#hobo zzs

[kgimv-cosplay]

The only light you still might own is near you

Watch closely

[mtkay13]

Gonna post TWO hoboxus today because I CAN! (still desperately trying to catch up with my twitter posts LOL help I'm terrible at this)

From a meme based on art by KOTTERI, the author of Veil (among amazing other things). Find them on twitter @_K0TTERl_!

More musing below, as per usual! (Be ready it's a LONG one again)

I really hesitated with how I wanted to do this. The original had this gorgeous red poster that seemed like a perfect fit for WKX:

(@_K0TTERl_)

Either I went for the imagery of ZZS wistfully gazing upon the mysterious and eccentric WKX, which would definitely have been more aesthetic and undeniably fitting, or I went the semi-humorous route of channelling the "WKX fell for that ugly hobo and his gorgeous shoulder blades" meme-ified side of their dynamic.

Well, clearly that's where I ended up going, but I feel like explaining a bit.

For me, this picture was three-folds:

First part is the meme; it's kind of funny, kind of ridiculous, and sets the tone of what TYK starts off as; rather absurd, with its reasonable dose of dark humor, and the (at first seemingly improbable) meeting and love story between a silly dying hobo and a strange, suspicious, hedonistic gentleman. It felt thematically appropriate for TYK to twist the original image and put the obviously uglier one on the poster since TYK relies heavily on genre subversion to begin with.

Secondly, there is WKX. So, controversial opinion (/jk) but I don't think WKX was necessarily convinced or even really thought that ZZS was "a beauty" underneath his alleged mask. It was probably a mix of various feelings and teasing/provoking which lead to this joke. First, everything he expresses throughout the book and in extra 4; the fascination for this man who seemed too hide great strength and was of no known identity--who was probably more than what he seemed.

(I'm gonna push it just a little bit ((but isn't that the fun of literary interpretation)), but the "beauty under the mask" is not only physical. It could be a way to say, I think that beneath your raunchy, ridiculous attitude, beneath your gross appearance, beneath the pretense that you're a nobody, that you're a peasant, you're probably someone of great importance and great accomplishments, someone much stronger than you pretend to be--someone like me, perhaps, even. The shoulder blades references are, besides of course WKX *actually* noticing them, the observation of how ZZS moves, of how agile his body is, etc...)

Anyway-- the entire point of this intro is to say that to me, this isn't actually referring to that whole side of their dynamic (or not entirely), but rather to that passage that I am STILL OBSESSED WITH where Wen Kexing recognizes ZZS just from the way he's sitting in a restaurant, and that makes him feel things not entirely positive:

Zhou Zishu stepped into an inn alone. He chose a seat by a window, ordered a few side dishes and a jug of mulled rice wine, and drank it slowly while soaking in the sunshine. As soon as Wen Kexing walked in, he saw Zhou Zishu from behind. He didn’t know why, but he thought that this view was quite special—he could always pick it out of a crowd. Zhou Zishu did not sit with his back straight. Most of the time, he lounged indolently at an angle that looked exceptionally comfortable. Wen Kexing thought that it seemed as though nothing weighed on him; seeing him was enough to ease the heart. Wen Kexing unconsciously halted his steps. He stared at Zhou Zishu’s relaxed silhouette for a while, with no trace of an expression in his face or eyes. His heart swelled with some strange feeling—strange, in that it was no feeling at all. He felt as though this man was mocking him with this wordless posture; he who rushed around for one thing or another, who was burdened with so many cares, yet obstinately put on a devil-may-care persona. Zhou Xu—as carefree as duckweed, he thought, with a body like willow catkins. In all the world, with its boundless perspectives, where could you find someone who walked their path alone and never allowed anything to trouble them? Yet he was not apathetic—he had his joy, his anger, his sorrow—and they came in a flash as quickly as they went. Within the blink of an eye, he had forgotten it already.

(Tian Ya Ke, chapter 18, TL by Lianzi) (have I quoted this already??? If not I should have I love this passage so much)

AND THEN QUOTING ANOTHER PASSAGE (LOL), TL by me this time:

From the moment he'd noticed his shoulderblades, felt this rush of excitement, to when he'd started liking who Zhou Zishu was, when he'd thought——so this is the Commander of Tian Chuang. Suddenly, he'd felt as if he'd met his other self. Both of them, lone wolves caught in a hunter's trap, struggling for freedom to no avail, until they had resolved to coldly gnawing off their own legs in the end. He'd felt compelled to follow him around, watched him, until he suddenly realised—if Zhou Zishu could live like this, then surely, so could he?

