Latest Posts by frayed-at-the-seams - Page 3

In Strongberry We Trust

I had a private ask about Strongberry recently so here’s some thoughts.

Strongberry is probably the most established KBL studio, they started in high production shorts/microfilms (as, indeed, did all of KBL) and still specialize in them. They also do some GL. They tend to have very good chemistry, work with professional actors (not idols), and will go high heat. They are now a division of Matchbox, and have been around and steadily producing content since 2017. The CEO is adorable. As of this post (Nov 2022) they are airing a new BL on their YT channel Choco Milk Shake.

Fandom slogan?

#InStrongberryWeTrust

For the fact that they pick odd premises but always seem to execute beautifully. Their stuff is either on YouTube, Gaga or pay to play on Vimeo, and they do move it around so my links might not always still be working. Vimeo earns them the most money. They are a small, struggling, queer-friendly studio, please support them and their content by not pirating or watching illegally. 

Here’s my ranking of Strongberry’s offerings.

1. A First Love Story

2021 YouTube short in 2 microfilms 

Tropes: childhood friends to lovers, home setting, soft tone, grumpy/sunshine pairing

Strongberry are true masters of their craft and yet A First Love Story is still one of the best things they have ever produced. It’s the only microfilm every to make one of my year end top ten list. It’s two episodes of about 8 minutes each that manage to perfectly portray the sweetest friends-to-lovers confession ever. It’s joyful, and gentle with its characters, and a little hot. How on earth do they manage to leave us yearning for more yet completely satisfied at the same time? It’s like the perfect amuse-bouche, that one finger food at that one cocktail party that you will never forget. You are a ridiculous human if you haven’t spent 16 minutes with these two boys. Go watch it now. Or go watch it again. It’s time VERY well spent.

2. Long Time No See

2017 Gaga KBL length series (total 1.5 hr, some places packaged as a movie)

Tropes: secret love, enemies to lovers, secret identity, assassins, catfishing, mafia, higher heat, grumpy/sunshine pairing 

One of Strongberry’s few longer pieces and I often wonder whether this is strictly BL. It’s about assassins on either side of a terf war who fall in love not knowing they are on opposite sides. Or do they? Good fight sequences, mature characters, high heat, very suspenseful, AND an HEA. If you like KinnPorsche you will LOVE this one.

3. Some More

2018 Gaga microfilm

Tropes: friends to lovers, hyung romance, self acceptance, countryside setting, soft tone, age gap, country boy/city boy

One of my most favorite of Strongberry’s shorts, about a city boy on a bike tour who gets injured and rescued by a taciturn, but (as it turns out) very gay, farmer. Mentions of pride, adorable supportive cousin. SO CUTE with excellent chemistry and featuring tropes I can never get enough of. 

3. Private Lessons

2019 Gaga microfilm

Tropes: student/teacher, jock/nerd, hyung romance, obsession, crush, university setting, May/December, age gap  

Given it is age gap and teacher/student (AKA P’ABL’s catnip) it should rate higher on my list, but the chemistry is slightly off. Stil I do love this one for the dynamic. Certainly worth watching especially if this is one of your fav yaoi tropes.

4. Step For You

2018 Gaga microfilm

Tropes: friends to lovers, sports, university setting, crush, jock/nerd, soft tone

About a reporter from the student newspaper who has to interview an older dancer and falls in love with him. This may not have been my first Strongberry, but it’s the first one I remember watching. 

5. Please Tell Me So

2021 YouTube microfilm (AKA That’s My Mr.Right!) 

Tropes: crush, obsession, cafe setting, sunshine/sunshine pairing 

Cute barista (played by Han Hyun Jun star of Love Class) has a crush on his customer, musters up the courage to ask him out. 

6. My Pistachio

2018 Gaga microfilm

Tropes: friends to lovers, crush, hero worship, hyung romance, university setting, play within a play, grumpy/sunshine 

7. As if You Whisper

2019 Gaga movie

Tropes: friends to lovers, self acceptance, music industry setting, grumpy/sunshine pairing

8. Confidential Coffee Break

2021 Vimeo microfilm

Tropes: mature romance, long term relationship, self acceptance, university setting, one act

It’s a monologue piece about two closeted older gay professors discussing changing times and the nature of acceptance (self and others) in modern day South Korean academic environment. 

9. Hold Me

2021 YouTube microfilm

Tropes: friends to lovers, self acceptance, high school setting

10. Sweet Curse 

2021 Gaga short

Tropes: horror, paranormal elements, ghost story, possession, obsession, gay friendship group, everyone wants that one boy, bad/good

This is a low-gore atmospheric horror, with some very high heat. I’m not saying it’s in the top 10 just because of that, but I am saying when Strongberry does high heat it v good and v gay. 

