Cupid Stupid (Alternative) Ending
Thursday, March 4, 2010 0:19
She stood indecisively before her two best friends, unable to differentiate her love toward them. Though she yearned for a life partner, Twinkle (Tavia Yeung) was unable to determine whom would become the most important person in her life.
Jeff (Michael Tse) broke their silence, “You have an answer already?”
Yat Bo (Steven Ma) reaffirmed, “I won’t feel regretful no matter what your choice is.” To this, Jeff agreed, “I’ll respect your decision.”
Helplessness surged through her being as Twinkle regretfully informed she does not know whom to pick. “After you picked one [decision], you’ll regret why you haven’t picked the other,” she mused. She pleaded to let Fate decide and asked for distance and time to resolve the matter. Before running off, she bid farewell with tears welling in her eyes, “Maybe when we meet again, we’ll each have our answer.”
Yat Bo and Jeff searched in vain for Twinkle, who left Hong Kong without informing anyone regarding her whereabouts. Where there once was laughter, a gloom of loneliness now present. Their last hope of meeting Twinkle at Aunt Kiu’s (Kingdom Yuen) wedding was crushed when Twinkle only wished Kiu marital bliss via a video clip. But as Yat Bo was reminded of an upcoming shuttlecock contest, he recalled Twinkle once expressed wanting to celebrate their victory at Disneyland, if they were to participate and win the contest.
With hope renewed, Yat Bo dashed to Disneyland. Though the sun has begun to set, Yat Bo never gave up his search. Once his efforts were rewarded with a glimpse of Twinkle, Yat Bo hurriedly paced toward her direction. Regretfully, he was blocked by a parade and lost sight of her. Night descended when Yat Bo once again saw Twinkle, who walked absentmindedly beneath a sparkling display of fireworks. Standing within her array of vision, Yat Bo found himself smiling in genuine happiness. He called her name in excitement and pure bliss. But the distracted Twinkle did not hear him. As he inched forward to lessen their distance, Yat Bo saw Jeff among the crowd. In that pivotal moment, he had his answer. Yat Bo called Twinkle, whose unique ringtone caught the attention of Jeff.
Jeff yelled her name. Twinkle turned around. While the stunned Twinkle stood rooted to the ground, Jeff embraced her with relief and joy engulfing his heart. Her lips cracked a slight grin as Twinkle spoke with acceptance, “Fate wants me to pick you.” Yat Bo retreated from the crowd with selfless tears threatening to fall.
Choosing serenity and solitude, Yat Bo ignored Twinkle’s call the following day. A selfless smile crept across his face as Yat Bo silently wished Jeff and Twinkle eternal happiness.
~*~
Below is an alternative ending from TkN’s figment of imagination, which continues directly from the scene above:
Twinkle stood dejectedly next to Yat Bo’s fish stand as his voicemail recording greeted her. With a sigh, she began leaving her message, “One Step Late, it’s urgent. I need to speak to you.” Then she added more as a whisper to herself, “Please pick up. Please let me know where you are.”
Aimlessly walking through the market, Twinkle recalled her sweet exchanges with Yat Bo. He was the one who stood up for her and saved her from embarrassment when she got cheated and swindled by Simon (Jack Wu). He was the one who lied about her astrological sign so she could pursue her dream of becoming a toy designer. He has always been there for her, through thick and thin, demonstrating their unchanging bond and affection.
“Yat Bo!” Twinkle turned around as she heard Mei Guen (Shermon Tang) called One Step Late’s name. On his hand, he held her favorite ice cream flavor – raspberry. Yat Bo smiled shyly as he handed the ice cream to Mei Guen, “I saw Twinkle’s favorite flavor and bought it out of habit. You don’t mind eating it for me?”
“Let me have it,” Twinkle interrupted.
Yat Bo speechlessly turned around, bewildered with her appearance and more so at Jeff’s absence.
“We need to talk,” Twinkle continued.
Yat Bo stood still while Mei Guen knowingly pushed him forward and gave Twinkle a smile before stepping away.
“I met Jeff,” Twinkle resumed.
Yat Bo half smiled, “You have your answer then.”
“Yes. When I heard my name being called, my heart was on my sleeve, anticipating. Then Jeff appeared before my view. He hugged me. And that’s when I understood that all along, I had my answer.”
“Twinkle, I’m glad you’ve found the most important person in your life.”
