@kiara
I got a deal for Disney+ at $1.99 CAD/month for 3 months just so I can watch “Shogun”— my smart TV is also showing a banner ad from Disney+ telling me to watch it— but it’s the one show that is glitching for me and not showing up once I open the app on my smart tv 🙄😒 My guess is that too many ppl are flocking to watch it on the app and so it’s glitching/crashing. I guess I’ll be a good girl and be patient and wait a few days. In the meantime, I’ll watch some other things that I’ve been meaning to watch on Disney+
I’m happy that you are watching with us! I am sorry that you are having trouble with the app. I’m not going to watch the next episode till the weekend. It’s always busy when I finally find a drama that I like. LOL
Ain’t that right!! Slump in dramaland usually comes with more leisure time but when we find a drama it’s such a busy time – there must be some Murphy’s law on that.
I added a whole bunch of stuff to my list— Wonderful World, Soundtrack #1, a few movies… And a handful of other things I don’t remember at the moment lol
Other:
– Mulan, the live-action movie
– Cinderella, the live-action movie
– Haunting in Venice (movie)— I missed out on watching this when it was playing in theatres, so I’m glad I can access it on the Disney+ app now
I’m planning to add to the watchlist the more I search around and browse the Disney+ app and see what— or how much— I will actually get through
I honestly thought Park Hyung Sik’s “Happiness” is also on Disney+, but I don’t see it, so I guess not 🙁
It could also very well be on the platform, just not in my region
@zindigo At this point, if they’re already taking reservations, I’m thinking that they’re completely done production— even post-production— and are just waiting to air
Yes!! Now it’s just a matter of waiting to see what’ll happen to their airing schedule. I have a feeling that since it’s such an anticipated drama, the network is going to want to release it during a time wherein they can get the best ROI, which would make the best time for it to air be during a long holiday period, i.e. Summer break after the university exams
That makes sense to me… I hope it will release this summer like you predict! It sounds like there will be a contingent of us watching at the same time if we can access it!
Agreed! Although I’ve heard that the English subs aren’t great on Tencent. Have you noticed that? I’ve only watched c-dramas on Viki and Netflix so far. That’s why I was excited about the possibility that JOL2 might be on Netflix (at least eventually).
When I used to use Viki, I found their subs the best—accurate, read like how people would actually sound liked in everyday talking, gave good explanations of the cultural context of things when it mattered, etc. Nowadays, I don’t use Viki so I can’t comment on them. I have noticed that the subs for Netflix and all the Chinese streaming apps that I use ( mainly WeTV/Tencent and iQiYi) are very touch-n-go. Netflix’s subs will stay as is, and the subs for the streaming apps will sometimes improve, but not always. A common feature I’ve found in all the apps and sites I’ve ever used is that it all starts off as very generic subs that sometimes don’t even actually say what the characters in the drama are saying, but only give a very vague gist, and that irks me. It’s what I found the subs to be like for Dramafever waaaaaayyyyyyy back in the day— and their subs stayed like that and never got improved as time went by, no matter how long a drama was on their platform, they just never went back to try to improve the subs for their roster of shows— so I’m not sure why people always raved about Dramafever 😅
I should put a disclaimer and say that I am Chinese and can understand and speak Cantonese and Mandarin, so I don’t need subs for Chinese dramas 99% of the time— the remaining 1% when I DO need subs is when the language gets too flowery for me to decipher in some costume dramas lol— but the above are the things that I’ve observed on the platforms that I use for Chinese dramas
Ahhhh! That clarifies your responses (and posts) and the depth of your knowledge 😀 (Your English is amazing, btw. I would never have guessed it wasn’t your first language.)
I’m actually first generation born & raised Chinese Canadian. The reverse had actually happened to me before:
I spoke so much English at school that at some point, I was beginning to lose my Chinese despite watching Hong Kong dramas (which are in Cantonese) growing up, so I had to re-learn and re-teach myself Chinese all over again, and at that time, I thought I might as well take the opportunity to learn another dialect, so I then also began to teach myself Mandarin (the dialect of Mainland China) from then onwards by immersing myself in Mainland dramas and I’ve never looked back. You try to sit me down to watch a Hong Kong drama nowadays and I’d probably get frustrated and quit halfway because I am now realizing just how bad the writing and acting of Hong Kong dramas are compared to Mainland China dramas 🤣
@bebeswtz Thank you for your gracious reply to my error! I had a moment after I posted it where I thought to myself, “Is this going to be another Eric Nam moment?!” (Have you seen the clips where people express amazement at how well he speaks English? 🤦🏼♀️ Here’s one: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ENQfa4D-HPQ)
Speaking 3 languages (or more) fluently is pretty dang impressive 😉
I find languages so fascinating. I studied French extensively and some Spanish and Italian when I was younger. In the last few years I’ve been casually studying Korean, mostly for the mental challenge and because I love the sound of the language. I’ve learned enough now to catch when the subs are bad/off, although the subs for dramas released in the last few years have been much better.
Now, watching C-dramas, it’s fun to pick up on some of the words that have been incorporated into the Korean language (“Sino-Korean” words), as well as some of the grammatical similarities.
I suspect with the growing popularity of C-dramas, and bigger international platforms picking up more of them (and more quickly), we’ll start to see better subs.
On some days, it irks me to see how the North American media thinks of and treats all of the (South) East Asian (mostly Korean) entertainers who are now making their way into the North American Market. It’s like the American media doesn’t even do their homework and research beforehand to get to know the celeb/artist— and their backgrounds—that is going to be a guest on their show, and it definitely is very apparent once things get underway and interviews are happening and things go on air and the American interviewers are then stunned and surprised at the level of proficiency some of these (South) East Asian artists, thinking about them and treating them as complete ESLs, e.g. The entire press circuit the cast of “Squid Games” went on— I cringed at 90% of the interviews they did and the things that Lee Jung Jae was subjected to because the American interviewers were not expecting him to be so eloquent and fluent in English in addition to treating him like some sort of rookie on the red carpet of the award shows when he’s a veteran and has been in showbiz for 20+ years already. End rant. Sorry XD
But to your point:
Languages ARE such a fun and fascinating thing, I agree!! I had to take French for 2 years whilst in primary school because it was a part of the school program, but then the program discontinued, therefore, also putting a halt to my learning of the language. Much like you, I casually began to learn and “self teach” myself Korean because of watching Korean dramas over the years, and also because I also love how the language sounds to the ear. I tried to pick up Japanese at one point, but never stuck to it because I don’t consume Japanese content (not since “1 Litre of Tears”) and I just don’t connect with the language as much as I do Korean.
The Mandarin dialect of the Chinese language is already considered an “international language” in some parts of the world, but I am waiting for the day that people become more interested in the other also very widely spoke dialects of the Chinese language— most notably, Cantonese— and minority Chinese culture. Yet, with the worldwide political climate, I think it might be a while before we reach this point 😅 I guess I will have to stick to my little niche Chinese corner for a little while more before others come in and it gets more opportunities to be shared— much like how the Korean culture, Kpop, and Korean entertainment in general also was quite niche and small at one time and just needed it’s own moment to explode and shine 🙂
@bebeswtz I stopped watching/listening to most NA media (shows, movies, news, even music to a large extent) at least 5-6 years ago, and actually started the withdrawal more than 10-11 years ago at this point. It’s lacking in so many ways and needs to be completely overhauled.
I’m sure Chinese entertainment will have its moment to “explode and shine”! In the short time I’ve been engaged with c-dramas I can already see the differences in quality from shows made 3-4 years ago to recent releases. The K-wave has paved the way for them to rise fast now, especially with the larger number of easily accessible streaming platforms available to western audiences. As you mentioned, they do have a bit of a hurdle because of the worldwide political climate. But there’s some great storytelling to be found in c-dramas (and music too), so I think it’s only a matter of time before more people find and enjoy them. 😊
Thank you for that detailed explanation! It does seem to parallel my experiences so far. As a newcomer to c-dramas, it seems I’m lucky that there are more streaming options today, as well as better quality subs, even if it means waiting a bit before the shows are released.
