#cheng xiaoshi only doesn't know

[juthemagicalclown]

lu guang owns the 'doomed by the narrative' trope hands down and no one can change my mind about it

[snorlaxlovesme]

alright everybody, it's time we talked about Hostage. (buckle up because this is going to be long, but it'll be worth it)

season 2 episode 8 of Link Click was one of the most confounding episodes in the entire season while airing. starting with Lu Guang's insane boat crash/martial arts smackdown rescue of Cheng Xiaoshi and ending with Cheng Xiaoshi diving into a photo to possess Lu Guang to get answers for his actions, from start to finish it was a wild ass ride where we, the fandom, AND the characters spent the whole time questioning Lu Guang and his motives

and...puzzlingly... didn't really get an answers by the end of the season

Lu Guang wasn't granted any post-climax time to explain what happened that day from his perspective, and while Cheng Xiaoshi was possessing him he didn't get any answers because he literally WAS Lu Guang, just doing whatever the hell he thought he needed to do.

the thing about Hostage that has always felt extremely off to me, is that we DO get explanations for Lu Guang's actions during the episode, but they're from people wholly unqualified to be giving them.

Captain Xiao finds Lu Guang's phone, hidden in a folded towel, and concludes that Lu Guang had left them clues. Qiao Ling, after seeing that Lu Guang had taken a photo that night, came to the conclusion that Cheng Xiaoshi must have been the one possessing Lu Guang during his deranged rescue plan at the pier, seeing as Lu Guang wasn't an adept fighter at the dojo and he was acting extremely impulsive. She even goes so far to say, later in the episode, that Cheng Xiaoshi HAS to dive into the photo, because it's already happened, and needs to follow Lu Guang's words to not change the timeline.

all of these assumptions, to me, are horseshit

I refuse to listen to ANYTHING Captain Xiao says. one, because he simply does not know these kids and should not be making assumptions about them, and two he is in fact the worst cop in the world. and Qiao Ling, bless her heart, has only found out how their powers work mere DAYS ago and doesn't understand the nuances of them at all

so I'm gonna debunk all that nonsense and explain to you what Lu Guang's REAL actions were that night, and what was up with that cryptic photo he took

now you might be thinking, Kelly, you're not even starting in the right place, because those weren't Lu Guang's actions, they were always Cheng Xiaoshi's, just in Lu Guang's body!

FALSE. on two counts! we have evidence of Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi performing the act of escaping the hospital differently. Lu Guang does not use the kettle to break the window to distract the cops. we're not sure what he uses, but that kettle is still there.

Lu Guang also places his phone face down in the towel

while Cheng Xiaoshi places it faceup

so by the end of the episode we have literal, physical evidence that these two performed this timeline differently, and therefore it was not "Cheng Xiaoshi the whole time" like Qiao Ling tried to misinform us to believe. i also have another Big Brain post [x] that explains why Lu Guang being an impulsive, supposedly "good" fighter during that pier rescue scene are both in-character for him.

(and if we wanna get really nitpicky about how an injured Lu Guang could have raced across town in his condition, i simply believe that Lu Guang was smarter about it that Cheng Xiaoshi, and probably took a bus or cab. Cheng Xiaoshi, pure of heart and dumb of ass, ran because HE physically could while inhabiting Lu Guang's body. our injured catboy did not sprint across town while holding his organs in place)

so if we already have all this cold, hard evidence stating that Lu Guang really is THAT bitch and did all that shit on his own, what the hell is my problem? why can I not let this episode go?

BECAUSE I WANNA KNOW WHY LU GUANG TOOK THAT PHOTO

Captain Useless seems to think that Lu Guang took that photo as some sort of helpful clue left behind for the gang

but what, pray tell, was this photo supposed to tell us without someone with Lu Guang's powers there to interpret it? without Lu Guang to tell him what to do, Cheng Xiaoshi left to his own devices knows just as much as himself as he does possessing Lu Guang

and, the bigger question, is if this was supposed to be some sort of almighty clue for the gang, why did he not text this photo to either Qiao Ling or Cheng Xiaoshi before escaping the hospital? he took the time to text Qiao Ling the location of the boat, did he not? why not the photo too? seems like a crappy way to clue someone in, to take a photo and save it on your password protected phone that you just went out of your way to hide from plain sight

because that's the thing! after the season finale we discover that Lu Guang's password is literally a reminder of his dive, or even more specifically, a reminder of his trauma. we KNOW that he didn't share his password with Cheng Xiaoshi, he just just happened to figure it out on his own

so tell me how Lu Guang expected this trauma-password protected phone, with it's one singular picture, to get in the hands of Cheng Xiaoshi, hmm? riddle me THAT

so we've established by now that 1. Lu Guang's actions in the beginning of episode 8 were indeed his own and 2. that photo was never meant to be seen by Cheng Xiaoshi, who shouldn't have known Lu Guang's passcode

given the trauma-passcode, we have to believe that the only person ever meant to see this photo was Lu Guang. i've made ANOTHER post previously [x] stating that Lu Guang might have used his powers in a way we haven't known possible, by taking a photo and using his Blue Eyes White Dragon powers to see 12 hours into the immediate future

plausible, but not what i'm about to propose now.

because I think Lu Guang took that photo as a contingency plan

listen, the only person who had ANY credentials to theorize what Lu Guang was up to that night was his trusted partner. while Qiao Ling and Captain Xiao spouted their nonsense theories, Cheng Xiaoshi said the only smart thing that entire brainstorming session

and I think Cheng Xiaoshi was right. he wasn't wrong in assuming this photo was a Save Point of sorts, the only thing he was wrong about was who would be using it

the only other person in this show capable of diving into a photo, we find out during the finale, is Lu Guang

we also find out in the finale that powers are transferrable, and it looks like they transfer when the owner of that power dies in someone else's arms

Lu Guang took that photo that night NOT for Cheng Xiaoshi to find and use, but for LU GUANG himself to use. i believe Lu Guang firmly believed that Cheng Xiaoshi was to die that night, and he would do everything in his power to make sure he had a chance to change it again if he needed to.

that meant:

1.taking a photo on his phone as a Save Point.

2. hiding his phone in the hospital bathroom so it could not be taken from him or busted later in the night. and

3. racing to where he knew Cheng Xiaoshi would be, so he could either

4. a.) rescue him, or b.) ensure that during CXS's death, the diving power was transferred back to him so he could do the night over again.

Lu Guang took that photo as contingency plan to save Cheng Xiaoshi's life should he get killed that night.

but that plan was botched when Cheng Xiaoshi used it instead to possess Lu Guang, because each photo can only be used once.

which might also explain why Lu Guang was SO DISTRAUGHT when Cheng Xiaoshi was shot

they had deleted all their photos earlier that week to prevent the twins from possessing them remotely

that was the last photo Lu Guang had taken. the ONLY photo on his phone. if Cheng Xiaoshi died that night, there would have been no Save Point to return to

[sgdlr-asdfghjkl]

Link Click Musical lyrics translation ✨🎶

@chocolatexiaoshi brought to my attention that Qiao Ling's actress, Cai Lu, posted a video from rehearsal where she's singing a part of QL's solo song that doesn't appear in the encore, only in main plot (rare!). Here's the video:

And by courtesy of chocolatexiaoshi, here's the full translation (plot context below the lyrics) 🙏🌟

M11 尼克和马修 'Nick and Matthew' sung by Qiao Ling

七岁那年遇见一个倒霉朋友 When I was seven years old, I met an unlucky friend. 我的笑料都来自他出丑 I get all my laughs when he makes a fool of himself. 没穿过耐克 (He) never wore Nike. 自己画个倒钩 Drew himself a barb (tick line, to pretend to wear Nike). 羡慕同学有爸妈开车接送 He envied his classmates when their parents drove them around. 他吹牛家里游艇正在维修 He bragged that his family's yacht was being repaired. 这个蠢货幻想有两个朋友 This douchebag fantasizes about having two friends. 一个叫尼克 One's name is Nick. 另一个叫马修 The other is Matthew. 还以为是他国外的笔友 I thought they're his pen pals from abroad. 所谓的朋友全都是他虚构 He's making up all his friends. 尼克是狮子 Nick was a lion. 马修是条狗 Matthew was a dog. 用秘密威胁他做我朋友 Threatened him with this secret to be my friend. 他提了个要求 He made a request. 家长会我爸 PTA meeting with my dad. (PTA - routine meetings between the parents and teachers of students, to discuss a child's progress at school) 装他大舅 Pretend to be his great-uncle.

Here starts the part Cai Lu is singing in the video (and it's 😭💔):

尼克马修其实是孤独的魔咒 Nick and Matthew are actually a curse of loneliness. 若有人陪伴怎会如此荒谬 How can it be so absurd if he has company? 所有的情绪靠幻想找个出口 All his emotions find an outlet in his fantasies. 喜怒哀愁去和故事书交流 He'd go to a storybook for his sorrows and his joys. 自我欺骗才能排解烦忧 The only way to get rid of them is to lie to himself. 这个倒霉蛋我认识十五年之久 I've known this unfortunate man for 15 years. 你是除了我以外，他唯一的朋友 You're the only friend he's got besides me. 看过了彼此的伤痛 You guys've seen each other's pain. 应该更宽容 You should be more forgiving. 别被情绪左右 Don't let your emotions get the best of you. 一起向前走 Let's move forward together. 如果我是尼克 If I'm Nick. 你来做马修 You'd be Matthew. 他渴���的两个朋友 The two friends he craves. 你和我送他拥有 You and I will give him the two friends he longs for.

The clip ends here, but there are a few more verses 🎶

尼克和马修他童年的缺口 Nick and Matthew, the gaping hole in his childhood 填补了他的梦 Filled his dreams. 你我别放手 You and I, don't let go. 尼克和马修吹过最离谱的牛 Nick and Matthew is the most outrageous thing he's ever bragged about. 能不能和我一起 Will you join me? 将他心愿保留 To keep his heart's desire alive

ಥωಥ yeah.