“I have. He’s standing before me now.”
Yat Bo furrowed his eyebrows in inquiry and Twinkle addressed his silent questions, “Fate wanted me to pick Jeff and I lived its decision momentarily. But only to realize I regret not choosing you. It was you I longed to meet at Disneyland and together experience the romantic sky of fireworks. It was you that my heart yearned to have been the one who called my name. One Step Late, you’re the most important person in my heart.”
He stood motionless for awhile more then slowly clasped her hands in his, his mind and heart finally registering her words. Yat Bo broke out in an infectious laugh as he embraced his love. With equivalent ardour, Twinkle hugged him tightly; a broad smile lit her face. The entire market applauded their long awaited union in good humor and cheers.
Greeny’s (Rams Cheung) advice echoed in Twinkle’s mind: Horoscopes just give you some options of what you can do; they do not guarantee 100% accuracy. One must handle a relationship all on one’s own.
TkN’s Thoughts Regarding the Actual Ending:
Before I forget, I’d like to find out what brand cellphone Twinkle has. It’s pretty impressive that her ringtone can be louder than the booming of fireworks. Must be another one of TVB’s ingenious inventions. :P
Twinkle is arguably among the weakest heroines in TVB history. Here’s a crash course in relationship for dearest Twinkle: do not question who cherishes you more, question who you love most. If the latter stems no answer, it simply means you’re not in love. If you’re not in love, then no choice needs be made. Dearest Twinkle, it is impossible to love two men at the same time, much less love them equally.
I enjoyed Michael Tse’s performance in La Femme Desperado immensely and found myself rather disappointed that Jeff was merely a playful and at times aloof guy. I failed to see the love and care he reserves for Twinkle. And I don’t blame the character; I blame the actor. Whenever Yat Bo and Jeff interact with Twinkle, the difference between Steven’s and Michael’s expressions is painfully clear. The former expresses deep concern and sentiments. The latter appears he actually doesn’t have a care for the world. No matter how self-centered Jeff is, he must care for the girl who he claims he’s in love with, right? I don’t see that love and there is little chemistry between Michael and Tavia. And the fact that Stevia exudes with charm makes the ending that much harder to stomach.
But, I want a Stevia ending not because of the chemistry factor. I want it because the plot requires it. Even the greatest believer of horoscopes, Greeny, believes that one must take destiny into one’s own hand and persevere. Twinkle’s ending was not granted by her destiny; it was chosen by Yat Bo. However, that choice should be hers to make, not his.
An actor always has a degree of freedom in interpreting the storyline and dialogues. I found Tavia’s final scene an intriguing interpretation. If Twinkle deeply loves Jeff, she would break into the happiest of smiles when he found her at Disneyland. Tavia only showed a hint of a smile. Her eyes did not express joy, but merely acceptance, when she declared Fate’s decision. I believe Tavia also thought the alternative ending would be more fitting. :P
Write Your Own Ending is a new feature at TVB Guide where we turn our disappointment over unsatisfying endings into more reasonable, realistic, and fitting conclusions. Hope you support our new feature! :) And of course, do share your views on the ending of Cupid Stupid!
katie says:
March 4th, 2010 at 2:07 am
I would very much disagree with you about blaming the actor. The script is so horrendously tipped against Jeff and in favour of Yat Bo that a comparison is hardly fair! But in the extremely few scenes in which Jeff was allowed to show his love for Twinkle, as in the scene in which he first voiced out his feelings and the scene where they danced on the rooftop, Michael Tse did come through.
Rachel says:
March 4th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
OMG! i thought i was the only one who felt so disappointed in this ending. I just commented on KTVB’s post, but I want to rant again. I had so much expectations for this and really wanted to see Steven and Tavia together :(. So so sad, I have so much to rant about, I think I will just write a post and put it on TVB Cetnral, But I really thank you for writing an alternative ending and putting your opinions. I pretty much agree with everything you wrote lol i have never been so depressed and disapointed with a tvb ending before. aaggh! thinking about it makes me so sad!