Yeah, even when we technically don’t need subs, sometimes my mum and I still like to watch the Chinese dramas with subs because we may miss something verbally or the person might be speaking to fast, so having the option to turn the subs on and have it there is great, and there definitely is more quality control for subs nowadays compared to back then, i.e. 20 years ago
For him to say “Finally completed”, I think he must’ve been overwhelmed, tired, overstimulated, etc., or a combination of those things since he was only there for 72 hours (24 of those hours was because he changed his return flights last minute to stay one more day) 🥹
So many questions. 😊
What is that coin and what was that song!! 😳
I don’t know why I literally got goosebumps watching this meticulously filmed video.
And eating the sun! Hahaha!!
I’m not sure why he used the coin, but it was a nice touch to the transitions of the vlog. Many fan cams saw that he was playing with the coin at the Gucci show, and now we know what it’s for!
Which songs? If you give me the time stamps, I can maybe help in finding the songs
Yea! Last time he was eating a popsicle like a lion in Singapore, and I guess he “leveled up” to eating the sun on his own now haha So playful 🥹🥰
The coin was really a very nice touch. I half-expected the dragon to come up behind it like it does at the end.
I was just surprised by the songs that he used, particularly the first one – Bad Guy by Billie Eilish around 2:00 and Vincent by Ellie Goulding around 6:00.
I agree! I love all the touches to his vlogs as always, but this one felt much more “put together” in a professional/business-like manner, as if it is for a client, and not laid back and easygoing and not as intimate—which gives off the feel letting the viewer know right off the bat that it is for his fans—like all his other ones. Maybe because it was so flashy and so busy and there was less of the quieter and more intimate moments with just him chilling. Regardless, I still love it. It’s still him, and showcasing him, just a different style and a different side to him 😊
The songs are a fun choice! He’s such an old soul, do to see that such modern and hip songs were chosen—especially “Bad Guy”— is like, “What??” Haha And then hearing him humm “Vincent” by Ellie Goulding warmed my heart ♥️
C-drama, “White Cat Legend”
4 eps. into it: It’s fun & light, side characters are quirky, FL character has a brain, but Ryan Ding is definitely stealing the show. Not sure if I’ll continue, we’ll see
Thank you! Taecyeon is such a hoot. Describing Heartbeat as a light, fun rom-com⁉️ What script were you given Taec. 🤯 I loled that he was just as amazed that it would be airing on Prime. That AOL diss was just too good. 😭
I remember watching this back when it was released. So funny in retrospect. Eric is a great interviewer. I always click when his videos popup in my feed.
I will admit, I did not like Taec at the very beginning, least of which was when after Jay Park left. The first few years after Jay Park left were probably my worse years with Taec. I get that he stepped up and took the role of “leader”, but he was VERY arrogant, rude, and disrespectful about it. I think transitioning more to K-dramaland and working with so many seniors and veterans on the K-drama side of things definitely helped and gave him a big dose of humble soup, especially in S.Korea, wherein seniority is such a huge thing in their working culture
Thank you. I liked how he’s giving details of his outfit so naturally. I think he likes the belt too. 😊
Wow … its a real tram station!
I hope he enjoyed his Italian meal.
Now we understand the theme of his photo shoot before he flew out and why it was set inside a train. I wonder how Gucci was able to shut down the station for the day just for their show 🤔
Interview with Chinese fashion blogger, Mr. Bag
OMG YAAAASSSSSSS finally someone who knows how to promote healthy dieting and exercise and NOT promoting/encouraging unhealthy fasting https://youtu.be/QEf4DuqKUoY?si=ixsMW5kSMsXZHs_b
He changed his flight and stayed another 2 days. My guess is that he only brought one set of PJs lol THE COLOURS OF THAT SKY THOUGH 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 @seeker@reply1988
Yea, I really hope the 2 extra days he took was for rest. He’s back in China now. At the time of this post, I think he should be back in Shanghai and transferring flight to wherever he’s going— either back home in Beijing or straight back to Hengdian City Studios to resume filming for his drama. I REALLY hope he makes a stop home in Beijing first 🥹
I love that he chose to go to a place with traditional architecture to use as the background—instead of staying in the city with all the lights and cars for this shoot— which suits the occasion, being that he did this as a part of his Lunar New Year greeting. Again, very meticulous and thoughtful in the details
Yes!! It’s a rabbit! Last year was the Year of the Rabbit in Chinese zodiacal custom for the Lunar New Year. At the same time, it’s also another subtle nod to fans, who endearingly have nicknamed him “bunny” or “bunny boy” because of his 2 front bunny teeth. It’s also why you will sometimes see bunnies or rabbits in his doodles or drawings and it may seem random, but it’s because of this little tidbit between him and his fans
Yes!!
On the right: “Flowers bloom and riches come”
On the top: “Five Blessings come hither” (literal translation: “Come to the doorstep”, meaning, the doorstep of the home)
On the left: A play on word homonyms, but overall it means “Safety to those who come and go”
It’s strings of dried chili peppers! In Mexican tradition, it’s a sign of welcoming guests into the home. In Chinese tradition, it’s a sign of good luck and protection
No worries!! It’s because you’re interested and that’s why you’re asking. I can’t complain about someone who’s interested in my culture ♥️ Especially not now, when Chinese culture and it’s peoples are treated as punching bags and/or actually getting racially attacked at every corner for one reason or another— most of which are people who keep saying, “Love the people (the Chinese people), but hate the government”, but end up hating both DX
I’m not sure what the brown ones in the back are, but the white bulbous ones in the back should be garlic. In Chinese culture, hanging strings of garlic at the doorstep means to ward off thieves— and I mean, if you use it to whack the thieves hard enough, it just might work!! Hahaha 😂
I think ‘they’ cycle through who are the ethnic group to hate this week, with 9/11 it was any person who could be a Muslim, with Covid it was anyone who could be Chinese. African or Caribbean we are just the background public enemy no 1 and the people to be measured against e.g. ‘as long as you’re not black or too brown you’re okish’ and never ever bring one of us home as a potential partner unless you want to be disowned or married off to someone else asap.
Thank you!! I appreciate your thoughtful responses and yes I am very interested in many things and keep asking questions – that is why I’m seeker and not because of Harry Potter. 😊
If the garlic is pungent enough they may just faint. 😂
Ķ
This mindless discrimination against people is also because no one actually takes the time to learn about “others”. IMO there are no others because at the end of the day we are all human. All cultures have deep rooted meaningful traditions and practices, which are all lessening with “modernization”. But it is amazing how many similarities there are across cultures. Which basically proves the common link – we are all just the “human” race not *insert ethnic group* divided and separated from the rest. There can never be “world peace” that so many of the beauty pageant contestants keep espousing.
I agree, I think a lot of the model shoots they go for serious, moody, sexy and these just seem more normal pictures you would have of your boyfriend (we can all dream😆) @bebeswtz
Yes! And I think he prefers it this way. He has a good head on his shoulders in the sense that he knows what is work and what is something he can pull back on and which doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, and he likes to draw a very specific and precise line between the two
Here you go @reply1988
Along with the flower photos of this photoshoot itself (there’s so much more from this photoshoot, just let me know if you want the full version ♥️)
Oh wow, I think when you first posted it a while ago it was the video that stood out for me. He is super cute and it reminds me of his role in Sunshine by my side.
This is a photoshoot he did last year—almost a year ago to the day, actually— to ring in the Lunar New Year, and since it’s a photoshoot he did with is own staff— versus it being an actual work commitment and a photoshoot for a client, i.e. a magazine— he is definitely more comfortable, more laid back, and more himself in this shoot. Exuding a soft, gentle, light (almost pillowy), and very boyish aura—almost child-like. I think doing it in the snow also helped, since he likes snow/ the winter, because he says that winters in his hometown (Chongqing) doesn’t have snow, so whenever he’s elsewhere during winter he likes it when it snows. This might’ve been done in the city of his current residence, Beijing
I am surprised with how much time actors are willing to be on duty. He could have been relaxing with family and friends but he was thinking of his fans. I know the window for roles based on youthful looks and fashion shoots is small but their schedules really are overwhelming. However I do get the impression he would make sure he gets adequate downtime too.
