Loving, Never Forgetting (恋恋不忘) - A Synopsis and Review

It is not often that I get to watch soap operas, but this one I just watched was one of the most beautiful stories I've seen in a long time.

"Loving, Never Forgetting" is a Chinese drama with a powerhouse cast of Taiwanese and Chinese actors. Jerry Yan (Yan Cheng Xu) plays the role of the male lead character, Li Zhong Mou and Liya Tong (Tong Li Ya) is plays the female lead, Wu Tong.

The plot is standard soap opera material. Li Zhong Mou is a successful but ruthless businessman. Raised in a single parent household, Li Zhong Mou is the illegitimate son of their business rival, Xiang Yi. At the peak of his success, Li Zhong Mou discovers he has a son from a one night stand he had five years ago with their company intern. A legal battle for custody of the child ensues, however, as with most drama series, the male lead eventually falls in love with this poor, ordinary woman named Wu Tong. The antagonists are the man's mother and his scheming half-brother, Xiang Jun. But it is not really that simple once you watch it. I am sure you too will be hooked on it and wish it went on longer than 34 episodes. 

Here are my favorite unforgettable scenes in this drama series.

Episode 1 - Hospital Scene - Wu Tong pleads Li Zhong Mou to save her son

Wu Tong: "I beg you. Please save my son! Please help him. Please save my son!"

Li Zhong Mou: "If you don't explain it clearly to me, then I'm sorry, I can't help you."

Wu Tong: "HE IS YOUR SON!"

Episode 2 - Wu Tong talks to her best friend Mei Ling

Wu Tong: "This is the road I have chosen. Even if I have to crawl, I will finish this journey."

Episode 10 - Li Zhong Mou asks Wu Tong a very personal question:

Li Zhong Mou: "Since the moment I discovered I have a son, you have never told me... exactly when did you conceive my child?"

Episode 10 - Wu Tong tells a story in front of powerful businessmen:

Wu Tong: "My son and I have always been poor. I didn't have money to buy him presents, so he was a bit depressed. So I told him a story... In the grasslands, there was a Mother Lion with her son. One day, the son asked his mother, 'Where is happiness?' The Mother Lion replied, 'Happiness is on your tail.' So the son kept chasing his tail, going round and round but could never catch it. Then the Mother Lion smiled and said, 'My son, happiness is not obtained like that. As long as you keep your spirits up and move forward, happiness will chase after you.'"

Episode 13 - Li Zhong Mou reveals to Wu Tong that he is an illegitimate child.

Li Zhong Mou: "I have no father."

Episode 16 - Li Zhong Mou eventually falls in love with Wu Tong.

Li Zhong Mou: "Wu Tong, tell me. Do you love me?"

Wu Tong: "Yes. I used to love you. But that was in the past. When you started fighting with me over custody of Tongtong, when you told me that Tongtong would be better off with you, when you said we had nothing to do with each other, at that point, I knew. I was in a dream for the past five years. Do you know? I worked so hard to stop thinking about you! Why are you telling me this now? Why?!"

Episode 20 - Li Zhong Mou shares with Wu Tong his resentment towards his father and half-brother

Li Zhong Mou: "He would look at him with his eyes full of love and care. I really envy that. He is the right and legitimate child of Xiang Yi. As for me, I am only Li Zhong Mou."

Episode 21 - Li Zhong Mou confronts his mother to stop making choices for him and his future.

Li Zhong Mou: "Is marriage just based on terms? Just choose someone with wealth, money, beauty?  If this is the case, why are you still alone then? Aside from Xiang Yi, there are many men who fit that standard. I want to know a person who does not prioritize benefits over emotions. You don't have the right to tell me to choose who to love. I decide my own life. I decide my own happiness."

Episode 21 - Li Zhong Mou proposes marriage to Wu Tong.

Li Zhong Mou: "Be patient and listen to what I have to say. The last time we were at the civil affairs bureau, you were not willing to marry me. It was because I owed you an apology. I know the thing you want is not my pity and kindness. You did not want a luxurious life nor the status name of Mrs. Li. What you wanted was someone who would sincerely give you love and respect. Someone who can give you, like the old saying goes, "If I have your true love, I will be with you until the end of the world." That day when you asked me if I love you, I will tell you now.. I love you."

"This has nothing to do with our son. It has nothing to do with your past. Let me be your little prince. You are the most unique woman in this world. Will you marry me?"

Episode 23 - Wu Tong resists the sexual advances of her brother-in-law Xiang Jun, who is unaware that Wu Tong and Li Zhong Mou are now married and living together.

Wu Tong: "Xiang Jun, what you did to yourself really made people feel sorry for you. I can honestly tell you. and I will tell you this for the last time. The one I love is Li Zhong Muo. I loved him 5 years ago, And I love him now. He has always been the only one I love! Do you get it now?"

Episode 27 - Xiang Yi asks Wu Tong who she has in her heart

Xiang Yi: "I want to ask you to make a decision as I have been on this crossroad before. I have already asked Xiang Jun and he said the one he loves is you. I don't know where your heart lies. Who did you choose?"

Wu Tong: "I'm really sorry. I made everyone unhappy because of my reason. I have already set the record straight with Xiang Jun. I care about him, respect him and worry about him. These are all from a perspective of a friend. From the start, until now, the only one who I love has always been Li Zhong Mou. You asked me this question today. My answer is still the same. I love Li Zhong Mou. Please believe me."

Episode 28 - Li Zhong Mou agrees to donate part of his liver to his biological father, Xiang Yi. Heartbreaking conversation in the hospital the night before the surgery. 

Li Zhong Mou: "Dad..."

Xiang Yi: "Please call me that again."

Li Zhong Mou: "Dad... Its been 32 years. This word, "Dad" bears deep grief for me. It feels very strange."

Xiang Yi: "Son, it is my fault.  I caused you to suffer for so many years."

