Down With Love: Episode 4

Ella delivering huge teddy bears

Cute isn’t it? Don’t be so quick to agree, because these teddy bears are actually criminals in disguise. While on her way to deliver two gigantic teddy bears to the many girlfriends that YuPing is dating, Yang Guo gets flagged down by a police officer. For what you may ask? Because the teddy bears are human-size, and therefore must wear the same safety equipment as a human. (Note to self: Whenever the need to transport over-sized stuffed animals arise, make a friend transport it. This will save you 1. time, 2. an interaction with the police, and 3. the need to pay a ticket.).

Emotional update of the characters: YuPing’s new emotions are becoming overwhelming and are driving him crazy. Yang Guo is getting annoyed and furious with YuPing’s unpredictable behavior, causing her to stay away from him and seek advise from his friend KeZhong. And her sister Yang Duo? Well, she’s screaming her head off that Yang Guo has quit her high-paying job 🙂

Yang Duo’s appearance has increased in this episode of the drama, adding to the love and humor that Down With Love already represents. Although not as famous and well-known as her counterpart Ella Chen (who plays Yang Guo), Kelly Zhang also excells in facial expressions, portraying the role of a loving, yet strict sister. It seems like brilliant exaggerated facial expressions, and the ability to turn an awkward situation into a humorus memory runs in the Yang family.

Both the opening and ending songs were well-chosen, as well as well-written, to fit the need and mood of the drama. Jerry Yan’s song Just Want to Rely On You (就想賴著你) is a bouncy, up-beat song about relying on another person. This fits YuPing’s personality quite well now. Although he refuses to acknowledges his growing attraction to Yang Guo, he clearly wants to keep her close to him as a companion as well as for his own amusement (The children have gone back to live with their mother, but not before suggesting that Yang Guo should marry YuPing. Foreshadowing the ending? Possibly.).

S.H.E’s new song  Only To Love You (只為愛上你) is also an excellent fit as the ending theme song to this series. By referencing elements of nature, such as butterflies and flower petals, the song twists beauty as well as meaning into music. It addresses the need to understand a person, an individual’s transformation in one’s stream of thoughts and actions, and a mutual understanding between the individuals after interacting with that special someone. A meaningful song incorporating both the beauty of the trio’s voices and the presence of a male rapper to remind the audience that a relationship needs two individuals for success.

In the context of the drama, the meaning of this song is not entirely clear at this point. However, it further implies the growing relationship between Yang Guo and YuPing, especially YuPing’s growing dependence and eagerness to spend time with her (I’m sure that only a few unique individuals would actually sacrifice their public image and become humiliated in order to see that special someone happy).

Highlights from the show

To buy the CD? Or not to buy? That is the question…

Yang Duo ponders the costs and benefits of purchasing a CD

This scene does an excellent job in showing Yang Duo’s stingy personality. Although people probably won’t think twice about purchasing a CD, Yang Duo is different. A CD equals a worthless materialistic possession that is not necessary for survival, and thus is a waste of money, says Yang Duo. But, despite repeatedly stating this obvious fact to herself, she cannot leave the store, or even the aisle, without going back to look at the CD. After an hour, Yang Duo leaves, purchasing the CD, but only because the store manager began to suspect her of shoplifting, and gets her vengeance by disorganizing the whole aisle. Way to go, Duo! (NOTE: Yang Duo calculates that the CD, which costs $365 TWD is equivalent to: 1 bag of rice ($130 TWD), 2 tubes of toothpaste ($100 TWD), and 5 boxes of eggs ($135 TWD).)

I must have those free tissues!!!

