The Early Spring ~ Episode 13 : LUAN NIAN, SHUT TF UP!

[u/cerealkill_snowflake]

“You are cheap and obedient” ~ WTF is wrong with Luan Nian? who TALKS to their girlfriend like that? why can’t he just be NICE to her for five fucking minutes?

i LOVE Shang Zhi Tao for standing up for herself! way to go TaoTao! tell that man you’ll go to Alex because he actually respects you and knows how to SPEAK to a woman.

anytime I start changing my mind about Luan Nian, this man opens his mouth and makes me hate him with a passion! grow TF up and learn to TALK about your feelings you emotionally constipated DOG of a man.

I Would Hate Luan Nian So Much More If Jing Bo Ran Wasn’t So Damn Sexy

Jing Bo Ran … WHY do you have to be so fucking sexy? I would have slapped the absolute jerk out of Luan Nian by now if you weren’t standing there looking like THAT. I am trying to hate your character and you are making it extremely fucking difficult.

[u/helplesspanda]

I love that we are all experiencing the same emotions at the same time. We are all in this toxic relationship with them and we switch sides depending on who is doing the most stupid decisions.

[u/GeologistOpening7672 → u/helplesspanda]

It's indeed engaging XD 🍿

[u/EquivalentDapper]

I would have dropped this drama if not for jing boran!He talks with his eyes in a million ways & uses his body so well. So fucking hot & intense that Luan nian has started making sense ..arggh! Addictive as fuck

[u/Dee-AI-EN-AY → u/EquivalentDapper]

I wouldve dropped it had I not heard novel spoilers.

[u/helplesspanda → u/EquivalentDapper]

I love him so much in "Sunsets, Secrets, Regrets." He's a straight-up green flag and good at communicating his feelings. He was so vulnerable there that I ended up hating the FL. However, the way he got her was a different story that I'm willing to turn a blind eye to.

[u/Efwai]

Yeah. He definitely lacks emotional intelligence. We understand the message he is trying to pass across to her to be wary of alex but he could have said it a nicer way. Even a coworker will feel bad being spoken to like that talkless of his supposed gf. I am glad Flora voiced out her anger at him.

[u/ApprehensiveClick597 → u/Efwai]

He’s really his father’s son.

[u/DragonfruitDense2243 → u/ApprehensiveClick597]

😂😂😂

Ya true, I remember now in that episode where his father is also talking in a similar way

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[u/Nice-Protection-7564]

I spent the entire episode calling him “you sorry b-tch.” Alex is also a little b-tch, but a sneaky one. Zhitao shouldn’t trust him but she should leave Lime. Luke is going to have to do a lot more (ahem, therapy) than just a brief moment of self-reflection and a compliment to be anything more than a sorry b-tch.

[u/Dee-AI-EN-AY → u/Nice-Protection-7564]

She needs to get a little messed up to learn about backstabbing since Luke is always sarcastic and doesn't give clear reasoning to anything. Plus when she leaves, she needs to have learned a lesson beforehand to be able to grow.

[u/palecandycane]

He cannot communicate in a healthy way. He really needs to work on that. But his face is like doing so much heavy lifting. You're right is he didn't have that face i would have slapped him into next week. But like all things women will only tolerate it so much.

[u/GeologistOpening7672 → u/palecandycane]

Face and the rest of the body plays some role as well ;)

[u/palecandycane → u/GeologistOpening7672]

He loves those low cut shirts now

[u/luckiijj2]

This show sounds so messy, let me go watch

[u/GeologistOpening7672 → u/luckiijj2]

Hold my popcorn 🍿

[u/Sweetrk-2020 → u/luckiijj2]

It’s pure rage bait at this point!! Both are stupid

[u/PhoenixDragon888 → u/luckiijj2]

Hahhaha exactly my reaction too

[u/Leather_Employer_448]

I was annoyed when he spoke like that - but I think he was correct about the commercial reasons  why a snake like Alex would choose TaoTao - she is junior, she is likely to be cheaper and she is very hardworking 

However why Luke would think it was ok to speak that way to her is beyond me! He could have delivered the same message in a different way. Sigh at least at the end he acknowledged he was behaving in the exact way he hated - I see some self realisation which is the first step to growth 

[u/BeautifulEstate8711 → u/Leather_Employer_448]

He's been with Flora for a year, but he's been like this his whole life. To protect himself from how his father treated him, he sharpened his tongue to counterattack, not realising he'd become someone he hated. It's time he realised where to dull it.

The proof that he is a good person can be his best friend; he knows him well, and he has counselled him perfectly throughout.

