'm honestly not sure if TJZ clearing the air would've worked, especially in the face of official complaints from staff.

So, I felt that Miyu got off far too easily. Her vindication was too convenient, to be honest and would've appeared that Ji Feng was playing favourites.

Meanwhile, Ji Feng finds himself in a tough spot: On the one hand he had to be the manager, on the other hand he is wrestling with feelings of jealousy and guilt after finding out the truth from TJZ.

Still, I’m glad Miyu said: "I don't want to be that person who says 'it's fine' when someone apologizes."

She has said no to her bullying, parasitic sister, and now she is telling Ji Feng that she is still pissed at him for insinuating that she slept with a hotel guest. She is refusing to hide her anger behind a smile any longer. Great growth!

Ji Feng, the besotted fool that he is, grins like an idiot later to his bestie Xue, saying that he's proud of her for doing that.

Yeah go and tell yourself that, Ji Feng

No, he's not okay. He's lost his marbles! - Xue, probably. (I swear the actor sends the most hilarious expressions!)

Damn, Ji Feng, she got you good.

That said, it's a good sign! Ji Feng is the type of male that likes his partner challenging him. He loves feisty women who disagrees with him hehe. (I doubt Nie Yucheng would've reacted as happily.) So, when they are coupled not only do they challenge each other, they're able to accept each other's limitations.

New wife vs ex wife battle!

The hotel’s team-building event was emotionally grueling for Miyu, even if she didn't show it.

Being forced to serve guests alongside her ex-husband and his new wife is undoubtedly painful. Yet, she handles it flawlessly, earning praise for her professionalism. Her grace, elegance, and positive attitude put her leagues above Lu Zhenzhen, who remains crass and shamelessly flaunts her status.

But Lu Zhenzhen is discovering that there are downsides to being the “official wife.” She can’t meet her mother-in-law’s expectations, and Nie Yucheng’s social circle openly looks down on her, withholding the respect she craves. During the hotel team-building event, everyone fawned over Miyu while gossiping behind her back.

I guess my hope Lu Zhenzhen would be a more well-rounded nemesis is fading by the day, which is slightly disappointing. She is simply toxic, cruel, and unbearable. And even if it is more realistic to paint her as a full flesh-and-blood person it's just more delicious to hate her, I suppose. Li Meng does homewrecker so well. ;P

PS: It's kinda telling that LZZ can only command respect by coercing or threatening people at the team building event, don't you think?

Will Miyu's mum grow a spine?

I guess we all agree it's exhausting to watch her stepfather and stepsister call her irresponsible and a “diva” just because she wants to live her own life and stop funding them. (And scarily, such parents and relatives DO exist in real life.)

Cultural note: You're probably wondering why awful parents and relatives are so ever-present in CDramas (and even KDramas). That's because every Chinese person, to one degree or another, have to deal with relatives who flashed the Confucian filial piety card.

The "taking care of your parents monetarily" thing is ever-present in Asian societies; some parents waive this demand, saying their kids can just take care of their families. Others insist on monthly parental tributes like its law. Dramas heighten this dynamic to a crazy degree because every single Chinese person at one point or another, have dealt with the resentment, but cannot admit out loud, that come with these demands. In a way, it's a form of cathartic release to vent at Miyu's awful parents and sister!

Her mother’s constant capitulation to Slacker Step Dad is equally frustrating. That said, I’m intrigued by the new plotline: Miyu’s mother has been hired as the hotel’s pastry chef for their tea service.

By the way, those desserts looked incredible!

https://preview.redd.it/cbnpnita0wxg1.png?width=1467&format=png&auto=webp&s=b8b13b3fe83243c0b06681f9a39b1e14ed1ceb1d

I’m genuinely proud of Miyu’s mom, at least at this moment. For the first time, she’s realizing her skills have value and she can earn her own income. As a woman, she likely grew up believing a man had to provide for her—she even told Miyu she needed a husband as a “security blanket” for her later years.

Unfortunately, her current husband is a leech. Wonder how their older years would be like! If he couldn't leech off Miyu, who wants to bet that he'd try to make mum get the income for him?