🌟Context: after the earthquake arc dive, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang have a fight where CXS says he doesn't want to see Lu Guang anymore. Qiao Ling tries to ask LG what happened but doesn't get an answer. Then she goes to comfort CXS:

Eventually LG goes to sulk on a basketball court:

Qiao Ling finds him and tells him about Xiaoshi's childhood (her song starts) :'>

These are drawings of Nick and Matthew (tho they seem to change, you can they're different in pics above^). QL shows them while singing:

My dear shiguang nation... how are we feeling about QL and LG stepping into Xiaoshi's life filling a place of his imaginary childhood friends born out of loneliness? Bc I-

Again huge thanks to @chocolatexiaoshi for basically translating everything and adding context to this song 🙏 I just checked english grammar and helped to put it together 🤝 We're keeping in touch and they've actually seen LC musical live, so if you have more in depth questions about the play or specific actors, let us know 😘

[curapicas]

Oh look, the donghua is doing the heavy lifting for me and juxtaposing them on its own volition. (kind of a continuation of this)

Plot-wise, Li Tianchen's relationship with Lu Guang hinges basically on trying to manipulate and hurt Cheng Xiaoshi to do his bidding through hurting LG (worth noting this implies an understanding of such attachments, and the viciousness stems from a certain resentment of it + his twisted personality). I don't even remember if he's aware LG also has powers.

but tbh the funniest thing coming out of LTC vs CXS&LG is that, in a weird way, he was actually letting off his anger on the "right target", kinda? Technically? Of course I'm not saying LG deserves it nor that LTC was being anything but unhinged. But I do believe there's more than meets the eye (and probably informs the ways Lu Guang can be confronted on the narrative, more on that by the end)

Bc this show is competent, many characters have parallels with each protagonist, and LTC-LG are no different. There's a post I couldn't find that went on their reactions to their most precious people dying in front of them: whereas LTC loses all hope, LG has the means to go back, and thus doesn't even try to let go. Alas, they're both tacticians who, despiste meaning well for LTX and CXS, end up manipulating them into inaction/ignorance;

And they do so bc both feel adrift and out of options - but the show focus a lot on how powerless LTC feels about his life for it to not be a big factor. LTC fights so hard for a modicum of control that I don't even think it registers how he impacts LTX, meanwhile LG has so many variables stacked against him and his empathetic partner that he ends up prioritizing CXS' survival, even above their connection (he keeps to himself Emma's death, for example)

In the twins past, LG was the one that guided CXS into staying on task. And before that, he hid the photo even from the police. Tbh he'd never see it that way, but isn't this accidentally the best revenge for his stabbing? lol

Either way, LTC loses his hope, blames CXS and believes him to be what LTC hates the most, a nice guy who's secretly a jerk. Except. Who is actually closer to this description? A guy who can be polite but will stay passive if that affects CXS too much, to the point of lying about saving Chen Xiao's mom?

Curious to me he was also pretty straight forward in calling LG a jerk, and maybe it's just because LG botched his kidnapping attempt. But maybe he has pretty good instincts bc I don't think he even knows why he hates the man so much, lol. After all, for all Li Tianchen knows, everyone is a jerk who stands by and watch.

And maybe it makes him even angrier because he finally met someone who also has powers and is willing to call him "friend" and "play" with him. Considering his one friendship was with Liu Xiao, someone he's aware has plans, he might've even considered to have his own pet project on CXS. But the thing is, this person already seems to have a way more genuine friendship, and it's with LG.

Summary: LTC, if only he knew, would hate LG for not changing his past + being a guy who's very much capable of standing by and watch + having an actual friendship with CXS

DISCLAIMER: I think on his own right, Lu Guang values kindness in general. But LTC's vision is too black and white to even account for that.

While I'm on the topic of LG: while his passivity keeps him from being of any effective help to the twins, he's also keenly aware of the butterfly effect and that he could possibly make things worse instead, something CXS has been confronting throughought the story.

And yet. His objective is what ultimately makes us see this approach as instead of wise, more akin to the desperation of a grieving man - not unlike LTC who by the end of s2, gives up altogether of hope and follows the Big Bad. Besides, it somewhat clashes with the fact CXS actually does make a difference for the clients, be it by making the past more tender (Chen Bin's wife has sweeter memories, Dou Dou's life was actively made less worse) or the present better (lesbian noodles make up, Dou Dou's father and Qiao Ling reconcile), which is also something LG is aware of, since he agreed to deliver Chen Xiao's messages. So far I don't personally see a clean, objectively correct approach, thus I'm willing to bet it'll be whatever is diametrically opposite of Liu Xiao's, lmao

-kinda unrelated, but I've seen people mentioning an interview where Li Haoling-laoshi (aka the director) said he tweaked a little with Li Tianchen before s2, and he was meant to be (even more) obsessed with Cheng Xiaoshi, making this whole post even more hilarious

[shimmeringweeds]

This is completely unnecessary ( I'm really just sliding my Link Click rewatch notes into the tag), but for the fun it:

Hypocrisy is living a lie, but that doesn't make one a liar. So I got curious. Lu Guang's hypocrite label has been well earned, but does it cause him to lie? Is he a liar? I think fandom leans towards "no?," but let's find out anyway!

Provided below is a reference list of every last question Cheng Xiaoshi has ever asked Lu Guang in series (and I mean every question) + every answer Lu Guang gives. Color coded by response and explained when necessary. Season 2 opens the floor up to everyone.

Categories include Direct Answer, Non Answer, Half Truth, and Lie.

This post covers Season one. Season two is covered in a reblog below. The final tally is also in a reblog below for anyone who is just curious about that. Criteria below the cut.

Criteria notes: This list focuses solely on the act of lying to a trusted partner in response to a question asked. Keeping secrets does not, actually, count as lying, so long as you are honest about it. People are allowed a box of secrets and no one is entitled to the key. This compilation will also not dock points for the hypocrisy, or the uh..... questionable ability limitations. I will however, use the aforementioned knowledge as a basis for reasoning. This is far from scientific. Any conclusions I draw from the evidence can be challenged. Court is in session ⚖️

You will notice that there is no category for "truth." This is because all truths are covered by a "Direct Answer." "Direct Answer" indicates that Lu Guang is not hiding anything in direct relation to the question. In a "Direct Answer," he will answer Cheng Xiaoshi's exact question honestly. Nothing more required. Omission of extra knowledge is (frustratingly) allowed, because unless Cheng Xiaoshi has asked for that knowledge, it doesn't need to be given. So watch those closely.

Non Answer = an avoidance of the question with words or silence.

Half Truth = a partial, truthful answer to the question. The question asked for more/there is a second, hidden answer tied to the question.

Lie = an answer that denies a truth.

Color coding:

Present Question, Past Question, Future Question

Direct Answer, Non Answer, Half Truth, Lie

s1e1

Q. Any chances? A. Yes. But only one. (a non specific answer complements a non specific question. This sets the precedent for a direct answer. Keep an eye on how often it occurs.) Q. Now, should I finish this spring roll? A. Hold on. Q. Hold on for what? A. unanswered Q. How's it going? Are you satisfied now? A. *miserable sigh* Q. Do I have a boyfriend or not? A. No. Q. What is going on now? I did what you told me. What is the matter with him? A. Calm down. Repeat after me. Q. What should I do next? A. You forget his words? Prepare the material. Q. She just keeps doing this day by day? A. We said, linger no more around the past. (Every rule repeated will be counted as non answer if it avoids the question.) Q. You mean the meeting at 9 A.M. tomorrow? A. Mn. Q. It's midnight. Who? A. Leave it. Q. Will they come back? A. ................. All right, go to sleep. Q. When should we start? A. Take it easy. They're not all there yet. Q. Then tell me how long I need to wait? A. It's a secret. (note: This is the scene that inspired all this. I feel CXS's frustration here so much. LG stressed that there was only one opportunity and that this is it, only to deflect every question. He even checks his watch because he knows exactly how much more time. Yet, this is a direct, honest answer. "I will not answer," is an answer. I hate him lol. Q. In your opinion, if I really did something, will everything change because of it? A. You really didn't do something stupid, did you? Q. I really want to know. How is she doing now? A. I said, never ask about the future. Past Question(1) Present Question(6) Future Question(7) Direct Answer (7) Non Answer (7)

s1e2

Q. Do you have any questions? A. What are their names? Q. Why did they break off their friendship? A. Just do the job instead of caring about the whole story. Q. If we disagree with each other some day, shall we break up, too? A. It's almost time. (to be quite fair, CXS deflects his own question with tomfoolery before LG can respond.) Q. Is there really a secret recipe? It's just a pot of stew. A. Coming soon. (vague as hell, yet blissfully direct. wow.) Q. Do we have any other chance? A. None. She's crying all night at home, not going anywhere. Q. Can I go eat that for the last time? A. No! Q. What should I say? A..................... Q. What does it taste like? A If you dare change the photo shop into a noodle shop, I'll leave right now. Past Question (1) Present Question(5) Future Question (2) Direct Answer (4) Non answer (4)

s1e3

Q. A few words? That may affect the past. You sure about this? A. It will be fine. Nothing will be changed. Q. Can I get rid of them? (regarding the glasses) A. There is nothing you can help with in the match. Just sit there till the end. (eeeeh. It's very long winded way of saying "no.") Q. I can take photos right? A. Void. No time to answer. But it's telling that CXS was just advised twice to stay put and chill, but the moment he adjusts the script....? oof. not a good start to this arc. Q. Did I just affect the historical track? A. Yes, you did. But the results have not changed. Q. Is it in the plan? Should I play or not? A. The past has been disrupted by you. I can't foretell what would happen before they lost the game. ( ie. your call) Present Question (5) Direct answer (4) Void (1) This is such nice episode with such a clean tally. THE TRUST.

s1 e4 - The formatting on this one doesn't want to stick. If it still doesn't work... I'm sorry.