(Full passage in this other post LOL)

So yes, THIS. Those two things. That's it. Need I say more? HAH OF COURSE I DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO (help)

More seriously--the way WKX is captivated by ZZS' apparent carefreeness and freedom, all the different feelings (or absence thereof, as he puts it, which I interpret as so distant from what he's used to feel that it almost feels like nothing at all) is what I was going for here.... By not showing his face at all LMAO

The envy, the frustration--the impression of being mocked, but also the longing, how it inspired him to follow along and try to be free like he was.

-cough- yes, so that was point 2 out of 3.

Now lastly, about ZZS himself and my representation of him as hoboxu. I think (?) I've written enough about him that I think I can keep this succint. I love how priest often makes a point of expliciting, in the book, how he's so often smiling, and how he's always incredibly energetic in the morning, as if the night of pain had never happened. I like to think that hoboxu is both a carricature of a ridiculous character that ZZS has fun embodying---but also a liberated expression of his deeper self.

WKX feels like he's mocking him, but ZZS is also mocking himself relentlessly, when he feels like the outside resembles the inside finally, when he feels ridiculous in these new robes, when he allows himself the most outrageous behavior---and then there's mocking life itself, mocking jianghu, mocking everything that he nonetheless deeply cherishes. It's almost... gently mocking, affectionate mocking of everything because his own life has become a joke yet he's still going to enjoy it to the fullest--drinking to his heart's content, rolling in the mud and visiting touristy sites (or so he intended).

In the end... the world is still in his own hands. He chose everything, chose the way he lived, the way he (would have) died and still has the power to dissappear at will--but he stays. Stays and endures what he pretends annoys him, because he can't help himself, because he's ridiculous and is aware of it and may as well have some fun while being so.

I can't seem to ever have enough of this, of this vibe. I wanted to have him laugh at and with WKX, at and with the people seeing him, at and with himself, at and with the narrative.

SO YEAH HAH THATS HUM THAT'S IT. You know what they say, it's only a fun meme if there's an essay behind it (noone says that help 😭😭😭😭)

I hope you had fun reading it and have a nice weeked 🤪

[joylinda-hawks]

You are one big problem yourself. So why should you be afraid of it? WOH, episode 6, part 9. When ZZS described himself as ruthless, WKX confirmed that ZZS is indeed ruthless. He added that ZZS knew that the little thing he gave him was bad luck, but he gave it to WKX and ZZS is not afraid that WKX will have problems. ZZS perversely replies that WKX itself is one big problem, so why should he be afraid of it. Ultimately, ZZS says that if WKX doesn't want it, they can throw it out. Finishing his sentence, ZZS gets up and approaches the makeshift drying room where outerwear is dried. WKX also stands up and says he won't get rid of it because it's the first gift he got from ZZS. WKX explains that he will never throw away Glazed Armor, he will find some string and put it on his belt. Taking this into account, WKX is closer to ZZS. He then says that Glazed Armor will be a joy to watch every day, and then asks ZZS if he thinks Glazed Armor belongs to ZJ or ZCL. After thinking for a moment, ZZS replies that if Ghost Valley had Glazed Armor belonging to ZCL, why would he kidnap him. This line of reasoning by ZZS surprises WKX, who claims to have suspected Ao Lai Zi and Shen Shen this morning. But in the evening, ALZ's body appeared on the doorstep of the Sanbai residence. Finally, WKX asks ZZS if he thinks something strange is going on here. ZZS believes Ghost Valley is behind this. He explains that Lu Tai Chong gave everything to Ao Lai Zi before his death, not to his brothers. This is a stain on the honor of the Five Lakes Alliance. ZZS walks around and says it out loud, and WKX listens carefully. He adds that Ghost Valley's actions were intended to cast suspicion on the Five Lakes Alliance for the massacre of the Tai Peak Sect. They were intended to spark rumors. To sum up, he tells them not to talk about it now, and when WKX gets bored - adds ZZS, by collecting rabbits, he is to help ZZS deal with these rabbits. WKX smilingly states that he already hunted them down, so why would he deal with them. ZZS ostentatiously states that WKX will do whatever it wants, but if it doesn't deal with them, it won't eat them. ZZS turns and walks away, and WKX smilingly says he'll do it anyway. ZZS shows here that he is a wise and logical person, he does not suspect that the man standing next to him has his own plans, and Glazed Armor plays a big role in them. Even more surprising for WKX was that ZZS had a good connection between Ghost Valley and Glazed Armor. Perhaps ZZS didn't fully know what role the ghosts of the Ghost Valley played and that the ghosts also had their own plans, which WKX didn't know either. ZZS tries to be more honest with WKX, but WKX does not reciprocate with such honesty. He continues to test the other person, and the result of this test is a correct understanding of ZZS. ZZS is not interested in Glazed Armor, but still cares about ZCL's fate, assuming that his father's brothers have no good intentions towards the boy. And I think that's all ZZS wants to know. Another part of the lake scene. ZZH, like ZZS, still looks beautiful and you can't take your eyes off it. We've seen him as the hobo Ah Xu for so long that now he appears as an otherworldly being in his flowing inner robes. The verbal fights between ZZS and WKX probably resembled those that ZZH and GJ had on the film set during breaks.

