How I Lost a Battle Against a Chinese Drama

Earlier this month, I reread some of my old posts and thought, “Whoa, I used to write about everything.” And by everything, I mean everything. I could witness the most random thing ever and turn it into a whole reflective narrative. Remember this post or that one? So random.

While it was quite generous of me to share that many details, I don’t think I have the time to dissect every little thing these days. I’ve been busy, guys. Busy busy. Not with my office job, but with things outside of it. And I’m so happy to have found so many exciting new things to do.

Recently, I booked a reformer Pilates class with some friends (which felt awesome—my body felt like a sponge afterward), I’ve been relearning Chinese (it turns out I still remember some of the basics!), and I’m currently very, extremely, vehemently obsessed with a Chinese drama called Pursuit of Jade.

Before I continue confessing my undying love for the series, you should know that I didn’t suddenly pick up Chinese because of it. I’ve been considering taking a course since earlier this year. This drama just, um, sort of threw fuel on the fire. It felt like the universe gave me a real push.

Now, for some background: up until two weeks ago, I had absolutely no desire to watch a TV series, let alone one with 40 episodes like Pursuit of Jade. My mom, however, seemed to make it her personal mission to get my sister and me to watch it too. She said she loved it so much—and if her opinion wasn’t convincing enough, I also had to know that my aunt and cousins were obsessed with it!

(I was like, “Who are you, Mother? Who has possessed you, made you Google Zhang Linghe—the male lead—and fuss over his royal hotness?” At one point, I even concluded, “Is there any chance you’re, um, going through a second puberty?”)

I genuinely didn’t understand the hype at first. And I was so, so, so proud of my ability to withstand my mom’s relentless follow-ups.

“Have you watched it yet?”

“Youshouldwatchit! ItwasSOOOOGOOD!”

“You won’t regret it. It’s so funny!!!”

I mean, no, thank you very much. I hadn’t even felt motivated to watch the final season of Stranger Things, which I had been waiting for years.

Everything changed when I met my sister two weeks ago though. She told me she had caved and just finished Pursuit of Jade. Her exact words, I believe, were: “[Censored curse word], I got Zhang Linghe’d.”

Interesting.

My sister has never been the type to fall for a romantic drama. So that statement carried more weight than my entire family’s endorsement combined.

I started debating whether I should watch it. Then, on one fine Sunday night two weeks ago, I decided there was absolutely no harm in giving it a try. I could stop whenever I wanted.

I finished twelve episodes in one night instead.

And the rest four days later.

I was rewarded with panda eyes for an entire week, but I couldn’t care less. The director could give me 100 more episodes and I would happily finish them within a week.

It was just so, so, so good. I laughed. I cried. I cursed. The cast, the cinematography, the OST—everything felt satisfyingly perfect. Since I haven’t been able to move on yet, I’ve been watching cute behind-the-scenes clips and convincing my delulu self that Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei have a crush on each other in real life.

Oh, and I also plan to rewatch it in a few days.

So please, watch it at your own risk, guys. And be prepared, because this show is addictive. I even contemplated taking a week off work just so I could stay in bed and keep watching it.

I just can’t.

My soft heart is beating for Xie Zheng.

Why am I like this?!

If you’re wondering what on earth I’m rambling about, watch the trailer here.

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