Li Zhong Mou: "Sufferings? Those past years could not even be summarized with sufferings. From what I remember, my only memory is a mother who is full of resentments. I always couldn't understand why some people have normal lives, but not me. I longed for my father, but I could only watch you from afar. Seeing how Xiang Jun has you and your love, I realized, that I am an abandoned child."

Episode 30 - Li Zhong Mou's mother scatters photos of Xiang Jun and Wu Tong  in intimate poses for the entire family to see

Wu Tong: "Listen to my explanation. This isn't true. This really isn't true. Please believe me."

Li Zhong Mou: "What else is there to explain? Do you remember when I called you from the hospital and you didn't answer? The second day when you switched off your phone, you said you were at Mei Ling's house. Actually, Zhang Yuan didn't go on business, right? You didn't go to Mei Ling's house at all. Do you still remember when I asked you later if you had anything to tell me, you said no? Why did you lie to me?  

Episode 31 - Li Zhong Mou gives Wu Tong one last chance to see their son. Wu Tong goes to Xiang Jun to beg him to tell the truth. She faints and Xiang Jun takes her to the hospital, only to be told by the doctor that Wu Tong is two months pregnant. Wu Tong heads to Li Zhong Mou's office to tell him the news.

Wu Tong: "Zhong Mou, I have something to tell you. It won't take long.... I'm pregnant!"

Li Zhong Mou: "Are you here to show off your adultery?"

Wu Tong: "This is our baby!"

Li Zhong Mou pushes Wu Tong and slams his fist into the wall. "I don't want to see you again. When I have signed the divorce papers, I will send them to you. He turns his back and walks away leaving Wu Tong crying. 

Episode 31 - Yue Qi talks to Wu Tong to inform her that anyone who signs a contract with her father's corporation will lose a significant amount of money. Wu Tong decides to warn Li Zhong Mou but Mei Ling tries to stop her.

Mei Ling: "Wu Tong, don't go! He has already hurt you so much. Don't go! It is already generous of you to forgive him. You don't need to help him!"

Wu Tong: "Don't be anxious. No matter what, he is still the father of my children. Moreover, he is still the man I love deeply. Even if he doesn't love me anymore, I don't want to see him hurt. Even if he is just an ordinary friend, I just can't stand by and do nothing.

Mei Ling: "You're ridiculous. Why would you sacrifice so much for him? You'll be ruined."

Wu Tong: "Since this has been fated, there must be a reason. If I cannot change my fate, I can only change my attitude."

Episode 32 - Wu Tong receives the divorce settlement. 

Lin Jian Dong brings the divorce settlement documents to Mei Ling's house where Wu Tong is staying. Right after he leaves, Xiang Jun appears at their door. Mei Ling, seeing Xiang Jun pushes him out of their house but Wu Tong asks her to stop. Wu Tong drags Xiang Jun out and asks him to tell Li Zhong Mou that there is nothing going on between them.

They meet at the parking lot of Li Zhong Mou's condominium. A confrontation ensues between Xiang Jun and  Li Zhong Mou. Wu Tong was in a daze and drives off in Xiang Jun's car. Xiang Jun manages to get into the car with her and she drives away at top speed. They get into an accident and Xiang Jun suffers a concussion that puts him in a coma. Li Zhong Mou arrives at the scene. Xiang Jun is taken to the hospital. Li Zhong Mou takes the fall for Wu Tong.

Li Zhong Mou: Listen to me carefully. I drove the car.

Wu Tong: "What do you mean? Why?"

Li Zhong Mou: "You have to pay the price for harming Xiang Jun."

Wu Tong: "I didn't mean to. If the police were to investigate this, I will take responsibility."

Li Zhong Mou: "I am doing this because you are Tongtong's mother. And also, you have a baby with an unknown father. I don't want them to be ashamed of you. For everything that you have given to Tongtong, I am repaying you now. I don't owe you anything now. I have already signed the divorce papers. We are over."

Li Zhong Mou is arrested and taken into custody. He remains firm in his statement that he was the one who drove the car in the accident.

Wu Tong goes to the hospital to see Xiang Jun who is still in a coma.

Wu Tong: "Xiang Jun, I'm sorry. I caused you to be hurt. Did you know I have always regarded you as my best friend? I really did not think that you would hurt me. I 'm very grateful to you for always being by my side, for supporting me in the toughest time of my life and for helping me protect Tongtong. I really wanted to do something for you, to repay you, but this is not love. I hope you can understand. When I got together with Li Zhong Mou, I finally knew what I should do. I thought I could mend your relationship, but I didn't imagine that you would make use of me. I was really sad at that family gathering. The Xiang Jun whom I used to know was missing. He turned into a stranger to me, who was ruthless and evil. I don't blame you. Li Zhong Mou doesn't love me anymore, but I must do something for Tongtong and the baby in my belly though he doesn't acknowledge that this is his baby. He's arrested. I drove the car and caused you to get injured, but he took the fall for me. Even though he has decided to sever ties with me, but no matter what, the only thing I can do now is to beg you to wake up. Only you can explain everything and save him from being sentenced. Xiang Jun, this is your opportunity. You don't wish to keep seeing him suffer, right? Please wake up soon and let go of your grudge. Come back to your family, okay?"

Episode 33 - Xiang Jun appears in court before Li Zhong Mou's sentence was handed down. All charges were dropped and Li Zhong Mou was released.

Wu  Tong leaves Mei Ling's house to start a new life alone. Meanwhile, Xiang Jun goes to Li Zhong Mou's house to tell him the truth.

Li Zhong Mou: "What are you doing here?"

Xiang Jun: "I only want to talk to you."

Li Zhong Mou: "What else is there for us to take about? Don't think the past can be forgotten just because you saved me. We will never reconcile. I did not do revenge on you because of our father."

Xiang Jun: "Listen to me first, okay? Frankly, I regained my consciousness for quite a while, but I couldn't face myself. Hence, I pretended to be in a coma."

Li Zhong Mou: "What's the point of telling me this now?"