The chase for...free tissues

After buying that CD, Yang Duo hears that people are passing out FREE TISSUES! But, ironically, as she makes her way closer to the organizers, whom so happen to be Yang Guo and YuPing, they bail and the event stops. Refusing to give up, especially after spending $365 TWD on a CD, Yang Duo pursues the duo in an attempt to claim her share of tissues.
Yang Guo: Why is my sister here?! *runs to go find YuPing* You can go now. We’re almost done, so I can do the rest.
*evacuates*
People waiting in line: They’re gone! I didn’t even get one 😦 This is outrageous.
Yang Duo: IT’S OVER?! WHAT?! BUT, I HAVEN’T GOTTEN ANYTHING YET! I wouldn’t bother if I didn’t spend money to buy that CD. Meanie. I’LL DEFINITELY GET YOU! * O * *rolls up sleeves* STOP! *chases after Yang Guo and YuPing*
Yang Guo: Let’s go! Hurry up!
YuPing: What?
Yang Guo: Hurry up!
YuPing: Why do we need to walk so fast all of a sudden?
Yang Guo: My sister is behind us!
YuPing: Miss Yang?
Yang Guo: Yup
*YuPing’s imagination*
Yang Duo: My turn. So, do you know what the annoying-est thing in my life is? Is it an itch? Infection? Or a weird smell? Actually, they’re all wrong. The most annoying-est thing in my life is YOU, this  cold-hearted lawyer XIANG YUPING! WRITE IT DOWN! *end imagination*
YuPing: D: HURRY UP!!!
Yang Guo: EXCUSE US! PARDON US! EXCUSE US!!!
Yang Duo: STILL RUNNING?! *drops down to pick up free stuff Yang Guo and YuPing are throwing* Mine…mine…
Yang Guo: EXCUSE US! PARDON US! THERE’S A KILLER ON THE LOOSE!
Yang Duo: STOP RUNNING! *drops down to pick up free stuff* …Strange. Where did they disappear to?
*YuPing and Yang Guo hide behind a huge pillar*
YuPing: *panting* Scary. This is more stressful than the time we got kidnapped.
Yang Guo: *laughs*
YuPing: *hits her mouth* What are you laughing at?
Yang Guo: This is funny. How’d you think of throwing free stuff on the ground? Do you think she’s a pigeon? *makes pigeon noises* By the way, why are you so scared of my sister seeing you?
YuPing: Well, whatever happens, I’m still her boss. *holds up a packet of tissue* It’s embarrassing for a boss handing out things like this.
Yang Guo: Hmm… Yup, makes sense. Yup, that’d be a shock.
YuPing: What about you? Why did you run away from your sister?
Yang Guo: Well, I haven’t told my sister that I’ve quit. Don’t misunderstand; I don’t regret it. I’m just not sure how to tell her yet.
YuPing: I…
Yang Guo: So hungry. Let’s go eat lunch. Didn’t you say you’d treat me for lunch? Aren’t you hungry?
YuPing: Let’s go. I’ll carry that for you.
Yang Guo: *hands over box of tissue-packages* Let’s eat hot pot!
YuPing: *throws some packages onto the floor*
Yang Guo: Hey, stop throwing. I’m not a pigeon *picks up packages anyways, both walks out into the open*
Yang Duo: HEY YOU TWO PASSING OUT FREE-STUFF! STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE, AND DON’T MOVE! *gasp* BOSS?! *runs over for a closer look*
YuPing: *drops box*
Yang Guo: *hides behind YuPing, covers her face with packets of tissue*
Yang Duo: *pulls away packets of tissue; gasp* YANG GUO?!
Yang Guo: *screams and runs*
Yang Duo: *screams and chases after Yang Guo* WHY ARE YOU HERE?!
YuPing: *covers face up with packets of tissue*

Down With Love: Episode 3

The many faces of Xiang YuPing (played by actor Jerry Yan)

Episode 3 was one of the most enjoyable, and fast-paced, episodes of the drama by far. Subtle but dramatic transformations in the personalities and perspectives of various characters keep the audience curious as to what is going to happen in the next episode. YuPing’s denial of the real reason behind his varying thoughts and emotions changes the viewer’s image of him in this drama. At times, he is childish and immature. At times, he is charming and sweet. At times, you wonder: I wish I had a man like. No longer is he the cold, ruthless lawyer and boss of the Yang sisters, or the passive guardian of the two children. Rather, YuPing has become more considerate and accepting, willing to spend time with the children to create the aurora of a happy family. Perhaps this is due to his realization of the children’s need for a fatherly figure, or because he is reminded of his childhood without a stable and safe environment. But for whatever the reason, one thing is for sure: the emotionless and inconsiderate lawyer YuPing is becoming warm and humane.

