#link click analysis

[chubphoe-linkclick]

Hey so S2E9 'Three Stroires' was fucking bonkers

LETS TALK ABOUT IT

The episode is DENSE AS ALL HELL with things to talk about, the three main things being

The titles

The art style and style of storytelling

The dialogue (or lack thereof)

Lets speedrun some analysis notes of our three favourite members of the worst found family ever!!

Storytelling Styles

All three stories are emotionally driven and told in dramatic styles without realism, though all for differing reasons.

QJ mimics the over-the-top Shakespearean reminiscent of his wife, believing himself to be the main character of a tragedy. Though this style of story telling is obviously campy and corny, it's also presented in a way where it's not immediately clear to the viewers that this isn't actually real -- it's a fabrication of the canon within the canon as a reflection of QJ's delusions.

LTC mimics QJ, however, his disposition leads to him seeing everything as a Greek Comedy as opposed to perma-victim QJ's Greek Tragedy. It also reflects LTC ultimately leaning into and revelling in killing other people as part of his hunter ethos and evolution. LTC's style does not need to be realistic because LTC isn't looking for meaning in his story, but for an experience that's enjoyable and satisfying.

QJ and LTC's style complement each other with both being able to come together to tell a more cohesive narrative overall, although each does so by focusing on themselves more than anyone else.

LTX is a silent cartoon telling of her life story, quite literally the story that's gone untold, bar the words of the gossiping crows (people with frivolous and passing interest in her life writing their own stories about the events she goes through). Her story telling style is a reflection of her mindset and being trapped cognitively as a child for all time, and is further indication that her personhood wasn't allowed to independently grow since becoming an orphan.

LTX's story is outside of QJ and LTC's narrative because she cannot speak, and thus her story does not matter. No dramatisation of reality to paint a certain picture is needed, nor is her story seen or understood in either of theirs. Her story is insular and disconnected from theirs because her personhood is disconnected from theirs.

LTX's story is told through the lens of LTC and LX's worldview: that the world is made up of beasts and hunters. There is only ever one human character (likely LX himself rather than QJ, based on how visually loyal everyone else's designs are) while LTX watches LTC straddle the line between animal (his nature) and human (his will).

Story Titles

QJ's part being called the "Inevitable Tragedy" is a reference to how he is the creator of his own misfortune as it was never based in reality but his own unchecked paranoia.

LTC's part is called the Fortuitous Comedy is because it was fortuitous for QJ to find out about the twins' powers before anyone else via Tianchen's confession and subsequent laughter. It could also be due to LTC reaching his perceived hunter-status by the fortuitous case of Deng being Liu Min's first requested kill (for the same reason LTC hates Deng, no less).

LTX's title being the "Sibling's Fairy Tale" is rather self explanatory, much like the character herself if you took the damn time to talk to her. It's childish, stuck in the past (trauma), focused on her brother and the other light of her life: their late-mother. Another piece of insight that I remembered hearing is that fairy tales don't always have happy endings, but they always have a moral to learn from. In this sense, Xixi's story is thematically the most important because no character has put that moral into practice (confronting the worst aspects of those you love, refusing to look away from the secrets they hide while you stay in a peaceful dream with their softness).

Additional Notes

QJ caring for the twins in Part II is a reflection of LTC being gaslit about reality (reinforced by QJ's fatherly love being absent in LTX's story), as well as a reflection of his sense of self and human autonomy only beginning and flourishing due to the circumstances QJ provided

LTX's story suggests that most of the time she spends with LTC involves her napping in some form, or that most of her time in general was slept away as if she was trapped in some strange dream.

The only betrayal even hinted at is LTC's betrayal of LTX's morality, a twist that literally shatters LTX's childlike world and forces her hurdling into reality. This is the only betrayal because the twins are the only two who have trust in one another among the three.

Someone else made a point about how even when the foxboy picks up the bow and arrow, he remains a fox. In LTX's eyes, her brother can act as a hunter but he's still a beast and that's not a bad thing.

The fact that most people are 'beasts' and there's only one human in all of LTX's worldview really is some solid symbolism and messaging, especially considering LTX is socially classified as an undesirable a la her disabilities. It's peak reclamation and pride in Oneself.

[nacrelysis]

linguistics isn't my thing, disclaimer.

but cheng xiaoshi's name, 程小时, might translate to "the regulation of time/hours." see,

程, chéng, is a common surname. but it also means "rule, orders, or regulations."

小时, xiǎoshí, quite literally means "hours."

(this post arises from a thought i had as to whether cheng xiaoshi's first name, xiaoshi, is a play on the phrase, 消失 [xiāoshī], "to disappear." and whether or not that foreshadowed anything in link click's upcoming plot. probably not as the phonetic pronunciation is not the same.)

[cupcakesmoothie]

Just finished Season 2 of the emotional damage show, also known as Link Click!

Spoilers (And a lot of screaming (That means full caps) ahead)(Also swearing)

WHAT THE FUCK. WHAT THE FUCK. THIS STILL APPLIES

HEY SHOW? HEY (Pause to look up who the fuck made this give me a sec) LI HAOLING? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN. WHAT THE FUCK DOES THIS MEAN. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH

Anyway. That was. An experience.