I agree! With him working so much, it also means that his team/staff is working just as much to a degree, so to be able to do something fun like this even when it’s still “work” (because fan service is still work— completely unplugging and taking time off for himself and for his family is what I consider as real time off) seems like their work collective version of a “break” or “mini vacation” depending on where this was taken (I’ve since forgotten LOL)
I think a lot of it has to do with contractual obligations as well, especially when it comes to (being flexible with) the timeline of things and unforeseeable changes, but then on paper, they’ve already signed on the dotted line saying that they’re committed to participating in X. During his interview backstage at Weibo Night earlier this year, when asking about the interviewer about taking breaks and how that will look like for him in 2024 and how it compares to his 2023, he said that he—officially— he only took half a month off from work in 2023 🤯😳🥺 I was just saying to another fan the other day how it seems like he’s working himself like a horse, and her response was, “Well, we know what happens to horses that are overworked”, suggesting that they tired out and end up getting put down 😱
I am watching The Producers at the moment and Cindy is falling asleep standing up because she is tired and gets injured. She said she was grateful for the time in hospital as it was the first time since her trainee days she got some down time and could sleep more than three hours at a time. She then goes into hiding for 3 days as that is the only way she can get a proper break without being harassed by her Company CEO. The CEO was telling her, while she was in hospital that she had cancelled some appointment due to hospital stay which resulted in a financial loss but she knew Cindy would feel bad about it so had booked her in for an event even though she still had a cast on her foot. I know they exaggerate some of the elements for the show but I bet this is not far off for some of the big names. 2 weeks off in a whole year when he spent the other 50 weeks travelling across the world, switching between acting and modelling is ridiculous. I think they waste a lot of time on set etc where they can’t really switch off and relax in between scenes etc.
Yea, in the earlier days of Kpop— the early 2000s when 2nd Gen. Kpop was just starting out, every few weeks could read about X artist going to the hospital getting an IV drip because of exhaustion, you could read about X actor/actress getting tired out and needing to be rushed to the ER once their drama wrapped sigh
And it’s not gotten any better, imo, with escalating struggles in mental health. The health crisis is still there, it’s just taken on a different form.
On the flip side, it might be because of it not being reported (because there is a need by the government to “keep up appearances”) or because C-celebs are struggling with other aspects, or maybe they just don’t go through the same struggles— but are still struggling about SOMETHING— behind the scenes as K-celebs, and are all just worried and so uptight and basically tied to their jobs (yes, celebrity-hood is just a job, some fans need to get this fact through their thick skulls) because competition is just SO HIGH because there’s just THAT MUCH MORE celebs and overall population in China, and the celebs don’t even have the time to breathe, let alone have a moment to sit down and ponder, “Hmmmmm, what do I feel like I am struggling with right now in my life?”
… Both situations and circumstances scare the heck out of me
I just hope he is able to go though these demanding career requirements peacefully because as we all know now is the time to work while he’s still young.
Luckily he is trained and talented enough to earn money even after the job of a celebrity is over. I hope after he graduates those mature roles the pressure would be less, but that won’t be for some decades.
@seeker
Yea, I worry about him a lot, but I am also comforted because I know he has a good and smart head on his shoulders. I also believe that he has a better foundation in handling things because before he became a celebrity, he was already working (office job as a graphic designer) and was his own part-time boss with his own photography studio. He has that experience of real life before being a celebrity, so he is not easily influenced by what he sees from the entertainment industry and he knows how to think for himself and isn’t easily influenced (which is the fear for celebs who became celebs at a very young age, because that’s all they know). A part of the reason why his former agency (he is now on his own, just XZ Studio, with his own staff) didn’t give him any opportunities— and even actively blocked them from him— is because they actually didn’t like him and thought that he’s too old to be joining the entertainment industry and was past his prime age being a newbie (he was 24/25 years old when he made his entertainment debut— 9 to 10 years older than some of the members who are a part of the same idol group as him).
I have a feeling that he has been trying to move onto more serious and less “idol” roles/dramas for a while now, but it might be because of the timing in which he signed the contracts for those idol dramas (earlier in his career) so he has to still fulfill the contract obligations even though he is past that stage in his entertainment career. Let’s hope that his upcoming movie with renown Hong Kong director, Tsui Hark, will finally be the thing he needs in his career to make the transition into serious roles that will actually challenge him and improve his career and has acting craft for the future 😊
Why ever did the agency sign him in the first place if they were not interested in promoting him. Glad at least it gave him a foothold in the industry and thankful that he had the wherewithal to have his own set up.
@seeker He was the fan favourite and voted into the final debuting lineup for the group, and then when the group was beginning to look at other opportunities—like, solo activities and entertaining the idea that their existing idol group is just going to be temporary—and the agency caught wind of it, they made sure to hinder him while trying really hard to give more opportunities to the other—younger, some of them 9 years younger than Xiao Zhan, i.e. More years for the agency to work with to ensure more money— members of the group. Who knew that XZ gave them the biggest slap in the face and has come out as being the most successful one out of all of the members (if you haven’t guessed it yet, including Xiao Zhan, there’s 9 of them in total lol) and that age isn’t what people look at nor is it what they see when they search up XZ Studio to try to get an opportunity to work with XZ. It is his strong principles and strong work ethic and his good reputation with his existing and former co-stars and co-workers who have all vouched for him over the years—and continue to do so at every opportunity when asked— that draw new people and new opportunities to XZ, which he deserves
I didn’t know he was originally an idol😮 He has never presented as an idol turned actor. Also his graphic design and photography background have been great foundations for his current job. He was brave to make the leap into the entertainment industry and well done him for forming his own agency and growing his own staff. He will continue to do well and prove the doubters wrong through his outstanding achievements.
@reply1988
Yea! He’s always loved singing—he was even in his university choir, where he met his bff who now works as his assistant at XZ Studio— but his parents wanted him to finish his education, and so he did. After finishing university and getting his degree and working for a year or 2 and opening up his own photography studio, he still felt a very strong love for singing, so he entered himself into that idol competition show just to see if he could do it, and he could! Not only could he do it, he came out on top, despite things working against him, most of which, was his age— making his debut in a showbiz career at 24/25 years old. His own work studio and staff actually was a result of a settlement after he had actually sued his former agency for hindering him from getting work. The court case was settled out of court, but he technically lost, and the deal in the settlement was that a separate team would be established for him in order for him to do his own work but a portion of his profits would be going to the agency, that was how XZ Studio was born and established. It was last year that his contract with the agency finally expired, and he was able to completely and legally separate from the agency and be on his own, AND he was able to keep XZ Studio and all of his own staff 😊 It was actually in the midst of the court case that he went out on auditions on his own—without any staff or help from his agency—for drama roles because he wasn’t getting much luck nor resources for the music side of things, and that is how he got to where he is now in his acting career, truly by his own determination and grit. I’m surprised he doesn’t appear to be phased by how dark the entertainment industry is, having experienced some of the dark stuff himself by the very people he entrusted—his own agency whom he started his showbiz career with— or maybe he’s just good at hiding it, or maybe he’s just over it and knows how to look at things so that it truly doesn’t bother him anymore. Like, being betrayed and cooped by your own agency, and then being cyber-bullied by crazy “fans” not long after and being soft canceled for almost a year?? Scary stuff to happen for someone working in China’s entertainment industry
Okay I don’t know which one is cuter, maybe all. And 🔎 I’ll stick with pale / baby yellow even though I secretly think you’re right about it being cream.
