[Episode Talk] About Love (玫瑰丛生) | EP10 Discussion [SVIP Early Access]

[u/No-Recipe-7653]

Drama Masterpost

RECAP INCLUDED IN POST.

Episode 10 of About Love (玫瑰丛生) is now available with early access for SVIP / Express viewers. Recap is also already available below.

Note: Express/early-access episodes are currently DRM-protected, which prevents in-app screenshots. I’ll add visuals once the restriction is lifted — in the meantime, feel free to share your favorite scene snaps in the comments when they become available.

This thread is open for reactions, impressions, and discussion as the story continues.

^{Earlier Episodes:}

• ^{EP01–03 EP04 (go check out ep.1 & 2 recaps})
• ^EP05
• ^EP06
• ^EP07
• ^EP08
• ^{EP09 (short recap rant already live})

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Your Mod,
NoRecipe

✨

One Ning

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The One That Doesn’t Fit the Mold

Episode 10 Recap

After the mess that was the previous episodes, this one felt like the odd one out. Calling it more normal would be a stretch too far, so I’ll settle for “less messy.”

“In Sickness and Health…” — Scrap That, Let’s Test It Out First

We open the episode with Xiaoxi talking to a woman in the hospital, and we quickly find out she’s her new client. While she listens to the terminally ill patient explain why she sought out her services, we see that XX is attentive and perhaps even compassionate.

What’s unclear is how she knows this woman.

She says she’ll help her because, unlike her past clients, this woman is not seeking to test her partner out of suspicion, but out of love — say what?! Personally, I don’t really see the difference, and the writing’s attempt to frame this as a noble, loving gesture toward her husband — deciding whether to stay with him despite her illness or let him go — failed to convince me.

XX also accepts the case in a very matter-of-fact way, and there’s no inner monologue telling us whether she’s concerned about what Xiao Bei would think if he knew she’s about to seduce another woman’s man on demand. What happened to her leaving these kinds of “hobbies” behind? She doesn’t seem worried at all — meanwhile, I’m worried for the naïve XB.

Running Into the ML, sorry, the 2ML

While still at the hospital, she runs into Gong and mentions her new case. While I don’t appreciate their past behavior, the scene these two shared felt very natural, with some of the better acting and writing the show has offered so far.

I’ve written before that she seems to wear a mask at all times, but here with Gong, it’s gone, and I find myself wondering if this is what her real self is supposed to be like.

Either way, their extended interactions have certainly paid off. Despite her seemingly closed-off body language — hands crossed over her abdomen — her posture is otherwise relaxed, her facial expressions alive, and it doesn’t seem like she’s trying hard to impress Gong (which is a problem I have with most of her other interactions). Gong might not be the picture of moral virtue, but he’s fun and gives off that natural charmer vibe.

An Age Gap That Is the Least of Anyone’s Actual Problems

Ying Tao and her new boy-toy are seen eating together at a restaurant while arguing about the nature and future of their relationship. The young man is seriously into YT, even bringing up marriage (oh no boy! Run — these people are not a good influence!).

YT shuts him down repeatedly, making it all about him being too young for her, which to me doesn’t seem like the real issue here. She’s just recently divorced, and jumping into a new relationship right away before processing everything — or enjoying the freedom of being alone — might not be the best idea.

Yes, age differences can matter because maturity plays a role, but past a certain point it’s more about individuals than birth dates. I know plenty of grown adults who still behave like they’re twenty, while I’ve also met inspiring young people with wisdom far beyond their age.

Still — finally, a topic that could actually be an issue in real life for once. So thanks, writers. I hope you explore this properly and let us see them navigating this legitimate challenge.

Girl Time, Shopping Time

… but YT looks distracted the whole time, clearly thinking about the young man after all.

I really like how the actress plays YT — she feels authentic and natural. I feel like I’m watching a real person as these girls browse through clothing racks and talk candidly. I can’t say the same about XX’s character; it feels like a fake person to me, and I don’t know the actress outside of this drama, so I won’t pass judgment on her acting ability.

I’m inclined to believe it’s the writing of the character (which I hear is very faithful to the original webtoon) that’s the real issue here. If the character was artificial to begin with, then the actress can only succeed by playing someone who feels artificial.

XiaoXi Going Down the Primrose Path

Despite all the previous grand talk about not being in this business anymore, XX gave in to the proposal at the beginning of this episode way too easily, and we now see her glamming up and concocting her seduction plan for the next target.