New powers got explored, which was cool. They can be transferred and Qiao Ling got an ability, which was also cool.

The whole thing with the siblings was. Oh my god. I can't believe they would do this to me. WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE FUCKING SPOKE. WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE DIED RIGHT AFTER. YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME.

AND LU GUANG???????? HELLO????? WHAT? WHJAT? WAHT? Bro fuck this show for putting a whole ass funeral in their trailer and fuck this show FOR STILL HAVING A CHANCE TO DO SO.

Ok so actual notes (<- Probably a lie): It's very obvious they're setting up for a Season 3 (If they don't get a Season 3 I will simply cease to exist), because we get a lot of build up for a bunch of things.

They STILL don't really explain how they got these powers in the first place, although they do have the scene with Qiao Ling (I mean, I guess they don't have to, it would be cool, but not very necessary. What IS very needed however-). And there was pretty much no development on Xiaoshi's parents. It's kinda understandable with how they ended the last season but a little bit disappointing considering it is one of his character motivations. Besides, of course-

Xiaoshi cares about people. A lot. The THINGS that happened last season made that very hard, but he still cares about people. But also and however, Lu Guang cares about him. They are so "I would sacrifice myself for the world" vs "I would sacrifice the world for you" and OUGH. Taking damage. Crying. No joke there are tears in my eyes. THEY CAN'T DO THIS TO ME????????????

There are. Consequences. In this show. Unfortunately. They explore time travel quite well in my opinion, and they put quite a lot of emphasis on how important it is that Xiaoshi doesn't let his heart take over (It is a kind heart which can't bear to see bad things happen to people). WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN THREE PEOPLE DIED. HUH? HUHHHH???? I'M SHAKING YOU LAN STUDIO WHAT DO YOU MEAN LU GUANG SAW HIM DIE. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-

A collection of reactions and memes that best describe me rn:

[falling-star-cygnus]

cheng xiaoshi shouting "he's my family" while being in raw pain hurts something in me oml especially considering his situation regarding his parents

bc, think about it:

he thinks Lu Guang is either already dead or about to die, about to leave him; almost exactly like with his parents

the only difference is- he thinks Lu Guang's not going to come back

Cheng Xiaoshi still somewhat holds onto his hope of his parents returning to him, but once he hears that Lu Guang is dead and that the rescue failed; he genuinely thinks he's lost yet another person that he loves

to the hands of someone he loves

and he's utterly inconsolable until he sees Lu Guang alive and breathing

[frostfires-blog]

Shiguang Dailiren/Link Click

Hanakotoba Analysis

Cheng Xiaoshi/Toki -> Daisy (Bellis)

Cheng Xiaoshi/Toki’s official flower is the Daisy (Bellis) as pictured on his official birthday artwork. Daisies are known as chú jú (雏菊) in Chinese and hinagiku (雛菊) in Japanese. This flower is associated with the meanings of “innocence”, “devotion”, “justice”, “charity” and “beauty” in English floriography. Its hanakotoba meanings are “peace”, “hope”, “beauty” and “chastity”. In Japanese culture, daisies are also often associated with new beginnings and are thought to bring joy and happiness to those whom it is gifted.  In China, the flower is mainly associated with innocence, purity, hope, and new beginnings. Additionally, they can symbolize simplicity, sincerity, springtime, happiness, and new love.  Cheng Xiaoshi is best described as someone with a good heart whose playful, stubborn and impulsive nature can be interpreted by others as being childish and irresponsible. He is extremely sensitive and deeply empathetic with a strong sense of justice. These characteristics paired with his impulsiveness often not only lead to him making decisions with his heart rather than his head—landing not only himself but also those around him in a myriad of tricky situations—but also result in him doing things that are in the best interest of others but are detrimental to himself. These traits tie into the flower’s meanings of justice, charity and devotion. His seemingly boundless optimism and upbeat personality complement the flower’s meanings of joy, happiness, and springtime. When Lu Guang was asked by Qiao Ling, what attracted him to Cheng Xiaoshi, he stated that it was the other’s naivety. This ties into the flower’s meanings of innocence, sincerity, purity and simplicity. Cheng Xiaoshi has the ability to enter the time of any photo by possessing the body of the person who took the photo. Using this ability, he is able to directly change the events within a 12-hour timeline of the photo (i.e., alter past events). This ties into the daisy’s meanings of new beginnings and hope.  Additionally, when using this ability, Cheng Xiaoshi’s eyes turn gold-yellow which corresponds with the yellow-centre of the daisy.