OTHERS

My Personal Trainer - 2019 short Gaga. It v silly and v gay. Influencer has crush on his personal trainer. 

Secret Roommate - 2020 short Gaga, Cohabit, self acceptance, home setting, family, coming out 

Fingers After - 2021 microfilm Vimeo. Cohabit, morning after, home setting, pining, sunshine/tsundere pairing. 

Secret Spectacles - 2017 microfilm Gaga. Very silly again, friends to lovers, paranormal elements, university crush.

Table Manner - 2018 microfilm Gaga. Cohabit, self acceptance, home setting, long term relationship 

The Summer Pasta Recipe - 2021 short YouTube, reunion, self acceptance, grumpy/sunshine.

There my be a few more I don’t know about, MDL doesn’t seem to have a sort function for production company. 

Choco Milk Shake 

2022 YouTube KBL length series (total 1.5 hr) 

Tropes: cohabit, F2L, paranormal elements, home setting, soft tones, sunshine/tsundere. 

Two pets, a cat and a dog, reincarnate as humans to visit their old owner.

Two Other KBL shorts worth checking out:

Just Friends? 

2009 Gaga short 

I consider this one of Korea’s first actual BLs. Boyfriends, one of whom is on military leave, trying to decide on coming out and their future together. Bonus for out gay director and queer activist. 

Being Me 

2018 short Gaga 

A summer of love for two long term besties who have basically always been boyfriends, but when a girl tries to date one of them, they finally realize it. Beautifully filmed and a STELLAR ending kiss. 

(source) 

You assign university work to the university student? You assign university work to the university student at university? Jail for professors! Jail for professors for one thousand years!

i love tian ya ke so much because it’s a story all about grief and pain and understanding. and wen kexing and zhou zishu run around in circles trying to let the other know they fucking get it without revealing too much because they both fear being seen as monstrous. both of them hiding because they fear to be seen and to be abandoned or rejected. to lose even one more thing would be unbearable. and again and again they prove to each other they recognize the others pain. they say to each other ‘i’ve seen your heart and not your grief. ive seen what you become and i love you more for it. i understand what you did to survive because i did it too.’ they understand longing for death n they know they cannot save the other. but maybe since there’s another person in the world who recognizes their pain it won’t be so bad. maybe the only thing demons and ghosts need to become human again is just a little understanding…

AND because wen kexing is a Horny Stalker and i love him to death <333

wow! if I had a nickel for every time I read about a character who was oblivious to feelings of their eventual love interest, but went head over heels in love with them as soon as they learned about those feelings, basically going from “he can’t stand me but i admire his skills” to “we are basically married” I'd have two nickels. which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. right?

wait, So we're not crazy???

In the latest edition of cql/mdzs rare pairs that completely blindsided me, let's talk about Jiang Cheng and Lan Jingyi.

This ship has the Vibe of that volcano experiment you had in elementary: Explosive? You bet. Educational? Probably. Wildly Entertaining? Hell yeah.

First off, endless Dramatic Potential. Age difference, power dynamics, secret relatioships, outsider povs reactions when they Find Out - take your pick.

Jin Ling. Half of the Drama Material alone is in the very spicy take "my best friend, and my uncle who practically raised me are together." Whichever end of the spectrum JL is on the support/acceptance scale, it's bound to be interesting.

These two are probably the most similar in temperament in the surface level but there's also enough differences to make the ship plausible. One of the things I appreciated in the rewatch is that LJY is often used for exposition dump and so he comes off as super knowledgeable about the world (eg. info on Dancing Goddess) Also, he's perceptive and smart. He's the first person to point out that WWX is not as crazy as he pretends to be as MXY. So he and JC could def have intellectual conversations (hello casefic/nighthunts)

Also when I rewatched ep 1-2 I noticed some Very Interesting things. In the few scenes they are both together with a crowd LJY doesn't speak up during tense scenes, allowing LSZ to be LWJ's Diplomatic Translator. But then there's this One Exchange when JC whips out Zidian at MY (who's already WWX) and he's like "wtf why didn't that work thats impossible" and GUESS WHO HAS THE AUDACITY TO SPEAK OUT WHEN EVERYONES INTERNALLY LIKE "wtf is going on oooh shit"

Thats right our boi LJY. Not only that but he literally says "sect leader pls stop" then proceeds to lecture JC on the features of his own spiritual weapon. LJY does Gusu Library have a cultivation wiki section because is this even public information?? How do you know these v specific things hmmmm maybe you have an inside source like the owner of the spiritual weapon?