Q. What exception? A. At some point in time, there is an important node. Q. Lu Guang, where are you? x2 A. silence <counted as 1 Q. You asshole. Where have you been? A. The client's words were written on the note. I didn't know where Qiao Ling placed it. (I'm calling bullsh*t on the silent treatment but you can read it as DA. So we will excuse the friendly, "you were deliberately tricking me"/"I'm not you" banter that follows (was it a question? subs say no.)) Q. Why? (in regards to the major node being unaffected.) A. Void. The chemistry teacher conveniently interrupts and gives his own answer… sure dodged that knife!) Q. Liu Meng puts everything on her face, how could he miss that? A. Let the past be. We just need to deliver the words. Nothing else. Q. She makes her steps first. What should I do? What should I say? A. Instructions given. Q. Is that really okay to say so? Q. Will they eventually miss each other? A. Yeah. A. The result will not change as long as the node does not change. (1. I'm calling the second answer a half truth, because you can draw a yes/no conclusion about them missing one another. So it's not a non answer, nor is it direct. 2. CXS doesn't ask about the node again. He just says "okay. you're always right." like the angel he is.) Q. Are you sure it's okay if I just repeat after you? A. Don't worry, the result will not change, even without any quarrel. (at this point CXS does question to himself why this mission is so weird. He does not question LG.) Q. No matter how the process changes, they are all doomed in the end. Am I right? A. …..Past Question(1) Present Question(7) Future Question(2) Direct Answer(4) Non answer (3) Half Truth(2)

s1e5 (where your tally might differ from mine)

Q. Can you save my mum? Can you please let me save her only? A. All right. I'll tell you what you should do. (okay. okay. Let's chat. We can and should analyze this answer to hell and back. Originally I had this labelled as a direct answer, but if so....then this is a direct answer that CXS later sees as a lie. CXS was not in the wrong for that. This statement is a conceding and LG does follow through on this. However, LG at least partially believed that CXS's actions wouldn't matter in the face of a death node (the next question is my evidence, as is Emma in ep 11.) As much as I want to believe he had hope, I think the fear of changing things prevented true action. They hide under the table, the place where Chen Xiao survived. But then Chen Xiao's mom mentions the camera, and Cheng Xiaoshi goes to get it. LG is silent. They need that camera/photograph. He knows what will happen. Chen Xiao cannot die. His mom dies because she covered him. LG gave up before CXS did (and god, CXS stayed until her last breath.) This wasn't true teamwork. LG deserved the punch. Yet it's not a lie. He never said he would save her. So I'm labeling this as a half truth, for half sincerity. Q. Will the earthquake never happen? A. *No answer and continued silence as CXS goes to get the camera; the earthquake happens. CXS is again asked to exit the photo.* (I do believe that silence betrayed CXS more than the conceding to help. It just sends the point home. I've got a lot of sympathy for both of their perspectives though.) Q. Why do you lie to me? Why do you still want her dead? A. In order to make everything stay the same. (another answer you can analyze to hell and back, but I read it as complete and brutal honesty.) Q. If I can't save them, then what's the point of delivering the words? A. Fool. I have said, past or future. Because we can't change the past. Don't question the future, as the future will be changed because of us. (This is the first time I think the rules really do serve as an answer if you read into it. LG also clarifies this statement as a proper, unprompted answer in e6. Present Question: (4) Direct Answer: (2) Non Answer (1) Half Truth (1)

s1e5.5

Q. Isn't this what you figured out at a glance? A. It's impossible. Q. Can't you just figure out the old master's tricks by foreseeing the events that happened 12 hours after the picture was taken? A. That's such an intuitive detail. I still need you to visit the scene in person and become my eyes. (giggle snort at that face saving answer tbh, I kind of want to label it a half truth.) Q. Where the hell did you go? A. *yaaaaawn* where are you? (the yawn is a direct answer /ᐠ - ˕ -マ Ⳋ ) Q. What now? A. Stop. You're too early. Q. Is this where it ends? A. It's not over yet. Q. How is he still fighting? A. But what I'm seeing is what happened back then. (a polite way to say "I have no f*cking clue") Q. I thought you always said never ask about the future? A. I'm here to keep an eye on you. (the áojiāo answer lol) Present Question(7) Direct Answer(6) Half-Truth(1)

s1e6

Q. If you use your predictive ability to see from the surveillance video, how will it be like? A. Within 12 hours, all surveillance images within one kilometer, I can have a panoramic view of them. etc. Q. Can you see Dou Dou? Who took him away? A. The one who took Dou Dou must have surveyed this area long ago. He used the surveillance camera blind spots perfectly. Q. This time will I become a CCTV? A. Stupid. What are you thinking about? Just follow my instructions. (LG probably thinks that was a direct answer. CXS's face said it was not.) Q. Where did they go? A. The second alley on the right. Present question(3) Future Question(1) Direct answer (3) Non Answer(1)

s1e7

Q. Look at this. Can we find some new clues? A. It's possible. Q. Where am I? A. I don't know. I couldn't perceive anything when you were unconscious. ( I am assuming that is truth. There is no reason for it to not be, unless secrets run deeper than we think.) (and yeah, that's it for e7. CXS does make comments, but they aren't questions directed at LG. CXS is too busy being unconscious/ doing his best and LG is too busy being stressed/proud. Have I mentioned how much I love this episode?) Future Question(1) Present Question(1) Direct Answer(2)

s1e8

Q. What do you think? Can we help? A. (to Xiao Li) I've looked at the general situation. I’m sorry, but this time, there's nothing we can do. (First Lie! First Lie! Though technically it was answering XL not CXS.....) Q. Lu Guang, that's it? Did you see it clearly? A. ....... (QL shushes CXS for him.) Q. Are you sure you saw it clearly? You rarely ever say no. A. Who was the one who wanted to take a break? Q. What? You agree, just like that? Hey, wait a minute did you say help? This is clearly a deal, why should we do it for free? A..... (again, QL shuts up CXS first.) Q. Is there no justice in this world? How could you beat up the person who's going to help you? (this isn't a valid question, CXS is just rambling aloud but uh.......... honorable mention. This is a line LTC and QJ really needed to hear lol) Q. Then what am I supposed to do now? A. Try to create a situation where he wouldn't be able to attack. Q. I forgot you had this ability. So, what exactly did Dong Yi say back then? A. I've already passed the message to Xu Shanshan.... *he reads the message* (that first line is what makes me question events in Dou Dou's photograph, but that's not the focus...) Past Question(1) Present Question(5) Direct Answer(2) Non answer(3) Lie(1)

s1e9

Q. Then isn't this because I....? A. Now is not the time to let your thoughts run wild. Q. Eh, is there no other way? A. Unfortunately, that's the only way. Q. Then what if I high-five myself and enter the photo...? A. You'll loose contact with me. If that happens, you won't know anything about what will happen in the photos. Q. How is it? Did they catch that bastard? A. No. Lack of evidence. Present Question(4) Direct Answer(3) Non answer (1) 2/4 questions are a flashback. Since the two act mostly separate in this episode.

s1e10

Q. How is it? Did you find a clue? A. Last night around half past one, a masked man broke into Xu Shanshan's house and attacked her. (with some intense speculation, this is a half truth, but I'm not going there.) Q. Am I supposed to yell at myself? A. You accepted the arrangement, go on. Q. This time can you let me take the lead? A. You? What do you mean? (this is not a non answer, because it directly asks for clarification of the question.) Present Question(3) Direct Answer(3)

s1e11

Q Do you remember the message the murderer left when Qiao Ling last called Xu Shanshan? A. Yes. Q. What if I'm the person who made an appointment with him? A. Are you saying that because of us diving back into the photo, we have created an alternate timeline? - CXS A. That's right. Honorable mention 1: Q. Didn't you say nothing in this world is an absolute? A. *too busy being in shock/getting stabbed* Honorable mention 2: Chen Bin: Even though you guys caught him, methods like this aren't encouraged. In the future, you have to let us know as soon as possible. LG: Oh, I'm sorry. We only just realized that he might come and cause trouble, so we took some temporary measures. (for the look CXS gives him at the easy dishonesty in this statement. It's almost a shocked Pikachu face lol. I kind of want to add that to the lie tally...... but it wasn't a question (and does lying to police count, let's be honest.) I'm adding it. Past Question(1) Present Question(1) Direct Answer(2)

Final Tally:

Past Questions (5) Present Questions (50) Future Questions (14)

Direct Answers (42) Non Answers (19) Half Truths (4) Lies (1) +1 honorable mention

Not bad, eh? 42 direct and honest answers and 24 other. Honestly, that's impressive considering the circumstances. Of course, you can view these answers from different perspectives, or you can break them down further to nudge a half truth closer to a lie or a direct answer, for example.

It should also be noted that, in regards to Qiao Ling, Lu Guang also does not lie. He is very honest with her too. There is potentially one half truth regarding Xu ShanShan's photograph, but that is only speculation. (I wonder who proposed keeping her out of the ability loop? Even so, they probably just told her they preferred to work in secret. Not a lie.)

[falling-star-cygnus]

i was watching the shorts of Link Click and felt like even more fluff was needed bc genuinely, what the fuck was that ending- i was not prepared /lh

anyway, Lu Guang uses eyedrops when he overextends his ability so i wrote shiguang based off it ''-.w-. {bc lu honestly did not look very good at using them}

now with an extension -> Assurance

{written as a script for fluidity sake}

{It's late. Lu Guang has been sitting at his and Cheng Xiaoshi's shared desk while poring over photos for a while now}

{At first, Cheng Xiaoshi had been content to play games on his phone. It's not like Lu Guang exactly needed him for this part anyway. He was satisfied lounging in the same room}

{Although... as time trudged deeper into the night, Cheng Xiaoshi couldn't help but grow more and more concerned as Lu Guang kept rubbing over his eyes; the sound of which was growing grotesquely even crunchier the more he did it}

{…eyes should not sound crunchy}

Cheng Xiaoshi, sitting up slowly: Lu Guang?

{Lu Guang pauses from looking into another photo; but he doesn't turn around}

Lu Guang, rubbing his eyes again: Hm? Cheng Xiaoshi: Are you doing ok? You've been looking through photos for a while now...

{There's a damning pause, prolonged by a sticky blink and a sigh of discomfort from Lu Guang. It goes on just long enough for Cheng Xiaoshi to stand up and hover over Lu Guang's shoulder}

Cheng Xiaoshi, leaning forward: Lu-? Lu Guang, picking up the photo again: I'm fine. There's only a few more to get through; so I'll be done soon.

