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The plot thickens in the Mountain-River Awl Case! Everyone wakes up to discover that they've been drugged and that Wang Zheng has left.
The Morning After
Zhu Hong is the only one who wakes up on her own after being drugged by Wang Zheng, and she in turn wakes up Zhao Yunlan. Just as they are talking, Shen Wei walks in.
"I am a harmless, concerned professor asking for more information."
"It's morning and I have way too much of a drug-induced headache to deal with your bullshit."
They are interrupted by an earthquake.
Zhao Yunlan speculates that this was caused by a Dixingren. Shen Wei confirms his theories. Meaningful suspicious looks are exchanged.
Zhao Yunlan gets another headache, and Shen Wei's concerned motherhen side comes out. Zhao Yunlan tries to brush it off with an adorable smile, but it's not very effective.
At this point, Lao Chu and Xiao Guo arrive with more news, and Zhao Yunlan sets off with them. But not before telling Zhu Hong to stay behind with Shen Wei.
This scene is really great for seeing Zhao Yunlan's acting skills in play. He's laughing and smiling while sneaking a message to Zhu Hong to watch Shen Wei.
Shen Wei goes back with Zhu Hong, but not without taking at least several more looks at the departing Zhao Yunlan. He reluctantly goes back with Zhu Hong, but I think we all know the likelihood of him staying put, don't we?
Shen Wei, Episode Nine: I don't need a jacket, I don't really get cold.
Shen Wei, Episode Ten: Don't mind me, just casually putting on my boyfriend jacket before chasing after him.
Finding Wang Zheng
Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei both arrive at the caves where Wang Zheng has gone.
While Zhao Yunlan is dodging monsters in the cave, Shen Wei sends him a magical note that says "Do you like me? Yes, No, Maybe" warns Zhao Yunlan of danger.
Just as Zhao Yunlan musters up the strength to use the dark energy gun, the Black-Cloaked Envoy comes to his rescue. Highlights of this scene:
1. Even though Zhao Yunlan has his trigger finger ready to fire at any moment, Shen Wei has no qualms at all just jumping in front of the dark energy gun. There's so much trust in that single action.
2. Zhao Yunlan's happy grin at seeing the Envoy arrive.
The Envoy is Not Amused that Zhao Yunlan keeps getting himself in danger. Zhao Yunlan thinks if he bats his eyelashes enough times, maybe the Envoy will forgive him.
Synchronized Walking: Battle Couple Edition
The Envoy effortlessly takes out a few monsters by himself. Zhao Yunlan looks so giddily impressed. "Wow!"
They continue to chat and search the cave for Wang Zheng's presence. When Shen Wei fails to find her tracks due to the interference of the Hallows, Zhao Yunlan gets a brilliant idea...
Zhao Yunlan looks pretty pleased with himself for having brought the Longevity Dial with him.
The Envoy: You have got to be fucking kidding me.
The Envoy gives Zhao Yunlan yet another stern lecture on the dangers of touching/using the hallows. The only takeaway Zhao Yunlan gets from this is how hilarious it is that the Envoy sounds just like a friend of his, who also worries too much.
Shen Wei (to himself): I can't believe I used two different identities to nag him about this and it's still not getting through his thick skull.
Rescuing Wang Zheng
They finally arrive at the place where Wang Zheng is being held.
It's a trap! The Envoy grabs Zhao Yunlan's arm to stop him.
The Envoy and Zhao Yunlan analyze the situation together. I kind of love the lowered voice in this scene and how they play off each other.
After the discussions, they settle on a plan for Shen Wei to question her. Zhao Yunlan's little nod here kills me every time.
And Shen Wei's questioning moves us directly into Wang Zheng's backstory and her relationship with Sang Zhan. Wang Zheng says that she just wants to be happy and always by his side.
Shen Wei is visibly moved. The lowered head. That little imperceptible swallow. So much emotion conveyed despite the mask and hood.
Zhao Yunlan is very sympathetic as well. So much emotion in his eyes!
They react together after Wang Zheng's story of her death.
We see Zhao Yunlan talking about the helplessness of not being able to protect and save his loved ones, and how it leads to hate and vengefulness. Zhao Yunlan isn't as OTT as Shen Wei, but his protective streak is just as strong. Which we see as well in the later episodes ("Who hurt you? I'll kill him!").
Shen Wei is very much on the same page. If someone hurt the person he loved, not even a thousand knife cuts can disperse this hatred.
Zhao Yunlan gets an eye-opening experience here that the Envoy is capable of such intense feelings.
And that's how this episode ends - a very interesting exchange between Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei that reveals what's most important to them.
[ Episode Nine ] [ Masterpost ] [ Episode Eleven ]
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