Lu Guang/Hikaru -> Forget-me-not

Lu Guang/Hikaru’s official flower is the forget-me-not as pictured on his official birthday artwork. The forget-me-not (Myosotis) is known as wù wàng wǒ  (勿忘我) in Chinese and wasurenagusa (勿忘草) in Japanese. As its name suggests the flower is associated with the meanings of “true love” and “memories” in English floriography. Its Japanese name means “don’t forget me” thus associating the flower with its hanakotoba meanings of “true love” and “remembrance”. In China, the flower is associated with not only true love and memories but also fidelity and faithfulness. Lu Guang is typically calm, patient, responsible and uptight. Although not always blatantly obvious, Lu Guang cares deeply for his friends and always does things that are in their best interest. Although typically stoic and cautious, when those important to Lu Guang are in danger, he will break his usual calm façade and show anger and concern as well as pull off precarious manoeuvres to save them. These traits tie into the flower’s meanings of faithfulness and fidelity. Lu Guang has the ability to see everything that happens within a 12-hour timeframe after a photo has been taken. Photographs are able to capture important moments with loved ones in order to be preserved and looked back upon at a later date. Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi’s abilities rely on photographs and are used to analyse and manipulate memories, respectively. This further links Lu Guang to the forget-me-not flower. Additionally, when using their respective abilities Lu Guang’s eyes turn ice-blue whereas Cheng Xiaoshi’s turn gold-yellow which corresponds with the yellow-centred, blue blossoms of the forget-me-not, respectively. Click here for further analysis of Lu Guang given new information from season 2.

Qiao Ling/Rin -> Hyacinth

Qiao Ling/Rin’s official flower is the hyacinth as pictured on her official birthday artwork. The hyacinth (Hyacinthus) is known as fēng xìn zǐ (风信子) in Chinese and haiashinsu (ヒヤシンス) in Japanese. The hyacinth is seen as a symbol of sophistication, refinement, grace and elegance in English floriography. It is also known as a symbol of love and passion. It is also sometimes associated with rashness, games and rebirth. Its hanakotoba meanings are friendship, affection and “love beyond sorrow”. The bright colours of hyacinths are said to represent joy and happiness―and is thus seen as a gesture of goodwill when gifted to others in Japanese culture. In China, the flower is associated with good luck and fortune and is thus often used during special occasions and celebrations as an auspicious decoration. It is said that the hyacinth’s bright colours and cheerful blossoms bring prosperity and good luck to those who see it. Qiao Ling is best described as outspoken, expressive, and compassionate. She deeply trusts those she is close to and is very protective over them. Qiao Ling typically possesses a playful and upbeat personality. These traits tie into the hyacinth’s meanings of joy, passion, friendship and goodwill. Although often seen bickering with Cheng Xiaoshi―she retains an air of gracefulness and ladylikeness and often dresses very stylishly, which fits in with the flower’s meanings of elegance, grace and sophistication.

Official Art Celebrating 400 Million Views

In this official art the flower bouquet that Cheng Xiaoshi is holding might be his official flower the daisy (Bellis) but could also be camomile flowers. Camomile also known as chamomile is a daisy-like plant in the same family as the Bellis genus (Asteraceae family). Camomile is known as  yáng gān jú (洋甘菊) in Chinese and kamomīru (カモミール) in Japanese. In English floriography, the flower represents the concepts of having “patience in adversity” and “energy in adversity”. In hanakotoba, the flower conveys the meanings of “enduring adversity” and the “power to be born in adversity”. Both the English and Japanese meanings derive from the fact that camomile grows like a creeper on the ground and persists even if trampled on―even growing stronger the more it is stepped on. These meanings greatly complement Cheng Xiaoshi’s immense optimism, endurance, and perseverance that persists despite him being faced with difficult circumstances and harsh obstacles.

In this official artwork, Lu Guang isn’t pictured with his official flower, the forget-me-not but is instead pictured with a bouquet of statice.  Statice (Limonium) is also known as sea lavender and marsh rosemary despite not being related to either lavender or rosemary. Statice is known as bǔxuè cǎo shǔ (补血草属) in Chinese and sutāchisu (スターチス) in Japanese. Similarly, to forget-me-nots, this flower is associated with memory and remembrance. In English floriography, this flower represents “longing”, “remembrance”, “success” and “sympathy”. Purple statice in particular represents suppleness and elegance. The hanakotoba meanings associated with statice are “unchanging heart” and “uninterrupted memory”. The vibrant colour of these flowers does not fade even when dried. This attribute has resulted in its hanakotoba meanings “unchanging heart”, “uninterrupted memory”, and “eternal immutability”.  These meanings are similar to that of the forget-me-not and consequently complement Lu Guang’s character in a similar manner.

[If you liked this post, check out my other hanakotoba analysis posts here ❀ There are 2 other hanakotoba posts on Link Click on my blog...]

[P.S. If anyone knows which two flowers are in the very first image in this post (i.e., the season 2 key visual), please let me know so I can add them...I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. Also, if I've gotten any of the kanji, romaji, hanzi or pinyin incorrect, feel free to correct me]

[worldwright]

VORTEX

[goinghostie]

One thing that immediately stood out to me in both the PV and the official art was Lu Guang's glasses:

So gear up, guys - it’s time for a deep dive into the meaning behind this (possibly completely insignificant) fashion choice!