{Cheng Xiaoshi scowls, unfortunately used to his friend's bad habits. He catches Lu Guang's shoulder before he can look into the photo}

Cheng Xiaoshi: Lu Guang, the last time you did this your eyes hurt for days, remember? …although, that's probably because you suck at putting your eye drops in

{Lu Guang averts his gaze with a huff at the accusatory tone and Cheng Xiaoshi takes the opportunity to pinch his cheek. Purely to keep his attention, of course. Not because of how soft they were.}

{…definitely not.}

{Cheng Xiaoshi sighs in exasperation, letting go of Lu Guang's cheek as he starts to bat away his hand; instead, he catches the slim fingers to pull him away from the desk}

Cheng Xiaoshi, kicking softly at his ankle: Come on, up you go

{Lu Guang accepts the defeat for what it is and follows his friend with a resigned sigh, blinking in confusion when he bypasses their beds. Cheng Xiaoshi leads him into the bathroom}

Cheng Xiaoshi, picking up a small bottle: Now I know you're too tired to keep going... you didn't even fight me..

{He holds the bottle out, still gently holding Lu Guang's fingers, and waves it a few times to signal his friend to take the eyedrops}

{Lu Guang doesn't reach out right away, glancing subtly at the hand in Cheng Xiaoshi's and then to the bottle. He blinks stickily again and his vision blurs. Reluctantly, Lu Guang starts to pull his hand back}

{Before he can, however, Cheng Xiaoshi tugs Lu Guang close. With only a little bit of gentle maneuvering, Lu Guang is caged between his friend and their sink}

{Cheng Xiaoshi's fingers trail up Lu Guang's cheek almost reverently and Lu Guang's ears burn. The blush creeps it's way over both their cheeks, bated breaths fanning over faces just close enough that a single shift forward would-}

Lu Guang, exhaling shakily: Cheng Xiaoshi...? Cheng Xiaoshi, tilting Lu Guang's head back: On second thought, I don't really trust that you won't poke your eye out in this state... I'll do it for you

{Lu Guang holds his breath, disappointment thick in his throat as he lets his friend administer the eye drops. On instinct, he wants to blink away the intrusion but Cheng Xiaoshi carefully holds his eyes shut with his thumbs; his rough fingers resting on either side of Lu Guang's jaw. Gently, Cheng Xiaoshi shifts his thumbs to the corners of Lu Guang's eyelids, near his nose}

Cheng Xiaoshi, teasingly admonishing: Ah-! This is why your eyedrops never work, Lu. You can't just immediately blink them out Lu Guang, slowly opening his eyes: …right

{Lu Guang's eyes already felt leagues better, but Cheng Xiaoshi keeps holding his face like spun glass. One of his thumbs swipes some lingering wetness away from a sleep bruised under eye}

{Pale hands rest subconsciously on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest as he tilts Lu Guang's head back again. Their noses brush}

Cheng Xiaoshi, voice soft: Do you feel better, Lu Guang..?

{Lu Guang attempts to look down at the floor tiles but his friend's warm hands keep his eyes locked on Cheng Xiaoshi's}

Lu Guang, swallowing: …yeah Cheng Xiaoshi, smiling in relief: That's good.

{Cheng Xiaoshi's hand slips from Lu Guang's jaw to his chin and nape to hold his face steady. The relieved smile soon follows as his lips press instead to his friend's(?) eyes. First the right, then the left, before he's resting his forehead against Lu Guang's}

Lu Guang, flustered: What.. was that for? Cheng Xiaoshi, quietly: ...I hate when you do this to yourself, Lu

{Lu Guang, with his lower back still pressed to their sink, stills. He can feel Cheng Xiaoshi's languid heart from where his hands are still, embarrassingly, resting}

Lu Guang: I- Cheng Xiaoshi, softly interrupting: We can talk about this in the morning

{His hands leave Lu Guang's face to wrap around his shoulders instead, pulling him into as warm a hug as he can possibly manage. Cheng Xiaoshi can feel Lu Guang's hands slip under his jacket to hug back a few moments later}

[kukuandkookie]

Saw someone who apparently really really hated the new direction Link Click season 2 took, to the point they felt like it ruined season 1 in a way that hurt and so on, and I am not here to attack a solely subjective opinion nor to say that Link Click is perfect. But this belief that season 2 was too different from season 1 did get me thinking, because...

Huh. The biggest criticism people had for season 1 was that the main characters outside of Cheng Xiaoshi (Lu Guang and Qiao Ling) were underdeveloped and/or the origins of their powers were unexplained. People freaking out over season 2 means people care more about these characters now. So it's just interesting in that regard. :ooo

I can't comment on this narratively yet, although I have seen people disagree that this goes against the themes of the show (I actually think it could lead to a really intriguing thematic breakdown, since Lu Guang seems so on top of things in season 1, but he isn't in season 2).

Basically, it already leads to a conversation about grief and regret and letting go. Season 1 very explicitly tells you to do these things, to the point of spelling them out repeatedly. Season 2 and beyond will likely implicitly explore these things, even if they directly state something else.

Contradictory themes can still be meaningful; the world is contradictory, so if we see a series challenge itself with a seemingly different set of themes (at first glance), it doesn't automatically mean it's a bad thing. I can see how it may feel like a sellout, but Link Click explores such complex ideas that there's still lots of themes we can enjoy even in the new direction the show is taking—especially when looking at things about moving on and letting go and being human (which we now know Lu Guang is. He isn't the more "perfect" time diver we saw in season 1). And this does begin to unravel the mysteries set up by season 1, and based on the fandom growth, a lot of fans do like it—which, again, I think this indicates an interesting turn of events.

Because the fact is that before season 2, Link Click has always been praised for its narrative but not really its characters. Now, despite the criticism against season 2, it's being praised for both. If nothing else…

We can see more to these characters now, beyond just Cheng Xiaoshi's pain. Now we see Qiao Ling and Cheng Xiaoshi's childhood, Lu Guang's pain, Cheng Xiaoshi's growth, and how they're not only just a group of friends, but a family.

And given the trend of episodic shows turning more narrative-driven, from Gravity Falls to Steven Universe to SVtFoE to Amphibia and more (even in donghua, we have Scissor Seven and The Legend of Luo Xiaohei and even God Troubles Me basically doing this too)… I think a lot of people do want to tell deep, emotionally-connected stories, and if fandom has proven anything, it's that connecting to the characters are crucial. So at the very least, season 2 has achieved that!

[quinncadens]

I am 100% convinced that Dive Back in Time is from Lu Guang's perspective, and not Cheng Xiaoshi's like many of us thought previously.

Something had changed in the back of my mind

Your eyes

There ain't nowhere left to hide behind

This is easy to read as coming from CXS as the one who is taking over the body and memories of people in the past while LG acts as the eyes and guides him along the correct timeline.

However, if we look at the following lyrics with the knowledge the S2 finale gave us, the entire song is much more relatable to LG's journey thus far.

Time no longer flew like it was

When the flash froze everything before

Without you

I don't know if I could take this road

This bit doesn't really make much sense if it were to be coming from CXS. From LG though??

Chase you to the end of the world

Just to say your name once more

If I had only got it right before

Who has been going back into the past, breaking through space and time, just to save one singular person? Not CXS. He had the opportunity to when he thought LG died, but he didn't take it because he knew LG wouldn't approve of his actions.

That just leaves Lu Guang himself.

[syncopatedid]

So what if I told you that Lu Guang has been living on "borrowed time" with Cheng Xiaoshi as far back as the very first episode in season 1?

Tl;dr thoughts and other sidetracks below the cut:

One: Xiaoshi lamenting to Lu Guang if "high-fiving" was the only way for them to maintain contact with each other when he dives.

If they had been at this gig for a long time, surely Xiaoshi would have already known this (or at the very least, have experimented other methods, maybe, if he suspected they could go about it another way?) That is not to say that the two of them hadn't been running a legit photo studio business prior to this (definitely feels longer), but the fact that Xiaoshi questions this did come across as being unusual to me, unless it was something "fairly recent" to him, and he was still slowly getting the hang of it. But a much stronger evidence would be:

Two: The rules set by Lu Guang as a condition of their partnership, specifically the second and third rule: to "change nothing", and "let the past and future be". Would Lu Guang have been so insistent on imposing such restrictions on Xiaoshi, had he not already experienced losing Xiaoshi once and wanted to rein Xiaoshi in from acting on his own? And why did Lu Guang feel the need to do so?

-------- Sidetrack thoughts #1: Was Xiaoshi even aware of his powers before Lu Guang came into the picture, or did it only manifest when Lu Guang entered his life? As evident in episodes involving the police, it suggests that in this universe, ability users are an abnormality and not public knowledge; they fall under urban lore and internet rumors, with whispers about a "photo studio run by a witch who can perform magic".

Did Xiaoshi accidentally jump into a photo one day and freak out, only for Lu Guang to assure him by outing his own abilities? (I can't see Lu Guang willingly volunteering that information to Xiaoshi unless something had forced his hand, esp given the above assumption it's not knowledge a layman should possess.) --------

I feel, the reason why Lu Guang holds Xiaoshi so vehemently to the rules would make sense if we consider that Lu Guang sees Xiaoshi as an "unpredictable node".

As far back as S1e3, we can tell that Lu Guang was able to "see" far ahead enough in the timeline that Xiaoshi had leaped into, to know if the future of that timeline had been altered or not. Example: little changes that Xiaoshi did (making a slam dunk) were inconsequential enough that Lu Guang could tell Xiaoshi it's fine, and the future remains relatively unaffected. But Xiaoshi changing a "key node" in that timeline (helping the losing team win), had drastically altered it to the point that Lu Guang tells Xiaoshi he doesn't know what's going to happen next. Why? Because the timeline had already branched out into a parallel universe, so to speak. And no longer holding on to the photo of the "right" universe - a new universe that Xiaoshi had inadvertently just created - meant Lu Guang no longer had the power of foresight.

Getting back to Lu Guang's real predicament, I suspect Lu Guang has been living in a timeline where he is unable to "see" Xiaoshi's future because he hasn't known a future where Xiaoshi has been alive for this long.