Xiang Jun: "What Wu Tong said to me made me come to my senses. She made me realize what to do next. You misunderstood Wu Tong. I was the one behind it all. I took those photos when I drugged her with sleeping pills. We didn't do anything. I was full of hatred and lost my mind. That's why I did such a stupid thing. I couldn't accept that she chose you. That's why I chose to take revenge. I didn't think that things would turn out this serious. I didn't imagine that you'd take the fall for Wu Tong. I have to admit, your love for Wu Tong is even deeper than mine. It was my fault. I made use of her trust. I can't get her to forgive me. The only thing I can do is to reveal the truth. She loves you deeply. Please believe me."

Li Zhong Mou. "I get it."

Xiang Jun: "It was my fault. Please forgive me, my brother."

Xiang Jun tells the truth to Li Zhong Mou's mother who felt sorry for how she treated Wu Tong. However, it was too late now. Wu Tong has left and no one knows where she went. Crisis erupts at the Li Corp. The business collapses because of a bad deal with Liang Corp. Creditors start showing up one by one, asking for repayment of the the company's loan. Xiang Yi appears and takes responsibility for repayment. He hands over all the assets of Xiang Corp. to Li Zhong Mou. Li Corp. is saved and the project in Hainan turned out to be successful and highly profitable. Li Zhong Mou then transfers all assets back to Xiang Yi. He tells the family that Li Corp will now be known as Xiang Corp and that he will change his surname to Xiang.

At this point, there is still no news about the whereabouts of Wu Tong. Li Zhong Mou goes on public broadcast in the hope that Wu Tong will see it.

Li Zhong Mou: "My friends, Hello. I am Li Zhong Mou. I am here today not as a businessman but as the husband of Wu Tong. I'm here to make a request. I hope that you can see this video. Perhaps, for many people, last year is no more than an ordinary year. But I will remember this year forever. Because during this time, in my world, there was you. Your love for Tongtong, your trust in friends, and your overwhelming optimism, are the desirable traits that I lacked. But I didn't know how to express my love, and I kept hurting you. My heart has never been this painful. I cannot even think how I'll live without you. So please, come back, Tong. Come back."

Episode 34 (Last episode scene by scene summary) 

Li Zhong Mou and Tong Tong takes to a garden at night to wait for a shooting star to make that one wish - for Wu Tong to come home.

Tongtong: "Pa, look! A shooting star! I wish Mommy will come home soon."

Li Zhong Mou: "Tong, Where are you? Can you see the shooting star?"

**********

Li Zhong Mou was in the middle of a meeting when his assistant Lin Jian Dong barges in and whispers something to Li Zhong Mou. They head on to the police station because according to a report, the police found a body of an unidentified woman, who fit the description of Wu Tong. Police wanted Li Zhong Mou to identify if that was the woman he was looking for.  He could not find strength to look at the corpse and asked for a DNA examination instead.

Li Zhong Mou: "I am begging you. Don't do this to me, okay? I don't believe it. You are not Wu Tong."

**********

Back at the Li Zhong Mou's residence, his mother cried and is full of remorse and guilt for the way she treated Wu Tong, which caused her to leave Zhong Mou and Tongtong. Everyone tried to console Li Zhong Mou while they await the results of the DNA exam.

Li Zhong Mou receives a call from the police station informing them that the body of the woman in the morgue is not Wu Tong. Overwhelmed by emotion, Li Zhong Mou stands up and goes inside his room. His phone rings. It was a call from his ex-girlfriend, Zhang Man Di asking him to meet her someplace. Li Zhong Mou obliges.

Zhang Man Di: "I will always remember this place. This is where you broke up with me. There is something I have always wanted to ask you... If Wu Tong hadn't shown up, would you have fallen in love with me?

Li Zhong Mou did not respond.

Zhang Man Di: Do you have any news about her? If you can't find her, what do you plan to do in the future?

Li Zhong Mou: "As long as I am alive, I will keep looking for her."

Zhang Man Di: "You really love her very much."

Li Zhong Mou: "If I could still hold her hand, I won't let her go until the end of the world."

Zhang Man Di: "I always thought that I could be your partner. But what a pity that I don't have this luck." (Zhang Man Di hands Li Zhong Mou an envelope) "Take a look at this. It won't disappoint you."

Li Zhong Mou: (Opens the envelope and sees it contains a photo of a very pregnant Wu Tong) "Where did you find her?"

Zhang Man Di: I'm the image ambassador of Left At Home Kids Foundation. This was mailed to us from a remote village. The address is at the back of the photo. She's a volunteer in this school. Being with those children, she will be able to forget all  her unhappiness. Perhaps, this is the reason why she's staying there. You rejected my love, but I couldn't stop loving you. Even though I could never be your lover, I don't wish to see you unhappy. Zhong Mou, promise me, that you must be happy, okay?

Li Zhong Mou: (crying) Thank you. Thank you.

**********

Li Zhong Mou sets off to go to the place where Wu Tong is staying. His whole family was there, wishing him well on his journey.

Li Zhong Mou bids good-bye to his mother, Li Zhi Ning: "I'm leaving."

Li Zhi Ning: "Remember to bring my daughter-in-law home."

**********
Li Zhong Mou arrives at the school and speaks with the Director, telling him that his company is going to give a big donation to the school. He did not tell the director that Wu Tong is his wife and that his real intention of being there is to take her home with him. The director shows Li Zhong Mou around the school premises and takes him to the outdoor learning area where Wu Tong takes the children every day. Li Zhong Mou's eyes fill with tears when he finally sees Wu Tong again.

However, Wu Tong's reaction was not what Li Zhong Mou expected.

Wu Tong: "What are you doing here? Didn't we end it all?"

Li Zhong Mou: "I'm sorry."

Wu Tong: "Why are you apologizing to me? You were not at fault. Please go back. Go back to your world. You don't belong in this place. I would like to live peacefully on my own."

Wu Tong leaves Li Zhong Mou in tears.

Wu Tong makes a phone call to Mei Ling, asking for advice. She tells her she is confused because Li Zhong Mou found her. Mei Ling tells Wu Tong to go home with Li Zhong Mou because he loves her very much. Wu Tong hangs up the phone.