To "look at/see the world through rose-coloured/rose-tinted glasses" is an idiom that first appeared in the 1830s. Its exact origin isn’t clear. However, it is expected to have originated in the UK (something that fits the British theme of the overseas arc).

One origin theory I do want to mention is that map-makers were believed to have once used rose petals to clean the lenses of their glasses. An interesting note, considering roses are included in the Inplick artwork! 🌹

Glasses with pink lenses can also be helpful for those suffering from migraines – the lenses are able to filter out more painful wavelengths of light, providing comfort and pain relief (shoutout to LG eye theory believers!)

As a whole, the idiom itself most commonly refers to people who look on the bright side of life - those who see the glass half-full. Despite all the evil in the world, these individuals are able to find a silver lining. Sound familiar?

Cheng Xiaoshi is exactly the type of character who could be described as seeing the world through rose-tinted glasses. He’s naive, able to empathize with those who have made wrong choices…even years later, he still holds a belief that his parents may return.

However, Cheng Xiaoshi isn’t the one wearing rose-tinted glasses. In both the PV and the Inplick art, Lu Guang’s pink-toned glasses are a staple item for his character. So, how does this fit in with the phrase itself?

One main trait of this idiom is a sense of optimism. There have been many studies that show that optimists tend to live longer, show more confidence, and ultimately feel more fulfilled and happy with their lives. In Link Click’s case, though, Cheng Xiaoshi is the one destined to die.

Despite how pure and optimistic a person he is, Cheng Xiaoshi's fate is sealed. While we don’t know the specific reasons why Lu Guang is determined to rewrite time for Cheng Xiaoshi, one thing is clear: he believes that his partner deserves to live, regardless of the consequences.

I can see the pink glasses symbolizing two different things, depending on the context of how Lu Guang got them. The two scenarios are:

1. CXS gifted the glasses to LG

2. LG bought them for himself

Scenario 1:

In this scenario, the glasses may symbolize Cheng Xiaoshi’s hope. How his optimism and words stuck with Lu Guang - which motivates him to keep trying, despite not “seeing hope”.

Scenario 2:

Another way of viewing the phrase is the glasses themselves being deceptive to the wearer - he who wears them loses all common sense. Lu Guang’s rose-tinted glasses symbolize an abandonment of his own morals so he could blindly seek out a better future for Cheng Xiaoshi.

Lu Guang isn't motivated by optimism - he is driven by selfish desperation. He knows that Cheng Xiaoshi is the one who deserves a long, happy, and fulfilling life. The fact his partner was deprived of that is what motivates Lu Guang to go against his own morals.

For Lu Guang, his “rose-tinted glasses” (or reason for seeing the world in a new light) do not represent optimism but a selfish desire. Cheng Xiaoshi is the good in the world that deserves protection. And Lu Guang will do anything to save him from a tragic fate.

Lu Guang is the one with rose-tinted glasses because, despite everything, he isn’t willing to accept the fact that Cheng Xiaoshi died. What drives him isn’t optimism - it’s a stubborn determination to change reality to fit what he deems a brighter future than what is meant to be.

It may be no coincidence that his rose-tinted glasses quite literally overlap/touch CXS in the Inplick artwork - because the only world Lu Guang wants is one where Cheng Xiaoshi is alive and well.

[always-a-joyful-note]

I said I was going to make a post about Link Click so here I am because I'm not over it. And since I don't really have any one cohesive thoughts, I'm making a list of bullet points again

Yeah this season had a lot of theatre/stageplay imagery and I'm a little bit scared as to why. Especially since Liu Xiao's whole vibes gives me the fear that he's supposed to be like...the director of it all. That asides, it was SO cool and subtle and I do not know enough about theatre (especially Chinese theatre) to pick that apart but it's there....

The whole sequence with Cheng Xiaoshi and Li Tianxi being parallels in episode 9 AND in other places? The way she was tangled up in the films? The way her last shot was of returning to an unbroken and peaceful home?????? First of all, I'm about 76.938% sure she's been set up as a parallel to Cheng Xiaoshi, which leads me to theorise that the whole "death is a node that can't be changed" thing can be....messed with a little by substituting someone else in the place of the person who died. Meaning I think, maybe, just maybe, Li Tianxi might have been a substitute for Cheng Xiaoshi's death (if that's true, that's gonna cause so much friction between our trio, which will be....painful. But fun. But painful). Also, the image of her returning to a peaceful home nontheless gives me hope that her theoretical parallel (Cheng Xiaoshi) will also find a happy ending where he can return to his home in peace, all the angst left behind

I love, really love, how Qiao Ling got Li Tianxi's powers of observation and possession. In a way, I think that role has been set up for Qiao Ling since s1. Someone who is very, very deeply entrenched into the narrative of a show but at the same time just an observer. She is definitely one of the MCs, and both the donghua and creators have made that pretty evident....and yet? Somehow, there's both an irremovable nearness and distance to her. It's amazing

This show really, really sold the point on how you can't change time but hope is not lost and there's always a chance but sometimes your past overtakes you and colours the choices in front of you and - in short, Li Tianchen leaving behind the picture of him and his sister was both horrible and so good. Like, yes, it's good to let go of the past! No, it's not good to leave it behind, though! I don't know....it was really well shown

I'm gonna shake Lu Guang AND the writers. The writers because somehow they managed to so WELL write Lu Guang's character Like That????? I can't explain it because hypocrites are usually always pretty awful and/or annoying, even if understandable....but Lu Guang isn't??? He's understandable and we don't think he's right, exactly, but we CAN'T be annoyed with him. We literally cannot and I want to study the writers with a microscope HOW did they do it so well????

