that line is doing all the heavy lifting. gentle, sneaky care wrapped in breakfast and restraint. the kind of affection that pretends it’s nothing while being everything~
As I read this, I noticed myself tensing right along with Mary at the beginning. I know those tightly scheduled mornings so well, how even one small thing being off (grumpy kids, a slow start) can throw everything. I actually felt myself exhale when she saw the food waiting for her. And the fact that she’s completely oblivious to the romance behind it really underscores her exhaustion and how disconnected she is from seeing herself as a woman in that moment. I also loved Director Mu’s quiet pause at the end and her choice to let things unfold. You have such an incredible way of telling a story through small acts and subtle character development. I really admire it. 🤍And I'm with Phoeby, I've always wondered what Congee tastes like, and your story has my mouth watering without even knowing!
Thank you Andrea! It’s these real little moments that I think add to the story. It’s believable and resonates because most of us who are reading, have been in these situations and feel exactly these things. I’m so happy you are here🩷
I’ve always wondered what porridge tastes like. I made myself a promise that in this lifetime I will visit China and eat everything it has to offer 😄. I liked the way you ended the episode—to give that something time to grow. Time is the key element. Practically the exact opposite of Hollywood movies, where relationships go from “hello” to spending the night together to “now look how much I’m suffering.” I’m eagerly awaiting the continuation.
Thank you so much Phoeby! Exactly right. Time. You are also very correct about the style is not Hollywood. It’s not go jump in the bed immediately. I wanted to pace the romance part in such a way that it is grown carefully. Not rushed and fumbled.
I like this approach very much. I stopped watching western style television years ago. I just couldn’t stomach it, the graphic unrealistic storylines. When I started learning Chinese, my professor told us to watch Chinese dramas and listen to Chinese music to help with language development. I was hooked after my first one “Love like the Galaxy.” These dramas don’t go quickly. They build up over time. So much so by episode 20 you are cheering because the main leads held hands. It’s nice. There are very few graphic moments.
I love this drama. The characters are so well defined. I understand you perfectly. I believe that a large part of today's suffering in couples is based on the movies that formed this idea of perfect love, which falls from the sky quickly. I agree with you one hundred percent.
No Mary, nobody wants to adopt you! They just want to spend every waking hour of every day they have left on this planet in your most treasured presence. Silly girl.
She’s got a ways to go before that will sink in. She doesn’t think she’s worth much, but everyone around her who does love her tries very hard to protect her.
Dorie, the way you beautifully capture life’s big emotions through small, everyday actions and joys is remarkable. The most important thing that struck me is how tiny gestures, like a simple breakfast note, can create so much warmth and hope...it truly touched my heart, and it reminds us that love is often hidden in the most ordinary things.
“I hope this keeps you warm today.”
that line is doing all the heavy lifting. gentle, sneaky care wrapped in breakfast and restraint. the kind of affection that pretends it’s nothing while being everything~
Yes, exactly. So much hidden promise and care.
As I read this, I noticed myself tensing right along with Mary at the beginning. I know those tightly scheduled mornings so well, how even one small thing being off (grumpy kids, a slow start) can throw everything. I actually felt myself exhale when she saw the food waiting for her. And the fact that she’s completely oblivious to the romance behind it really underscores her exhaustion and how disconnected she is from seeing herself as a woman in that moment. I also loved Director Mu’s quiet pause at the end and her choice to let things unfold. You have such an incredible way of telling a story through small acts and subtle character development. I really admire it. 🤍And I'm with Phoeby, I've always wondered what Congee tastes like, and your story has my mouth watering without even knowing!
Thank you Andrea! It’s these real little moments that I think add to the story. It’s believable and resonates because most of us who are reading, have been in these situations and feel exactly these things. I’m so happy you are here🩷
Beautifully written
Thank you Hina
I’ve always wondered what porridge tastes like. I made myself a promise that in this lifetime I will visit China and eat everything it has to offer 😄. I liked the way you ended the episode—to give that something time to grow. Time is the key element. Practically the exact opposite of Hollywood movies, where relationships go from “hello” to spending the night together to “now look how much I’m suffering.” I’m eagerly awaiting the continuation.
Thank you so much Phoeby! Exactly right. Time. You are also very correct about the style is not Hollywood. It’s not go jump in the bed immediately. I wanted to pace the romance part in such a way that it is grown carefully. Not rushed and fumbled.
And I am very grateful for this approach. So the action has time to settle in layers
I like this approach very much. I stopped watching western style television years ago. I just couldn’t stomach it, the graphic unrealistic storylines. When I started learning Chinese, my professor told us to watch Chinese dramas and listen to Chinese music to help with language development. I was hooked after my first one “Love like the Galaxy.” These dramas don’t go quickly. They build up over time. So much so by episode 20 you are cheering because the main leads held hands. It’s nice. There are very few graphic moments.
I love this drama. The characters are so well defined. I understand you perfectly. I believe that a large part of today's suffering in couples is based on the movies that formed this idea of perfect love, which falls from the sky quickly. I agree with you one hundred percent.
No Mary, nobody wants to adopt you! They just want to spend every waking hour of every day they have left on this planet in your most treasured presence. Silly girl.
She’s got a ways to go before that will sink in. She doesn’t think she’s worth much, but everyone around her who does love her tries very hard to protect her.
I am glad to be able to present your writing, happy new year, may you always be the best.
Thank you jynky! That means a lot!
Dorie, the way you beautifully capture life’s big emotions through small, everyday actions and joys is remarkable. The most important thing that struck me is how tiny gestures, like a simple breakfast note, can create so much warmth and hope...it truly touched my heart, and it reminds us that love is often hidden in the most ordinary things.
Thank you Dawn!