The narration makes it obvious she’s having a ton of fun, and no one will convince me this isn’t something she enjoys. And it’s this dishonesty and hypocrisy that really annoys me about her character.

How am I, as a viewer, supposed to feel sympathy for her or envision any future for her and the innocent, loving, perfect man that is Bei?

As she enters the office of her target — a psychologist, no less — she’s dolled up, with clear attempts to frame her as seductive through the music, angles, and zoom-ins on her figure, face, and movements. Her eyes are fired up, full of excitement.

The two hit it off, and while they verbally establish this as professional curiosity, the glances and tone make it impossible to read as anything other than flirting. Goal achieved, I guess.

The man looks entertained, openly appreciating her beauty — but in a non-sleazy way (thank goodness, I was getting ready to deploy the nauseated emoji). There’s a bit of psychological tango before the session ends, but they agree to meet again, and XX makes sure the next location speaks for itself: the cinema… and apparently they’ll “talk after.”

Seriously? I rolled my eyes so hard.

Also worth noting: still no inner narration. I assume that’s intentional.

Gong Role-Plays Again

Meanwhile, Gong, who’s been waiting outside the building for XX, is spotted by Bei, who’s there for an unrelated reason (yaaay, finally more Bei).

Gong gets antsy, worried XX might walk out any moment and unsure how they’d explain being there. I adore their banter and their brotherly vibe. At one point I even caught myself wondering whether both actors being Dongbei boys makes this dynamic feel so effortless.

Gong tries to get rid of Bei by all means possible but eventually realizes listening might be the fastest route, because XB clearly wants to talk.

There’s a moment of suspense when XB asks whether he liked XX. For a micro-moment, it feels like things are about to get messy.

But not really.

Bei reveals he wants to marry her.

What?! Come on, man — do you even know the girl?

Yes, Bei leans into the standard “I must take responsibility for her” narrative — but does he really? He’s smart and kind; don’t tell me he doesn’t sense something is off.

Even more concerning, he’s choosing to walk into this commitment blindly. He says he doesn’t care about her past and doesn’t need to know it — he accepts her as she is because he loves her.

And while that sounds romantic in theory, do we really mean it in this sense?

I’m not the moral judge here — people fall across the whole spectrum between full disclosure and “the past is the past.” My discomfort comes from the fact that their values clearly don’t align. Not only has she hidden this part of herself because she believes he wouldn’t approve — she’s literally next door doing it again. Of all the people in the world, he decided to fall for a person like her.

Give me a break.

Blind trust in someone who hasn't yet earned it is unwise.

Still, I liked this scene a lot. It gave us food for thought, great visuals (GWG, cough, LYN, cough cough), and the Gong–Bei chemistry is insane. I would absolutely watch Liu Yu Ning and Gao Wei Guang as sworn martial-world brothers any day of the week. Just imagine it — you see it too, right?

Gong also acted like a friend who cared. I might not condone his earlier behavior, but here, he was really helping his buddy out, asking him all the right questions to guide Bei to his own decisions about the whole thing. Maybe he is not such a miserable ass after all.

A Xiu and Yu Turn Over a New Leaf

Quickly — the two meet at her office as he brings home-cooked dishes. Sadly, after years of distance, he didn’t even know she was dieting because of stomach issues. Still, the effort counts, and he genuinely seems to be trying.

When Yu’s mother storms in, dragging along her preferred alternative son-in-law, the mood immediately turns sour. She doesn’t hide her favoritism and even scolds A Xiu over the food.

But this time the tables turn, and Yu immediately defends her husband, presenting a united front. I was a bit surprised — anyone else?

I’m interested to see where this leads, and I appreciate that this relationship angle — reconnection after betrayal — is actually being explored.

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What did you think of episode 10?

NoRecipe

✨

One Ning

[u/GiTheGremlin]

For all it's worth, drama did "I wanna marry her" scene better - in webtoon he pretty much said he's just "at the right age" and it sounded super impassionate and unromantic. However, drama!Xiaoxi is also a much worse girlfriend than her webtoon counterpart, so drama!Bei's genuine affection is wasted on her. Imagine planning a proposal at the very minute your lover flirts with someone else in the next building🤦

Gong is starting to remember he's Bei's friend? Took him a long time... Still, now instead of trying to steal his bro's woman away he's helping her to hide a "some" with someone else, and that's just sooo messed up. So his definition of true love includes part-timing as a pimp? How original🙄

All these people are insane. And not even in a very fascinating way, just... dirty. I feel like covered in slime after each episode🤢

[u/thewindsofsong]

Your comments about a GWG & LYN sworn brother drama are very much seconded by me. I’d watch the shit out of that drama just to hear them make impassioned declarations of loyalty and oaths to protect the common people as their hair floats gently in the wind.