[scarlet-traveler]

I don’t know which is a more heartbreaking option, the fact that Lu Guang is always worried about what Cheng Xiaoshi is getting himself into because that reckless moment could be the moment where he loses him for good, or that despite the fact that he broke his one rule - make sure the past and future stay the same - to save Cheng Xiaoshi’s life, he could still lose him in another accident in the near future.

[bokettochild]

Hyrule and Twilight for click/clack please!! :D - 🌼

Alright! So I did a re-read, and I'm sort of surprised, but here's the result

There's only one actual interaction between these two specifically before the Sunset arc

Hyrule is trying to crack a joke about Time in the Masks comic, and Twilight is Not Having It. This gives me the impression that Hyrule is using humor as a tool to try and connect with the other heroes, something he actually does a few other times, teasing and joking at the others (especially Warriors) in order to break the ice. As we know, it worked with Wars, because those two are pretty close, but with Twilight, it's met with dead silence; Twilight doesn't appreciate Hyrule's humor, and he flat out just ignores Hyrule's joke beyond this look.

It's not until Sunset that we actually see another interaction between these two. (Which is basically the length of the whole comic so far) Until he reaches the inn, Hyrule doesn't actually know Twilight is Wolfie

Once he knows though, he doesn't get all worried and fussy like the others. In fact, Hyrule seems to be pretty harsh about some things

He approaches Twilight's situation with force, with intent. He's level headed, although clearly upset by Twilight's despair, and immediately tries redirecting from Twilight's talk of sadness and worry by presenting what he's going to do to fix it, something he's fiercely determined to actually do, no matter the difficulty.

One could say Hyrule is concentrating, and that's what that scowl is for, but I think he's actually being a bit harsh with Twilight because this situation bothers him. Not just upsets him, not just because Twilight's hurt, but there seems to be a sort of disconnect between these two, and it frustrates him, especially since he can't resolve it with Twilight like this, and that shows through in how Hyrule handles Twilight's behavior throughout Sunset.

He's not despairing. Hyrule's worried, but it's not crushing. That disconnect that stops him from feeling intense concern is still there. Twilight is a person who needs help to Hyrule, not a brother on the brink of death; a patient.

That right there? Some good bedside manner. He's being friendly and gentle now, but I can promise you, I've seen doctors take a similar tone and expression with folks.

Hyrule's choice to say "deal with" also makes me wonder. Sure, he's a guy, they mess around and tease like this, and we've already established that Hyrule teases a lot already; that said "deal with" might betray that he thinks Twilight maybe only tolerates some of them, including himself (he's got the self doubt to make you wonder).

That said, he's softening here. He cares, clearly. They're not close, but he still values Twilight if only as a team-mate.

The turning point comes here though

This is the first time Twilight has smiled at Hyrule. The first time either of them have called the other anything vaguely affectionate. This is when they agree that they are now friends. Hyrule says it in a dismissive way, almost suggestive as if testing the waters. Twilight's affirmative "my friend" settles it though. It's a new thing still, and clearly they have precious little in common, but I think Twilight's healing was the ✨traumatic bonding experience✨ they both needed to actually click a bit.

So! To recap:

Twilight and Hyrule don't interact much, and Twilight previously rebuffed Hyrule's attempts to be friendly with him. They aren't close at all through most of the comic so far, and there's definitely a bit of a clash between them, although unspoken. it's Twilight recognizing Hyrule's skill, effort and aid that has that barrier resolving somewhat and opening up the possibility of friendship. Going forwards, they have potential to get along better and be good friends, but this is still pretty new, so it might take a while, especially with how differently they approach life and this particular venture.

Result: Mostly Clack (newly Clicked)

[chubphoe-linkclick]

These parallel shots of Tianchen and Tianxi running as they each throw away everything that ever mattered to them are killing me

The fact that they use lighting to say 'Tianxi dies and goes to heaven while Tianchen descends into further into a living hell' is killing me

Like fuck man, I just wanted to watch some noodle lesbians.

[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

[shimmeringweeds]

Captivating how “盗火者” (Prometheus) ends with three solos. Li Tianchen’s bit ending with a breath out- snuffing out a light; Liu Xiao ends with a whisper-putting someone to sleep; Li Tianxi with her piano gets one last action- a sharp rolled chord- a certain finality.

Beautiful how “3,2,1!” Includes singing and clapping together as a means to stir up the old dust into a tiny whirlwind. Come together and find rhythm and music together. We will create together. We will do this together. The future will be alright.