And JC doesn't even scold him but instead Actually Slips Composure by asking him, LJY, on how he can be so sure that WWX isn't dead. LJY has to bluntly but unkindly reply that "people said you killed him." Cue JC's open heartbreak in his eyes. At this point it's a wide shot and it's a blink it or miss moment but LSZ lit squeezes LJY's hand to stop from talking at JC (and maybe roasting him)

Btw i didn't wake up one day shipping these two? Like I love JC with WQ and have enjoyed fics pairing him with WN, NHS, and LXC. LJY has been paired with LSZ and even JL and these fics I also loved

But then I read 1-2 fics that had this rare pair and thought "huh they're onto something" then I read more until I found myself scrolling through the ao3 tags and OH nO

Seriously half of the fics is either "I think your hot so let's bang together and maybe catch feelings along the way (mostly LJY)" and "outsider pov finds out about unconventional relationship. Reactions range from shocked surprise to downright decisive. More at page 11"

This pairing in emojis is: 😏😠 (while holding hands) and I can never unsee it so you shouldn't either

Heaven Official's Blessing book 4 cover art 🦋

Top ten bl couples- 2022 version.

(This may change as new dramas come out). In no particular order. These are just the ones that I enjoyed the most for various reasons. Posting this just because I have watched so many shows that I have lost count, but yet these are my absolute faves.

1. Adachi and Kurosawa. (Cherry Magic). Such a lovely story about respect and overcoming anxiety. They have such a sweet relationship and their story was really well paced. I want to see more of them.

2. Yoohan and Yeonwoo. (Color Rush). I loved their story and was so upset about season 2. They had such great chemistry and were literal soulmates.

3. Sarawat and Tine. (2gether). This was such a dorky but sweet romance story and season 2 only made it cuter. They had such great chemistry and I loved their interactions.

4. Mark and Ouwen. (Love is science). Even though they were a side couple I loved their story and the found family they created. They also had great chemistry and character development.

5. Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu. (Word of honor). Two messed up and traumatised people band together and accidentally created a family while causing chaos. Loved their dynamics.

6. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. (The untamed). I have always loved these two from MDZS. They are such opposites but fit so perfectly.

7. Togawa and Nozue. (Old fashion Cupcake). I loved their banter and their relationship development. Their age gap was perfectly incorporated into the show. I wish the series was longer so we could see more but the few episodes were also amazingly well paced.

8. Arthit and Kongpob. (Sotus). They were one of my first dramas and I have had a soft spot for them ever since. Grumpy cat and smitten puppy is a perfect dynamic and I love it.

9. Jack and Zhao Zi. (History3: Trapped). Sunshine and sunshine protector with such a great storyline. Mercenary and a policeman with a surprising little amount of drama considering their backgrounds. They’re just so sweet and I love them so much.

10. Jang Jaeyoung and Chu Sangwoo. (Semantic Error). They had such great enemies to lovers plot and the height difference was adorable. They had me hooked by the first episode and their interactions are everything.

If you haven’t seen any of these shows then I high key recommend.

Jung Hae In as An Jun Ho  ‘A Man Holding Flowers’ | D.P. (2021) dir. Han Jun Hee

JUNG HAE IN and KOO KYO HWAN for W Korea (September 2021)

Mulan modern au

Can we have a modern au of Mulan but with no war? Mulan is just a genderfluid person, but assigned female at birth, trying to survive their new internship at company/gym/security business when they develop a crush on Shang, who’s father owns the business. But Shang has only ever seen Mulan on masculine or Non binary days ad therefore gender shenanigans still occur. We just get loads of supportive Asian grandmas, confused but supportive friends and Mulan being kick ass.

Please?

I aspire to have the energy to be a bouncy ball.

Normal until some barsteward picks me up and throws me then you have no idea where I’ll go and what I’ll break as I ricochet off the walls.

My favorite thing about hobbits is how no other race has any idea how they work so they can just… bullshit their way through literally anything? Bilbo turns invisible and the dwarves just go “Yeah sounds about right, Gandalf did say they’re very sneaky” and don’t guess about the Ring. Frodo gets stabbed by a troll spear and survives unharmed and Aragorn goes “Oh right, hobbits are supposed to be resilient, that checks out. Very impressive!” and nobody thinks to ask if he’s got perhaps some kind of armor. I need to know what the line is. How weird does a hobbit need to get before they get called out??

