Snowy Night Timeless Love (七夜雪) recently aired, dropping four episodes on its premiere. However, the next thing you know, the show hit the Chinese hot search with a ‘BE’ hashtag!
What’s the Meaning of BE in Chinese Dramas?
If you don’t know what BE means for dramas, it equates to having a bad ending, which basically means the story has a sad ending probably cause someone dies or the leads just don’t get a happy conclusion. The drama just started, so there’s no way to know exactly how the story will end yet. But why are fans already worried about a tragic finale? Spoiler warning!
It’s in the Plot
From the very beginning, the plot hints at a difficult future for the main couple. It’s described as “a love that, due to responsibilities, remains unspoken, leaving behind eternal separation.” Other descriptions include “an unforgettable missed opportunity,” “a love unable to endure” and “life-and-death romance.” It seems like heartbreak is built into the fabric of this story.
Impressions of Snowy Night Timeless Love
The drama introduces us to swordsman Huo Zhan Bai, played by Joseph Zeng Shunxi, and Li Qin’s character, Xue Zi Ye, the master of Apothecary Valley. Huo Zhan Bai seeks her help to heal a friend’s child. The snowy landscapes reflect the title, creating a serene atmosphere, though the cinematography has drawn some criticism for poorly shot scenes. Despite this, the snow-capped mountains still manage to capture a mystical, cold beauty that is unique to the show.
It’s great to see Joseph Zeng back in another wuxia! After all, his breakout role was in Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre as the iconic Zhang Wuji. In Snowy Night: Timeless Love, his character is frequently injured—stabbed, exhausted, and even falling off a cliff. It’s a wonder he’s still alive! Luckily, with Li Qin playing a healer, she can save him! Both characters have their own storylines such as Xue Zi Ye having a childhood friend that add depth to the story. Not to mention they all have such tragic backstories too.
The cast also includes Wang Hongyi as Miao Feng, TW-actor Edward Chen as Tong, and Jenny Zeng as Miao Shui.
Adaptation of Cang Yue’s Seven Nights of Snow—How the Novel Ended
The series is based on Seven Nights of Snow, a novel by Cang Yue, the author behind The Longest Promise, Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities, and Listening Snow Tower, who is known for writing sad endings. At the end of the novel, the heroine gets poisoned while trying to save Tong. As she lies dying, the male lead passes by without recognizing her. It’s literally a tragic missed encounter since the two leads never even get to see each other for the last time. Then again, the drama could still take a different approach.
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Anon
I hope they change the ending to a happier one. I did liked the ending for the novel too, because I am a masochist who enjoys angsty endings. But I also want the characters to at least have a happy ending in the adaptation. Six episodes in and I like it so far. The pacing is slower, but I find that to be very fitting for the snowy theme and that was how the book was. Even though the book was short, it took till middle of the book for ML/FL to realize they loved each other.
Ash
Happy or tragic endings, I will be satisfied as long as they fit the story line and plot. Tragedies are as much part of real life as happiness, so why pretend there should always be a “happily ever after” ?
Cdramadevotee
Definitely remember Joseph for his break out role which was amazing- and cautiously optimistic here since this seems to be classic wuxia- a genre that has been rather neglected lately! And no problems at all with the well-written tragic ending, in fact, sometimes that makes it more memorable in fiction that there is a towering tragedy at the end.
Annie
Sad that the pair didn’t get to express love for each other (actual confession). Had hoped for a happy ending. She was such a miracle doctor; they could have changed the story that she could find a way to slow down the poison so either at least they could meet at the end and express their love, or perhaps slow the poison while she finds the cure for herself.
I so want a new ending!!! But all in all, I enjoyed the series. Always think Joseph is very good with historical dramas, especially wuxia. Wish I could create a Weibo account to follow and connect with him to express admiration.
Jimmy
Im not like watch drama but this drama made me want to watch all episode..tragic but best to see ending..life must go on