Anyway Michael Yu and Fan Ka did it again with the lyrics, and if you haven’t watched their interviews about the process yet, you really should consider it.

[amorelray]

VORTEX - An Analysis

Season 1/Start of Season 2 Analysis: ❗Season 1 Spoilers Ahead❗

Disclaimer: All thoughts are my own personal interpretation and contain my own theories. Additionally, this post will be of a significant length.

Starting with the Opening Chorus:

Let it unfold Will howling tides give me something to hold? On to my life when I've sunken so low Over the end of the vortex we took every breath to follow Where do we go Where do we end up when we save the world Truth in the shadows so brightened in gold Place our fate into the ones aren't in control

Starting out the season, Cheng Xiaoshi's life has been completely flipped upside down. From Qiao Ling being possessed by the other power user to Lu Guang bleeding out on their living room sofa, CXS is utterly at a loss as his life has "sunken so low." In fact, it's almost assumed that CXS blames himself for much - if not all - of what's happened as he knows the mistakes he made in the past likely led to change what has unfolded in the present. At the beginning of the season, the line that seemed to stand out the most was, "Place our fate into the ones aren't in control." This is said and fades out as CXS is falling, falling, falling and being thrown around through the chaos and void of everything around him. It fades out before hearing the word "control" very clearly and almost sets this tune of "slipping away," as if what little control he did have previously is sliding right through his fingers.

Verse 1:

Stop A couple things undue Drop the fight and let it follow through Freeze just for a sec or two Breathe again in the world anew I guess that there was never such a thing Like everything's meant to be But I'mma win this silly game Until then I will never leave Take back all my regrets And camouflage it like your silhouette Time is like music Play it 'til the end and then reset Knowing it all am I destined to fall? Like once you did for me

This verse at the beginning of the season very much felt like a promise from CXS to LG. Especially with the lines, "Take back all my regrets," "But I'mma win this silly game," and "Knowing it all am I destined to fall? Like once you did for me." Each one of them seemed to double down time and time again on CXS's resolve to fix the problem he likely believes to have created. Throughout the verse, he's falling and the audience sees glimpses of him being tossed around once again and LG falling as well - like a mirror to CXS. It's like CXS is watching both of them plummet due to his own wrong doings. However, while these lyrics paint one picture, the actual animation seems to paint another. During this verse, it's shown that LG is the one falling alongside our antagonist and QL while she's possessed. By showing the audience this image alongside the lyrics it can be inferred that there's something else going on with LG regarding these characters. At the beginning of the season, it was likely heavily believed that it had to do with LG's life hanging in the balance. However, there always seemed to be a sinister undertone that the audience seemed to clue in on and want to understand.

Backwards Portion:

In the intro, everything goes forward and during this portion, it all goes backwards. As the song rolls into the distorted backward melody, the audience watches as CXS falls over and over again; back to the beginning. After the smallest touch from LG's hand, CXS is dropped back into the chaos the same way he might be when he enters a photo after a shared high-five. The audience watches as everything slips away from CXS, completely unable to grab or hold onto anything to stop him from falling all over again.

I'll go into more of the full song in the next section as I didn't actually listen to it until the end of Season 2.

Overall, I believed that we were about to see a season where CXS would desperately try anything and everything to save LG, but that it might all have slipped away from him at the last second. However, just as I discussed in my "Dive Back in Time - Analysis," I was severely mistaken by what was hidden underneath in both of these openers.

❗Season 2 Spoilers & More In-Depth Analysis Below❗

Season 2 Analysis: ❗Season 2 Spoilers❗

Once we received the knowledge that LG had dove back in time to save CXS, the way this opener was interpreted changed quite a bit as well. I don't believe it was as drastic as Season 1's "Dive Back in Time," but it certainly did change.

Verse 1:

Stop A couple things undue Drop the fight and let it follow through Freeze just for a sec or two Breathe again in the world anew I guess that there was never such a thing Like everything's meant to be But I'mma win this silly game Until then I will never leave Take back all my regrets And camouflage it like your silhouette Time is like music Play it 'til the end and then reset Knowing it all am I destined to fall? Like once you did for me

Where, in the beginning, this verse seemed like a promise from CXS to LG, its script is nearly flipped as the audience discovers LG's secret. Once assumed to be CXS's words, it's almost certain that these are likely LG's instead or as well as CXS's. The word that really seems to prominently stick out is "undue." Why use that word? When first listening to the song, it's almost assumed that it's "undo" as in undoing the present or the past, unraveling something that was once almost certain. However, with the change of word, it changes this intention entirely. The way the word is used could imply 2 different things: 1. "A couple things undue" - Maybe a couple things that are excessive, inappropriate, or extreme that they have to deal with. Or... 2. "A couple things undue" - as in "not paid" or "not yet paid." This would be a good nod to the fact that LG had gone back in time to save CXS and his "death" is currently "unpaid." Additionally, the lyrics following: "Freeze just for a sec or two, Breathe again in the world anew," really seem to double down on that idea of CXS coming back and LG asking him to pause, wait, stay in the new world he created by going back in order to save CXS. However, once all of this starts unraveling again, LG seems to start questioning the world he created. "I guess that there was never such a thing, Like everything's meant to be." Reading the rest of the verse, it becomes increasingly more clear that this is more likely from LG's perspective and reflecting back on what is currently happening in their lives along with the decision that he made to go back and try it all over again. "Like once you did for me," really seems to seal the idea and theory that LG wanted to sacrifice himself in place of CXS at the top of Season 2.