#PERFECT ANIMATION OF OBI-WAN KENOBI #OBI-WAN SWINGING HIS LIGHTSABER LIKE A BASEBALL BAT #IS THE ABSOLUTE FUNNIEST THING #’HE’S ONE OF THE BEST DUELLISTS IN THE JEDI ORDER. HIS STYLE IS REFINED AND–’ #MEANWHILE OBI-WAN KENOBI:  [HITS YOU WITH A LIGHTSABER BAT]

“You clones will never be fodder, not on my watch.  the Jedi, clones, senators, our allies–all of us, we’re in this together.  And I will fight for each one of us in equal measure, now and until the very last day of this war.” I’m kind of legitimately crying a little in my heart, because Obi-Wan Kenobi cared so deeply about everyone, that no one was fodder to him.  That this is why he was so warmly regarded by everyone around him–why his Jedi brothers and sisters loved him, why his clones were so loyal to him, why Cody feels free to speak up around him and trusts him and believes in him in this very issue, why Padme trusts him. Because Obi-Wan Kenobi does his level best to navigate what could be yet another trap being laid for them, could just be a powder keg that would blow up in their faces, all while being resolute that, though this is war and death happens, they’re still all in this together and of course he will fight for them. Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi through and through, he was never going to just let the clones fight for themselves without pitching in to help.  Not when he’s still in a position to be able to offer help. Also, can we talk about this majestic bastard? “I WANT MORE CLONES TO HUNT FOR SPORT!  I WANT THEM NOW!!” “Oh, we heard you.”

”And the answer is no.” I’M SCREAMING, LOOK AT HIM WHAT A DRAMATIC, EXTRA BASTARD HE’S THE BEST

Could you imagine?

Obiwan AU

Okay, so when the Jedi find the clones and the clones are given up as property of the Jedi, the long necks concede legal right over them. But some of the clones are still children sized, right? So therefore the Jedi order have custody of them. But they still need to be trained into Soldiers so they stay on Kamino. But the Jedi still are their legal guardians so therefore they send a crèche master to watch over them. (Bonus if it is Obiwan because I have read Crèche master Fics with him and they are adorable). So the children clones now have more of a childhood and a parent figure. New shinies re coming to their battalions with stories about their childhoods that involve hugs and proper parenting. The older clones are baffled and soon begin to return to Kamino on their breaks to see for themselves. Soon the crèche master has a whole army as their family, demanding bedtime stories and hug as. Also, because of this new close relationship between the Jedi and the clones, the chips are discovered and order 66 never happens.

(Extra bonus points if this is Codywan. Or it could just be platonic 212th with Obiwan. I just want every clone to adopt this man. Someone please write this!!!)

The Lost Tomb Franchise: Show Character Guide

** Only includes characters who appear in 3+ franchise shows no matter how many actors portray them in said shows.

Franchise shows in order: The Mystic Nine, The Lost Tomb, The Lost Tomb 2, Heavenly Palace in the Clouds, Ultimate Note, Tomb of the Sea // Sand Sea, Reunion: The Sound of the Providence, Moonfall Echo (No characters from this qualify for the guide).

——————————————————————–

Wu Xie (Main Character; Iron Triangle Member)

Appears in all franchise shows save “The Mystic Nine” and “Moonfall Echo”

Only heir of the Wu family, near the middle of the Mystic Nine Families.

Son of the eldest of the three Wu brothers, often referred to as “Young Master Wu”.

Goes on adventures guided by his grandfather’s notebook- a guide to tomb robbing.

“Robs” tombs in order to learn the history, trip any traps, and then hand the site over to government archaeologists for preservation.

Strict “No Looting” rule.

Constantly cleaning up after // hunting down his Third Uncle.

One of only 4 people to ever see Hei Yanjing // Black Blindman’s eyes and survive.

If a snake bites him, he can see its memories. I… I don’t know what to tell you. It’s a thing in one show and that’s it.

Brings in an unwilling student named Li Cu in on one of his adventures despite having no apparent connection to the boy. Li Cu and Wu Xie both deny any relation, but even the Wu family suspects Li Cu may be Wu Xie’s illegitimate child due to an uncanny resemblance Li Cu bears to young Wu Xie.

Xiao Ge // Zhang Qiling (Main Character; Iron Triangle Member)

Appears in all franchise shows save “The Mystic Nine” and “Moonfall Echo”

70+ years old

Has a Qiling (Divine beast) tattoo across most of his left breast/arm/back that only appears when his skin is hot.

From the Northern branch of the Zhang family.

Some form of cousin to Zhang Rishan (of the Southern Zhang)

BARELY speaks.