Just because Lu Guang is now in a timeline where Xiaoshi didn't die before 0913, it doesn't mean Xiaoshi is safe in the present universe - the same thing happened with Emma; while she didn't die in the hands of a kidnapper, she still died by falling off a building. And that's why Lu Guang has been rather protective of keeping Xiaoshi out of trouble, but I also speculate hard, that he doesn't want to further "destabilize" the current timeline and create more obvious time ripples that will draw attention to them, because... Lu Guang knows Xiaoshi should not have lived, and that they're being hunted.

Xiaoshi, the "abnormality" who is causing all the splits in time due to his unpredictable nature, would make the absolute antithesis to the new antagonist, who seeks to merge all the universes into one single unchanged ending. -------------------------- Sidetrack Thoughts #2: Since when was Lu Guang able to time travel on his own anyway?? My personal hunch: his time leap abilities were not his own, but from Cheng Xiaoshi of the parallel universe where he died. The scene before Lu Guang jumped back in time showed bloodstains on his shirt, suggesting that he had contact with Xiaoshi prior. This would mirror what we saw between Xixi and Qiao Ling, with Xixi's powers being transferred over to Qiao Ling through contact, and Qiao Ling briefly able to see all the memories of the people she had previously read.

If ^ proves to be true, what does that mean?

That Lu Guang is unable to time leap UNLESS Cheng Xiaoshi dies. He does not have the ability to do so on his own. This also means that for as long as Cheng Xiaoshi is alive, Lu Guang will not have the means to time leap on his own or dive back into the past. Which brings me to:

Sidetrack thoughts #3: This image makes me reallllllllly wonder if Lu Guang had already gone back in time to save Xiaoshi multiple times, which would make Lu Guang wanting to stabilize the current timeline even more valid and tragic. ---------------

Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? Frankly, such stories seem destined to head down the tragic/bittersweet end. Either: 1) Lu Guang dies so that Xiaoshi may live; 2) Xiaoshi dies anyway; (bonus 2.5: It's a combi of both; Guang tries to die to save Xiaoshi, but Xiaoshi pulls an "uno reverse" card on him and still dies as he was meant to, this time making Lu Guang promise not to try and save him again.) 3) Nobody dies, but they end up being apart. Lu Guang OR Xiaoshi discovers that in order for the both of them to survive, he would need to go further back in time to reset the past so that they never cross paths in the first place. This would mean one would likely forget the other entirely, and they would become nothing more than passing strangers. I kind of hope if it's headed for tragedy, that this option will be picked over the other two because I find death for melodrama too contrived a plot, but also FML. But what if... there is an option 4? A possibility for an actual good end where they can all be happy together and nobody dies? I'd like to think that if they could give others their happy end then surely they'd be able to find a way to happiness themselves! One such end-game could be them defeating the bad guy and branching out into a new universe yet again, but forever losing their abilities and stuck living in that timeline (where abilities do not exist) for the rest of their lives, no longer able to return to the time they had jumped from or knowing what their future will entail. But it's fine, they'll make it work because they have each other, 完结. cue ED and everybody claps, believing that perhaps they are now happily living in our universe.

And that's all the TL;DR for the day. Thanks for listening and enjoy your timeline!

[lizzieonka]

Link Click – Everything We Know about Agents and their Abilities as of Season 1

Our WiFi is still down, and I used up most of my data to download all episodes of season 1 so I can rewatch it (and because I hate streaming shitty mp4s online). Since I can't start on Season 2 right away, I might as well just consolidate all the info we have from Season 1.

Now, before I start, let me just define the word "agent" that I used in the post title. Link Click's title in Chinese is 时光代理人 (shiguang dailiren), which literally translates to "Time Agents." As such, I'll refer to those with special abilities as an agent. Whether or not all agents have abilities related to time is something we don't know yet for sure.

I rewatched in the original Chinese audio with two different English fansubs (I won't refer to the official subs because those were terrible). Text in square brackets are my inferences. You may not take those as facts.

If you find any of the info here to be inaccurate, just send me an ask or tell me in the notes!

Episode 1

Lu Guang’s Rules

1. They have only twelve hours in the photo.

2. Cheng Xiaoshi must follow Lu Guang's instructions and not mess with anything.

3. They have to disregard the past and the future.

---

1. Cheng Xiaoshi is the one who enters photos, and Lu Guang is the one who leads the way.

2. Cheng Xiaoshi's eyes turn yellow when using his powers, while Lu Guang's turn blue.

3. The person Cheng Xiaoshi becomes will also inherit his yellow eyes.

4. Cheng Xiaoshi's body in the present time disappears while he is in the photo.

5. Only Lu Guang knows what will happen next in the events of the photo. Cheng Xiaoshi has to rely on his instructions.

6. Lu Guang was able to tell Cheng Xiaoshi what exactly to write in Emma's report, [indicating that what he sees in the past is very detailed].

7. Cheng Xiaoshi inherits [to some extent] the feelings and memories of the person he becomes.

8. While Lu Guang is asleep, he loses his connection with Cheng Xiaoshi.

9. Lu Guang can record [and very quickly at that] what Cheng Xiaoshi sees in the past. This is evident in him being able to immediately obtain and put into his phone the information Cheng Xiaoshi scanned on Mr. Zhu's laptop.

Episode 2

When Cheng Xiaoshi enters a photo, he becomes the person who took the photo.

Episode 3

1. Cheng Xiaoshi does not inherit the physical limits of the person he becomes. This is evident in how, even though Chen Xiao is nearsighted, Cheng Xiaoshi's vision remains the same.

2. Once the past is disrupted, Lu Guang can no longer see, to some extent, what happens next.

Episode 4

1. Cheng Xiaoshi can leave the photo by clapping his hands.

2. Cheng Xiaoshi has no control over the original host's body's instinctive reactions. (Like Chen Xiao's heart beating fast when he meets his first love)

Episode 5

No new info in this ep

Episode 5.5

They cannot enter a photo that has already been used.

Episode 6

1. When Lu Guang uses his abilities on a surveillance video, then within twelve hours, he can have a panoramic view on all surveillance images within one kilometer. However, blind spots in the video also become his blind spots.

2. When Cheng Xiaoshi enters a surveillance video, he doesn't have to become someone else. He can enter as himself.

3. Even if it's a surveillance video, they still only have twelve hours to work with it.

Episode 7

1. [When entering multiple photos/videos, especially those of which times overlap, then the photo/video Cheng Xiaoshi enters later will be changed based on any history changes in the photo/video that comes before.]

2. Multiple Cheng Xiaoshi's can exist in the same timeline.

3. While Cheng Xiaoshi is unconscious in the photo, Lu Guang loses his connection with him.

4. Even if he becomes a child in the photo, Cheng Xiaoshi still has the strength of an adult.

Episode 8

Even when Cheng Xiaoshi cannot clearly hear what is being said to him inside the photo, Lu Guang can still record it. (Lu Guang was able to record what Dong Yi said to Xu Shanshan even though Cheng Xiaoshi wasn't paying attention.)

Episode 9

1. Cheng Xiaoshi can enter a photo on his own by clapping his hands.

2. To be able to communicate with Lu Guang while in the photo, Cheng Xiaoshi has to clap hands with him upon entering.

3. Cheng Xiaoshi enters photos as the executor, and Lu Guang is the observer.

4. While Cheng Xiaoshi was screaming in the trunk of Liu Min's car, which was right before he exited the photo, light was emitted. I don't know if this was just an artistic effect, or if there was actual light in the scene at that time.

Episode 10

No new info in this ep

Episode 11

1. [Although it wasn't shown where Cheng Xiaoshi was when he entered Xu Shanshan's photo, we can assume that it was still in the living room like usual because we see Lu Guang sitting there like always. If Xiaoshi had been anywhere else, Lu Guang should've brought up some questions. Thus, we can further assume that Cheng Xiaoshi can exit from a photo and end up in a place different from where he entered. He entered Xu Shanshan's photo from the living room, yet he exited into the dark room to meet the murderer.]

2. [During his fight with the murderer, Cheng Xiaoshi would disappear into a photo after landing a hit on him. We then get a brief glimpse of what happens in the photo. It is unknown if the murderer can also see what Cheng Xiaoshi sees while in the photo. However, after disappearing, Cheng Xiaoshi can still communicate with him. I'd like to assume, then, that after hitting the murderer, followed by a clap to enter the photo, Cheng Xiaoshi forms a connection with the murderer like what he does with Lu Guang. The murderer can then see what Cheng Xiaoshi sees and hear what he says even after the latter enters a photo.] Edit: this has been disproven in season 2

3. In all of the other victims’ photos, Cheng Xiaoshi had become the one who personally took the photo (we can tell by who has yellow eyes). However, in Emma’s family photo, which was taken via setting a timer on the camera and leaving it on the stand, Cheng Xiaoshi did not become Emma and had instead entered as himself. We can see him standing at the side while Emma and her family are together. This is in contrast to all the rules set before. Not personally holding the camera should not be a factor because Episode 2 had shown that it doesn’t count.

4. The murderer has red eyes and can walk just fine. They say they weren't the one who wanted to kill those people, and then they calls themselves an agent. (I will now use they/them pronouns to refer to the red-eyed agent because we don't know their actual gender yet.)

5. Liu Min, without the red-eyed agent, has black eyes and lame legs.

6. Liu Min has no memory of what the red-eyed agent does while they're in control of his body.

7. The red-eyed agent can kill the person they're possessing and it won't kill them.

8. The red-eyed agent does not have to be right next to a person in order to possess them.

9. [The red-eyed agent can possess multiple people at the same time. We see "Qiao Ling" attacking Lu Guang and "Liu Min" killing himself happen one after another. It is unknown whether or not these two events actually happened concurrently and were not just shown to us in that order as a creative effect.]

10. Cheng Xiaoshi was kicked out of the video after Emma fell to her death. We can tell by how he suddenly appears again in the living room with his hands still outstretched in reaching for Emma (which means he didn't clap himself out of the video). I don't know why this happened. Cheng Xiaoshi entered a surveillance video, not a photo that Emma took. The video shouldn't be tied to Emma's life.