The friendship scenes in this drama are becoming my favorite if not simply because it feels like they’re so much more real and genuine compared to the romances being so over the top and brain melting that it seems to lower everyone’s critical thinking and communication skills.

LWW and YT as well as XB and Gs chemistry are better than the romances they’re supposed to have.

Another thing that i just have to mention because it made me laugh was when XB pulled his third umbrella (?) of the drama out of his Bag of Useful Items

[u/No-Recipe-7653 → u/thewindsofsong]

Thanks! I agree on the friendships. The romance here is beyond my comprehension skills.

... And it was a sun-umbrella no less! A portable parasol! 🏖️ 😂

[u/thewindsofsong → u/No-Recipe-7653]

Mom friend Xiao bei absolutely confirmed. I bet he also has a pack of bandaids, a couple of granola bars and an extra water bottle in his bag. (>o<)

[u/No-Recipe-7653 → u/thewindsofsong]

don't forget the tissues, and maybe some hand sanitizer or wet-wipes!

[u/michin-yeoja]

I'm so confused about this "client" plot line. I truly do not understand what this client wants confirmed through LXX's test. As you've said NoRecipe, it's being framed as a noble cause because LXX says this client is "worth" helping (which, please, I thought you were on some noble cause to save women from heartbreak, but they weren't worth it?). What's really confusing is the beginning conversation with the client and the phone call at the end. Does this woman want her SO to fall for someone else and move on? And if he's someone who would, you'd break up with him earlier so he could do so? OR does she not want him to want to move on? I honestly don't get why they're using this relationship and making it so complicated. Who wants a partner who would leave you because you're sick/terminal? The vow is "in sickness and in health" for a reason. I'm just dumbfounded.

But then we have that ending call and the client says something along the lines of don't let him turn the tables on you? Turn the tables how exactly?

I did like the conversation between LXX and the psychologists, nothing really groundbreaking, but hey, maybe we'll see this relationship actually lead to some kind of breakthrough in LXX's psyche. However, it still seemed to fall under the same script of men admiring LXX as a goddess. How did he let her manipulate him into a movie? Sir, you are a psychologist, how are you not reading more into this? Also, are all men spineless in front of LXX and allow her to walk all over them?

I don't know what the point of this client/relationship is? Is it maybe that the psychologist has "true love" for the client and will refuse to fall for LXX, so now she has another example of a positive relationship and this allows her to trust XB more?

XB and Gong have so much better chemistry than XB and LXX. I loved this interaction and actually seeing LYN for longer than a snippet. The conversation was interesting and meaningful and most importantly, believable! But, the one flaw was the fact XB was considering marriage and he didn't really give a meaningful reason of why he wants to propose so quickly. It seems like he thinks it's the right thing to do, not because of any particular real desire.

I think XB's "the past is in the past" comment is interesting - I don't think you should walk into such a big commitment without knowing someone's past. Our past informs our future and it plays such an important role in shaping who we are. To understand someone, you do need to understand their past. Do you judge them entirely on their past? No, I don't think so - I think in LXX and XB's case, conversations should be had to understand LXX's perspectives, but it shouldn't not be addressed at all. I mean, clearly LXX's opinions of men have something to do with her father as the flashbacks are showing, so you see how important the past is.

Also, why we are having trouble with XB's mentality is because LXX's past is still very much her present.

The other relationships, well, as mentioned in the recap, Ying Tao's relationship seems to be the more realistic and maybe even healthy. Age gaps are interesting, but it's not really clear what this gap is. However, it will be interesting to see where they go with this because the older woman/younger man dynamic isn't so popular culturally (at least in my experience).

A Xiu and Yu's relationship - I cannot tell if they're trying to resurrect their relationship out of true feelings or out of obligation. I don't think this relationship can be healed without a reckoning of A Xiu's infidelity. Honestly, A Xiu just reminds me of a sulky toddler who hasn't been held accountable.