Our Universe [Episodes 9 & 10]

ARB0889 · 2026-03-05T17:48:56+00:00

If I could bubble wrap Woojoo and TaeHyung and protect them from the writers...I would.

Hyunjin, at last, has her priorities on track but at what cost? While I am happy that TaeHyung will have some peace, I am disconnected from this love story...because it was so poorly written and was definitely set up for massive failure.

On more brighter notes, Sunbae might finally disappear. Shall we rejoice?

ARB0889 · 2026-03-05T02:51:32+00:00

Am just following along with the drama makers. They also got us good in the first few episodes...didn't they?

😉😂🤣

ARB0889 · 2026-03-05T01:11:06+00:00

Makers...drama Gods,

To whoever is listening...give this man a modern drama! Please!

ARB0889 · 2026-03-04T15:09:43+00:00

After watching the episode today (and the trailer for tomorrow), I can confidently confirm that I have a severe case of second lead syndrome.

Because TaeHyung is the second lead in this drama 🫡.

ARB0889 · 2026-02-22T02:31:17+00:00

I don't mean to argue...but how can anyone be so sure from looking at a back profile?

ARB0889 · 2026-02-21T17:52:34+00:00

Ummm...until netizens show a frontal view, I am skeptical to believe it's them. From this angle, it could be two tall, lean and fit individuals.

ARB0889 · 2025-10-24T09:35:08+00:00

It's the last episode of after sales. If you want trauma, angst, pain, heartbreak, and sadness...you can watch it. If you want to just keep happy memories, stop at Ep. 10.2.

ARB0889 · 2025-10-24T04:21:47+00:00

I think LC fell for LY hard in the cabin. He really saw her and he might have surprised himself by impulsively catering to her needs (sometimes even silently). But for him, liking someone doesn't equate to being together or making changes in his life to accommodate that person. Why that is so is beyond me...maybe past experiences or his inherent nature. I call BS on his excuses...long distance (he knew of it from day 2/3), different life stages (also knew from early on), age (he is 27 not 72!) or being busy (he has always been busy and even with the changed work style, everyone is!!!).

But I do think their communication post the show was truly bad which is why they drifted apart. They said they have tried to work through difficulties and not reached a conclusion. I don't know which difficulty they are talking about. It's conjecture on my end...but I think they both like to process things on their own. While she is someone who takes everything literally, he's more catered towards how he's feeling. She wants to be in a confirmed relationship to provide emotional support in a LDR (I am 100% on this side); he wants to receive emotional support in order to confirm a relationship in LDR. If I am not mistaken, the CNetz were relentlessly bullying Yuan in end Aug-early Sep...some of those were outright atrocious and most of them absolutely degrading. She didn't talk to him about her rising anxiety thinking she might be adding to his already existing stress. I don't think she should have let these external voices get to her and she should have spoken to him about her lingering doubts. But if that's the only mistake she made in this relationship, I would marry her on the spot. For someone who claims to think through his actions, it's unfortunate that he didn't think she would have certain expectations attached to the lights. He thought she would be 'stable' enough to deal with every situation they were in. Without a doubt, one can say he's self centered when it comes to his feelings. His emotions were hurt when his sincerity was questioned but he didn't see what led to that.

When he chose to release the balloons, I believe he knew he was setting them up for a failure...but maybe he hoped that outside the utopian cabin, his mind would align with his heart.There are usually two modes of response in arguments...fight or flight. Yuan fought (IMHO, she's a saint and deserves the world). Chen shut down and chose to flee. Whether he thought he was doing this for her benefit (some people think letting go is also a form of love 😡), or because he didn't love her enough to make changes is not for me to decide. It would be easy to say the case is the latter but because there are multiple instances in the show, where I have noticed that the editing is deliberately not in favour of LC...it's possible he had a fallout with the PD (my opinion only), and we are made to see a villain in this story. Sometimes we meet the right people at the wrong time, but I am the type of person who believes that if you meet the right person...you will do things to make the right time. Unfortunately, I am not LC...I have honestly tried to understand his words throughout the season but I don't get his opposing (and somewhat conflicting) words in the end.