Girl, I dont blame you. This bun can and will exude all different kinds of charm and all sides of his different charms are equally captivating and mesmerizing 😍 The most mind blowing thing is when he can turn “on” literally with the blink of an eye and switch the mood just liked that *snaps fingers*
@seeker
Out of all the outfits Xiao Zhan got to wear in the last 2 days whilst he attended Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024/2025, my most favourite outfit of his that he wore is actually this one, the outfit he wore as PJs (?) in his reel (from here: https://www.dramabeans.com/members/bebeswtz/activity/1540161/ )that was showing him just relaxing in his hotel room balcony. He looked the most relaxed and comfortable in this outfit, as if it was his second skin, which I think is something that the clothes we wear should be making us feel
Yes, that caught my eye too. And what were you taking about yellow … it looks perfectly adorable on him. I love the collars. He really looks so relaxed and at peace.
That sweater looks more liked a cream colour to me, not completely yellow. He looks soooooooooo good and sooooooooo comfy in it. Makes me wanna give him a hug
Right?? So I don’t know how he actually treated the outfit. Maybe it’s one of those things wherein it’s not pjs he goes to sleep in but is an outfit he changes into mid-morning after he gets up and after he does his morning workout & showers— not completely pjs (like, sleeping pjs) but maybe not an outfit he would go out in, either??? I dunno 😅
For me it looks perfect to go out in but I understand what you’re saying, more like a in-house day outfit. Ah! yes “lounge wear” I believe its called and you have to admit he’s the perfect definition of lounging here. 😂
You’re totally right! I also don’t have the habit— the clothes I sleep in are the clothes I wear around the house if I am not going out— but I totally get the “loungewear” idea and habit. For him, even more so, especially since working out (and sweating) is the very first thing he says he does after he gets up in the morning
Them perhaps he needs loungewear all the more. Even though he may not be going out. I’m sure he would have interactions with staff / team etc. and he can’t be greeting them all or holding a professional meeting in his PJs. 😅
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 5, 2024 at 9:39 AM
@kiara
I got a deal for Disney+ at $1.99 CAD/month for 3 months just so I can watch “Shogun”— my smart TV is also showing a banner ad from Disney+ telling me to watch it— but it’s the one show that is glitching for me and not showing up once I open the app on my smart tv 🙄😒 My guess is that too many ppl are flocking to watch it on the app and so it’s glitching/crashing. I guess I’ll be a good girl and be patient and wait a few days. In the meantime, I’ll watch some other things that I’ve been meaning to watch on Disney+
kiara
March 5, 2024 at 8:39 PM
I’m happy that you are watching with us! I am sorry that you are having trouble with the app. I’m not going to watch the next episode till the weekend. It’s always busy when I finally find a drama that I like. LOL
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 6, 2024 at 2:50 AM
Ain’t that right!! Slump in dramaland usually comes with more leisure time but when we find a drama it’s such a busy time – there must be some Murphy’s law on that.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 6, 2024 at 2:51 AM
So what are you catching up on – Call it Love, Flex vs. Cop, Moving!! I hope you have lots of fun and make the best of your subscription.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 6, 2024 at 6:59 AM
I added a whole bunch of stuff to my list— Wonderful World, Soundtrack #1, a few movies… And a handful of other things I don’t remember at the moment lol
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 6, 2024 at 7:34 AM
Awesome!! Looking forward to hearing all about it as you slowly work your way through your watchlist. 👏 👏 👏
Hope you checked Impossible Heir too.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 6, 2024 at 8:41 AM
Okay, now that I actually have my TV on and the app open, lemme see what I’ve actually saved to watch lol
Kdrama content:
– Wonderful World
– Soundtrack #1
– Rookie Cops (movie)
Other:
– Mulan, the live-action movie
– Cinderella, the live-action movie
– Haunting in Venice (movie)— I missed out on watching this when it was playing in theatres, so I’m glad I can access it on the Disney+ app now
I’m planning to add to the watchlist the more I search around and browse the Disney+ app and see what— or how much— I will actually get through
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 6, 2024 at 9:15 AM
Cinderella is permanently on my watchlist. 😊
Mulan we saw the day it was released on Disney.
This is exciting. I’m sure you’ll find stuff you like.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 6, 2024 at 11:43 AM
I honestly thought Park Hyung Sik’s “Happiness” is also on Disney+, but I don’t see it, so I guess not 🙁
It could also very well be on the platform, just not in my region
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 6, 2024 at 12:04 PM
That’s on Netflix I believe.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 6, 2024 at 1:17 PM
@seeker Then it’s definitely not available in my region 🙁
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 6, 2024 at 7:43 PM
Did you check Viki and Prime.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 6, 2024 at 8:46 PM
@seeker I’ve checked Prime and it’s not showing up for me (Canada), and I haven’t subscribed to Viki for a while now
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 6, 2024 at 10:29 PM
Then I guess your only recourse is a cool site.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 2, 2024 at 7:02 PM
@zindigo At this point, if they’re already taking reservations, I’m thinking that they’re completely done production— even post-production— and are just waiting to air
Source: https://x.com/dramapotatoe/status/1764114339881959506?s=61&t=0gOkmmtm1TO8vGocsQ4NXg
HopefulRomantic 🦋 Tigermoth 🦆❤️🦆
March 2, 2024 at 7:28 PM
Whoa!!! That’s exciting news!!! 🤩
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 2, 2024 at 8:06 PM
Yes!! Now it’s just a matter of waiting to see what’ll happen to their airing schedule. I have a feeling that since it’s such an anticipated drama, the network is going to want to release it during a time wherein they can get the best ROI, which would make the best time for it to air be during a long holiday period, i.e. Summer break after the university exams
HopefulRomantic 🦋 Tigermoth 🦆❤️🦆
March 2, 2024 at 8:40 PM
That makes sense to me… I hope it will release this summer like you predict! It sounds like there will be a contingent of us watching at the same time if we can access it!
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 2, 2024 at 8:52 PM
Yes!! Hopefully!! 😊😊
zindigo
March 3, 2024 at 5:26 AM
Agreed! Although I’ve heard that the English subs aren’t great on Tencent. Have you noticed that? I’ve only watched c-dramas on Viki and Netflix so far. That’s why I was excited about the possibility that JOL2 might be on Netflix (at least eventually).
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 3, 2024 at 6:59 AM
When I used to use Viki, I found their subs the best—accurate, read like how people would actually sound liked in everyday talking, gave good explanations of the cultural context of things when it mattered, etc. Nowadays, I don’t use Viki so I can’t comment on them. I have noticed that the subs for Netflix and all the Chinese streaming apps that I use ( mainly WeTV/Tencent and iQiYi) are very touch-n-go. Netflix’s subs will stay as is, and the subs for the streaming apps will sometimes improve, but not always. A common feature I’ve found in all the apps and sites I’ve ever used is that it all starts off as very generic subs that sometimes don’t even actually say what the characters in the drama are saying, but only give a very vague gist, and that irks me. It’s what I found the subs to be like for Dramafever waaaaaayyyyyyy back in the day— and their subs stayed like that and never got improved as time went by, no matter how long a drama was on their platform, they just never went back to try to improve the subs for their roster of shows— so I’m not sure why people always raved about Dramafever 😅
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 3, 2024 at 7:39 AM
I should put a disclaimer and say that I am Chinese and can understand and speak Cantonese and Mandarin, so I don’t need subs for Chinese dramas 99% of the time— the remaining 1% when I DO need subs is when the language gets too flowery for me to decipher in some costume dramas lol— but the above are the things that I’ve observed on the platforms that I use for Chinese dramas
zindigo
March 3, 2024 at 8:36 AM
Ahhhh! That clarifies your responses (and posts) and the depth of your knowledge 😀 (Your English is amazing, btw. I would never have guessed it wasn’t your first language.)