**********

Wu Tong returns to the outdoor garden at night. He reads the children's wishes written on the cards and hung on the tree. She comes across the card where Li Zhong Mou wrote the message, "I hope that the woman I love can forgive me and give me one last chance to compensate her for the rest of my life."

Li Zhong Mou was there all along while Wu Tong was reading the card.

Li Zhong Mou: "Wu Tong, I was thinking. Among all the wishes up there, you found mine. Does this mean we are fated?"

Wu Tong: "Who do you take me for? I am not a pet summoned at your will. When you like me, you let me stay with you. When you don't like me, you abandon me. I am no longer that naive girl, that submissive girl. I don't want to live that kind of life again. I used to love you very deeply, but I don't love you now. So, please don't try to patch up. Go home. Our fate as already ended.

Li Zhong Mou: "God decides our fate. Let's leave the decision to God. You said the shooting star could realize our wishes. As long as you wish sincerely, the wish will definitely come true, right? My wish is that you will forgive me. If a shooting star passes by before midnight, it means that my wish will come true. Otherwise, I will never disturb you again.

Li Zhong Mou looks up to the heavens and starts to pray. He sees a shooting star and happily says, "It's the shooting star!" But then he finds out that Wu Tong is no longer with him in the garden.

**********

Wu Tong packs her suitcase to leave early the next morning. Li Zhong Mou sees Wu Tong board the bus runs after her but she continues to get on the bus that slowly pulls away from the curb. Li Zhong Mou chases after the bus on foot. Wu Tong cries as the bus moves farther away. Li Zhong Mou gets hit by a small motorized cart. He is hurt but stands up and keeps running. Seeing this, Wu Tong asks the bus driver to stop so she could get off. Li Zhong Mou and Wu Tong reconciles and they fly back home.

**********

Li Zhong Mou and Wu Tong arrive at the Li Residence and is welcomed warmly by the entire family.

Wu Tong: "Aunt, I'm sorry I got you worried."

Li Zhi Ning: "What did you just call me?"

Wu Tong looks over to Zhong Mou who smiles and nods his head to encourage her.

Wu Tong: "Ma...Pa.. I'm home."

Tongtong: "Mommy, why is your tummy so big?"

Wu Tong: "Tongtong, didn't you want a younger sister? She's in my tummy. Are you happy?"

Tongtong: "Yes!"

Wu Tong: "Tongtong, say a few words to your younger sister"

Tongtong: "Meimei, when are you coming out? I will tkae you to the amusement park."

Li Zhi Ning: "Xiao Tong... first of all, welcome home. I would like to apologize to you for causing you to suffer in the past. I hope you don't hate me."

Wu Tong: "Ma, don't say that. I was at fault in the past for making you angry. Don't worry, starting now, I will be loyal to you and Papa."

Xiang Jun: "Wu Tong, I am sorry. As your friend, I took advantage of your trust. As your family member, I let you and my brother suffer so much. I feel very guilty."

Wu Tong: Xiang Jun, In my heart, you will always be my friend and relative. Thank you for being with me during the most difficult times of my life. When I was depressed, you encouraged me to stand up."

Just as the family was getting ready to have a family dinner, Wu Tong faints and falls on the floor. She was immediately brought to the hospital. Zhong Mou was informed by the doctors that Wu Tong has a tumor in her uterus that should be removed right away. It will cause Wu Tong to have massive bleeding if it ruptures as the baby grows inside. Wu Tongs's life will be in danger if that happens. However, the doctors cannot guarantee that they will be able to save the baby. They leave it up to Zhong Mou to decide.

Li Zhong Mou talks to Wu Tong about her condition.

Wu Tong: "I cannot abort this child. Zhong Mou..."

Li Zhong Mou: "Tong, this is also my child. I feel sorry for this child, but you can't give birth to her."

Wu Tong: (crying) "I can do it. I really can. I really can give birth to her. I am begging you."

Li Zhong Mou: (crying) "Tong, listen to me. We already have Tongtong. You don't need to give birth to her."

Wu Tong: "Zhong Mou, she is the fruit of our love. She is God's gift to us. Touch her. You can feel her move in my belly. Do you know that I can feel her heartbeat every day? How do expect me to abort her? I am begging you Zhong Mou..."

Li Zhong Mou: "In my heart, you are a hundred times more important than her.I won't let any harm come to you."

Wu Tong: "She is the proof of our love. She is the descendant of our lives. Zhong Mou, I love you. The one and only thing I can do is to give birth to your child. Please let me give birth to her."

Wu Tong's parents arrive at the hospital. They leave the decision to Li Zhong Mou, as the husband of their daughter.

Li Zhong Mou spends time alone outside the hospital, crying and unsure of what to do. Night time comes  Li Zhong Mou takes Wu Tong out for a walk in a wheelchair.

Li Zhong Mou: "Tong, I agree with you. I know, if I want you to abort the baby, your heart will hurt more than your body. You always believe this world is a dreamland. As long as you don't give up giving birth to my baby, you'll have a better life. That's what you believe, right?"

Wu Tong: (looking weak and pale) "Zhong Mou, thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Li Zhong Mou holds Wu Tong against his chest.

Li Zhong Mou: "I am willing to believe in this dream. Let's face the future together. Tong, I owe you one thing in this life. I don't know if I will be with you in the next life. Hence, I must repay you now. Wu Tong... Wu Tong...."

Li Zhong Mou looks down and sees blood flowing down Wu Tong's leg.

**********

Blue sky. Family picnic. Zhong Mou holds his baby girl. Xiang Jun takes Tongtong to his father and baby sister.

Xiang Jun: (looking at the baby in Zhong Mou's arms) "She really looks like Wu Tong."

Tongtong: "Papa, can I hold my baby sister?"

Li Zhong Mou: "You can hold her when you're a little older. Come, give her a kiss."

Xiang Jun: "Come, brother. Let's go over there."