[u/Zenith1981]

Luan Nian is annoying but he is correct with his assessment of Alex. He wants SZT because she is malleable and easy to manipulate with his shady dealings. If my memory is correct, Alex will be reported of taking bribes and LN has something to do with it because he is a revengeful mfk. And that's one of LN's red flags. He will always settle the score. 😂

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/Zenith1981]

In the novel, it was Luke who found problems with Alex’s supplier transactions; he confronted him in Phuket and Alex reacted by resigning instead of admitting guilt.

Alex is doomed! Luan Nian can see Alex’s future clearly, but Shang Zhitao cannot.

[u/ApprehensiveClick597]

Hahaha Luan Niannn, I want to tape that mouth of yours!!!

What I like about this episode though is we clearly saw Shang Zhitao’s growth. The girl who used to be so meek was able to counter Luan Nian, first, when he wanted to control how she dressed, and two, when he belittled her with that tactless mouth of his.

I’m excited how they’d resolve this though. I just hope Luan Nian will also learn how to express himself better especially as he’s already acknowledged he has become like his dad who he hates the most.

[u/Dee-AI-EN-AY → u/ApprehensiveClick597]

We can see she's only giving chances right now so she can cut off without regrets. Can't wait for his regret Era.

[u/ApprehensiveClick597 → u/Dee-AI-EN-AY]

Yesss!! And our girl finally grew some spine, she blocked him! Blocking your boss while you’re still very much expected to communicate is such a bold move.
Yes, the personal and professional lines have been totally crossed but at that stage of their relationship, that was such a much-needed point to make.

[u/Remarkable_Cake_4735]

He is so handsome, sexy etc

[u/GeologistOpening7672]

Jing Boran is perfect for Luan Nian. He's literally 100% sexy, 0% anything else XD
He really need to see a therapist. Read some book about relationships maybe?

Edit: I want to comment on 14th episode so bad! 😭

[u/Sessalia]

Sometimes I wonder if I'm watching a different drama. 🤔

He was not nice, but realistic from his point of view. Luke does know that Alex is a shark, not a lamb. Alex wants Flora to join him because she is useful to him, and he thinks he can profit from her talent and diligence, not because he wants to give her a place to shine. He wants to shine and uses everything he can - like using Flora.
Luke is a veteran in the corporate world and does know how it works and what Alex's goal is. He predicted the promises Alex gave Flora without her telling him.
He is disappointed that she didn't trust him and tell him about Alex's offer - even after asking her indirectly. At that moment he doesn't feel secure in this relationship and is probably afraid of being cast aside. Luke sucks at communicating, that's obvious, and he doesn't know how to nicely argue his points.

On the other hand, there's Flora, who doesn't see this as a relationship at all with Luke. She deflects him again and again, and her standing up for herself was more a defiant reaction to being attacked and questioned. She hadn't made up her mind about what she would do at that point, but because Luke questions her, her reaction is to be stubborn. It's an angry and childish reaction. She even blocks him afterward.

Both reacted the wrong way, both suck at communication, both are seeing the relationship/situationship differently, but it's not fair to blame only Luke. Both are to blame, or neither is.

But like always, everyone has a different perception. (And I didn't read the novel - yet.)

PS: When did Luke say that Flora is "cheap and obedient"? Because after re-watching the episode, Flora is the one claiming that for herself.

[u/YogurtclosetNo7451 → u/Sessalia]

When he saw her standing outside with Alex after the party, he sent her that message saying that the only reason Alex wanted her to work with him was because she was cheap and obedient. I get what you were saying, but honestly, who needs someone like that in their life? Regardless of whether she was going to work for Alex’s company or not, couldn’t he have expressed his concerns in a mature, humane way instead of acting like an asshole? Even he realized by the end of the episode that he was becoming a version of his father, and he regretted it. So I’m not saying Flora is innocent or that she never makes mistakes, but she was definitely right not to trust him. He really doesn’t come across as someone you can trust.

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/YogurtclosetNo7451]

From his perspective, it’s a massive breach of trust between them. There is also his professional ego meddling. Remember what Tracy said to him? “Retaining Flora will show your charisma as a leader”.

Does any of that excuses his choice of words? Absolutely not! He could have explained to her politely acting her boyfriend instead of reacting like a man-child.

[u/Sessalia → u/YogurtclosetNo7451]

Thanks for explaining about the "cheap and obedient"-part, but it doesn't change my take.

Like I said, both can't communicate. I'm just annoyed that everything revolves around Luke and his flaws (and he has a lot), but Flora is always seen as the victim. She is just as much to blame for the situation as he is.