Has two extremely long and strong fingers *hold for giggles* that can be used to trip any traps in a tomb.

Carries around a black-gold sword.

Tends to get amnesia, barely remembers anything ever other than how to be a bad ass tomb raider.

Tends to just wander off on his own for long periods of time.

One of only 4 people to ever see Hei Yanjing // Black Blindman’s eyes and survive.

Wang Pangzi (Main Character; Iron Triangle Member)

Appears in all franchise shows save “The Mystic Nine” and “Moonfall Echo”

An actual tomb robber who Wu Xie keeps in line.

Though Wu Xie and Xiao Ge are extremely close, Wu Xie spends the most time with Pangzi.

Nothing he does ever goes right XD

Constantly trying to steal from tombs. CONSTANTLY tripping traps. CONSTANTLY being caught by Wu Xie.

Extremely loyal to Wu Xie and Xiao Ge // Zhang Qiling.

Is often partnered with Xiao Ge // Zhang Qiling if the Iron Triangle separates on a mission (mainly because he got himself into something and Xiao Ge had to rescue him).

Wu San Xing // Third Uncle  // Uncle Three

Appears in all franchise shows save “The Mystic Nine” and “Moonfall Echo”

The third son of the Wu Family (in his name “San” = Three; Wu Xie only has 2 uncles)

Though he’s Wu Xie’s Uncle, he basically raised the boy since his eldest brother didn’t seem to care.

Wild and crazy, gave Wu Xie a taste for adventure.

The first Wu to work with Xiao Ge // Zhang Qiling.

A tomb robber Wu Xie guilted into going straight.

Friends in low places, lots of mercenaries and ex-military.

Most of Wu Xie’s adventures start off with Wu San Xing going missing.

Xie Yu Chen // Xiao Hua

Appears in all franchise shows except “The Mystic Nine” and “Moonfall Echo”

Head of the Xie family- one of the strongest and most wealthy in the Mystic Nine Families.

Became head of the family at a very young age.

Likes to perform traditional Chinese opera (including full costume/makeup).

Friends with Hei Yanjing // Black Blindman. One of only 4 people to ever see his eyes and survive.

Due to his delicate looks as a child, many assumed he was female.

Appears to be solemn and overly-serious, but does in fact have a sense of humor.

A complete master of disguise, can even pose as his female companion Huo Xiu Xiu convincingly.

Extremely close with Huo Xiu Xiu.

Huo Xiu Xiu

Appears in all franchise shows except “The Mystic Nine”, “Reunion: The Sound of the Providence”, and “Moonfall Echo”

Heir to the Huo family- another exceptionally strong branch of the Mystic Nine Families.

Her grandmother’s right hand since her mother died and her aunt disappeared on an expedition.

A trained acrobat who often sleeps in a nest of ropes suspended above the ground.

Regal and dignified, but willing to get her hands dirty if need be.

Often the go-between for Xie Yu Chen // Xiao Hua and Wu Xie.

Extremely close with Xie Yu Chen.

A-Ning

Appears in all franchise shows save “Tomb of the Sea”, “The Mystic Nine”, and “Moonfall Echo”

Tomb robber under the employ of Hendry Cox ( AKA Qiu De Kao).

Hired to work against Wu San Xing and Wu Xie, typically working with ulterior motives.

Deeply respects and admires Wu Xie for his integrity and loyalty towards his friends and family; also admires Xiao Ge // Zhang Qiling’s fighting abilities.

If Hendry Cox wants to invite Wu Xie on a mission, he sends A-Ning to ask.

Can be considered a romantic interest of Wu Xie’s.

Pan Zi

Appears in “The Lost Tomb”, “The Lost Tomb 2″, “Heavenly Palace in the Clouds”, and “Ultimate Note”.

Wu San Xing’s right hand man and best friend.

Formerly a soldier.

Takes the big hits- being shot, stabbed, etc.

While Wu San Xing is flighty and mysterious, Pan Zi remains by Wu Xie’s side on his behalf. Is often left behind by Wu San Xing to keep an eye on Wu Xie and protect him.

As unquestionably loyal as Pan Zi is to Wu San Xing, he’s just as loyal to Wu Xie. Though if Wu Xie asks him to go against an order from Wu San Xing, he will resist.

Has a deal with Wu San Xing to live together with him in a nursing home when they are old.

Wu Er Bai

Appears in “Ultimate Note”, “Tomb of the Sea”, and “Reunion: The Sound of the Providence”

The second son of the Wu Family, Wu Sanxing’s older brother.