Xiang Yi: "Zhi Ning, without Wu Tong, our family won't be like this today."

Li Zhi Ning: "We should have understood her earlier."

Li Zhong Mou: "Ma, It is not too late yet."

Wu Tong arrives and joins the whole family. All is well that ends well.

My thoughts on this series:

This is a typical "rich guy falls in love with poor girl" kind of drama, however, there was an element of a one night stand which got the girl pregnant. The lead actor discovers that the boy he saved from an accident that happened during an event where he and his movie-star girlfriend were guests of honor was actually his own son. Like other soap operas, there is the custody battle, the family "skeletons" (the lead actor is an illegitimate child himself), the hatred between the half-brothers (Zhong Mou and Xiang Jun), the distrust of Zhong Mou's mother towards Wu Tong.

For me, what sets it apart from other soaps is the chemistry between the male and female leads. The character of Li Zhong Mou was portrayed by Jerry Yan who showed a more mature acting style. Compared to his other drama series where he most often played the role of a spoiled, rich brat, Jerry Yan was totally different in Loving, Never Forgetting. His cute, bedimpled smile was a rarity in this series. This is also the first time I have seen him really cry. Not those fake, induced tears, but real, crying tears!

Tong Liya was the perfect choice to play the role of Wu Tong. She exudes feminity, innocence and naiveness to a fault. She portrayed the role of a woman who would go to the ends of the earth to protect her child.

Denny Huang who plays Xiang Jun was equally effective in his role. Honestly, I hated him so much for being so scheming! Comic relief was provided by the Zhong Mou's special assistant, Lin Jian Dong, played by Lu Xing and Liang Yue Qi, portrayed by Veronique, who was hopelessly in love with Xiang Jun but her love was never reciprocated and she ended up with Lin Jian Dong eventually.

Meteor Garden was mentioned at least three times in the drama, and the "chasing after the bus" was like watching Meteor Garden 1 where Dao Ming Si chases after San Cai. I don't know if it is the same director for both drama series but I wish they would come up with a different scenario when the female lead has to leave. Maybe chasing after a train or stopping an airplane? haha. Just something different.

In conclusion, I would give this series a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I did make me cry, laugh, and get angry as I watched episode after episode. A simple but touching story and the dialogue was very moving.

If you would be interested to watch the series, you can view it on youtube. Click and bookmark this link for the version with English subtitles: Loving, Never Forgetting

Hungry for more Jerry Yan? Click on these links below:

1. My Best Ex-Boyfriend - Synopsis and Review

2. The Forbidden Flower - Series Review + Memorable lines

3. Meteor Garden Season 3 - Fan Fiction Story (5 part series)

4 Diseases You May Contract From Flood Waters and What You Can Do To Protect Yourself

Image Credit

It has been raining here for more than a week. Most of the metro is now flooded and the surrounding provinces have been placed under a state of calamity. Nothing new if you live in the tropics. Incessant rain, tropical storms, and flooding are a yearly occurrence from late May until August. 

Flooding can be caused by a variety of reasons. Nature can dump a lot of rain during high tide which gives rise to flooding in low lying areas. However, in urban places, flooding is usually the result of poor drainage systems, inefficient waste management, and lack of urban planning. Whatever the reason may be,  getting trapped in a flooded area is bound to subject residents to water-borne diseases. The 4 most common diseases are Cholera, Typhoid Fever, Leptospirosis and Hepatitis A.

Cholera

Cholera is a disease characterized by severe watery diarrhea. This is caused by ingestion of water or food contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. This bacteria thrives in stagnant or brackish water. Flooding may cause displacement of this contaminated water which may find its way into water pipes that have been compromised. Cholera is most often the first concern of health workers attending to the victims of flooding who are temporarily housed in evacuation centers. Lack of adequate toilets and issues with sanitation are factors that may cause an outbreak. 

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid Fever is brought about by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the feces of a person infected with the bacteria Salmonella typhi. This bacteria can survive for weeks in water or dried sewage. Common in highly populated areas with inadequate toilet facilities, poor personal hygiene and sanitation. One person infected with the disease may cause an outbreak in the area. Symptoms of the disease are fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, generalized body aches and pains.

Leptospirosis

When we hear of the term Leptospirosis, the first things that come into our minds are rats and floodwaters. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira. The hosts are not only rats but also other domesticated/farm animals such as cattle, pigs, horses, horses, and dogs. The bacteria get into the soil and water through the feces and urine of infected animals and may survive in that environment weeks or months. Humans get infected through contact with urine or other body fluids of the infected animal or through contact with soil/water contaminated with the bacteria. The bacteria can enter the human body through a break in the skin or contact with mucus membranes (eyes, mouth, nose). Wading in floodwaters is a common cause of this disease outbreak. Symptoms of the disease are high fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea, chills muscle aches, and diarrhea. May also present with jaundice and later on, kidney failure and meningitis.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection and is highly contagious. Although wading in flood waters does not have a direct correlation with getting the disease, a person may get the disease by ingesting water contaminated with fecal matter. In places where there are long-standing floods, the water supply pipes may be compromised and contamination may set in. An outbreak may also be observed in evacuation centers. One asymptomatic person may pass on the virus through unsanitary food preparation. There are many other modes of transmission of the disease which you may read here.

How can we protect ourselves from these diseases?

Basic knowledge of proper sanitation and hygienic practices are our first line of defense against these diseases. Here is a list of ways to keep these diseases at bay (with our without flooding in your area):

• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
• Practice proper sanitation. 
• Clean your surroundings to get rid of breeding places of mosquitos and rodents.
• Do not drink water or any beverage from questionable sources. When traveling, it is best to drink bottled water and use bottled water too when brushing your teeth.
• Avoid wading in flood waters. However, if it cannot be avoided, thoroughly wash the parts of your body that came in contact with the flood. Use an antibacterial soap and apply rubbing alcohol (surgical solution) on your skin before drying off.   
• Get vaccinated! 