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 3, 2024 at 8:46 AM
I’m actually first generation born & raised Chinese Canadian. The reverse had actually happened to me before:
I spoke so much English at school that at some point, I was beginning to lose my Chinese despite watching Hong Kong dramas (which are in Cantonese) growing up, so I had to re-learn and re-teach myself Chinese all over again, and at that time, I thought I might as well take the opportunity to learn another dialect, so I then also began to teach myself Mandarin (the dialect of Mainland China) from then onwards by immersing myself in Mainland dramas and I’ve never looked back. You try to sit me down to watch a Hong Kong drama nowadays and I’d probably get frustrated and quit halfway because I am now realizing just how bad the writing and acting of Hong Kong dramas are compared to Mainland China dramas 🤣
zindigo
March 3, 2024 at 9:01 AM
@bebeswtz Thank you for your gracious reply to my error! I had a moment after I posted it where I thought to myself, “Is this going to be another Eric Nam moment?!” (Have you seen the clips where people express amazement at how well he speaks English? 🤦🏼♀️ Here’s one: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ENQfa4D-HPQ)
Speaking 3 languages (or more) fluently is pretty dang impressive 😉
I find languages so fascinating. I studied French extensively and some Spanish and Italian when I was younger. In the last few years I’ve been casually studying Korean, mostly for the mental challenge and because I love the sound of the language. I’ve learned enough now to catch when the subs are bad/off, although the subs for dramas released in the last few years have been much better.
Now, watching C-dramas, it’s fun to pick up on some of the words that have been incorporated into the Korean language (“Sino-Korean” words), as well as some of the grammatical similarities.
I suspect with the growing popularity of C-dramas, and bigger international platforms picking up more of them (and more quickly), we’ll start to see better subs.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 3, 2024 at 2:19 PM
No worries!!
On some days, it irks me to see how the North American media thinks of and treats all of the (South) East Asian (mostly Korean) entertainers who are now making their way into the North American Market. It’s like the American media doesn’t even do their homework and research beforehand to get to know the celeb/artist— and their backgrounds—that is going to be a guest on their show, and it definitely is very apparent once things get underway and interviews are happening and things go on air and the American interviewers are then stunned and surprised at the level of proficiency some of these (South) East Asian artists, thinking about them and treating them as complete ESLs, e.g. The entire press circuit the cast of “Squid Games” went on— I cringed at 90% of the interviews they did and the things that Lee Jung Jae was subjected to because the American interviewers were not expecting him to be so eloquent and fluent in English in addition to treating him like some sort of rookie on the red carpet of the award shows when he’s a veteran and has been in showbiz for 20+ years already. End rant. Sorry XD
But to your point:
Languages ARE such a fun and fascinating thing, I agree!! I had to take French for 2 years whilst in primary school because it was a part of the school program, but then the program discontinued, therefore, also putting a halt to my learning of the language. Much like you, I casually began to learn and “self teach” myself Korean because of watching Korean dramas over the years, and also because I also love how the language sounds to the ear. I tried to pick up Japanese at one point, but never stuck to it because I don’t consume Japanese content (not since “1 Litre of Tears”) and I just don’t connect with the language as much as I do Korean.
The Mandarin dialect of the Chinese language is already considered an “international language” in some parts of the world, but I am waiting for the day that people become more interested in the other also very widely spoke dialects of the Chinese language— most notably, Cantonese— and minority Chinese culture. Yet, with the worldwide political climate, I think it might be a while before we reach this point 😅 I guess I will have to stick to my little niche Chinese corner for a little while more before others come in and it gets more opportunities to be shared— much like how the Korean culture, Kpop, and Korean entertainment in general also was quite niche and small at one time and just needed it’s own moment to explode and shine 🙂
zindigo
March 5, 2024 at 2:21 PM
@bebeswtz I stopped watching/listening to most NA media (shows, movies, news, even music to a large extent) at least 5-6 years ago, and actually started the withdrawal more than 10-11 years ago at this point. It’s lacking in so many ways and needs to be completely overhauled.
I’m sure Chinese entertainment will have its moment to “explode and shine”! In the short time I’ve been engaged with c-dramas I can already see the differences in quality from shows made 3-4 years ago to recent releases. The K-wave has paved the way for them to rise fast now, especially with the larger number of easily accessible streaming platforms available to western audiences. As you mentioned, they do have a bit of a hurdle because of the worldwide political climate. But there’s some great storytelling to be found in c-dramas (and music too), so I think it’s only a matter of time before more people find and enjoy them. 😊
zindigo
March 3, 2024 at 8:30 AM
Thank you for that detailed explanation! It does seem to parallel my experiences so far. As a newcomer to c-dramas, it seems I’m lucky that there are more streaming options today, as well as better quality subs, even if it means waiting a bit before the shows are released.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 3, 2024 at 1:55 PM
Yeah, even when we technically don’t need subs, sometimes my mum and I still like to watch the Chinese dramas with subs because we may miss something verbally or the person might be speaking to fast, so having the option to turn the subs on and have it there is great, and there definitely is more quality control for subs nowadays compared to back then, i.e. 20 years ago
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 1, 2024 at 9:04 AM
Milan Fashion Week 2024/2025 F/W Womens’ vlog
For him to say “Finally completed”, I think he must’ve been overwhelmed, tired, overstimulated, etc., or a combination of those things since he was only there for 72 hours (24 of those hours was because he changed his return flights last minute to stay one more day) 🥹
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 1, 2024 at 10:33 AM
So many questions. 😊
What is that coin and what was that song!! 😳
I don’t know why I literally got goosebumps watching this meticulously filmed video.
And eating the sun! Hahaha!!
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 1, 2024 at 12:06 PM
I’m not sure why he used the coin, but it was a nice touch to the transitions of the vlog. Many fan cams saw that he was playing with the coin at the Gucci show, and now we know what it’s for!
Which songs? If you give me the time stamps, I can maybe help in finding the songs
Yea! Last time he was eating a popsicle like a lion in Singapore, and I guess he “leveled up” to eating the sun on his own now haha So playful 🥹🥰
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 1, 2024 at 10:22 PM
The coin was really a very nice touch. I half-expected the dragon to come up behind it like it does at the end.
I was just surprised by the songs that he used, particularly the first one – Bad Guy by Billie Eilish around 2:00 and Vincent by Ellie Goulding around 6:00.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 1, 2024 at 10:33 PM
I agree! I love all the touches to his vlogs as always, but this one felt much more “put together” in a professional/business-like manner, as if it is for a client, and not laid back and easygoing and not as intimate—which gives off the feel letting the viewer know right off the bat that it is for his fans—like all his other ones. Maybe because it was so flashy and so busy and there was less of the quieter and more intimate moments with just him chilling. Regardless, I still love it. It’s still him, and showcasing him, just a different style and a different side to him 😊
The songs are a fun choice! He’s such an old soul, do to see that such modern and hip songs were chosen—especially “Bad Guy”— is like, “What??” Haha And then hearing him humm “Vincent” by Ellie Goulding warmed my heart ♥️
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 1, 2024 at 10:51 PM
For a six minute time there were hours and hours of work involved.
I was very happy with the chilling in the balcony – same as your display picture.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 1, 2024 at 10:56 PM
💯 @seeker
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 27, 2024 at 11:33 AM
C-drama, “White Cat Legend”
4 eps. into it: It’s fun & light, side characters are quirky, FL character has a brain, but Ryan Ding is definitely stealing the show. Not sure if I’ll continue, we’ll see
zindigo
February 27, 2024 at 5:53 PM
Good to know! It’s on my ever-growing c-drama watchlist.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 27, 2024 at 6:37 PM
Hahahahaha that is the forever existing struggle of a C-drama watcher
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 26, 2024 at 10:57 PM
@eazal And whoever else is interested, this came under my suggestions on YT
Midnight
February 27, 2024 at 3:06 AM
This video is so cute!
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 27, 2024 at 4:27 AM
Thank you! Taecyeon is such a hoot. Describing Heartbeat as a light, fun rom-com⁉️ What script were you given Taec. 🤯 I loled that he was just as amazed that it would be airing on Prime. That AOL diss was just too good. 😭
zindigo
February 27, 2024 at 6:49 AM
I remember watching this back when it was released. So funny in retrospect. Eric is a great interviewer. I always click when his videos popup in my feed.