dvd says:
March 4th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
I’m another one who is disappointed with the ending. Stevia had great chemistry! I am not a believer in horoscopes, and even if I was, Stevia should’ve been together due to their ‘compatible signs’ then. Fate wanted Yat Bo and Twinkle together, but Yat Bo defied fate and made the decision for Twinkle. He didn’t want Twinkle to see him and Goon Sing again at the same time or things would be back at square one. He took things into his own hands, despite me seeing that as the wrong choice. :P I also wouldn’t want Twinkle to be with Yat Bo because of fate, but because she truly loves him the most, which I think she does. (yeah, getting my hopes up :P )
I see the ending as an open one, due to the fact that Twinkle did not look happy when seeing Goon Sing (from a smile of hope to a grim smile [I do think from the way Tavia acted this scene out, the one Twinkle wanted to see was Yat Bo]) and the call she made to Yat Bo was suspicious. The sun is barely rising. Why is she calling him so early in the morning? If she wanted to tell Yat Bo that she is with Goon Sing now, I don’t think she has to call him that early for something so heart-breaking. hehe. I imagine her call is her excitedness to tell Yat Bo that she loves him the most and wants to be with him. ^ _ ^
P.S. I loved Steven’s facial expressions. His happy smile, sad smile, at peace smile. Thanks for the alternate ending! Love it! How I wish that was the real ending. -sigh-
Rachel says:
March 4th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
@dvd
i love your hypothesis about the whole phone call thing!! that seems like it could have happened. i hate how the ending just left us hanging, but like you, i still have an ounce of hope that tavia really truly loves Steven and that phone call was meant to be a good thing. man, i really wish it showed a better ending. and steven’s expressions portrayed exactly how he felt. i think he did an amazing job!
gar says:
March 4th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
I just started this series and after reading about this ridiculous ending, I have no desire to carry on!! Err. I think Michael is better as villian.
TkN says:
March 5th, 2010 at 12:47 am
katie – Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps it is indeed the character, not actor. Perhaps our scriptwriters wanted Jeff to love Twinkle, but not exactly care deeply for her. Jeff himself admitted that Yat Bo cares more for Twinkle than he does. After all, Yat Bo and Twinkle have been best friends since grade school. Of course their understanding and care for one another would be stronger. (Thus Steven shows more genuine concern toward Twinkle than Jeff.) But as you said, if the script was in favor of Yat Bo and tipped against Jeff, then why unite Twinkle and Jeff in the end? For a twist? Or do our scriptwriters have split personality? :P
Rachel – You totally should write a review for the series at TVB Central! :) And btw, before this series, I actually have never watched anything with Steven aside from “On the Track or Off” with Ada. I didn’t like Steven’s performance then. But now, I’m sold on his acting ability. :) Will definitely keep an eye out for his series (provided that it has a good plot :P). haha.
dvd – I think Tavia purposefully interpreted the “open ending”, perhaps as a present to fans. :P But on a more serious note, though our thinking regarding the ending makes perfect sense, TVB’s scriptwriters probably intended the less-than-happy look as an indication that Twinkle remains hesitant in realizing a decision, no matter who ends up finding her first. Like she said, when you choose one, you regret not choosing the other. The ending song re-emphasizes the quality of true friendship, the kind that is unchanging and sincere. Thus, the main storyline is not a romantic relationship, but of a loyal friendship between Yat Bo and Twinkle. No matter what happens, they’ll be supporting one another and wishing each other the very best.
gar – Should I feel bad for spoiling the ending for you? Or should I feel glad that I prevented you from wasting more time? :P
Akazukin says:
March 6th, 2010 at 8:41 am
Thanks for writing an alternate ending. OMG, it’s such a great feeling to have someone interpreting the ending the same way I did, well except for a few difference in details, but basically it’s the same in the sense that I believe the ending means that when Twinkle saw Goon Sing and was disappointed and sad about it, Twinkle finally realises that the most important person in her heart is Chi Yat Bo, the one she wants to choose is Chi Yat Bo, the one she loves the most if Chi Yat Bo. And that she is calling Yat Bo the next day to tell him that. And Twinkle and Chi Yat Bo are going to end up together, get married and have live happily ever after (Okay maybe I am exaggerating when I said happy ever after but you guys know what I mean).
I agree with Tkn that Stevia chemistry beats Michvia chemistry by a mile, which makes it hard to stomach the ending especially since the character of Yat Bo already beats Goon Sing’s character by a mile. But I believe the responsibility is both the acting and the script. Michael already loses out to Steven in terms of being able to show their love they feel for Twinkle and the script already does not help either because Goon Sing did nothing touching for Twinkle and he wasn’t a delightful character himself. I will give a chance for Michvia in Flying Fish but have no confidence whatsoever.