Younger brother to Wu Xie’s absent father.

The brother who represents the Wu Family when his elderly mother is unavailable.

Sort of the enforcer of the family, which often puts him at odds with Wu Xie who seeks to misbehave. 

Tries to maintain the Wu family’s place within the Mystic Nine and not allow the more powerful families to push the Wu out.

Despite his stern and sometimes combative nature, cares deeply for Wu Xie and treats him as a son.

Wang Meng

Appears in “Ultimate Note”, “Tomb of the Sea”, and “Reunion: The Sound of the Providence”.

Wu Xie’s right hand, who manages Wu Xie’s store for him while he goes on adventures (and arranges said adventures).

Wu Xie never remembers to pay him, so he’s constantly trying to get money out of his boss.

FIERCELY loyal, it is impossible to drive a wedge between Wang Meng and Wu Xie.

Loves Minesweeper.

Not that great at telling real antiques from fakes.

Easy to trick.

Zhang Rishan

Appears in “The Mystic Nine”, “Ultimate Note”, and “Tomb of the Sea”

At least 120

Despite appearing in 3 separate “Lost Tomb” franchise shows, exclusively portrayed by actor Zhang Ming En.

Has a Qiongqi (Demon) tattoo across most of his right breast/arm/back that only appears when his skin is hot. 

Some form of cousin to Xiao Ge // Zhang Qiling.

Head of the Mystic Nine Families, he keeps them all in line.

Though Zhang Rishan is the head of the Southern branch of the Zhang family, he does not interact with Xiao Ge // Zhang Qiling, leaving him to do as he wishes without interference. Works closely with Wu Xie when necessary.

Lieutenant to Zhang Qi Shan in the 1930s. Even in modern times is fiercely loyal to the memory of Zhang Qi Shan.

Does not have the elongated fingers of the Northern-Zhang, but seems to possess a form of super-strength.

A superior strategist and tactician. 

Hei Yanjing // Black Blindman

Appears in “The Lost Tomb 2″, “Ultimate Note”, “Tomb of the Sea”, and “Reunion: The Sound of the Providence”.

100+ year old mercenary.

Has some unspecified history with Xiao Ge // Zhang Qiling.

Not a member of the Mystic Nine Families, but is affiliated with the Xie and Wu branches mainly.

Hints that he became immortal after consuming a pill found in a tomb.

Hyper-sensitive to light. Blind in the day without his sunglasses, but sees perfectly in the dark.

Only 4 living people have ever seen him without sunglasses: Xie Yu Chen, Wu Xie, Ya Nv, and Xiao Ge // Zhang Qiling.

Superior at all forms of combat.

Took on Wu Xie and later the teen Su Wan as his students.

A broke-ass bitch, he carries around his own credit card reader and tries to nickel and dime everyone for anything.

Addicted to fried rice with pork and green pepper. When Xie Yu Chen lost a bet to him, the Xie family erected a food stall that serves only that- and he gets to eat for free.

Chen Pi A Si

Appears in “The Mystic Nine”, “The Lost Tomb 2″, “Heavenly Palace in the Clouds”, and “Ultimate Note”

(Eventual) Leader of the Chen family, one of the Middle Clans of the Mystic Nine (along with the Wu and Hei families)

One of the original Mystic Nine heads, though often at odds with the rest.

Originally a disciple of Mystic Nine member Er Yue Hong, though he resented that the Er family went legit rather than robbing tombs.

Was deeply in love with Er Yue’s wife Ya Tou, though it was entirely one-sided.

Hendry Cox // Qiu De Kao

Appears in “The Mystic Nine”, “The Lost Tomb 2″, “Heavenly Palace on the Clouds” (actor not pictured), and “Ultimate Note”

The main antagonist of the DMBJ show franchise.

An American businessman (originally scholar) who became obsessed with chasing immortality.

Uses A-Ning and an army of mercenaries to raid tombs for relics.

A-Ning considers him as a father-figure to her, and he refers to her as his most precious asset.

An enemy of the Mystic Nine families.

Willing to compromise only if he sees a benefit to himself in it. 

A collector of Chinese antiquities, he is a natural opponent to Wu Xie, who believes cultural historical relics should belong to their country of origin rather than foreign collectors.

Any MXTX novel/anime (or untamed) fans out there who want to be murals and scream about everything together?? Because I miss them all so much and I need to talk to someone about it. (Especially if you’re a fan is SVSSS).

Please add me so we can be friends 🥺.