Eazal
March 1, 2024 at 8:03 AM
They are adorable!! My cutie Dumbo ears!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Bebe | Nessa❣️
March 1, 2024 at 9:12 AM
I will admit, I did not like Taec at the very beginning, least of which was when after Jay Park left. The first few years after Jay Park left were probably my worse years with Taec. I get that he stepped up and took the role of “leader”, but he was VERY arrogant, rude, and disrespectful about it. I think transitioning more to K-dramaland and working with so many seniors and veterans on the K-drama side of things definitely helped and gave him a big dose of humble soup, especially in S.Korea, wherein seniority is such a huge thing in their working culture
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 26, 2024 at 9:46 PM
@seeker @reply1988
The multiple interviews he did during Milan Fashion Week are rolling in— I love listening to him talk:
1. Marie Claire for TOD’s – https://youtu.be/p9D6J87fvjE?si=DJxbTAjOeGRDhtyP
2. VOGUE for TOD’s – https://youtu.be/CQ6zsjnE3T0?si=kUoUrwPPhBMvhUQa
3. V China Magazine for Gucci – https://youtu.be/lbjNpdfsaEk?si=eh7x_Il_xfZ1DPxi
4. Tencent for Gucci – https://youtu.be/pivvfUwYkhU?si=cM3WbwYoAstYdhvz
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 26, 2024 at 10:40 PM
Thanks for sharing 🥰
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 27, 2024 at 4:16 AM
Thank you. I liked how he’s giving details of his outfit so naturally. I think he likes the belt too. 😊
Wow … its a real tram station!
I hope he enjoyed his Italian meal.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 27, 2024 at 6:01 AM
Now we understand the theme of his photo shoot before he flew out and why it was set inside a train. I wonder how Gucci was able to shut down the station for the day just for their show 🤔
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 27, 2024 at 6:04 AM
Interview with Chinese fashion blogger, Mr. Bag
OMG YAAAASSSSSSS finally someone who knows how to promote healthy dieting and exercise and NOT promoting/encouraging unhealthy fasting
https://youtu.be/QEf4DuqKUoY?si=ixsMW5kSMsXZHs_b
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 27, 2024 at 10:05 AM
And perfect display picture to update. 😊😍
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 1:09 PM
He changed his flight and stayed another 2 days. My guess is that he only brought one set of PJs lol THE COLOURS OF THAT SKY THOUGH 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
@seeker @reply1988
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 25, 2024 at 1:28 PM
Beautiful🥰
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:37 PM
Mesmerizing… just like s painting.
Hope these two days can be of some meaningful downtime.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 3:54 PM
Yea, I really hope the 2 extra days he took was for rest. He’s back in China now. At the time of this post, I think he should be back in Shanghai and transferring flight to wherever he’s going— either back home in Beijing or straight back to Hengdian City Studios to resume filming for his drama. I REALLY hope he makes a stop home in Beijing first 🥹
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 4:40 PM
That would be nice to go home for a while.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 6:15 PM
I really hope he gets more chances to so in 2024– I really hope he holds up the promise he said he gave himself for 2024:
To be better to himself
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 7:45 PM
Very important promise we all need to make to ourselves.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 8:43 PM
💯
We cannot be at our best for others— in all aspects of life— if we are not at 100% for ourselves first and foremost
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 6:37 AM
Good morning and happy Sunday to y’all too LOL 🤣
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:34 PM
😅 Er, … sorry for spamming you with notifications. At lease a page of them would be mine.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 3:52 PM
No worries hahaha ♥️
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 4:41 PM
😅
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:18 PM
@seeker Volume 2: Part 2
That’s it! 💙
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:24 PM
Beautiful, beautiful, still more beautiful. 😍 😊
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 8:40 AM
I love that he chose to go to a place with traditional architecture to use as the background—instead of staying in the city with all the lights and cars for this shoot— which suits the occasion, being that he did this as a part of his Lunar New Year greeting. Again, very meticulous and thoughtful in the details
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:32 PM
Each and every little detail is so thoughtful. As you kindly explained to me, the doorway messages, hanging spices, each and everything is meaningful.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:25 PM
I never knew blue (jacket) and white (snow) is my favorite combination. 😘 💙 ❄
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:17 PM
@seeker Volume 2 of the overall photoshoot starts here
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:22 PM
Uh … he’s warmly dressed but aren’t his head and ears cold. A cute cap or ear muffs⁉️
Although I must say #4 with him half peeking out from his double wrapped scarf is so very cute.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 8:38 AM
The bts snippet from this shoot showed that he sported a rosy nose 🥹
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:30 PM
Unsurprising. One cannot “play” in the snow for that long.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:15 PM
@seeker Part 4
This was all a part of his Lunar New Year Studio photo shoot last year (2023)
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 8:18 PM
Oh! It’s a rabbit and not a fish?
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:27 PM
Yes!! It’s a rabbit! Last year was the Year of the Rabbit in Chinese zodiacal custom for the Lunar New Year. At the same time, it’s also another subtle nod to fans, who endearingly have nicknamed him “bunny” or “bunny boy” because of his 2 front bunny teeth. It’s also why you will sometimes see bunnies or rabbits in his doodles or drawings and it may seem random, but it’s because of this little tidbit between him and his fans
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:06 PM
So very adorable. Sweet sweet bunny.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:32 PM
Comment was deleted
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:13 PM
@seeker Part 3
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 8:24 PM
What are the messages written in the doorways … good luck messages for the new year for peace and prosperity?
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:30 PM
Yes!!
On the right: “Flowers bloom and riches come”
On the top: “Five Blessings come hither” (literal translation: “Come to the doorstep”, meaning, the doorstep of the home)
On the left: A play on word homonyms, but overall it means “Safety to those who come and go”
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:02 PM
Such beautiful heartfelt messages for his fans. 😍😍😍
You are rightly obsessed with this boy!! 😂
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 7:38 AM
🙈 Kinda…. Sorta….?? LOL
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:03 PM
What are the five blessings being referred to.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 7:39 AM
They refer to:
Longevity, wealth, health & composure, love of virtue, and the desire to die a natural death in old age (or timely death)
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:28 PM
All so meaningful.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:33 PM
As with many Ancient (South) East Asian scripts, the traditional way to read it is from right to left
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:04 PM
Ah! I understand.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:11 PM
@seeker Part 2
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 8:16 PM
Okay so I recognize the candied dates and the fish, what is hanging in the last pic?
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:23 PM
It’s strings of dried chili peppers! In Mexican tradition, it’s a sign of welcoming guests into the home. In Chinese tradition, it’s a sign of good luck and protection
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 10:55 PM
I thought so but wasn’t sure. They’ve been tied so beautifully. Also what are those white ones in the back.
Thank you for always patiently and carefully answering all my ignorant questions. 😅 Your consideration is much appreciated. ❤
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 7:23 AM
No worries!! It’s because you’re interested and that’s why you’re asking. I can’t complain about someone who’s interested in my culture ♥️ Especially not now, when Chinese culture and it’s peoples are treated as punching bags and/or actually getting racially attacked at every corner for one reason or another— most of which are people who keep saying, “Love the people (the Chinese people), but hate the government”, but end up hating both DX
I’m not sure what the brown ones in the back are, but the white bulbous ones in the back should be garlic. In Chinese culture, hanging strings of garlic at the doorstep means to ward off thieves— and I mean, if you use it to whack the thieves hard enough, it just might work!! Hahaha 😂
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 25, 2024 at 8:52 AM
I think ‘they’ cycle through who are the ethnic group to hate this week, with 9/11 it was any person who could be a Muslim, with Covid it was anyone who could be Chinese. African or Caribbean we are just the background public enemy no 1 and the people to be measured against e.g. ‘as long as you’re not black or too brown you’re okish’ and never ever bring one of us home as a potential partner unless you want to be disowned or married off to someone else asap.