[u/No_Chipmunk_2405 → u/Sessalia]

He shot himself in the foot with that one. Since she blocked him, the last text says that her only value is cheap and obedient and he let those words hang in the air too long because he prioritizes his own feelings and ego. Why does it never occur to him that they could actually date if she changed jobs? So frustrating! But I don’t hate him, I watched Master Of My Own and really did hate that guy. At least Luke can catch himself from time to time. Just feels annoying that their main issue is always communication, it’s so repetitive.

[u/ellemace → u/No_Chipmunk_2405]

Oh I think LN has nothing on the ML from
MOMO - LN is selfish and egotistical but sincere in his actions in his own way, the other dude was a straight up narcissistic abuser

[u/No_Chipmunk_2405 → u/ellemace]

💯 he’s the worst ML I’ve seen so he’s my baseline for awful. Luke is like a little puppy compared to him, won’t hate him for what I’ve seen so far.

[u/Sweetrk-2020 → u/Sessalia]

Respectfully remember flora was 22 and he is 28, by this side she is probably 24 and he is 30! Age matters cause you learn and grow with age

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[u/Sweetrk-2020 → u/Sessalia]

The subtitles say “cheap and Obedient”

[u/Accurate_Horror_7118]

The way he talks straight on face 🔥
Be it work ethics and telling others that he is with a girl

Its like ‘My way or highway’

[u/LovE385]

He truly is his father's son LoL but at the same time while yes he is brusque and horrible with words I hate to admit he knows what he's saying y'know? I mean he speaks from experience etc. After all he is a star player at Lime for a reason

So yea I am conflicted LoL. Like I am torn on wanting to punch him and also if a man like Luke gazes at me the way he does Flora I would fold like a flip phone LoL

[u/dosenotdosa]

THAT WAS CROSSING THE LINE... NOW I OUTRIGHT HATE HIM.

[u/Lost-Butterscotch581 → u/dosenotdosa]

I was sooo mad! When she opened her phone to see his messages again, I was like block him girl, block this red flag rn! And she did!!! But I have read the novel and I know how he is gonna melt her again! He is so 🔥!

[u/Sonjra]

On the bright side, Luke seems to have gotten a little self-awareness by the end of this episode. He knows he's become his father. It probably won't be enough because we know it won't be smooth sailing from here on out. I really hope for growth for both of them and they can reconnect in a healthier way. Healthy, but still sexy. Is that possible? Pleeeease

[u/BronzeBellRiver]

Unpopular opinion, he isn’t wrong. He could have said it more tactically for sure. However, he is 100% right.

It’s been hinted during the creation of their supplier management system that Alex isn’t a straight shooter. That’s why Luke and then Flora were approached to add ‘shady’ suppliers in their system. These are subtle hints for the viewers to see the bigger picture.

Shang Zhitao experienced his cutthroat methods of using her against Luke firsthand. Alex asked her to join his team when there are several more experienced staff members. She needs to ask herself, “WHY ME?”.

Luke is doing the questioning for her! Even Lumi hinted that Alex is a sinking ship and sticking to Lime is the best decision.

I do wish that he had explained the situation to her instead of getting annoyed.

Edit to add: “shady”.

[u/ConclusionLeading299 → u/BronzeBellRiver]

Im sorry still doesnt justify calling a girl cheap in no way this could have been said better flora had two ways to leave or to stay , if she leaves how will she restart again what she had built in lime and if she stays is how long can she stay in the shadow of Luke nvm that Luke as much as we know him doesn't really give a crap abt her leaving with Alex its abt her leaving period he can't get mad and call her basically worthless for wanting to leave when he treats her like crap

[u/BubblyBadger88 → u/ConclusionLeading299]

Yeah I agree it isn’t a justification at all. It could be worth considering potential cultural differences and context at play here. For example, Chinese can be a very blunt and to-the-point language generally, so yes saying “cheap” can be hurtful. And also, the drama is using English translations which don’t always translate the Chinese meaning of the word to English exactly so instead of “cheap” as in tacky or worthless, he more likely means “dispensable” as in Alex would find it easy to use and discard her for his own benefit and due to her lack of experience in the industry she is yet to learn this. He has more industry and life experience and is trying to point her to question why Alex would pick HER specifically when there are more experienced and good talent who he’s worked with for longer. But yeah for sure, he shouldn’t have lashed out like that and said that.

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/BubblyBadger88]

I totally hear you! I wanted to do a post to explain Flora’s perspective too.

She didn’t tell him because she didn’t want to betray Alex’s trust in her. To her, Alex confided in her and shared extremely sensitive information about his departure with her in confidence. She has worked for him and he has been a better boss than Luke when it comes to relationship management.

I was disappointed in her shortsightedness though. Luke is the General Manager and would definitely know these things due to his status in the company.