We do not have any control over the forces of nature. Flash floods, storm surges, landslides are all brought about by incessant rain. As long as we are prepared in the event of any calamity, we are ensured of our survival and we can protect ourselves from falling ill. 

A Beginner’s Guide to Working Out

For a beginner, deciding to work out and get in shape may be a little intimidating. There are a lot of blog sites, magazines, and people who will tell you what you need to do and where, and how, and it all can be overwhelming. No worries! Here, we will tell you the only tips you’ll ever really need. 

1. Be Consistent

Being consistent means you are decided that you want to do it. You don’t need to hit the gym every single day and beat yourself up for 3 hours, at least three times a week will do. Just make sure that you stay active by doing simple jog, stretching, or yoga in the morning to keep your body in sync to the lifestyle you’re going for.

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

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A balanced diet maintains the energy you need to keep working out. Try not to splurge too much on protein shakes and all other food items that claim it will help when you work out, all you need is a balanced diet to keep your body feeling good and energized.

3. Stay Hydrated!

Working out means sweating a lot and that means losing water, sodium, and chloride in your body. Drinking electrolyte drinks will surely help with this, but water and a balanced diet will do just the same. 

A change in lifestyle may be challenging, and if you need a little more help that can’t be achieved with hours in the gym, visit Marie France to give you the body shape and body contour you want!

Getting Your Home On Trend In 2018

When you own a traditional home, it can be hard to capture the feeling of modernity because you’re in the midst of crown moldings and original Victorian archways. When you have an older house but love a modern theme, it’s going to be up to you to try and grab that mood you so crave. There’s nothing wrong with a house with a bit of a past, but if you want to bring it up to date and make it feel more modern, then you’ve got some work cut out for you. As long as you’ve got the right budget for it, you can use some of the six ways to modernize your home below.

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Colour. Brightening up your home is going to make a big difference to how modern it can look. Modern trends in magazines are often picky and sparing with their colours, knowing that pops of bright colour against a monochrome background has a far bigger impact on the eyes than a room hosed down in fluorescence. Aim for grey and white as a theme, with bursts of oranges, yellows or pinks. A neutral background is better because you can change the accessories and furnishings as you need to.

Light Switches. You can always tell the age of a house by its fixtures, and light switch plates are a huge giveaway. Old, yellowed and old-fashioned light plates can bring down the entire mood of a room, so get these upgraded and your inexpensive change gives you that modern look you want.

Hardware. Similarly, to the light plates, the doorknobs and handles on cupboards and drawers being old can change the tone of a room. The cost is low, but the difference is amazing. Give it a try and compare new pictures with old ones to see how amazing it can look.

Bye, Bye Popcorn. If you’ve lived in an old house, look up. That popcorn on the ceiling? It’s outdated, ugly and so not the way that we like to have our ceilings anymore! It’s almost forty years old and it’s just not as envied as it used to be. Watch this video to see how to get it all removed and replaced by a lovely flat ceiling!

Flooring. Carpet is the flooring of choice for most in the bedroom, but downstairs it’s vinyl and hardwood that is making waves. You can visit this website to see the more modern upgrades that are available. No matter what you do, make sure that the colour of the flooring works for the walls of your home.

Paint. Old wallpaper needs to be scraped down and replaced with a swift lick of paint. Paint is the cleaner and cheaper upgrade but boy, does it have an impact! Choose light colours where you can to bring out the brightness of a room, especially where you find large windows.

Your home can capture that modern trend with a little elbow grease and a lot of planning. Make your home as modern as you can to bring it to 2018!

Splashing For Joy With These Bathroom Ideas

When it comes to renovating certain rooms in your home, we can all agree that there are perhaps two main rooms in the home that can add the most value and have the biggest impact. The kitchen and the bathroom. The kitchen is definitely one of those rooms in your home that are expensive to completely renovate, whereas the bathroom, albeit can be pricey, can be done more at a more reasonable price and can still make a big difference to how you feel in your home. So I thought I would share with you some of the ideas you can take on board to makeover your bathroom. 

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Think about going the whole hog 

If you are serious about making over your bathroom then you could go the whole hog and replace it in its entirety. A new bathrooms suite can add a huge amount of value and it also gives you the chance tomaybe rearrange the layout and floor plan to best suit the space you have. Or to add in added features like a standalone shower or roll top bath perhaps. However, when it comes to big jobs like this to avoid any issues with pipes it might be advisable to seek the help of local plumbers to ensure that the work carried out is correct and won’t cause future problems. 

Could you have an eco-friendly focus?

Maybe you like the idea of having a more nerdy efficient approach to your home and your bathroom can actually be a huge part of that. You could consider installing low flow toilets and shower units to ensure that you don’t waste as much water each time you use the appliance. Also things like motion sensor faucets can ensure that taps don’t get left on any longer than they need to be. Even changing the bulbs can make a big difference to how green your bathroom is. 

Maybe you want budget friendly changes 

Sometimes we just don't have the budget to do everything we want to do in our homes, and I understand that. So there are more budget friendly changes you can make to ensure that you get the makeover you want. Painting is a great way to change how a room looks and feels, and it can make a massive impression on anyone who hasn’t seen your bathroom for a while. A change of color scheme could also be achieved through changing accessories and even as simple as changing the color of your towels. 

Changing one area could make a huge difference 

Finally, just changing one thing in your bathroom could make the big difference in terms of looks and it can much be cheaper than replacing the whole bathroom. It could be as simple as changing the flooring, or lowering the ceiling so that you can install modern spotlights. Maybe it is adding new tiles to the floor or to the walls to make your current bathroom suite feel a little more indulgent. 

Let’s hope some of these ideas have you splashing for joy when it comes to changing your bathroom.

When You Really Should Stand Your Ground

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Are you one of those people who like to avoid conflicts? That is excellent because it means you should manage to live your life without raising your stress levels too often. However, there are some instances in which you should always make a stand and dig your heels in to ensure you get justice. Standing up for yourself at the right times is vital in this society because nobody else is going to do it for you. If you don’t make a stand and highlight your rights, there is a chance the offender will continue their actions and affect many other people. So, sometimes you have to be brave and shout until the world hears. 