BEYOND EVIL INCORRECT QUOTES

this whole "job thing" is rlly starting to get in my way. i need to watch made up people falling in love on tv, and then i need to read more extensively about it online. why is that so hard to understand

Stop wishing me a good husband and start wishing me something I actually need (Strangers From Hell sequel and Lee Dongwook as a vampire)

The Mega Fandom Update

Honestly, you guys, I didn't like Beyond Evil, but I forced myself through 3 episodes of mehness because my fellow TDJ bishes told me it was good and I trusted you guys.

However, I am extremely glad that I kept going because once we hit episode 4?????? Oh men, I'm ready for this show now. I'm in episode 6 and I trying to slow down. I will really hate it when I get to the end and there's nothing left to watch. I love this show.

Anyhooooos, I said I'd comment on the similarities between all 4 of them as I go so I'm here with a longer list.

Spoilers for the following movie/shows:

The Merciless

Beyond Evil

The Devil Judge

Strangers from Hell

I was drawn to them all because of the queercoding of the characters. I'm not going to lie about that so let's just get that out of the way. All 4 of these stories are badass, bl dramas hiding in plain sight in my opinion.

They all feature a pair of men that have a sizable age-gap between them. We don't know the characters' ages, but if we go by the actors', the closest is a 7-year gap from SfH.

They all centre around crime. (M: crime syndicate, BE: murder investigation, TDJ: criminal prosecution, SfH: serial murder)

They all have a bad ass woman in law enforcement who takes a special interest in the case.

They all have possessive sidekicks who kind of worship the ground the DILF walks on. I would like to point out that that TDJ is the only one where the sidekick is much younger than the DILF (K). Also, I'm not so sure about Jeongju yet, but he hasn't shown any signs of possessiveness yet. Let's see in the future.

*the side kicks in M and SfH died. We don't have confirmation about K being dead yet and I haven't finished BE, so we'll see next time.

They all have a "community" that surrounds the DILf with unerring loyalty. Whether it's a gang of mobsters, the police precinct, the ragtag revolutionists or building tenants.

The younger guy in the pairing has accused the DILF of murder, at least once.

Like, I'm happy about these shows. It's been a while since I was immersed in kdramas and I'm not even surprised that these are the shows and movie that have dragged me back in.

If you have watched one or two of these shows, I advise that you check out the rest. They're all so engaging.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to do your assignments!”

listen. I don’t. But I am always trapped in a vicious cycle.

And the only thing that breaks this cycle is the dread of an imminent deadline

The Merciless (2017) x The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci (1498)

Just started a new kdrama after watching Devil Judge and Beyond Evil. I don’t know where the gay is but I can smell it coming. It’s going to get Bromantic around here.

Update: finished two new dramas. I saw bromance and now I ship them. They’re gay and you can’t tell me otherwise.

This happens with all races. Children don’t deserve to be fetishised for being born mixed race.

Let talk about Biracial Kids (Follow @_vonhoe_ on Instagram)

Monday Fic Recs

Wei Wuxian/Lan Wangji (The Untamed/Mo Dao Zu Shi)

puzzle pieces by yuisaki

“Sorry, I, uh. Laundry day caught up to me before I could catch up with it. I saw this shirt left in the washer a few days ago, and—“ Wei Ying blinks up at Lan Zhan through dark eyelashes that he wants to kiss, maybe, and gives him an uncharacteristically hesitant smile. “Do you mind?”

I mind the fact that we are not married, Lan Zhan thinks.

Wei Ying keeps borrowing Lan Zhan’s clothes. It is only mildly driving him insane.

This is absolutely hilarious. Lan Wangji’s inner monologue is delightful. I love fics that are written from his perspective

Attempting the Impossible by ariaste

Jiang Cheng gathers up his determination in both hands and goes to the Cloud Recesses to embark on one of the most difficult endeavors he can imagine: Repairing his relationship with his brother.

To his surprise, he discovers he’s become an uncle again… several times over.

Wei Wuxian, what the fuck?!

I always enjoy fics where Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng reconcile post-canon and this is wonderful. The author writes their relationship perfectly.

tame by rikke

After the Xuanwu Cave incident, Wei Wuxian wakes up back in Lotus Pier with one hand clutching Lan Wangji and the other hand clutching…an egg?

in which wwx and lwj accidentally hatch a baby xuanwu

This sounds like total crack but it actually isn’t. I mean it is a bit but everyone is perfectly in character and it’s amazing how the presence of a baby xuanwu changes everything for the better. 