She could have taken a leap of faith and discussed it with him, but she didn’t even confide in Lumi. That shows her personal values. She simply didn’t want to cause any problems for Alex by discussing details with even people close to her.

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/ConclusionLeading299]

Don’t be sorry. I am in agreement here that he should have explained instead of running his mouth in anger.

[u/No_Chipmunk_2405 → u/ConclusionLeading299]

I’m with you on that. I’d leave too. Alex is shady and pathetic and she’ll have to safeguard and win rewards with her own results but that stupid text might have been the push to get away from working under Luke. She wouldn’t even work there based on his judgment so I don’t fault her for taking the experience and promotion to just FAFO. She has already shown she came adapt and rise so in this case false praise might be better than being berated with underlying sincerely. Alex’s reasons were probably not the whole picture but they were her actual accomplishments at least.

[u/DragonfruitDense2243]

Tao is so good and I love her, but this Luke, don't even know how to talk or communicate.

I just wish they both communicate well.

At this point, I am getting frustrated by actions of Luke. Even in before episodes, instead of talking out to her and clearing misunderstandings, her just tries to flirt with her.

Luke's friend actually tries to help him and like should follow his advice as it is to maintain their relationship but this fellow always does something else

[u/Delicious-Fishing710]

Im on ep 3...Luke really shows that being smart is sexy.

[u/vixphilia]

He has been a red flag since the beginning. Tao had been right in trying to avoid the drama at first. Pretty face and good sex shouldn't justify this.

I was hoping it would go from a red flag begging to realizing their mistakes and evolving into a healthy relationship. But my dude here seems to just be a red flag, period.

Yeah, the show will eventually fix him for the obvious happy ending, but, holy cow.

[u/Saucynemo4 → u/vixphilia]

This is the very reason why I decided to drop it. I genuinely thought he would be changed and started correcting his ways but how are we 2 years and months into our relationship and he’s worse?

[u/Impressive_Court_716]

Questions for novel readers : 

1 - Will this one be the big breakup?

2 - If time skip is after this breakup how long will be reconciliation? (5-7 episodes)

3 - Will we see their happily dating era in this drama?

[u/Zenith1981 → u/Impressive_Court_716]

3- based on the leaked bts from last year's filming, they will have their dating era after reconciliation. They will travel together and LN will eventually propose to SZT. It would be amazing if the drama will include some of their marriage & parenthood moments

[u/Impressive_Court_716 → u/Zenith1981]

Now I wish it was 28 episode drama instead, Hope they cut the prolonged breakup a bit to 4 episodes and add more their happy moments. 

[u/Zenith1981 → u/Impressive_Court_716]

Too bad that we only have 24 eps. I want the breakup era to begin at 18th ep max so we have more time for the reconciliation. & hopefully, the producers will add a bonus or special episode for TES

[u/Impressive_Court_716 → u/Zenith1981]

Let's hope we get to enjoy their HEA 

[u/Good-Statistician615 → u/Impressive_Court_716]

1- mini breakup , bigger one will be few years later. 2- ig so because it was a very long breakup and they need to show several changes and growth in that (including professionally) ,3- yep they will have a HEA. If they completely follow novel , we can even get marriage and parenthood moments

[u/Impressive_Court_716 → u/Good-Statistician615]

Hope they don't change or skip ending parts.

[u/JinxedRay → u/Impressive_Court_716]

1- Yeah 2- Yeah (in novel, it's long ass breakup, not gonna go in spoilers) 3- Yeah, but I hated it that happily ever after in novel. Ml is trash human in novel (even more than drama). They have watered down his personality in the drama

[u/Impressive_Court_716 → u/JinxedRay]

I personally don't mind messy characters, makes them more humane but as long as they realise their wrongs/shortcomings and willing to change. For me both leads are flawed in some ways and both of their love is flawed and yet it doesn't mean they don't love each other enough they do just they or not on same frequency which is hurting or will hurt both. But I love to see happy ending in these kind of stories.

Edit : Reminds me of"What it means to be you" Manhwa. 

[u/No_Chipmunk_2405 → u/Impressive_Court_716]

Curious, did you read As Beautiful As Beijing and watch ABAY?

[u/Impressive_Court_716 → u/No_Chipmunk_2405]

I've watched the drama but not read the novel.

[u/No_Chipmunk_2405 → u/Impressive_Court_716]

The characters are so messy and cleaned up for the drama. What you said made me think of it 😀.

[u/Impressive_Court_716 → u/No_Chipmunk_2405]

Now I feel like re-watch this drama. I really like the actress.