[admirableadmiranda]

Cool story time. My friend somehow missed the entire ep 1 of woh. The dude was basically watching wkx pursuing an alcoholic hobo for like 4 episodes lmao Imagine his shock when zzs turns out to be as pretty as wkx hyping him up to be. He was sure wkx just had some weird kink lol That was the biggest plot twist to him

Lmao, anon that’s a fantastic story! I love it!

I do love that WKZ does not let the face nor the drunken attitude put him off in the slightest. It’s all flirting and teasing and curiosity. He knows there’s an interesting mystery there indeed.

[100yearoldcomics]

June 18, 1922 Barney Google by Billy De Beck

I know the top panel's a reference to a much older song, but thanks to Barney, I've got a Kirsty MacColl song stuck in my head now. I'm not even complaining, tbh, it's a fantastic song. Better to think about that than the name of the rich man's driver, I suppose.

TOP PANEL [ID: Barney trudges grumpily down a dirt road, singing to himself. /end] Barney: 𝄞♩♩This is the end of a perfect day♩♪♪ Bah.

MAIN COMIC [ID: Barney trudges down a dirt road past large boulders and wooden fences, shouldering a hobo's bindle. /end] Barney: Gee, why doesn't some swell car come along and gimme a lift into the city...? The bums!!! Why do they always pass me up? Wow!!! I'm tired!!

[ID: Barney hides behind a tree in a grove by the side of the road, carrying a large log. /end] Barney: By golly! I can't walk another step. The next auto that passes is gonna stop or I'll know the reason why!!! SFX: Honk HONK Honk

[ID: As a convertible coupe with the top down speeds past with an aristocrat in the back seat with a top hat, long white beard and lit cigar in his mouth, Barney hastily tosses the log into the car's path. /end] Barney: Ahh, a perfect aim. Right under the rear wheels!!

[ID: As the aristocrat agitatedly motions for his driver to stop, Barney runs into the street and tosses away the broken log. /end] Barney: Now's my chance. Aristocrat: Sambo, stop the car. We ran over something, back up!!

[ID: The aristocrat and his driver, a racist stereotype of a black man in a chauffeur's uniform, are distraught to see Barney lying in the road, feigning pain. /end] Barney: OW WOW Aristocrat: Great Scott, we've hit a bum.

[ID: The aristocrat nervously directs his driver to grab Barney by the legs. /end] Aristocrat: Put him in the car, quick. He acts like he's dying. Barney: OHH, OHH Sambo: Yassuh, yassuh.

[ID: Barney falls asleep in the backseat of the coupe while the aristocrat and his driver nervously plan behind him. /end] Barney: Oh, boy. It worked like a charm. Now for a long snooze on these comfy cushions. Aristocrat: Shh. There were no witnesses. Get into the car and drive through the field, away from the road. We'll have to hurry, someone may come along.