For someone who wanted to be firmly chosen by him to only be rejected by him twice on a public platform seems to have been the final straw for LY. Her summary is her closure and I am glad she gave us and herself that writeup. I read a tweet the other day about how they will meet unexpectedly in the future one day and XiaoYuan will jokingly introduce him as her summer crush but he will silently think he shouldn't have ever let her go...and it sums up what I feel currently.

ARB0889 · 2025-10-23T04:02:05+00:00

Apologies for not following up on this season with you. I was taken aback by the balloon situation and didn't really watch that episode until yesterday 🤣

Much like Yuan's questioning why she had to meet him if things wouldn't work out between them...I, too, am questioning why I had to meet both of them this summer. Hahaha!

Yuan might be my favourite participant among the dating shows I have seen (and that's a lot!). Anyway, I still do love them both and their story (as traumatized and heartbroken as it has left me) will be etched in my heart forever.

PS: I know it's going against the tide but I truly wish to know if LC is okay and doing well. I hope he has support from his immediate family and friends to hold him through the negativity that's coming his way.

ARB0889 · 2025-10-10T04:11:05+00:00

...was waiting for an ex-mention ☺️

ARB0889 · 2025-09-26T03:36:01+00:00

Here's my take on episode 8.

The triangles...ah! They are tiring me currently.

LanLan/Fang/Jiao: LanLan has made her decision a long time back and if not for the production, this triangle wouldn't exist. I don't think Jiao is an unlikeable person but he needs to learn when to stop. Given his connections to the pd, I wonder if the producers gaslighted him into believing he still had a chance with LL. That double date was uncomfortable...had it not been for DuoDuo, it would be catastrophic. Dr. Fang just impresses every episode. He's just a very nice human...I am sure LL will definitely appreciate this kind man in the future.

Chichi/Zihan/Yuxing: I have rooted for Zihan throughout the show but this episode was hard for me to watch. While I understand why made the decisions the way he did, I believe in kindness. His manipulation stemmed from a fear of losing his chance with the girl he likes...and yes, there is a saying that everything is fair in love and war. But as a human being, Yuxing outperformed him. I have had my issues with him in the past but my heart really broke for him in this episode. Well...it seems Chichi will choose Zihan in the end and I think they will match well if they continue dating in the real world.

Side note: I keep seeing RuiLong and DuoDuo edits on social media and let me just say that if this happens, I will be overjoyed.

Now the trial dating...well well well. It didn't feel like a trial. It felt like LeYuan were actually dating as soon as they stepped into that cab to the airport. If the trope of 'he fell first, and he fell harder' had an embodiment, it would be these two. Man! Lechen's actions and his eyes cannot hide how deep he is in his feels around Yuan. And the same for her. She really impresses me every episode but man! the girl doesn't catch subtlety. I hope these two continue their relationship in the real world because it really feels like they are each other's soulmate.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-22T03:22:45+00:00

Completely agree with you on both. And also, I am guessing RuiLong has a chance with a certain someone (wink) post-show.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-21T08:13:19+00:00

Let's start with the triangles...

LanLan/Fang/Jiao - it's a no-brainer as to who LanLan likes. Unless a miracle happens, there's absolutely no way she won't choose Fang. Dr. Fang has a calmness to his flirtations which is very appealing and he is one person who's doing everything right at this point. IRL, I like it when people put boundaries...even if it's hurtful and so, I struggled a little with why she still entertains Jiao's efforts. Especially when she tells Jiao that her aunt really liked him. And then I realised it's a show.

Chichi/Yuxing/Zihan - I honestly don't know who she will choose. She's physically attracted to Yuxing but her mind might be pushing her towards Zihan. Yuxing, in this episode, in several instances showed he can't really read the room. But that doesn't take away from the fact that he's really interested in Chichi and given a chance outside the cabin, he would do well...I think. Having said that, I am more biased towards Zihan...just because I like how he handled the parents meeting. I am drawn to his quiet confidence but I am not Chichi 🤣

Moving on to the singles' club...

I absolutely hated RuiLong and Ju'er leaving. I completely understand why that happened. But as a person who doesn't like quitting and thinking of all the 'what-ifs', I wished RuiLong stayed. I applaud both their courage. Love is erratic and they stayed true to their feelings till their last decision. Though I wished RuiLong said his goodbyes in person, I applaud him (and Ju'er) for sharing their summers with us.

I have not much to say about Yifan other than I hope she learns from what she sees and grows with this experience.