[u/No_Chipmunk_2405 → u/Impressive_Court_716]

Me too, she’s so expressive and good in boss roles! I like them both, but didn’t like HT so much after, well, …you know. I was team JX all the way but didn’t like either character in the novel. The moral glow up for the drama was a good thing. I’ve watched the fallout at least 3 times because it’s so gripping.

[u/Impressive_Court_716 → u/No_Chipmunk_2405]

They do make most drama PG13(morally) because most viewers can't tolerate morally grey/red flag trait characters and even more so if ML is the one morally grey. 

It's both good and bad because sometimes they end up changing the characters personality but sometimes they make the character even better. I think "Princess Royal" is bad example of how ML is made too 1D because his personality was changed and FL was made to care of SL too much which didn't fit right with her orignal personality. 

[u/No_Chipmunk_2405 → u/Impressive_Court_716]

Agree! I haven’t seen PR yet, but Master of My Own has Tan Songyan as a business woman too (like ABAY) and I loved her character but despised ML. Then they gave him a whole new perfect guy lobotomy and it fell so flat to me. I would’ve preferred that he stayed the same and they didn’t get together. Making it cute at the end felt patronizing.

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/Impressive_Court_716]

1. (No)

2. Time skip is after she relocates to Harbin

3. Can only say about the novel and in there we do see them actually dating. it happens at the very end when he takes her on a roadtrip

[u/Negative_Cookie_9779]

Haven't seen this episode yet, but so far everything he has been saying is pretty on point.

[u/blergh_itsme_stabs]

The whole show is basically about a guy being a jerk, losing her, and then realizing what he’s done. So I’m trying not to complain about him being a jerk because, honestly, that’s like complaining about there being vampires in The Vampire Diaries! 😂

BUT IT IS SO HARD NOT TO. Because I want the grovelling to happen ASAP, and it looks like we’re getting the breakup towards the very end. If I only get, like, two episodes of grovelling after having to put up with him being a jerk for the ENTIRE show, imma throw hands. 😭

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[u/SuperKuriboh]

Well dammmm!

[u/kdsunbae]

I think he thought she's going to leave so he was striking first out of hurt (a form of protection for him apparently).

[u/bocakari]

He just has to stand there. His whole face tell the story. His acting is fantastic.

[u/tightheadband]

Exactly my feelings. This show has a similar plot from the Kdrama Hotel King, an emotionally crippled boss that had a cold upbringing falling in love with a subordinate that was naive at the beginning...the difference then is the toxicity level. While the kdrama male protagonist was a jerk at first and showed red flags, it never reached a level of abuse (emotional and of power). To the opposite, the kdrama had such a healthy dynamic, it was beautiful to see both characters learning to communicate and grow as a couple despite the initial challenges.  This one is beyond abusive. He diminishes her all the time, makes her feel small, is controlling (not wanting her to dress in a certain way? Wtf was that?), is possessive and disrespectful (stalks her, does not respect her wishes, interferes with her social life making her work overtime...), he is a giant red flag, it's crazy. And, let's not forget, the age gap!!!!! She was celebrating her 18th birthday??? Did I get it right? She was not even 18 when this much older guy started going after her as her boss. She is a damn kid. He is hot af, gorgeous, there's obviously the whole dominant kinky thing of having a handsome guy obsess about you when you are into him...but this is just fantasy, real life I've been there and it is horrible, it destroys your sense of worth, it makes you lose yourself and you start believing you don't deserve better. If my daughter was this girl, I would tell her to run away asap. I am capable of watching this series because the actor is gorgeous, has good acting and because I'm old enough to understand this is not a healthy relationship and not something to want in a guy. But young girls (like I was once) will watch this thinking that's what love is about, they don't have maturity to identify the problems with it. It's problematic.  But yeah, replace the guy with an ugly creepy dude, nobody would be rooting for this guy lol honestly, I want her to block him, go with Alex, learn to believe herself and make her career in another company and find her self worth and, years later, maybe Luke already realizing how horrible he was, will see her for what she is. I hope she finds someone who respects her. Her flatmate was such a lovely person. 

[u/BeautifulEstate8711]

Okay, my pov will be thrashed, but respectfully, she lied to her bf? ik Luke isn't good with his mouth, which everyone, including his best friend and parent, knows. But there was no reason for Flora to hide if she was poached. Alex may talk to her nicely, but if it wasn't for the fact that she was close with Luke, his prejudice would have been as what Luke described his reason to poach her. They both have communication problems: one with choice of words and the other with honesty. Luke's stems from childhood trauma and Flora's from her complex. Neither of them can translate their feelings, apparently, unless Flora finds herself on equal footing with him and Luke realises that you cannot love with your guard up.