---

And that's all! If I missed anything, just say it in the notes. Just please don't spoil me of any new info from season 2 🙏

Edit: a season 2 version of this post is up!

[gaoau]

Be Me, Be You, And Be

It hurts, a pain he doesn't know if he can keep. He's allowed to be this and more.

pairing — Cheng Xiaoshi x male!reader word count — 1.9k note — *blows kiss to sky* for ren

Xiaoshi doesn't understand why, if he's so kind to the universe, the universe doesn't have it in itself to be remotely kind to him; why, despite his best selfless efforts, he still gets nothing but pain in return. He's been blessed with a power that he never wanted, but one he's managed to make great use of. He employs it to the best of his abilities, making sure every client that comes his way is satisfied. Every time, he's putting in one hundred per cent of himself for success in others' happiness. Then why, why does this keep happening?

It's not wrong of him to ask for better treatment—at least, he doesn't think it is. He's not helping people out of selfishness, he's genuine when he says he wants to help people achieve their desires. He just wants to help. Really. He really… Of course, he's no messiah nor does he claim to be one. He's certainly not the purest soul on Earth. He thinks it's funny, the way his brain goes back and forth with these ideas. Lu Guang tells him not to get emotionally invested with the issues in the lives of the people he becomes. He thinks it's funny, the way he wonders if there's any way to switch with Lu Guang, let him be the one to shoulder all those feelings he can't handle. Immediately, he backtracks. He couldn't bear shoving that pressure on somebody else.

Xiaosi repeats his friend's warnings in his mind for too long. How is he supposed to not get emotionally involved? He's there, he feels their pain, he experiences their tragedies, he suffers their conflicts, he's them. He is all of them. Every person whose life he intrudes in, whose body he steals, whose mind he rips through, Xiaoshi is all of them. Xiaoshi is none of them. Today again, he's facing that reality. He's neither the puppet nor the puppeteer; he's the audience that sympathizes too much. He's been blessed with a cursed power.

It hurts. He can't help all of them. He's failed more times than he can count. He's disrupted the past and modified the present, even after being told not to. Of course, he knows he's not a hero, but he should be able to help them. And he can't. And it hurts. He thinks he's doing good only to find he's been playing a corpse of the past all along. It's so unfair, the things these people go through, the fates they meet. It hurts to see it all unfold and meet no reward. It hurts to know he's too late.

If he's meant to help people, if he's meant to see through their eyes, what is he when he doesn't do any of that?

Who is he?

It hurts. His head aches. His eyes sting. His throat closes up. He doesn't want to cry. He's glad Lu Guang isn't here to judge him. As he curls up against his pillow, hiccupping into his knees, he's glad he's alone. It's in moments like these that tears not meant for him to weep become too much. He's become a lie for himself. This life shouldn't be his.

Xiaoshi doesn't know how long he's been estranged inside his own mind. It happens more often than not. When he's left to his own devices, when he's left all on his own for too much, his vulnerability bursts forth where no one else can see. He spirals and spirals and spirals, down and down and down. There's no one here that he has to make happy. There's no one here that he can help. Is he awake or is he just stupid? Is he dead or alive?

No. He knows he's alive because there's a warmth brushing on his body, seeping through his skin and embracing the marrow of his bones. He knows he's awake because he can distinctly see the seconds on the clock ticking to the rhythm of a heartbeat that isn't his. He knows he's stupid because he always forgets he has [Name] by his side. [Name], who is very much real and very much a truth, who with his hands cradles Xiaoshi's face and wipes his tears away, who with his eyes tells him he's Cheng Xiaoshi and no one else.

[Name] himself knows what it's like to live wrapped up in a purposeless life. Words that don't need to be spoken for Xiaoshi to understand. They have both felt it, the instant they slip away from their own bodies and forget they are real. "It's okay…" [Name] hums in the softest of tones. The gentle timber of his voice floods the room and shatters through Xiaoshi's fragility. No, he doesn't have the power to invade other people's lives, but he barely has the power to stay in his own brain. "This is your body, Xiaoshi. These are your feelings." Is he of use when he's not helping others? Is he even real at this point? He's helping Xiaoshi, though. He's very much real.

He holds onto Xiaoshi, letting him cling to his clothes with clenched fists, his face on the crook of his neck. He's squeezing this poor idiot so tightly, tears that aren't his falling like rain on his shoulder. It doesn't matter how much it takes for Xiaoshi to recompose himself, to come back, to understand it's okay. [Name] waits patiently until he can handle the whirlpool of impotence brewing inside his mind. He sniffles to find the words to accept he exists. He manages a single, broken sound out of his throat, "Sorry…" Slowly, he pulls away to let [Name] know he can release him. He tries to blink back to reality, struggling to focus on the boy before him. Although blurry in the haze of his breakdown, he can make out the twisted grimace he's wearing.

A grimace that quirks up into a tight simper, lips pressed shut. It makes [Name] want to laugh in his face at his unnecessary apologies. He's always doing this—feeling other people's feelings and apologizing for them. He always gets mixed up in what he is and what he's not. Looking into his red-rimmed eyes, [Name] palms his shoulders for comfort. "Don't be, Xiaoshi. You're allowed to cry." He's allowed to feel his own pain every once in a while.

He isn't sure these are emotions he's allowed to keep, though. His gaze averts. "I don't want to bother you…" Another sniffle.

"Oh, come on," [Name] giggles this time, albeit involuntarily. It makes Xiaoshi smile at the sound of his laughter. With a roll of his eyes, [Name] cradles Xiaoshi's face in his hands, joking, "If anything, I'm the one who bothers you constantly."

There it is. A puff of a chuckle. A quiet, almost dubious laugh. Sounds like Xiaoshi is only now remembering how to laugh. "You never bother me, [Name]." How could he when he's the only person who understands? It's funny, Xiaoshi thinks, how [Name]'s feelings aren't ones he imposes on, because they're one and the same.

"Neither do you, dumbass." Gently, ever so softly, with the loveliest touch of cotton, [Name] flicks his finger on Xiaoshi's forehead. He flinches in surprise. "I'm always hanging out here, I'm sure Qiao and Lu Guang are getting tired of me."

In a second, Xiaoshi has him trapped in his arms. [Name] doesn't even realize when he successfully flips him around to have his back planted against his chest. "Too bad, you're not going anywhere." They share notes of laughter that pierce through the turmoil of pains Xiaoshi can't wrap his head around. They are both very much real and very much in their bodies. When silence settles, it's okay. It's not loud, it doesn't hurt, it's actually quiet for once.

After a moment of peaceful stillness, it seems Xiaoshi's brain has come back to grasp reality. [Name] leans further into his chest to make himself comfortable. He ponders over his next words. "Do you wanna talk about it?" It's almost an inaudible whisper, afraid it might shatter Xiaoshi into a billion shards of pretense if it were a bit louder.

With a shaky breath, Xiaoshi tries to reassemble his thoughts into a coherent picture. He'd forgotten for a second what had pushed him over the edge to burst into tears again. "There was a woman…" There's always someone else. "I went into her memories and she was… she wasn't doing too well. Her life wasn't… Her life was really tough, I could tell…" He can always tell. The lump in his throat is nowhere to be found, but his voice drowns in sorrow. "I tried to—Lu Guang told me she was already dead. I wanted to help her." As always, he just wants to help. It's like he doesn't have a purpose unless he's giving others a hand. It's like he doesn't exist unless he's being the person he needed when others abandoned him.

[Name] pulls away from him to turn and look him in the eye. His brows are bent in a grimace, making Xiaoshi want to kick himself for speaking too much. It's never too much with or for [Name], though. "Who helps you, Xiaoshi?" he asks as if he held all the truths in the world. If they're for Xiaoshi, then maybe he does hold all the truths, just to share them with him. Silence hangs in the air for a little too long. "When are you you? Why can't you just be in peace?"

Xiaoshi, who is always entering all these bodies and feeling all these feelings, who doesn't know what to do with all the weight on his back, who can't handle the pressure of failure on his palms. It's not failure. It's not his fault. It's time and events he can't change. It hurts. "…You do," he mumbles, staring into [Name] so he doesn't miss the furrow in his brows when he tilts his head in confusion. "You help me."

He blinks. Once. Twice. "Okay." Only for a moment, [Name] purses his lips. Then airy chortles slip from his tongue and flood over the room. "That's good." Blood rushes to his cheeks as he throws a pathetic punch towards Xiaoshi's shoulder. "I'm glad." Another punch and mirthful chuckles, this time onto his chest. "That's great." And one more, one that makes Xiaoshi sway backwards and join his laughter with a bright grin. "You stupid, stupid idiot."

Sharing weightless smiles, he brings [Name] closer for another hug. Xiaoshi knows he's stupid. As [Name] giggles away in his arms, he hopes he doesn't leave him. There's no way [Name] is leaving him when he already knows how stupid he is. Because he knows he's Cheng Xiaoshi and no one else, and that's who [Name] wants to be with. That's who Xiaoshi wants to be.

—あごす (agosu) • 2022

[sgdlr-asdfghjkl]

Link Click Musical update 143

(March 10th wyh&srb and 11th tcp&dgy encores)

Big big thanks to @chocolatexiaoshi and @/bhd322418 ('钵🐼' on twt) my lovely consultants who translated parts from encore videos 💖🙇‍♂️

I wanted to know what the actors said at certain moments as ad libs and in closing speech, so I asked my fellow Chinese fans for help 🙏 So let me share what I've learnt ^^ (links to both vids I'll be refering to are in the replies).