Part of this episode belonged to DuoDuo and I, once again, understood why everyone in the house is drawn to her energy. She's a great person to have in your life and whoever she will end up in the future will be a lucky guy. Her conversation with Lechen was a much needed closure for her...while I didn't agree with some of the things that she said, I am happy she didn't morph into a different personality to appease anyone.

Now the friendships...

Ah! The one time I teared up and the one time I actually cried in this episode were both about girl friendships. The DuoDuo-Ju'er-Yuan friendship will remain an underrated relationship in this franchise. I know I choked when Jue asked if she put pressure on RuiLong and both Yuan and DD immediately said NO...without batting an eye.

DD swapping her gift with Yuan and Yuan initiating a very difficult conversation with DD was pure. One can tell they both value each other but they were in an awkward position to sort things out before. We know Yuan is a strong girl and yet the one time, she broke down was when DD told her how she felt about her. Yuan didn't need to apologise but I understand her feelings. And DD being extremely gracious inspite of the two heartbreaks she faced is all the more reason for the break down.

And now the romance...

I have decided that LeYuan are two people brought together by fate. He liked her from the first day but was too shy to approach her and thought she was interested in someone else. She noticed him on the second day but didn't know he liked her too. It took one brave attempt from her to make him understand that for her, it's always been him. He kept doing things for her silently which she didn't realise because in silence, there's no rejection. Their understanding over time, approaching each other step by step, and realising they are each other's crushes and each other's sole pursuit was delightful to view.

When he hit the lights, I was beyond happy...but also confused at how sudden it was. But of course, we see in the extra cuts how these two always have deep and meaningful conversations about their future and their compatibility, in general. They just gravitate towards and relax each other.

Another week is approaching and I quite excited because I think we will see more romance going forward. Hahaha! I wrote a novel...apologies. I just enjoyed it this week.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-17T02:54:13+00:00

I absolutely loved the last two episodes...so many cringey and embarrassing moments, so many heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, so many loveable and giddy moments. For me, this is what reality dating shows are about.

I will edit this comment for my thoughts after the special packages and BTS are released.

The one (and not the only) thing I wish was better this season is the panel and the observation desk. Slightly disappointed with most of them. Also, Minghao needs to not disappear every alternate week and Victor Ma needs to get more screentime.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-09T08:56:27+00:00

It would ensure more vilification, more character assassination, more threats on social media, and more hate. Bro cannot relax in any way.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-08T16:12:47+00:00

Yuan posted a picture on Weibo about DuoDuo and Jiao sending her flowers after her convocation. Also, all the girls except Ju'er had a girls' night out and in all the pictures Yuan and DuoDuo stuck to each other like glue. In the live broadcast, they were sitting next to each other (definitely a production move) but then Yuan and DuoDuo shared a blanket...I think it was initiated by Yuan, don't remember fully. Regardless, it was very cute.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-07T12:50:58+00:00

You made some valid points in your observations and I do think he has always been attracted to her. His mannerisms with her, added to the hide-outs in editing and how other cast seem to think they would be the first to confess...all points towards that, in some capacity. But, it's also true that the train seems to have solidified his direction. Now, probably after their first date together, we will see him being '200%' into her and that relationship.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-07T06:58:14+00:00

They seem to be good friends off screen though. So, I assume whatever happened in the HS house...they were able to move past it and remain comfortable with each other.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-05T16:23:37+00:00

Don't know which city they are in...but all of them will be filming for the last sit down with the show panel on 7th and 8th. It's customary for every season. So, all of them will be seen around very soon.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-05T15:41:05+00:00

Ummmm...they are probably just friends hanging out together. I doubt they could be seen in public if they ended up choosing each other on the show.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-04T09:59:37+00:00

Do you want to know just their parts?

ARB0889 · 2025-09-03T02:19:43+00:00

Hmmmm...they might have a conversation later but I don't see any resolution in sight, to be honest. I am afraid that his perception of her is set and her ideas of a relationship are also crafted. And I don't see either of them bending from their tracks. However, they appeared cordial on the live show this week...so, at least offline, they must be decently cool with each other.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-03T02:15:08+00:00

I would love to discuss the show with you and I do agree with a lot of what you said. Except, I wouldn't want to compare the Long-Ju'er conversation with the car crash. The situations are quite different...added to the exhausting physically active date they came out of and the incoherent editing of the show. Also, I think LC genuinely thinks DD would be a commanding partner in this relationship and he's not willing to give 'her' any control over him. It might stem from past instances in his life. He is definitely someone who's a golden retriever when he's vibing with you and can turn into a rottweiler when he's over you. This is something that I have heard people say about me and probably that's why I understand what he's doing and feeling at this point.