It’s a sad world we live in 😞
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM
@reply1988 💯 There will never be a 100% win-win situation
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:10 PM
Thank you!! I appreciate your thoughtful responses and yes I am very interested in many things and keep asking questions – that is why I’m seeker and not because of Harry Potter. 😊
If the garlic is pungent enough they may just faint. 😂
Ķ
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:21 PM
This mindless discrimination against people is also because no one actually takes the time to learn about “others”. IMO there are no others because at the end of the day we are all human. All cultures have deep rooted meaningful traditions and practices, which are all lessening with “modernization”. But it is amazing how many similarities there are across cultures. Which basically proves the common link – we are all just the “human” race not *insert ethnic group* divided and separated from the rest. There can never be “world peace” that so many of the beauty pageant contestants keep espousing.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:24 PM
^^ … contd/-
Till we accept that we are One people.
@Reply1988
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 3:50 PM
@seeker 💯 ♥️
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 8:16 PM
What beautiful smiles … really looks like he’s having fun.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:24 PM
Yea!! I think he really did have fun in this photoshoot. He also looks and feels very much at ease
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 25, 2024 at 4:39 AM
I agree, I think a lot of the model shoots they go for serious, moody, sexy and these just seem more normal pictures you would have of your boyfriend (we can all dream😆) @bebeswtz
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 8:42 AM
Yes! And I think he prefers it this way. He has a good head on his shoulders in the sense that he knows what is work and what is something he can pull back on and which doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, and he likes to draw a very specific and precise line between the two
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:09 PM
@seeker Start here for the full version
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 8:12 PM
I love the red filter not only for the Lunar New Year but also the fans. 😍😍😍❤
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:20 PM
The tiny, tiny, details he never forgets ♥️
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 8:22 PM
Very meaningful indeed.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 2:05 PM
@seeker @reply1988
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 2:06 PM
https://youtu.be/jiTU2pJoG3o?si=xq0s2IstDZrACrrW
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 7:57 PM
Makes my ♥️ happy happy!! 😊
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 8:03 PM
I’m glad ♥️
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 25, 2024 at 4:42 AM
That video was great🥰
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 1:28 PM
Here you go @reply1988
Along with the flower photos of this photoshoot itself (there’s so much more from this photoshoot, just let me know if you want the full version ♥️)
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 24, 2024 at 1:42 PM
Oh wow, I think when you first posted it a while ago it was the video that stood out for me. He is super cute and it reminds me of his role in Sunshine by my side.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 1:50 PM
This is a photoshoot he did last year—almost a year ago to the day, actually— to ring in the Lunar New Year, and since it’s a photoshoot he did with is own staff— versus it being an actual work commitment and a photoshoot for a client, i.e. a magazine— he is definitely more comfortable, more laid back, and more himself in this shoot. Exuding a soft, gentle, light (almost pillowy), and very boyish aura—almost child-like. I think doing it in the snow also helped, since he likes snow/ the winter, because he says that winters in his hometown (Chongqing) doesn’t have snow, so whenever he’s elsewhere during winter he likes it when it snows. This might’ve been done in the city of his current residence, Beijing
DK-Drama 🫘🏆Image of drama FL Character Deterioration🚺🍉🌱
February 24, 2024 at 3:22 PM
“I think doing it in the snow also helped …” bringing my mind to this song from the 90’s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OW4IVNjzOE
BTW two of these have been teachers for one of my girls.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 4:02 PM
LOL 😏
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 24, 2024 at 10:38 PM
I am surprised with how much time actors are willing to be on duty. He could have been relaxing with family and friends but he was thinking of his fans. I know the window for roles based on youthful looks and fashion shoots is small but their schedules really are overwhelming. However I do get the impression he would make sure he gets adequate downtime too.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 10:58 PM
While it may be “job” but these small gestures are really meaningful. Also since he went with his team it seemsike a mini vacation / downtime.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 10:58 PM
* seems like
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 7:37 AM
I agree! With him working so much, it also means that his team/staff is working just as much to a degree, so to be able to do something fun like this even when it’s still “work” (because fan service is still work— completely unplugging and taking time off for himself and for his family is what I consider as real time off) seems like their work collective version of a “break” or “mini vacation” depending on where this was taken (I’ve since forgotten LOL)
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 7:33 AM
I think a lot of it has to do with contractual obligations as well, especially when it comes to (being flexible with) the timeline of things and unforeseeable changes, but then on paper, they’ve already signed on the dotted line saying that they’re committed to participating in X. During his interview backstage at Weibo Night earlier this year, when asking about the interviewer about taking breaks and how that will look like for him in 2024 and how it compares to his 2023, he said that he—officially— he only took half a month off from work in 2023 🤯😳🥺 I was just saying to another fan the other day how it seems like he’s working himself like a horse, and her response was, “Well, we know what happens to horses that are overworked”, suggesting that they tired out and end up getting put down 😱
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 25, 2024 at 8:44 AM
I am watching The Producers at the moment and Cindy is falling asleep standing up because she is tired and gets injured. She said she was grateful for the time in hospital as it was the first time since her trainee days she got some down time and could sleep more than three hours at a time. She then goes into hiding for 3 days as that is the only way she can get a proper break without being harassed by her Company CEO. The CEO was telling her, while she was in hospital that she had cancelled some appointment due to hospital stay which resulted in a financial loss but she knew Cindy would feel bad about it so had booked her in for an event even though she still had a cast on her foot. I know they exaggerate some of the elements for the show but I bet this is not far off for some of the big names. 2 weeks off in a whole year when he spent the other 50 weeks travelling across the world, switching between acting and modelling is ridiculous. I think they waste a lot of time on set etc where they can’t really switch off and relax in between scenes etc.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 8:56 AM
Yea, in the earlier days of Kpop— the early 2000s when 2nd Gen. Kpop was just starting out, every few weeks could read about X artist going to the hospital getting an IV drip because of exhaustion, you could read about X actor/actress getting tired out and needing to be rushed to the ER once their drama wrapped sigh
And it’s not gotten any better, imo, with escalating struggles in mental health. The health crisis is still there, it’s just taken on a different form.
On the flip side, it might be because of it not being reported (because there is a need by the government to “keep up appearances”) or because C-celebs are struggling with other aspects, or maybe they just don’t go through the same struggles— but are still struggling about SOMETHING— behind the scenes as K-celebs, and are all just worried and so uptight and basically tied to their jobs (yes, celebrity-hood is just a job, some fans need to get this fact through their thick skulls) because competition is just SO HIGH because there’s just THAT MUCH MORE celebs and overall population in China, and the celebs don’t even have the time to breathe, let alone have a moment to sit down and ponder, “Hmmmmm, what do I feel like I am struggling with right now in my life?”
… Both situations and circumstances scare the heck out of me
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:00 PM
I just hope he is able to go though these demanding career requirements peacefully because as we all know now is the time to work while he’s still young.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 3:03 PM
Luckily he is trained and talented enough to earn money even after the job of a celebrity is over. I hope after he graduates those mature roles the pressure would be less, but that won’t be for some decades.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 3:48 PM
@seeker
Yea, I worry about him a lot, but I am also comforted because I know he has a good and smart head on his shoulders. I also believe that he has a better foundation in handling things because before he became a celebrity, he was already working (office job as a graphic designer) and was his own part-time boss with his own photography studio. He has that experience of real life before being a celebrity, so he is not easily influenced by what he sees from the entertainment industry and he knows how to think for himself and isn’t easily influenced (which is the fear for celebs who became celebs at a very young age, because that’s all they know). A part of the reason why his former agency (he is now on his own, just XZ Studio, with his own staff) didn’t give him any opportunities— and even actively blocked them from him— is because they actually didn’t like him and thought that he’s too old to be joining the entertainment industry and was past his prime age being a newbie (he was 24/25 years old when he made his entertainment debut— 9 to 10 years older than some of the members who are a part of the same idol group as him).