When doctors make mistakes 

Doctors and surgeons make mistakes all the time that lead to pain and heartache for their patients. If that ever happens to you or something you love, it is imperative that you take the professionals to court and make a malpractice claim. Malpractice cases can take a long time to reach their conclusion, and so you will need the backing of an experienced lawyer with an excellent track record. Do not accept the first compensation offer you receive, and make sure you keep fighting until the judge awards a suitable package for your upset. Failure to do that could mean the doctor or surgeon goes on to hurt other people. 

When law enforcement officers lie

Everyone agrees that we need law and order in our society so we can function and play our roles unhindered. However, there are some instances in which police officers break the rules, and video evidence of those instances is becoming commonplace online. If you see that someone in your community is being framed by a less than ethical law enforcement officer, it is vital that you speak up and let the world know the truth. That is essential not only for the individual concerned but also for the culture in which police officers operate. The public cannot stand by and allow a few bad apples to ruin the bunch. 

When you see bullying in any form

Bullying can occur in many different ways, and it’s not always children who find themselves on the receiving end. You might encounter harassment at work, and you might even see someone attempting to take advantage of a senior at some point. If that ever happens, it is your duty to highlight the issue and do something about it. Do not ignore the person and allow them to get bullied by someone who does not have their best interests at heart. Alert the authorities or step in and say something at the time. 

It is critical that everyone learns to stand their ground in the situations mentioned in this post. If people turn a blind eye to injustice, the case will persist and worsen as time progresses. So, you need to nip those actions in the bud the second you notice them. Encourage your friends and all the people you love to do the same thing. If people follow that advice, the world we live in will improve. 

Do you Spend Hours Listening to Music? Good - Here's Why

Do you spend hours listening to music? In the car, in the mornings with your coffee? Perhaps you listen to classical music in the evenings? Or just on some headphones on the way to work. It doesn’t matter how you are listening to music; it only matters that you do. Why? Well, in 2011 scientists found that music releases dopamine – the feel-good chemical in the brain. 

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Some songs bring us back to those points in time. Sitting in long grass with headphones in, watching the world pass by, little to no reasonability. The smell of summer in the air, small puffs of clouds passing by, and daydreaming. Or, a song that gets you pumped up and ready to take on a big meeting at work, the horrid rush hour traffic or reminds you of feeling confident and in control. 

We all have music that takes us to particular places in our life, triggers important memories that we have stored away. But how can we expand on that and use music to improve our mental health? 

Focus: Classical music is the best thing for helping you focus, it also brings a lot of calm. Generally, any music with a tempo of 60 beats per minute increases your brains' ability to process information. Playing classical music in the background while you get on with your task is one way to utilise it. 

Social Connections: Music can stop us feeling alone, often times sharing playlists with friends, going to live music places or chatting on forums about bands you love can alleviate some isolations. 

Motivation: Eye of the Tiger anyone? If you need a bit of a boost to get through chores that you just can’t face right now, pop on some of your most loved upbeat tunes. Once the beat catches you, even on a not so great day, you’re likely to bop along and slowly work through what you need to do. 

Expression: If you have problems telling your loved ones how you are feeling, then consider making them a playlist of songs to help them understand. Music is compelling as a communicator, from ecstatic happiness to feeling like you can’t breathe right now. Whatever it is you want to say, you can use music to convey that. 

Relaxing: This one kind of goes without saying, music helps you relax. It doesn’t matter if you choose to have it in some headphones, or on in the background, taking a minute out of whatever is going on it your day to inhale, exhale and switch off a bit is helpful. 

When you have time, sit down and make a playlist for a few moods, things to perk you up, things to get you in the zone for your favorite activity, music that brings you back to particular moment and music that has made an impact on you. You might even consider picking up an instrument like the ukulele and using https://musicianauthority.com to take it to a whole new level of enjoyment. 

“Music is the greatest communication in the world. Even if people don't understand the language that you're singing in, they still know good music when they hear it” - Lou Rawls

A Daydreamer's Guide To Visiting Lake Como, Italy

I dream of traveling the world. My greatest yearning is to be able to go to places I only read about in books. I have a modest travel bucket list of 15 places I would like to see and visit in this lifetime. Having ticked off only two in the list, I know have a long way to go.

Italy owns the top spot on my list. The primary reason I would love to visit Italy is that I would love to have a luxury vacation in one of those rental homes in Lake Como. This is written in big, bold, red font on my travel bucket list.

The other reasons I chose Italy is because I would like to visit the Vatican City, the seat of my Catholic faith. I would want to see St. Peter's Basilica, The Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican museum. I want to have a chance to marvel at the structures built by the ancient Romans. Of course, no vacation would be complete without having a chance to dine with the locals and experience authentic Italian cuisine. 

I was born, raised, and still living in a busy city. I dream of living far away from an urban jungle, where I can indulge in a laid-back lifestyle close to nature. This is why I am filled with the wanderlust of Lake Como.

Well, since Lake Como, Italy is on the top of my bucket list, I have done my research on the place. So if and when my dream becomes a reality, I will be well prepared. In this post, I will be sharing what I have learned so far. So here goes.

Where is Lake Como?

Lake Como is located approximately 31 miles north of Milan, near the border with Switzerland. Oddly shaped like an inverted Y, with depths of up to 1,300 feet, it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, The serene waters, the rich and perfectly maintained gardens and luxurious villas with a view of the Alps make it the most idyllic destination for total relaxation. It has also been the favorite vacation place of the noblemen and wealthy since the Roman times.

For centuries, the lake's majestic views have drawn artists, musicians, even royalty to this place. The beauty of Lake Como is the inspiration behind countless works of art and musical masterpieces. If I were to get a chance to visit Lake Como, I would probably be so inspired I could write a book!