——————–
Vote to have an alternative ending in TVB forum or just to show TVB that you are unhappy with the ending::
http://forum.tvb.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=82900&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=50
dvd says:
March 7th, 2010 at 10:39 am
That’s probably true…only we would intepret the ending as open. If TVB wanted to show that Twinkle is still as indecisive, then nothing is really solved to me. And that just makes Twinkle get on my nerve more. lol. I just see it that you never cherish what you have until you ‘lose’ it. And I think that’s what Twinkle might have realize when she didn’t see Yat Bo. :)
Hm…never thought the storyline is more about friendship. But that makes sense. I guess it’s like no matter if they get together or not, their friendship can never break. They’ll still be there for each other whether or not they’ve found their ’someone’. In this case, I happen to don’t like Twinkle’s ’someone’. :P
Me imagining the ending to be open just helps me accept the ending better, so that I don’t feel like I have to throw something against the wall. j/k. :P
jc says:
March 8th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
A movie with bad ending as unlogical at the ending part where Tavia swith on her mobile when at Disney part, where she used to keep it shutdown all the time. Moreover, episode 18-19, it makes Jeff so annoying and irritating; everyone support to YatPo to woo Twinkle back, but at the end of episode 20, the story change 360degree which clatch to the main story. A lot of my friends and relative were sad and complaining on the ridiculous ending. The alternative ending is just so perfect and i do hope TVB would consider and take it as the final ending for Twinkle and Yatpo.
gaby says:
March 8th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Fans should start a protest letter to TVB and urge for Cupid Stupid II. This will enable Chi Yat Po and Twinkle to pick up on where they left off. Basically Chi Yat Po is making the same mistake Greeny made years ago when he encouraged Josephine (Yat Po’s aunt) to pick Mang Ping for her life partner. Josephine suffered terribly and regretted her decision for years. Greeny was foolish, thinking he was being selfless in encouraging Josephine to go with another man. There was so much wasted time as a result of Greeny’s ‘good intentions.’ In Cupid Stupid II, Greeny and Josephine can be brought back as the strong characters to drive some sense into Chi Yat Po and Twinkle. The Jeff character is basically one which is selfish, immature and fickle. In a matter of weeks he can ditch his steady girl to fall in love with Twinkle. In the sequel, maybe the writer can make Jeff mature to a place where he realizes he only wants Twinkle because she is attractive and amuses him somewhat. Jeff is a guy who loves toys and games and his character is one which must have whatever he fancies for the moment. In Cupid Stupid, we see him coveting toy after toy, his heart never being satisfied. In Cupid Stupid II, his character can be developed along the same line, with the conclusion that Twinkle finally realizes she is just the ‘flavour of the month’ to Jeff and the time will come when he outgrows her, just as he outgrew his steady girl. Chi Yat Po, meanwhile, will control to fight with his true feelings for Twinkle. Remember what he said to Kuen Kuen in a dramatic frenzy at the market place: ‘The one I love, I will always love. The one I do not love, I will never love..nothing will ever change this.’ Let these words haunt Chi Yat Po day after day until he finally comes to his senses and realizes all is fair in love and war and he must fight to the last ounce of his strength to have the woman he loves. If TVB doesn’t make a sequel to rectify this story, Cupid Stupid will end up in the annals of HK serials as one of the most disappointing, heart-breaking and frustrating stories ever to be filmed, and TVB will lose its one chance to redeem itself and make the most out of one of the most wonderful set of characters to ever grace Cantonese television. It’s been a long time since fans have enjoyed such incredible romantic chemistry between two characters as Chi Yat Po and Twinkle. It’s been a long time since such as actor as Steve Ma came along and did such an incredible portrayal as a simple man with a good heart, who loves in silence, being unable to express his emotions. TVB, YOU ARE SITTING ON A POT OF GOLD ….C’MON!!!
Akazukin says:
March 9th, 2010 at 5:35 am
I agree with what you guys said. Steven and Tavia have great chemistry here and Yat Bo’s love to Twinkle is so sweet. It’s hell annoying to see all these go to waste just because of the ending. I have seen a lot of TVB Series ending where I go “what the hell?” or “duh!”, but this gotta be the first time to make me go “NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”
If you guys really wanna make a petition to TVB to change the ending, perhaps you guys should start voting for it here (after all it’s in TVB forum):
http://forum.tvb.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=82900&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=50
Have you guys voted?