I have a feeling that he has been trying to move onto more serious and less “idol” roles/dramas for a while now, but it might be because of the timing in which he signed the contracts for those idol dramas (earlier in his career) so he has to still fulfill the contract obligations even though he is past that stage in his entertainment career. Let’s hope that his upcoming movie with renown Hong Kong director, Tsui Hark, will finally be the thing he needs in his career to make the transition into serious roles that will actually challenge him and improve his career and has acting craft for the future 😊
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 4:45 PM
Why ever did the agency sign him in the first place if they were not interested in promoting him. Glad at least it gave him a foothold in the industry and thankful that he had the wherewithal to have his own set up.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 25, 2024 at 6:21 PM
@seeker He was the fan favourite and voted into the final debuting lineup for the group, and then when the group was beginning to look at other opportunities—like, solo activities and entertaining the idea that their existing idol group is just going to be temporary—and the agency caught wind of it, they made sure to hinder him while trying really hard to give more opportunities to the other—younger, some of them 9 years younger than Xiao Zhan, i.e. More years for the agency to work with to ensure more money— members of the group. Who knew that XZ gave them the biggest slap in the face and has come out as being the most successful one out of all of the members (if you haven’t guessed it yet, including Xiao Zhan, there’s 9 of them in total lol) and that age isn’t what people look at nor is it what they see when they search up XZ Studio to try to get an opportunity to work with XZ. It is his strong principles and strong work ethic and his good reputation with his existing and former co-stars and co-workers who have all vouched for him over the years—and continue to do so at every opportunity when asked— that draw new people and new opportunities to XZ, which he deserves
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 25, 2024 at 7:51 PM
If the agency had any foresight they should have realised who most connected with the audience. 😊
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 25, 2024 at 11:04 PM
I didn’t know he was originally an idol😮 He has never presented as an idol turned actor. Also his graphic design and photography background have been great foundations for his current job. He was brave to make the leap into the entertainment industry and well done him for forming his own agency and growing his own staff. He will continue to do well and prove the doubters wrong through his outstanding achievements.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 26, 2024 at 7:04 AM
@reply1988
Yea! He’s always loved singing—he was even in his university choir, where he met his bff who now works as his assistant at XZ Studio— but his parents wanted him to finish his education, and so he did. After finishing university and getting his degree and working for a year or 2 and opening up his own photography studio, he still felt a very strong love for singing, so he entered himself into that idol competition show just to see if he could do it, and he could! Not only could he do it, he came out on top, despite things working against him, most of which, was his age— making his debut in a showbiz career at 24/25 years old. His own work studio and staff actually was a result of a settlement after he had actually sued his former agency for hindering him from getting work. The court case was settled out of court, but he technically lost, and the deal in the settlement was that a separate team would be established for him in order for him to do his own work but a portion of his profits would be going to the agency, that was how XZ Studio was born and established. It was last year that his contract with the agency finally expired, and he was able to completely and legally separate from the agency and be on his own, AND he was able to keep XZ Studio and all of his own staff 😊 It was actually in the midst of the court case that he went out on auditions on his own—without any staff or help from his agency—for drama roles because he wasn’t getting much luck nor resources for the music side of things, and that is how he got to where he is now in his acting career, truly by his own determination and grit. I’m surprised he doesn’t appear to be phased by how dark the entertainment industry is, having experienced some of the dark stuff himself by the very people he entrusted—his own agency whom he started his showbiz career with— or maybe he’s just good at hiding it, or maybe he’s just over it and knows how to look at things so that it truly doesn’t bother him anymore. Like, being betrayed and cooped by your own agency, and then being cyber-bullied by crazy “fans” not long after and being soft canceled for almost a year?? Scary stuff to happen for someone working in China’s entertainment industry
kiara
February 24, 2024 at 5:39 PM
This is lovely!
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 5:44 PM
❄️ ♥️
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 8:05 PM
😍😍😍😍
Yes please for the full version.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:36 PM
@seeker These, too! ♥️
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:41 PM
Yes very similar vibes … but not old world like Milan.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Still very ornate
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 7:42 PM
Yes, very lovely. I love the huge arches.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 7:48 PM
OMG I love arches!!! It’s one of the things I want in my dream home
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Giggle… I have two mini arches in the doorways. Totally cute. 😍
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 8:00 PM
I meant two doorways with mini arches. 😂
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:34 PM
Here, @seeker, all in 1 place for you
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:38 PM
Omo … your fan service is God level!! 😍👏
❤🧡💛💚💙💜♥️
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:40 PM
♥️
It’s all very easily dug up on my devices 🙈
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:42 PM
👏👏👏👏👏👏
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:59 PM
Hopefully those are the ones you’re referring to!!
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 7:40 PM
👌♥️
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:13 PM
@seeker For you:
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:21 PM
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:24 PM
Do what you want with them ♥️
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:28 PM
If I could “favorite” your fanwall. The flower in snow gif, the picture with multiple angles in mirror pic and this one would be at the very TOP!!
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
February 24, 2024 at 1:03 PM
The flower in snow for me.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 7:46 PM
♥️👌
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:23 PM
Okay I don’t know which one is cuter, maybe all. And 🔎 I’ll stick with pale / baby yellow even though I secretly think you’re right about it being cream.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:27 PM
Girl, I dont blame you. This bun can and will exude all different kinds of charm and all sides of his different charms are equally captivating and mesmerizing 😍 The most mind blowing thing is when he can turn “on” literally with the blink of an eye and switch the mood just liked that *snaps fingers*
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:30 PM
I’ve noticed that in bts.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:38 PM
🤯 Every time
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Im #1 the flash of lighting or camera flash is so interesting.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:25 PM
*In
See what happens to my typing if I get too excited. 😳
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:28 PM
🤗 🥰
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:29 PM
I think it might’ve been the camera flash. I HOPE that it is the camera flash 😳 His reaction is stinking adorable
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:34 PM
I too think its camera coz lightning couldn’t have lit up his face as he’s holding an umbrella.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:39 PM
If it was lighting I would be afraid that it would be his butt getting lit up 😂 jkjk
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:43 PM
😭
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:34 PM
All three gifs have him 💯 adorbs.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 23, 2024 at 6:00 PM
@seeker
Out of all the outfits Xiao Zhan got to wear in the last 2 days whilst he attended Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024/2025, my most favourite outfit of his that he wore is actually this one, the outfit he wore as PJs (?) in his reel (from here: https://www.dramabeans.com/members/bebeswtz/activity/1540161/ )that was showing him just relaxing in his hotel room balcony. He looked the most relaxed and comfortable in this outfit, as if it was his second skin, which I think is something that the clothes we wear should be making us feel
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:29 AM
Yes, that caught my eye too. And what were you taking about yellow … it looks perfectly adorable on him. I love the collars. He really looks so relaxed and at peace.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 11:48 AM
That sweater looks more liked a cream colour to me, not completely yellow. He looks soooooooooo good and sooooooooo comfy in it. Makes me wanna give him a hug
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:58 AM
Pale yellow at best … maybe more towards the cream-ish side.
Yes perfectly adorable.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Isn’t it too fancy for PJs. 😅
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 11:49 AM
Right?? So I don’t know how he actually treated the outfit. Maybe it’s one of those things wherein it’s not pjs he goes to sleep in but is an outfit he changes into mid-morning after he gets up and after he does his morning workout & showers— not completely pjs (like, sleeping pjs) but maybe not an outfit he would go out in, either??? I dunno 😅
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:01 PM
For me it looks perfect to go out in but I understand what you’re saying, more like a in-house day outfit. Ah! yes “lounge wear” I believe its called and you have to admit he’s the perfect definition of lounging here. 😂
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:05 PM
You’re totally right! I also don’t have the habit— the clothes I sleep in are the clothes I wear around the house if I am not going out— but I totally get the “loungewear” idea and habit. For him, even more so, especially since working out (and sweating) is the very first thing he says he does after he gets up in the morning
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:11 PM
Them perhaps he needs loungewear all the more. Even though he may not be going out. I’m sure he would have interactions with staff / team etc. and he can’t be greeting them all or holding a professional meeting in his PJs. 😅
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:12 PM
* Then 🤦♀️
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 24, 2024 at 12:15 PM
@seeker That would be the death of me 🙇🏻♀️
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
February 24, 2024 at 12:20 PM
^^ ⁉️