March 10th, night: Wu Yihan, Shu Rongbo, Qian Anqi

During 'Guiding light', by the end of CXS&LG part, Wu Yihan wishes Shu Rongbo 'Happy birthday!' and hugs him :>

They laugh a lot (more than usual) during the closing speech >< I recommend you watch it, because Qian Anqi starts talking in English at some point (to srb's utter confusion) and along with Guo Zhenyan they insist on singing 'Happy birthday' together, it's cute :>

Around 8:50 timestamp, Shu Rongbo jokes 'If you like our musical, you can help us promote it more. If you don't like it, please send me a message quietly 🙏'

Then Wu Yihan explains they are going to take a picture together (forbday post on musical's weibo). It goes: 'Please turn on your phone's flash and take a photo with us', but according to 钵🐼 he said wrong words. As in being too excited and stumbling on a formula (?), that's why they laugh ^^'

March 11th: Teng Chunpeng, Du Guangyi, Wu Hanglu

Here I was curious about the changed lyrics that were picked in a Valentine's Day Project (@chocolatexiaoshi explained 🌟). The whole song is based on a word play, so it's hard to fully grasp by non-chinese speakers BUT I'LL TELL YOU ANYWAY BC IT'S COOL 😤🔥

The deal with 'Words can't convey the love' is that CXS is possesing Chen Xiao and is supposed to confess to Liu Meng. He starts saying 'I like'-/Wǒ xǐhuān/我喜欢' and backs off by saying a different phrase with similar pronounciation to '喜xi'.

In original lyrics he says sth like 'To do laundry and cooking/ Xǐyī zuò fàn/ 洗衣做饭' in first verse. In second verse it's 'I like your outfit today/Xǐhuān nǐ jīntiān de chuān yī dǎbàn/喜欢你今天的穿衣打扮'.

The special encore version was: 1) 'Scrambled eggs with tomatoes/ Xīhóngshì chǎo jīdàn /西红柿炒鸡蛋', 2) 'I like to add three bowls of rice/Wǒ xǐhuān zài jiā shàng sān wǎn dàmǐ fàn/ 我喜欢再加上三碗大米饭'. It's a reference to how Cheng Xiaoshi loves delicious food, so it looks like he's panicking and starts babbling about food ><🧡

HOWEVER at the very end, Teng Chunpeng says full 'I like you/Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ/我喜欢你'. Which doesn't happen in a main plot script, only this one time (coincidentally when Lu Guang's actor is in place of Liu Meng hmmm).

I hope the translation was comprehensible >< As a reward look at Shu Rongbo and Wu Yihan covering the candle flame with their hands 😭💖 I really really like the imagery, it fits shiguang so well ;w;

Once again, thanks to choco-xiaoshi and Bo🐼 for explaining things to me 💕

Okay byeeee :>

[spaceangst]

link click abilities explained: triggers

cheng xiaoshi, lu guang and li tianxi both unlocked these abilities through some traumatic event as the trigger. cheng xiaoshi's parents just up and disappeared and we don't know much about why. lu guang's entire past is a mystery. tianxi is really the key to figuring this all out. when cheng xiaoshi dives into the photo, it's immediately clear that the connection is... off. in more ways than one. lu guang and cheng xiaoshi lose their connections with each other a LOT. it's almost like the photo itself is flickering to prevent them from figuring too much out - like there's something they can't see there.

more on that later.

at the end of the episode, cheng xiaoshi sees through tianxi's mom's pov. tianxi's beyond traumatized, even if you don't believe her sob story, we saw the past through the picture. it's understandable that such an event would be traumatizing but the mom's death makes no sense - she protected her kids no matter what.

but.

if tianxi had already flickered into her mom (the only other person in the picture with herself) and swung the hammer - she would have killed her dad. and then distraught and also incredibly confused, she would have tried to fix it. but her brother already had a head injury and i doubt she would have realized what was happening. in that trauma, what if she meant to end her own life, but since she was in her mother's body, she ended it herself?

the only thing holding me back from committing to this idea fully is tianchen - and cheng xiaoshi.

tianchen meets a little boy who helps him get something out of the fountain - cheng xiaoshi. despite seeing through tianchen, cheng xiaoshi cannot see the little boy; and when he speaks, the kid doesn't sound like a kid but an adult? moreso, we never see the kid's face. i want to call this an almost orv fourth wall protection type buff on their abilities that prevents cheng xiaoshi from witnessing himself in their dives.

(part of me wonders if lu guang is also tianchen but he has no memories of being tianchen from that traumatic brain injury - hair can turn white from extreme stress too and the ages and sudden connection between these 2 in high school would be explained)

i'm guessing we'll have to wait and see for their backstories to unfold (i've only got one other theory until then and it's even wilder and incorporates qiao ling into it but. idk if anyone wants to read all that lol i'll definitely share if anyone's interested though) but until then, i do believe cheng xiaoshi, at the very least, witnessed li tianxi unlock her powers for the first time when she stepped into her mom by looking at the picture. the rest is up to shiguang to confirm or deny, of course.

[shimmeringweeds]

"Past or Future, Let Them Be." vs. "Even without seeing hope, it doesn't mean there is no hope."

In talking about theme, motivation, and growth.

Almost every photograph in season one conveyed a love story. Romantic, platonic, familial, it didn't really matter the form. Season one was about bonds, connections, helping one another, and fighting for a future with no regrets.

It was human. It was relatable. We all loved it.

Season two covered one photograph (two if you count Chen Bin) and a horror story, wherein "love" only brought pain. Bonds held you back, and secrets were kept before connections made. A struggle, full of regrets.

Completely different, weren't they?

I'm sure we all notice how, on the official character profiles, the stickers of the antagonists hide the "future" of "past or future, let them be"?

Interesting. The word "future" implies hope, something season two deliberately lacked. What we witnessed wasn't a fight for the future. It was a fight for survival of the present. In that tunnel? No one was thinking about their future. The game played was a cruel one. Mercy really wasn't in the cards. Who cares about the future when you are barely surviving the present?

Let's talk a little bit about the theming of "hope."

Pt 1: Cheng Xiaoshi . Even without seeing hope, it doesn't mean there is no hope.

Hope always exists, but it's so easily lost.

The first photograph where hope is explicitly themed is DouDou's, and the timing couldn't have been better. After the earthquake, Cheng Xiaoshi is teetering on the edge of hopelessness. He's hard on himself and hard on others. "Take care of yourself now and look forward"; "Live your life, be present, move on," he says. That's not bad advice but..... it's harsh. I wouldn't say these words lack all hope, but they ask you to give up the fight for a future you dream of.

In that moment, Cheng Xiaoshi is trying to cope. He can't save them. Not all futures are possible, and it's foolish to want something you can never have. It's heartbreaking for everyone to watch.

Qiao Ling is the mediator who brings him back. She communicates and is vulnerable and honest with him about her regret.

"I thought I could escape the past... but... he still didn't give up." Haunted by the past, struggling into the present, and fighting for a future you want.

The strongest Three Star Warrior is the star of Justice, rekindling hope. As long as we have hope, we will not be defeated easily.

(also, can we just... as an aside.... their roles????? LG courage-obliterating fear, QL wisdom - light the way, CXS justice - rekindling hope. Because, if that's not blatant theming then I don't know what is.)

DouDou's case heals Cheng Xiaoshi. He helped create a future... and that is BIG. He created a future. From the past. Actively. There is hope!

But doubt still remains like a double edged sword. It surfaces again with Xu Shanshan and culminates with Emma.

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't wait for Lu Guang before he dives. The puzzle is linking. This is his fault. He has to make it right. Immediately. Alone. There is no time.

"Why is my kindness repaid with such consequences?"

In the trunk of the car, upon the discovery that the victim is Emma, the puzzle clicks with devastating swiftness. No one is there to talk him down. It's all his fault. Emma, Xu Shanshan, Qiao Ling, his parents. Who else has he hurt? He's caught in a decision. How does he make this right? Does he follow his heart, or does he follow logic - the rules driven into his head?

It's his fault and so.... Cheng Xiaoshi does not trust his heart. But what does he trust? He trusts Lu Guang. Rules it is.

Pt 2: Lu Guang: Past or Future, Let Them Be.

There are three rules, and the third is most important. In fact, you might argue that the first two rules are simply supplemental to the third.

I'm pretty big on rules myself. They exist for a reason and keep us safe. We trust that those who make the rules know what is best for us.... but, it's not really a one size fits all kind of deal, is it?

That third, important rule, that rule that exists to protect time and everyone in it, that very rule is what is destroying Cheng Xiaoshi's heart. We know Lu Guang sees that, and we know (now more than ever) how much he cares.

His character is still an enigma that is very hard to read, so this is just speculation but -- after the Earthquake, Lu Guang's perspective on the future seems to shift. He was always working to help others, but now he's more proactive about it. He keeps DouDou's flier, he immediately contacts Xiao Li about Xu Shanshan, he tells them what he saw in the photo, he trusts Cheng Xiaoshi to act.

Emma(1) and Lin Zhen/Yu Xia (2) were jobs taken to gather information. Chen Xiao's (3-5) job was taken to give closure. These three jobs helped a person in the present. Did they change the future? Oh, yes. But that wasn't the intent. And that's why you don't ask about the future, because the future will definitely be changed because of them.

Episode 5.5. When Qiao Lings asks them to take a job for Liu Siwen, they don't know the specifics. They don't know that Liu Siwen is now an old man. Upon failure, Cheng Xiaoshi asks Qiao Ling where in the world she found such a task? Lu Guang immediately scolds and reminds him not to ask about the future. Qiao Ling interrupts him (bless her, she was really like "stop, you're being an idiot too") She spills all the details.

In the end, Lu Guang breaks his own rule (as CXS points out, though he says he's just there to keep them in line. yeah, right. ). He actively helps Liu Siwen create a future. A future he literally spent decades fighting for. And that's where the tables turn.

Both DouDou and Xu Shanshan's cases twist two out of the three rules. They actively question the future and they actively change the future. They don't let the past be. And Cheng Xiaoshi is permitted to act outside of Lu Guang's direction. He receives that blessing.

Because Lu Guang saw how much his rules hurt Cheng Xiaoshi. He saw what over protection does to a person. Cheng Xiaoshi wasn't the only one deep in thought after the earthquake.

Episode 11: Pinnacle of Light "But Emma's fate changed because of me. That's why I'll try again, no matter what happens." ------- (BIG side eyes at that wording. Yeah, no wonder Lu Guang agreed to let Cheng Xiaoshi dive into blind surveillance footage.)

Cheng Xiaoshi dives into Emma's past. As himself. He talks directly to Emma. And Lu Guang doesn't stop him. This action is the exact opposite of "Past or Future, Let Them Be." Cheng Xiaoshi couldn't get farther from that phrase if he tried! And oh, he tried. He tried to save Emma. And Lu Guang just let's him. Knowing that death node cannot be crossed. He stays silent. Because he's guided Cheng Xiaoshi as far as he can.