[ID: The aristocrat directs his driver to drive perpendicular to the road, into the grass beyond. /end] Barney: [a picture of a log being sawed in half] ZZZ ZZZ ZZZ Aristocrat: Now swing over to the ditch on the left and stop the car, I want to get out. Sambo: Yassuh.

[ID: The aristocrat walks through a field, carefully eyeing the grounds. /end] Aristocrat: Ahh. An ideal spot.

[ID: The aristocrat motions for his driver to back up the car towards him. /end] Barney: ZZ ZZ Aristocrat: All right, Sambo. Back a little more. Whoa...

[ID: The aristocrat gets into his car and tosses a rudely awakened Barney out of his seat, into a small pond filled with cattails. /end] Aristocrat: There. That's a big load off my mind. Barney: ??????

[ID: Barney stands and angrily swears at the aristocrat as he drives off. /end] Barney: ★★★★★ XXXXX!! ☆*☆ !!!!/\/\/\/\/\!!! ? ! \/\/\/\/\ /\/\/\/\ !!! ໑໑໑໑!! ***

[wanderingfandoms]

Bonus

[hedonistbyheart]

I keep thinking about my friend's approach to Encanto, because she is an animator so I figured she'd at least be interested in the visual story-telling, even if she's not as into character-oriented stories as I am, but it came off thoroughly meh to her and I just don't understand.

Like, I've had very mixed experiences with the new animated Disney movies, so to me Encanto stands out both visually and in terms of engaging characters that I'm left wondering about, but it didn't to her and I don't understand why.

[shijiujun]

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: THE GAYEST SHOW EVER - WORD OF HONOR | 山河令

Hi guys, so I know this has gotten some traction but I don’t think enough people are watching this because this is the gayest serious historical china drama ever to breathe in public without censorship slapping it in the face, so y’all get to enjoy full on with me - it’s really rare because they’re not even like stuffing a het. romance, they WENT IN FULL ON KNOWING THAT THIS WOULD BE GAY AF OKAY THEY ARE REALLY FOLLOWING THE BOOK

In fact, they made the show even gayer than the book, I don’t even know what to say. It’s naturally comedic without being absolutely cringey and adheres to the original novel really well so far (with added tinge of gayness). Gong Jun smiles a bit too much but it’s still really enjoyable to watch, and Zhang Zhehan carried the first episode on his own pretty well. Main leads honestly have huge chemistry on screen at the very least, and if you can get past Zhang Zhehan’s sadass hobo look as disguised Zhou Zishu for like I think at least... 10 eps maybe, you will enjoy this a lot. The set looks a bit cheap and the filming doesn’t look as sophisticated or crisp as some of the ones you’ve seen before definitely, but I don’t think this impacts the content much.

SO here goes friends, at this point you should just go and watch it to understand why this is the show being called “HOW THE FUCK DID THIS EVER GET TO AIR” because there is no way anyone made it through Episode 3 going like NO HOMO because it was SO HOMO

---

Background/Novel:

Okay so this is based on Priest’s danmei/BL novel called Tian Ya Ke / Faraway Wanderers, which was what it was originally called for the show until they changed the name like last month out of nowhere to Word of Honor / Shan He Ling. It’s relatively shorter and less complex as most of Priest’s other novels are, which makes it a really, really good read.

You can check out the carrd here but basically Zhou Zishu is an the leader of an assassins’ guild/sect of sorts, and he’s basically about to die soon in another few years (less than three). His background is a bit complex so I won’t get into it, but he disguises himself as a beggar/hobo of sorts and just starts to hobo around literally, drinking alcohol day in and out as he awaits death. He meets Wen Kexing, who is the leader of a demonic cult/sect and he’s looking for a particular item that was stolen from him - an item that would supposedly help others to gain immense power immediately, so a lot of supposed righteous sects are fighting over the item right now, but that’s not the point.

The point is, this entire story is about infatuated Wen Kexing, who literally falls in love with Zhou Zishu at first sight and he meets him while ZZS is in his beggar disguise. WKX can tell from ZZS’s bone structure and outline of his back that he’s a handsome man, and insists that he’s wearing a disguise. The disguise that ZZS uses is special, because the mask feels real so WKX can’t tell why it such a man with excellent bone and facial features would look so ugly. Insists basically that ZZS is handsome and then follows him from then on, while serving out his own agenda and dealing with the righteous sect people.