However, we must not forget the powerful effect Yang Guo has on individuals. Yang Guo continually offers aid to help others in any way she can, and it is this altruism that initially perplexes YuPing. Through more interactions with each other, a sense of family develops between Yang Guo, YuPing, and the children. Although both are forbidden to have any feelings for the other, YuPing and Yang Guo may be unable to keep themselves from feeling an emotional connection, and attraction, towards the other. YuPing has already done unimaginable things with Yang Guo, and for Yang Guo and the children of course!), such as riding rollercoasters, watching horror movies, and standing in line to buy Yang Guo’s favorite snack while being humiliated for being such a noob. YuPing is convinced that his concern for Yang Guo is out of gratitude, but we drama addicts all know that this is the beginning of something bigger…and better 😉

In addition, this episode saw the introduction of yet another character: the children’s “long-lost” mother. Turns out she did not die but instead left her children in order to pursue other greatness. Now, four years later, she reappears, requesting legal guardianship over her children with the famous divorce lawyer Xiang YuPing. Will YuPing let her take her children back after years of separation? Will the children even want to live with their mother? All will reveal in the next episode!

Highlights from the show

KIDNAPPED!

In order to threaten YuPing, a trio of bandits kidnapped Yang Guo and the children and held them hostage. The children managed to escape, but will YuPing and Yang Guo manage to escape from the bomb?

To get revenge from escaping running away, the bandits stick a bomb into YuPing’s mouth as they happily walk out of the run-down shed to escape the police. Apparently, the only way to prevent the bomb from exploding within 2 minutes is to hold it with your mouth. Yang Guo narrates the event with exaggerations, but keeps to the basic plotline. She intentionally leaves out the most important detail: her “kiss” with YuPing in an attempt to gain possession of the bomb to fling out of the shed and as far away from them as possible. In a Behind the Scenes special, actress Ella Chen confesses it was one of the most awkward kissing situations she had ever experienced (she had the luxury of “kissing” the famous actor Jerry Yan and…a pair of fake teeth).
Yang Guo: Let me tell you. That bomb was of the latest model. You HAD to put it in you mouth to prevent it from exploding.
Yang Duo: Isn’t that like those bombs from Hollywood movies?
Yang Guo: Exactly! You see, those bandits wanted to kill us with one shot! BUT…at that instant, the boss told those bandits that if they fired, the police would only get here sooner and catch them all! Then, one bandit took a bomb AND STUFFED IT IN THE BOSS’S MOUTH!!! But, he never thought that I, who’s sister yelled at to practice the suona (Chinese oboe) when it only cost $800 TWD…
Yang Duo: Hey! Why are you bringing this up? On with the story!
Yang Guo: Sis, thank God that you forced me to practice otherwise today I would be…How would I have the lung-power to spit that bomb out the window? Applause!
KeZhong: Wait. You just said that you spat the bomb out the window.
Yang Guo: Yup, I spat it out!
KeZhong: But the bomb was originally in YuPing’s mouth…
Yang Duo: Oh yeah, didn’t you say the bandits put the bomb in the boss’s mouth? Then, how did…? Why…?
* cough cough *
YuPing: I spat out the bomb, and she blew it out of the window.
* Yang Guo’s imagination: YuPing flings the bomb out of his mouth, Yang Guo enters and blows it out the window
Yang Guo: Sayonara!
Both: *laugh insanely *Heahheaheahheahheah…
YuPing: * chokes on spit and coughs *
Yang Guo: * imitates Andy Lau’s voice * I’m Andy Lau (a famous singer and actor from Hong Kong)
YuPing: * imitates Guo Shichang’s voice * I’m Guo ShiChang (a famous actor in Hong Kong)
Both: * sings * 对你爱爱爱不完 (translation: endless love for you) * dance and twirl; end imagination *
Yang Guo: * dumbfounded * RIGHT! That’s what happened! Right, right…
Friend: Yeah, didn’t you say that if you didn’t put it in your mouth, it’d explode?
Yang Guo: D-did I say that?
Yang Duo: Yeah! Just like those in Hollywood!
Yang Guo: No, no, they’re different from the ones in Hollywood.
YuPing: I-I think that since the scoundrel was poor, the bomb he bought was those…fake…imitations
Yang Guo: RIGHT RIGHT!
NOTE: Yang Guo’s imagination goes wild at the end as she and YuPing make references to famous Hong Kong idols.

One big happy family…or not

The kids decide to watch a horror movie, but no one knows that YuPing is terrified of horror movies.

What a better way to end an exciting and eventful day at the amusement park than to go home and watch a horror movie with the family! But, who would have thought that YuPing would be the first scream out in terror and leave the room because he is terrified of horror movies? Right off the bat, he starts isolating himself, seeking refuge and comfort from a cushion and refusing to look at the TV screen through the course of the movie (though there are those little sneaks and peeks every once in a while ^^). Better work on those bravery skills, dude; how are you supposed to protect and comfort a lady if you’re the one who’s scared out of his wits?