I Have Saved All My Ribbons For Thee by damnslippyplanet

Lan Zhan’s fingers feel nice, and so does the comb he extracted from some mysterious pocket where he keeps spiritual weaponry and extra talismans and lubricating oil and snacks for children, rabbits, and Wei Ying. He starts with his fingers, running them through Wei Ying’s hair gently from his scalp all the way to the ends, loosening up the big snarls from where Wei Ying was too hasty. To jump ahead to the fucking. Which is not happening right now, because Wei Ying’s life is very difficult and trying and his husband loves him too much.

A lovely, tender bit of hair brushing

Zhao Yunlan/Shen Wei (Guardian)

Rich in Heart by tethysian

It’s not that Shen Wei wants Zhao Yunlan to be exhausted after a long day at work, he just capitalizes on the opportunity when he is.

I really love it when Shen Wei just takes care of Zhao Yunlan and this is a perfect example of it.

Like you’re running out of time by frith_in_thorns

Zhao Yunlan is stuck in a time loop. Shen Wei is stuck on the outside.

I love anything to do with time loops. It’s such an interesting concept. This is a wonderful fic that actually looks at the emotional impact something like this would have

Please refer to the list of ingredients by frith_in_thorns

Jiajia, Professor Shen’s newest grad student, is nervous at her first faculty-and-guests function at the university. But really, what could go wrong?

I wish there were more fics about Shen Wei getting drunk. This one is adorable

Come as you aren’t by frith_in_thorns

It was a very polite kidnapping.

Yeah, I love this author’s fic, hence all the recs. This is a really fun one where Zhao Yunlan goes to extreme lengths to protect Shen Wei’s identity. 

When it snows in summer by yantantether

In Zhao Yunlan’s apartment, Shen Wei ushered him to the couch and stood over him as he slumped down. Zhao Yunlan threw his head back with a groan, exposing the line of his throat broken by the bulge of his Adam’s apple. Looking up through half-closed eyes, he said, “Well, doc? What are you going to do with me now?”

Another lovely bit of hurt/comfort. This fandom writes it so well!

Revival by qikiqtarjuaq

Not everyone gets a second chance at a new beginning.

Hurt/comfort combined with flashbacks to ye olde dixing era. My two favourite things in one lovely fic. 

Threads Pulled Tight by frith_in_thorns

Zhao Yunlan started zoning out a little. That sense — that awareness of Shen Wei was returning gradually. Wispy tendrils of emotion — fear, where, hurt — and though Zhao Yunlan was trying to organise his plan he still found himself at intervals leaning forward and pressing his knuckles into his closed eyes and trying to project as loudly as he could. Shen Wei, I’m coming for you. Don’t give up.

A wonderful psychic bond fic

All the Boundaries Between by frith_in_thorns

In Dixing, expecting to have died after lighting the Lantern, Zhao Yunlan wakes up.

This is exactly the post-canon fix-it fic I needed!

Discidium, Reparandam by galaxysoup

The corner of Professor Shen’s mouth tightens slightly in the specific way that means he’s embarrassed but too reserved to show it, but it does put a halt to his efforts to make sure Zhao Yunlan has his gun, a backup gun, a warm enough jacket, a snack, and a willingness to preserve himself in the face of danger.

Considering the two main characters spend most of this fic separated it’s still amazingly sweet and romantic and gave me all of the feelings. 

Bai Yutong/Zhan Yao (SCI Mystery)

Yes, I am apparently doing multiple fandoms at the same time now. 

jealous of the wind by sarahyyy

“Cut me some slack,” Zhan Yao says, grinning. “I’m just curious. How often is it we get to see an immortal being?”

“If you leave me for Shen Wei, I will literally die,” Yutong grits out. He makes his way to Zhan Yao, and then tackles him to the couch, pressing his face to the crook of Zhan Yao’s neck. “You’re mine, mine, mine.”

(Or, the Guardian/SCI crossover ft. Jealous Boyfriends that no-one asked for.)

This is so much fun and was a great introduction to SCI fic 

now a soft kiss by sarahyyy

He really needs to be given a sainthood after he dies. Saint Bai Yutong — patron saint of criminal psychologists who can’t look after themselves. That has a ring to it.

Kissing out of necessity leads to feelings. I love it. 

Jack/Zhao Zi (History 3: Trapped)

Reliably out of order by weilongfu

Ever since meeting the cute and intriguing IT tech Zhao Zi, Jack’s computer has been reliably on the fritz in time for Zhao Zi to come fix it and have lunch with him. Once a week. Every week.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this situation and no ulterior motives what so ever.

I honestly wasn’t interested in looking for fics for this show, because the show itself gave me everything I wanted. But someone recced this AU to me and it is SO ADORABLE