Verse 2:

Back to me I know that you can track it back to me No matter who and what and when intertwined dive back in time The truth will remember our legacy Wasn't it hard to follow? I'd do it again tomorrow It drag me down and drag me down Maybe we'll never leave Like trying to bend water Why would you even bother Time is like music Now you know I've got to kill it Wanting it all And the whole world will crumble and fall

"Back to me, I know that you can track it back to me," immediately tips off that this entire verse desperately has to be from LG's POV. As it might have been assumed early in the season that "I know that you can track it back to me," could point towards CXS's mistakes from the previous season, knowing what LG did, this has to be about that. At the end of the day, LG knows that the choice he made to save CXS is the main node in this current timeline; and therefore, all of this can be tracked back to him and that one decision he made to go back. The next two lines heavily imply that LG knows that despite what happens in this timeline, the truth remembers their legacy (assumed LG & CXS). It's almost as if he's recognizing that this timeline might not be the truth, but that outside of this one lived experience, the galaxy, stars, truth will always remember what he and CXS were always meant to be and the true lives they were meant to carry. By stating this, it leads the audience to believe that there is in fact a true or correct timeline and that it's possible LG knows what it is. The following four lines, starting with: "Wasn't it hard to follow?" and ending with "Maybe we'll never leave," really reiterates that LG does not, under any circumstance, regret the decision that he made to go back. He may have broken his rule, but there's no remorse in doing so. LG also recognizes that the choice he made is nearly fruitless. "Like trying to bed water, Why would you even bother?" LG knows that it makes no sense that he even tried, but he talks about "Wanting it all" even though he knows that it would make "...the whole world will crumble and fall." Overall, this whole verse feels like LG basically saying a huge "fuck you" to the universe and expressing that he will do anything to ensure that a timeline where CXS is alive and well will exist.

Chorus:

Let it unfold Will howling tides give me something to hold? On to my life when I've sunken so low Over the end of the vortex we took every breath to follow Where do we go Where do we end up when we save the world Truth in the shadows so brightened in gold Place our fate into the ones aren't in control

By the end of the season, this chorus could easily be seen from LG's POV as well. "Let it unfold," - is this about the timeline/future that he's trying to see play out? The howling tides could be a nod towards all of the hard times they're going through as it might not be the best, but at least it's something - a timeline where CXS is alive, at least giving LG something to hold. Then, noting that his life has "sunken so low," likely because of how LG's life has dwindled to a place that he's just so desperately trying to save CXS that nothing else matters anymore. There's questions he seems to have for when they manage to set everything right and are allowed to move on. Where do they go from there? Everything LG will have fought for will have petered out and he sounds as if he might feel a little lost. Is he worried that CXS won't need him when they've managed to make everything right? "Truth in the shadows so brightened in gold." This line really feels like it's about CXS. The audience knows that CXS's eyes change to "gold" when he jumps in a picture. So, this line could possibly be LG pointing out that all of the "truth" that can be found is hidden, but may be found via CXS. As if he might be the key to "setting the truth right." Which leads to the final line of the chorus: "Place our fate into the ones aren't in control." Hearing this and knowing what place LG is in during the entire season, it could be inferred that he's placing their fate in CXS's hands and while he appeared to be the one "in control" during the season, he truly wasn't. Thus, placing their fate into the hands of someone not in control.

Closing Stanza:

I've held promises unbroken Even when the night has fallen Shattered mirrors our reflection Should you keep the light on reason I've held promises unbroken Shattered mirrors our reflection

It would be hard to believe that this could be anyone's POV except LG's after the end of Season 2. He's held many, many promises, rules, ideals- unbroken even in the hardest of situations. LG is presented time and time again throughout both seasons as a stickler for the rules. By doing this, it created a narrative for something like this: "I've held promises unbroken, Even when the night has fallen." While simultaneously creating a human aspect about him and allowing him to make a "human" mistake and become a "hypocrite" by breaking his own ideals to go back and save CXS. Thus, potentially leading to the next 2 lines: "Shattered mirrors our reflection, Should you keep the light on reason" LG recognizes that the shift and changes in the timeline has, in fact, "shattered" their reflection. It's almost alluded to that he's aware of the changes and multiple timeline parallels; and its even hinted at that this timeline might not even be the second or third one that he's lived through to try and save CXS. Additionally, when first listening to the line, it's curious that it's not written/sang in such a way that it sounds like "Shattered mirrors. Our reflection," as if indicating shattered mirrors being their reflection, but that "shattered" is what mirrors their reflection. Thus, giving a slightly different idea/feel to the line. It really helps drive home the idea/theory that there are multiple timelines and LG has potentially gone back and experienced a handful of them in order to bring them to the current present time. It helps the audience gauge that there's likely more information that LG knows that has been unrevealed and that the time-traveling theories are much wilder and more vast than originally imagined from Season 1. After notating the shattered reflection, the next line could be a question LG asks himself. Is it worth it to hold onto the ideals and rules when everything has shattered beyond a point he might believe to be irreparable? Is it worth it when CXS's life is on the line? How much longer should he hold onto reason while he's actively committed and continues to commit hubris in regard to their fate?