Getting to Lake Como is an hour and a half to two hours drive from Milan if you have a rental car. Another way is to take a train that from the Milan Central Railway station to Lake Como. Travel time through this route would be close to three hours. I am determined to get there someday so I have researched transportation, fare, and routes. I think I would choose a train ride and enjoy the scenic countryside.

Well, since Lake Como is on the top of my bucket list, I have done my research on the place, if and when my dream becomes a reality.

Where to stay and Best times to visit

There are several cities and villages on Lake Como so finding a place to stay would not be difficult. The major tourist destinations are the towns of Como, Argegno, Bellagio, Gravedona, and Tremezzina. You can choose to stay in a lakeshore villa or you can opt for a place in a higher elevation that would offer a view of the lake. Of course, deciding where to stay would depend on your budget.

Summers in Lake Como run from July to September and is the peak tourist season. Temperatures reach a high of 30C (86F) during this time. Many outdoor activities become available, like swimming in the lake, playing golf, and kite surfing. Since these months draw in the most number of tourists, expect high rates too.

The month of May is generally considered the wettest month, so if you don't like rain, avoid going there during that time. Autumn is always a pleasant time to visit too. The changing colors of the leaves on the trees and the serene waters of the lake give you that dreamy, romantic vibe!

If you love winter activities then the months of December to February would be the best time for you to visit. Not only will it give you the chance to try out the ski resorts, you'd also benefit from exploring the place with fewer crowds. It would be nice to spend a Christmas holiday there, wouldn't it?

Things to do and Places to See

There are various activities to do while in Lake Como. For the nature lovers, you can always choose to go hiking. A popular choice is the 45-kilometer long Sentiero del Viandante located on the east coast of the town of Como. It offers fantastic views and historical landmarks along the path. If you are looking for more thrills, you may want to try zip lining or bungee jumping. Yes, they have those too at Lake Como.

Water sports are widely popular in the warmer months. Aside from swimming in the lake's refreshing waters, one can also engage in sailing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. If you'd rather opt for easy activities, you may go fishing or take a relaxing boat ride. There are ferries that offer scenic trips throughout the length of the lake. Tour guides on board will be introducing you to grandiose lakeside villas, and even point you to the villa owned by no other than George Clooney!

Lake Como offers its visitors a chance to take a walk in picturesque gardens. You will be surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs and be awed by the beautiful flowers blooming everywhere. What a romantic place for a leisurely walk hand in hand with your loved one! If you are still looking for unique places to visit, try going to some olive groves and purchase authetic olive oil right from the source. A wine tour would be an exciting activity too.

Take advantage of visiting centuries-old churches and museums. The Basilica of Sant’Abbondio is one of the oldest churches in Como. Construction started in the 5th century AD. Renovations and extensions were finally completed in the 14th century! Another place worth visiting is the Como Cathedral or Duomo di Como. It is a beautiful, massive church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built between the 14th and 18th century. Its facade boasts of intricately carved statues, representing the gothic style architecture of the period.

As I mentioned earlier, any vacation would not be complete if you don't indulge in the local cuisine and experience the delicacies native to the region. Forget those diets for the moment and enjoy good food, good wine, great coffee and dine al fresco!

The plan

I believe I have done enough research. Here is my simple 5 step plan to make this dream into reality:

1. Create a vision board
2. Use that as a motivation to save money for the trip
3. Set a target date and check the cost of airfare from here to Milan
4. Check availability and room rates for accommodation.
5. Save. Save. Save!

I am determined to be in Lake Como someday soon.

I will create my vision board today and pin it on my office wall. One day, I know, Lake Como will no longer be a dream but a beautiful memory of a once in a lifetime trip.

3 Ways Stoicism Can Make You More Resilient

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In life, it’s generally best to try and acquire positive habits that will improve our circumstances, make us happy, and guide us towards success, without us having to sacrifice our wellbeing and struggle dramatically in the process.

Nonetheless, it is sometimes necessary to use sheer willpower to push through difficult times, find the light at the end of the tunnel, and win the rewards we are seeking. A demanding profession such as being a skilled personal injury attorney, for example, will invariably require some force of will — both to qualify in the first place, and then to practice successfully.

For this reason, it can be immensely helpful to have a philosophy at hand that helps us to thrive and become more resilient in high-pressure situations.

Here are some ways that the ancient art of stoicism can help you to become more resilient.

By reminding you to focus on what’s in your control

The key focus of stoic philosophy is to understand what is completely in your control, what is outside of your control, and to know the difference.

The reasoning used by the ancient Stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus led them to conclude that the only thing that was ever truly in our control was our own thoughts and responses to things. That’s because we hold on to these things when all else is taken away from us.

For this reason, the Stoics argued that everyone should focus primarily, if not exclusively, on their reactions to situations, rather than to the situations themselves. 

Everything outside of a stoic’s immediate control is considered “indifferent” — either a “preferred indifferent” or a “dispreferred indifferent”. What this means is that there are some external circumstances that you’ll enjoy more and less than others (including everything from wealth to violent death), but that the only true “good” is behaving virtuously.

In life, it’s often not possible to know for sure what the future will hold. But we can always act properly.

By reminding you that virtue is more important than popularity or comfort

The stoic understanding of “virtue” can be a bit confusing and perhaps contradictory, but the basic idea is that acting and thinking in the “right and honorable way” is the only true “good” in life.

Everything else — from popularity to comfort — is seen as an indifferent (as mentioned above).

This stoic doctrine can help us to consider that, even if we’re not completely content with how things are working out in our lives, we can always take pride in acting with virtue, courage, and honor.

By encouraging you to enjoy the simple pleasures in everyday life

One thread that runs through much of stoic philosophy, is that it is good to appreciate and take pleasure in the small blessings we encounter in our everyday lives, rather than always feeling displeased and discontented until we achieve our next great goal.

As stoicism encourages the enjoyment of “preferred indifferents”, as long as they don’t interfere with virtue — will have free license to properly revel in those moments over the course of the day that makes you smile. The taste of your breakfast, the sight of a beautiful sunset, or the cool breeze on a hot summer day.