ZZS on the other hand has to deal with his impending death, and also still is put to work because of WKX’s involvement and a larger scheme happening behind the scenes. Along the way ZZS falls back in love with WKX subtly hahahaha (anything is subtle compared to WKX’s grand gestures dammit)

*A continuation to Qi Ye / Seventh Lord but not necessary to read that first if you wanna start with Tian Ya Ke - the characters from Qi Ye turn up but no need to know their backstory basically.

Where to Watch:

Eng subs available on Youku official channel (1-2 episode everyday exlcuding weekends)

On Youku officially with access to advanced episodes (no subs)

Schedule: One episode every day starting 1 March 2021 onwards (unlocked one ep every Sat, and will reach the milestone of one ep every Sun by end first week of March)

What You Are Missing Out On in the Live Action:

Immense gay, basically. Gosh I don’t even know how to put this, but Wen Kexing is such an infatuated, lovely man. You basically get him waxing poetic 24/7 about meeting ZZS and that it’s fate that they meet (WKX literally follows him around), literally that’s the entire damn show. A lot of frickin innuendo as well?!!!

1. WKX praising ZZS’s handsome look while ZZS is in his ugly disguise - At this point, ZZS’ face hasn’t been actually revealed (there’s way more, WKX goes like “you’re so handsome” at that face like a few times every episode)

2. Get someone who looks at you like WKX looks at frickin ZZS

3. ZZS deadpanning and rolling his eyes whenever WKX turns up ‘coincidentally’

4. Found family where WKX and ZZS co-parent two kids (Son & two dads, and daughter below) - SEE HOW HAPPY ZISHU IS?!!! AND HOW HANDSOME HE IS WITHOUT THAT HOBO LOOK? It’s a miracle WKX saw through his disguise

5. Innuendo - Cut-sleeve (WKX REALLY CUT OFF ZZS’ SLEEVE HOW DID THIS GET PAST CENSORSHIP)

6. ZZS calling WKX ‘Lao Wen’ and WKX calling ZZS ‘Ah Xu’ like over and over again

7. WKX acting cute (hiding behind his future husband and a fan while delirious from poison)

8. WKX deadly and gorgeous and when he holding a fan

9. MANY HANDS MANY TOUCH

---

Of course a disclaimer - all jokes and astonishment aside at what we’ve gotten so far, this is definitely not going to be an outright BL ending because honestly that will never happen with a China production, so don’t expect this to be like confirmed BL, but the shots hint at it very well a lot of hand touching, even hugs etc. and this is all we can ask for XD This is even more in your face than MRIAD which is saying a lot

[naniya27]

Naniya27's Wenzhou AU Masterlist

I have difficulties finding my own AUs in tumblr, so I decided to make a masterlist!!

It only has 5 AUs for now, the ones that has ongoing stories, but I'll try to complete it!

I try to put it in chronological order too so to make it easy for you to read from the beginning!

•)Beauty and the Beast AU

Initial Post

“Something There”

Flowers

Thirsty

Thirsty 2

Brushing A-Xu's fur

Zzs comforting Wkx

Zzs comforting Wkx 2

It got angsty

"You are my person"

"I love you."

True Ending

Idiot wkx doubting zzs

•)Arranged Marriage AU

Initial post

Backstory

Wkx giving birth on the run

Meeting the Kids

First Glance

Settling into the Family

Grandpa's Here (Pt1)

Grandpa's Here (Pt2)

Grandpa stirs up trouble

"Aren't you his husband?"

•)WKX is Key

Initial Post

Backstory

Wham

Zzs is not taking it well

“It’s the last thing I have left of you”

“Oh my A-xu, I was always by your side”

Hobo Zzs and Spirit Wkx

Wkx always makes sure Zzs is loved

Trip to the ocean

...is not so fun...

•)De-Aged AU

Initial post (deaged wkx only)

Deaged wkx with adult zzs and deaged zzs with adult wkx

Both Deaged with yby

Zzs comforting wkx

Zzs comforting wkx 2

Zzs' thoughts on being deaged comic strip

Crying zzs painting

Wkx needs to go potty (+yby)

Wkx done his potty training

Wkx running away after his bath

Zzs' fake moustache

Gu Xiang's Robe

Warm winter

•) Mountain God AU

Initial Post

Sacrificial child

Peaceful days

I'll give you this hairpin, ok?