Final Thoughts:

A couple of things to note before I officially close. 1. The final "Let it unfold" feels like a call LG is making to the void/timeline. Asking for it all to show itself. To be the way it should be/he wants it to be. He's desperate to see the final outcome to the onslaught of choices and hard decisions he made to get there. 2. The line, "Over the end of the vortex we took every step to follow," really intrigued me. Looking it up, "the end of a vortex" is an actual space that exists. It's: - The phenomenon when under some conditions the vortex core deviates from the axis of the cyclone separator and attaches to the wall, where it rotates at some level above the bottom of the separator. & A flow instability that plays a crucial role in cyclone design and operation. By reading this, it's incredibly interesting to think of the fact that LG potentially believes that they've been existing and following this "experimental" space within the vortex of time. They're following this phenomenon that's still being experimented on, studied, and understood in regards to water vortexes - let alone, time-travel. It's not something that is concrete or has sound science backing it, yet, LG seems to be experimenting on his own. I believe it's interesting that this phrase was chosen potentially for this very reason. LG has likely been "experimenting" with the timeline in order to come to the end of his intended conclusion regarding CXS's life in this [time] space that is entirely unknown and untested. He's been taking them down this route and keeping them in a space that is not only unstudied but also unknown and completely unstable. Overall, I think this song really doubles down on a lot of the theories going around regarding LG and CXS, but also gives us hints and insight into information that we might not know yet as the audience. There are certain words and keyphrases used in these lyrics that really seem to tip the audience off to deeper and more profound theories that I cannot wait to see unravel in later seasons!

For those of you who made it to the end, thank you for listening to my ramblings. I love this show so much and was really excited to do a deep dive analysis on both VORTEX and Dive Back in Time! I think this show is beautifully well done and I cannot wait to see more!📸💙

& if you haven't read the Dive Back in Time Analysis and liked this one, you should check it out!

That's all for now! Thanks again for reading!😊💙

[frostfires-blog]

Shiguang Dailiren/Link Click

Season 2 Key Visual

Hanakotoba Analysis

In the first key visual for season 2 of the donghua, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang are pictured alongside what seems to be pink periwinkle and spiderwort flowers. The spiderwort (Tradescantia) is also called the dayflower and is known as zǐ wànniánqīng shǔ (紫万年青属) in Chinese and the shirokusa (紫露草) in Japanese. The spiderwort flower is associated with immortality, optimism, and moral authority in English floriography because of its evergreen foliage and lasting flowers. Its hanakotoba meaning is platonic respect. In China, the spiderwort flower symbolises longevity and good luck. It is also utilised in pain-relieving medicine used to treat diseases. Conversely, the spiderwort flower can also symbolise transient happiness. The periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is also known as the Madagascar periwinkle, Cape periwinkle, or Rose periwinkle. The periwinkle is known as chángchūnhuā (长春花) in Chinese and nichiodoriji kusa (日々草) in Japanese. The periwinkle symbolises faith, trust, everlasting love, and purity in English floriography. This flower is associated with admiration, appreciation, new beginnings, and friendships. Periwinkles can also symbolise tender recollections and sweet or pleasing remembrances. Its hanakotoba meaning is pleasant memories. In China, periwinkles love, passion, nurturing and warmth. Memories and human relationships are a central part of Link Click as Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang co-own a shop called the Time Photo Studio where they use their powers that let them jump into photographs, live the events of the picture, and resolve past regrets. The deep friendship between its main cast is another central theme in Link Click especially the great lengths Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi are willing to go through to ensure the other’s safety and happiness. This ties in well with the periwinkle’s meanings of tender recollections, sweet or pleasing remembrances, friendships, and new beginnings. Every time they jump into a photo, they risk changing the past which has ultimately resulted in dire consequences for them both interrupting their halcyon blissful lives and trapping them in a seemingly endless cycle of loss. This ties in well with the spiderwort flower’s contradictory meanings of longevity and transient happiness. 

[If you liked this post, check out my other hanakotoba analysis posts here ❀]

[P.S. I didn't want to go into too much detail here since I've already done 2 other hanakotoba analysis posts on Link Click―so if you liked this post then check out those... Also, if I've gotten any of the kanji, romaji, hanzi or pinyin incorrect, feel free to correct me]

[alien-from-planet-zog]

yes I stole these hats from a Clickhole post.

…

^no season 2 characters, it’s too hard to categorize them for now.

And finally, for the people who are also Hunter x Hunter enjoyers…