At this point, he can only accept the aftermath of his guidance. Let him be.

Pt. 3: Past and Future vs. Past and Present vs. Present and Future

If season one was about fighting for a future, for hope, then season two was its antithesis. No matter what anyone did, the future was set in stone. It was all they could do to keep up. Qian Jin warping the narrative, disillusioned by the past. Li Tianchen controlling the tempo, always staying one step ahead, firmly in his present hell. Li Tianxi dying in order to reach a "future" (but she's not dead until there's a funeral, we've been through this).

Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang barely communicate the whole season. There's no time to. The present moment is that merciless. The start of Li Tianxi's photograph was refreshing because it was like old times, a comfortable place. The banter, the directions, the casualness of it all.

But the past did not give way to a future of hope, and the present came crashing down hard and merciless. And it never let up. The abductions, the deaths, the tunnel. The only reason any of them make it out of that tunnel alive is, ironically, because Xiao Li showed up. (or is it ironic. He's a whole other post I'll never write. )

Season one shaped the past for a brighter future. Season two displayed firmly that the present is fixed and the past cannot be changed.

So season three?

Present into Future. Season two left us with a question to ponder.

Do you accept the fate given to you as inevitability, or do you actively try and shape it?

We see both our "protagonists" and "antagonists" (it's more grey than that, really) moving forward but they're displayed as opposites. Liu Xiao pulls Li Tianchen up, active from the present, out into a future. Does he have a choice but to move forward? Is there anything he can change about his past regrets? No. Maybe not. Present, being directed by one Future.

But Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang? They actively drag us back down to the past. And on top of that it's a choice. A desperate, active choice made to do away with the rules. Past, reshaping potential Futures.

Because even without seeing hope. It doesn't mean there is no hope.

[shiguangism]

Link Click Fic Rec - by me!

It's time because I love this fandom, and I want to share all my appreciation for these stories and writers 🥰

I'm going through my AO3 bookmarks!

Between a Rock and an Idiot - by SmileOrGrimace

Lu Guang should have realized that he wouldn’t be greeted by normalcy when he returned home, but he didn’t. He's not nearly as affected by the stab wound as he is by Xiaoshi's reaction to it all. There's something acutely painful about watching someone self-destruct in front of you, and Lu Guang, frankly, doesn't know what he's supposed to do about it. It would help if the world could let him chill for long enough to figure it out. –- Two emotionally stunted young men navigate trauma, subtext, and the misery of trying to feed yourself like a competent adult, all while solving other people’s problems. In for a penny in for a pound, as they say.

姻緣紅線 ~Red String of Fate~ - by TRANScendtheBInary

(MWI) is an interpretation of quantum mechanics that asserts that the universal wave-function is objectively real, and that there is no wave function collapse. This implies that all possible outcomes of quantum measurements are physically realized in some "world" or universe. The many-worlds interpretation implies that there are most likely an uncountably infinite number of universes, time is merely a many-branched tree, wherein every possible quantum outcome is realized." ~Cheng Xiaoshi Possesses a young Lu Guang, Learns About Science, And Gets Tortured~ Lu Guang Backstory because we were lacking. Mind the tags, not explicit but still present.

resistance is futile anyway - by animegoil

To find a misplaced document, Cheng Xiaoshi dives into a photo Lu Guang took. It's easy - all he has to do is wait around for a while... and shower while in Lu Guang's body. He brushes the tip of his fingernail experimentally against Lu Guang’s nipple, only to feel that spark run through him again. “Fuck, you really are that sensitive.” You already know this, Lu Guang deadpans. Now can you move on with it? Cheng Xiaoshi smirks. “C’mon, Lu Guang. What’s a little shower fun going to do to the past, hmm?” The responding silence is all he needs as an answer.

Wouldn't Mind Being Yours - by UrsaMajorStories

The link between them was only supposed to be present during dives. But when Lu Guang goes quiet for a little too long, and Cheng Xiaoshi panics, they find that their powers are able to do more than they originally thought. (Or in other words, their powers literally telling them to just kiss already, at the very least, if not bang).

11th Hour - by miyasjacket

Cheng Xiaoshi’s heart bursts at the seams like a dam, heavy and threatening to drown everyone in its wake. Lu Guang does not flinch. He continues to swim despite it. Three (3) different perspectives on two (2) idiots messing around together and learning the ups and downs of falling in love.

The Hardest Thing About Love (Is Noodles) - by NoomiShroomy

The first time Lu Guang slips up, he chalks it up to forgetfulness. The second time he does, it catches him off guard. The third time he does, he’s almost fully convinced that it’s become a bad habit. And its name is Cheng Xiaoshi.

The person who can't fall in love (And the gay couple that acompanny her) - by AlissZ

Qiao Ling lives in a world of Alphas, Betas and Omegas. Qiao Ling is an Omega. Qiao Ling is supposed to have someone for her. Someone unique and made for her. Someone she is made for. It's a terrifying thought rather than a comforting one. Or; Qiao Ling can't fall in love and a gay couple helps her to understand that that's not bad.

[nemoys]

shiguang and their endless parallels when it comes to eachother

I'm still not over the finale (and trust me many essays are due from my end), and one of the things that I cant seem to get over are how expertly shiguang prove to be excellent mirrors of one another, with multiple references cross the 2 seasons showcasing this,

argument #1 : core personalities (status quo)

lu guang is rational. he is ever placid. he thinks five times before he speaks, and even so, is a man of few words. from the very start lu guang has been shown to be the ever mature, serious and aware between him and his best friend, despite being 'younger' lol mentally that's not the case rn I guess.

he is well aware of what exactly to do at which situation, and has been shown to get anxious when things tend to get unpredictable. he withholds information if he believes it would affect xiaoshi's state of mind, he has always been more aware of his ability in comparison to xiaoshi, and is seemingly hyper aware of the moral responsibility and karmic debt he must repay should he act against it.

he isn't adept at fighting, and is clearly the sort to wield a pen over a sword. he rarely even loses his cool, and when he does. well.

cheng xiaoshi ís imprudent, rash. he places heart over mind and acts on impulse. he needs to consistently be reminded to avoid giving into his urges during a situation at hand. he is clingy, he is an open book. he values his partner and sister more than the world, and his loyalty is evident. he's very loud and overt when it comes to his opinons, and can be interpreted as a more childish, naive type.

while xioashi has an idea of the greater moral responsibility he must hold, he is often shown to restrain himself only when lu guang requests it. even if he questions it, he listens to him, regardless of whatever alter motive lu guang may have (in cxs' eyes, there is none)

he is very martially adept, and can often take advantage of a situation if it comes to physical confrontation. very obviously a sword over pen sorta lad. to be immensely martially adept however, requires strategical thinking does it not?

argument #2 : cheng xiaoshi being a dark angel narrative

the highest stakes to shiguang have always been their own wellbeing. referenced multiple times throughout season 1 and 2, their partnership means a lot more than just a friendship to the two of them.

episode 3 showcases the sheer trust they have in each other when paralleling basketball scenes.

but how does their personality play out when times get the most dire?

back in episode 11. of the first season, shit hits the fan, and xiaoshi hatches a plan. this becomes a recurring theme when stakes reach their peak in the show btw, and showcases just how strategical cxs can really be. he plans for nearly every scenario, with almost no input from lu guang's end whatsoever.

he even (temporarily) wins the battle. he accounts for nearly everything including his own, and lu guang's safety. xiaoshi's reliability is shown very clearly here.

oh boy does cxs pull through. the shit is flying and cxs somehow narrowly dodges the blow. despite ql being possessed, with his partner quite literally stabbed through he maintains a clear stance when fighting, he thinks about the situation they are in and acts accordingly when the police show up, painting himself as the temporary perpetrator.

when lu guang's 'death' is announced, cxs laments for him silently, through their everyday, and begins to seriously consider shifting the timeline. however, he knows he shouldn't, that he cant. not necessarily because of the karmic retribution, but because lu guang would never agree to that. he considers his thoughts, and actions.

when it comes to lu guang, he thinks. he considers the best possible scenario. he strategises and he doesn't rush into things immediately.

argument #3: lu guang being a light devil narrative

to lu guang, he rarely shifts from his placid stance. but when it comes to cxs' danger, his wellbeing is the ONLY thought running through his head. (I plan on covering this in immense detail in it's own blog because holy SHIT the references I've found that date all the way back to season 1 and the damn chibi shorts)

instances of such can be dated all back to season 1, where lu guang rushes out of a police station and through an unknowing ql to yell at cxs over the potential consequences of fucking up their timeline. you would know a lot about that, wouldn't you lu guang?

when it comes to cxs, lu guang is selfish. lu guang is irrational. he does not think, no he does, but all he thinks about is cheng xiaoshi. a building is burning? where is cxs? I'm getting tortured? at least its not cxs. I'm getting STABBED TO THE SIDE? better than it happening to cxs. cxs got shot? time to use my lacking physical prowess to pummel the guy who did that.

the only time we have seen such raw RAGE from cxs happens to be the finale of season 2. the pure impulse he acts on beating the shit out of qj the second he shoots cxs. oh, the girl behind him is literally dying? when cxs got shot in the side so priorities. it's crazy just how irrational this man is when it comes to cheng xiaoshi, and we haven't even gotten into the fact that lu guang literally ripped apart the FABRIC OF HIS TIMELINE, THE SPACE TIME CONTINUUM, because cheng xiaoshi died in it, and to live in a world without him is more dire than whatever karmic debt may fall upon him.

lu guang, he is rational, he is methodical. but he is selfish, and he loves. he's perhaps committed one of the most selfish acts one possibly can, and has quite literally gone against a rule he held so dear, a rule that he quite possibly upholds just because he is terrified of making it worse. he didn't even sleep on his decision, bloody clothes and a null void expression on his face as he decided to hell with the world, he needs to get it right this time around, even at the cost of himself

but as this show has proven time and time again, death is inevitable, at most, it can only be delayed

old official art depicting the two which inspired this blog, thought it made for a good visual