Now, Miyu's mum is earning a solid 20,000 RMB a month. This is a massive shift for someone who’s never been financially independent.

I hope this experience helps her understand Miyu’s struggles and understand how freeing it is to earn your own living without the support of a man (or your daughter!).

Financial independence proves you don’t need a man for security, and I hope she finally stands up for her daughter. She’s always given in because she feared losing financial support, but once she realizes she’s fully capable on her own, her dynamic will shift. I really hope she changes for the better.

Ji Feng's new strategy :P

Hilariously, when her mother joins the hotel staff, Ji Feng sees a brilliant path out of Miyu's doghouse: win over his prospective mother-in-law!

When Mum bluntly asks if he’s single, he eagerly confirms it.

\"I'M AVAILABLE TO BE YOUR SON-IN-LAW\"

He is basically advertising his availability to his future mother-in-law and telling her that, yep, I am available for son-in-law duties!

Miyu's mum is probably besides herself; two rich men pursuing her daughter! But I can’t help but suspect that if a waiter or janitor had showed interest in Miyu, she would've squashed them like a bug. She is, unfortunately, that kind of mother.

And also, unfortunately, as feared, Miyu’s mother immediately stirs up trouble by slapping Lu Zhenzhen.

https://i.redd.it/9wpaucgp1wxg1.gif

(Still, it’s incredibly touching that her mother finally stood up for her; slapping Lu Zhenzhen was long overdue!)

Lu Zhenzhen, of course, tries to pressure Nie Yucheng into forcing Ji Feng punish Miyu. Fortunately, Nie is the more mature party and accepts Ji Feng's apology, but LZZ is not happy that her man is a simp, apparently.

It's fun watching him torn between his new wife, his ex-wife, and his fragile business ties with Ji Feng though. ;P

To his credit, Ji Feng handles the conflict deftly, diffusing the situation and likely earning major points with both Miyu and her mother. Well done!

Later, that teary-eyed look when Ji Feng reminded Miyu that she's not only an employee, but a human being, says it all.

Well, the balance sheet has tipped in Ji Feng's favour. He's out of the dog house, even if he's not at her front door ... yet. ;)

Nie Yucheng buyer's remorse

Back to the patsy who ended up marrying her: Nie Yucheng is quickly learning that his new marriage comes with harsh realities.

Yes, he may have wanted an heir (like he's some patriarch of some prominent Ming dynasty family or some shit), but Lu Zhenzhen is nothing like his first wife. She refuses to do chores, make him porridge and orders takeout instead. (Hint: >!Worse is to come, judging from the previews!!<)

https://i.redd.it/85m62nhf2wxg1.gif

Nie, how is it like trading a reliable SUV with a Ferarri that looks good on the outside but has an engine (heart) that is barely functioning?

I'd like to snippily comment that Nie Yucheng misses Miyu's porridge-making abilities, but I'll admit that he is probably missing the empathy that she had because LZZ is severely lacking in it. And he's probably suspecting by now that she doesn't love him as much as Miyu did.

And if Nie Yucheng's sorry tale isn't bad enough, the episode ends with really bad news for Nie Yucheng from the hospital.

https://i.redd.it/et5ve4bwxvxg1.gif

PS: I know there's some kinda flirtation between Duan Jr and Miyu's bestie but I can't be fudged unless they steam up the room ;P. And what happened to Mr. Xue??

In other news

If you've not heard yet, The Epoch of Miyu is a ratings winner! At one point even clinching above 32% in Yunhe. What's more amazing is that it's a mid-budget drama; for it to beat the S+ budgeted dramas with traffic stars is quite an achievement.

However, the Douban ratings are in and it's not great - at 5.4 the last I checked.

Frankly, despite it being a soapy, dishy drama with unrealistic workplace shenanigans, I personally believe it deserves a 6 at least. The fact that it's winning over so many people - many out of fandom circles - means its doing something right.

My theory is that these people, many of them in the aged 30-50 demographic are not the type to visit Douban to rate any drama. (They probably have not heard of it haha)

Whatever it is, I'm actually not bothered by the Douban rating, and I believe the audience is equally unbothered. They're too busy eating melons watching the shenanigans at Purong hotel!