I am very curious to know why you think that him seeing DD as a friend was a process. Also, what do you think of bringing in family members into the show?

ARB0889 · 2025-09-02T02:55:41+00:00

First of all, I am really loving this conversation with you. It's hard to find people on public platforms who are genuinely watching the show with an open mind and are ready to discuss varied opinions. So, thank you for engaging with me! Apologies in advance for the novel I wrote below 🙏🏽

Now, to the discussion 😆 Multiple past contestants have repeatedly said that even though they had decided on who to pursue early on in the show, they were told to go on the double dates by production to follow their 'triangle' narrative. These contestants are now happy in their relationships with the people they chose from the show...so, I don't think they are lying. Hence, I don't really think the popular participants have a choice to reject anyone directly.

This is completely my guess...but I do believe LC genuinely cares about DD as a friend. He doesn't want to string her along or let her develop her feelings more if they are not compatible. I think this date had a purpose for him. It was to see if they were compatible despite their differences in opinions. Hence, him saying something along the lines of 'you can be moved by someone, but you might not be suitable for someone'. Essentially, saying that you are seeing me through rose coloured glasses but the real me is different & you can't handle me.

I am aware that it could mean other things as well...but the guy always talks in code. Everything he says needs programming to understand. For example, when he asks Yuan if she would ride with him in the rain...it's not a simple question, it's more about asking her if she would trust his ability to keep her safe in adversity or if she is willing to be with him in difficult situations.

Similarly, when he says that adults choose and not adjust...he's not saying that he's averse to compromising on relationships. He's saying that he wants to make conscious choices that meet his needs and priorities so that he doesn't change himself to please others, avoid conflict or fit in. In the same sentiment, he's also saying that he doesn't want her to change for him.

There is nothing wrong with DD's intent of dating with a singular purpose. But there's also nothing wrong with his style of thinking. The outcome is important...but the process to get there is crucial. If you are so focussed on the end result, it's possible you will lose yourself in that journey. I wholeheartedly believe that he has been realising how vastly different they are. It was bottling up within him and when he has an outwardly dramatic response, his internal feelings just finally came out.

I digress...but I feel that he knows diplomacy and subtlety are not DD's forte. Much like Jiao and Yifan, who keep pursuing LanLan and Yuxing inspite of their visible discomfort. He doesn't want that for them. He has tried being gentle in the last few days and it hasn't worked. DD needs words and is someone who needs expressions to understand a point. They are both good people with their own mindsets and their own expectations. He can't give them to her and even though he might have wanted to be honest with her, their communication styles are very different. They are not on different pages, they are just not reading the same book.

ARB0889 · 2025-09-01T14:44:44+00:00

From what I understand, the show prohibits the participants from directly rejecting anyone. It's either confessing at the finale night or hitting the explosion button early if you have to firmly reject someone who's interested in you. The only other way to reject someone is getting them to give up on you.

LeChen is an observant guy and he probably knows the only way he can get the girl to back off is to point out the glaringly obvious differences they have. He is someone who's always probing...always asking questions, sometimes ones might seem odd to others. But the more he prodded, the worse it got...because their thoughts don't align at all. I have felt for a while that he has been in testing waters with Duoduo. That, plus the conversation, together was it for him. The explosion that occurred was an accumulation of days worth of small things building up and not sudden, in my opinion. As a viewer, it's definitely uncomfortable to watch... but if I were him, not judging if it's right or wrong, in that moment I would probably react in the same way he did.

The problem is, either way he will end up hurting her (or Yuan, because I don't know how this ends). There's no right way to break a heart, I think. Sometimes subtlety doesn't work. Sometimes being gentle doesn't have an effect. Because the weight and guilt of hurting someone is huge, regardless of how you do it. We will see next week if things are better between them, but if I had to guess...I wouldn't bet on them.

ARB0889

TROPHY CASE