“There’s something odd”

Backstory

"Just a peek"

Happy puppy

You let them take me

Special Night

Not letting go

Kissies

Lickies

[pixelatte]

I want to draw Chengling with his dads next time. Thought process in selecting which ep/scene to do: hobo zzs sexy, a-xiang pretty, wkx flirty~ That's literally it!

Edit: I also have this up on my twt now, too! So if you see this floating around on that app, that's me.

[kgimv-cosplay]

"A-Xu, I had such a weird dream today… In that dream I met you from the past."

wkx: @m45tau

[mtkay13]

Chapter 24, Mo Huaikong spots Wen Kexing and senses that something's up witht that one.

Zhao Jing was nearly out of his mind with worry when the two of them brought Zhang Chengling back. He pulled at Zhang Chengling to ask this or that. This Zhao Jing was a sly codger, Wen Kexing observed, yet he was not indifferent to his old friend’s son. So Wen Kexing turned to make his silent exit—but just as he did so, he felt someone’s stare lock onto him. Wen Kexing halted. When he turned his head, he met a foreboding gaze—ominous, with the air of a mad dog that wanted to pounce on him. Wen Kexing saw Cao Weining speaking to his observer with every courtesy. This, he guessed, was his shishu—the old pricky good-for-nothing from the Qingfeng Sword sect who had made a name for himself. Mo Huaikong. Mo Huaikong listened to Cao Weining—who was chattering his ear off—and, following Cao Weining’s pointing finger, looked in Wen Kexing’s direction. He first felt that this person looked a bit familiar. Then those fathomless eyes made him apprehensive. Yet try as he might, he could not remember.  He was stunned. Just at that moment, he saw Wen Kexing’s mouth turn up at the corners to smile at him. He heard Cao Weining lament the profound love between this and another man, and he couldn’t hold back a snort. This Wen fellow, he thought, was bad news from head to toe.

(TL by Lianzi)

I wanted to make it a bit absurd; MHK thinking that "he's bad news" and then he looks like THIS - you don't say!! Earlier today, as I was imagining some scenes of TYK, I started focusing on WKX's mannerisms and how he's acting with ZZS and other people, the differences, and how he's perceived. I feel like book!WKX is hinted at being extremely weird and having this disagreeable, menacing aura, and showing that through these striking glimpses into how many would perceive him is quite fun.

I initially made another version, where he's not smiling, but then reread and realised that the corners of his mouth *do* rise up. I think the scene would have absolutely worked with a very lowkey, smooth looking WKX too, but making it over-the-top was just too funny, and I like to think that WKX does look that threatening a lot of the time. The combo between OBVIOUSLY BAD WKX and ZZS' ridiculous hobo persona is very tasty, imo.

The other version:

[joylinda-hawks]

I want to cry. Last drawing. Seriously thanks for the challenge. It motivated me to work on my technique, even if it was a pencil. I will continue to draw/paint, although not every day. Hobo ZZS.

[janedrewfinally]

On the one hand, I agree with the many, many fans whose response to this announcement was basically, "apologize, put the show back up in China, put the concert back up, also did we mention apologize, and we'll then think about giving you any money."

On the other: Hobo!ZZS! The chicken!

On the third hand: I'm personally just waiting for the set that features the Wolong Nuts.

[k1201a]

Personal rating of the 3 zzs in the show:

hobo zzs: 5.5/10 for his jawline. the sharpie is just too ridiculous to overlook

tian chuang zzs: 10/10. Hot, has the seriousness, grace and class of someone important and dangerous

wuxia bro zzs: 12/10. good wuxia styling is rare, and zzs has the best wuxia styling in maybe the last 5 years. every classic trope in the wuxia genre looks pretty when zzs is doing it :

1. Bamboo hat with veil disguise?

understated and elegant

2. Injured, coughing up blood?

fragile, disheveled, pretty

3. Meditating and sorting out his qi?

peaceful and flawless features with distracting lush eyelashes

4. getting drunk on rooftop?

Prettier than the moon

5. doing very ordinary things in very plain clothes?

looks extraordinarily pretty

[wanderingfandoms]

Zhou Xu 周絮