Gaby, I think you are spot on with Goon Sing’s personality. Twinkle and Goon Sing relationship will not last. It’s only a matter of time for Twinkle to go back to Yat Bo, where true love is waiting for her. Of course I hope Twinkle to realise it as soon as the night in Disneyland though, because Yat Bo has sacrificed enough for her, he deserves better love from her.
TkN says:
March 9th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Akazukin – I highly doubt TVB would support the motion for Cupid Stupid II when the first installment was already warehoused. :\
jc – Awww… thanks! :) But unfortunately, TVB does not read TVB Guide. :P
gaby – You have a wonderful grasp for Cupid Stupid characters and I highly encourage you to write said second installment. I don’t think TVB would ever consider the idea of Cupid Stupid II, but in the world of fans, we can thrive on fanfictions. ;) Write one for us? :)
Akazukin says:
March 9th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
TkN, the link to the petition in TVB forum is not a request for a sequal CS 2, but for TVB to produce an alternative ending of just an episode or a few minutes more. It has been done in the past and I don’t guarantee that it will be done in this case since it’s a warehouse series. However, it won’t hurt if we try. TVB will actually act upon it if they have enough response (like how they react to the TVB Anniversary Awards). But if everyone is doubting without making an effort, for sure we won’t get anything from them.
CS is a warehouse series but it is currently airing in HK pay channel. Even if TVB really won’t produce an alternative ending, they will take note of it (especially if we get a lot of votes). It shows that a lot of people are watching the series and Steven and Tavia and care for them. And who knows, if they decide to pair Steven and Tavia up next time, they will think thrice before giving them a bad ending again.
In all rounds, I think voting is worth the try. It doesn’t take much time to vote nor does it cost anything. There is nothing to lose in voting.
mango says:
March 14th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
I thought Steven and Tavia will have good ending together. Duude, I was so freaking confident they were gonna end up together and I was even excited for the release of it. Haha, but I ended up not watching it but read Lee’s summary briefly.
Psh, I’m bias…I don’t like Michael Tse and thus, wanted Stevia together. And like they always have bad ending I was soo sure they were gonna have a happy ending this time…what a twist.
Yeah, when I read Lee’s summary, I was kind of pissed/annoyed at how Twinkle decides to listen to a piece of paper. Lol prolly because I’m not a person who believes in horoscope THAT much to put my life on it. I read it for fun and I didn’t watch the series so blek, wouldn’t know. I was gonna give it a try but seeing that Michael-Tavia ended up together, I’m skipping it. I’ll probably throw up at this couple and I’m totally skipping that Flying Fish, ugh.
I just can’t believe after all the time they’ve collaborated, they don’t even get one single ‘happily ever after’…ugh and on the other, happily ever after always happen to Stevinda. Sucksss.
mistermiu says:
March 20th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
This has done well because I really thought Yat Bo was a fool. If you want something, you go out and get it. If you take too long you will miss it, and it’s not coming back. With love, there is the unspoken man rule where if a guy tells his friend ‘Yeah, I like this girl’, even if the first guy likes her, it’s bros before hoes, you step the hell back and say ‘Go for it man’. If they don’t work out, then maybe you slip in. But if they do date and break up and you and the girl get cosy, before it is official you’ll have to speak to guy to let him know that you like his ex-gf.and that you’re both gonna be together, as a sign of courtesy. Unspoken man rules… very important! Yat Bo the fish is a nice guy, but he is still this guy that had how many years? Plenty. And yet still loses to this guy she only knows for a few months called Goon Sing. You get it while it’s ripe or you just make trouble for yourself mofo! The man rules do noit apply to him because he forfeit them the moment he rang Twinkle to set her up with Goon Sing. Fool! hat scene at the end with him sitting alone? They should have added a gun there for him to shoot himself in the foot.
gaby says:
March 21st, 2010 at 9:26 am
akazukin: Yes, we were all hoping during the Disneyland scene Twinkle would wake up and realize whom she truly loves. I think that moment is a key moment — that heavy tinge of regret in her voice when she says, ‘The fates have decided that it is you whom I must be with …’ That last sentence from her is what is going to push her into a state of emotional distress as she goes through the paces of her so-called destined romance with Jeff later.
You see this is what is wrong with the entire conclusion: Twinkle did not choose. Twinkle HAS NOT chosen. The choice was taken out of her hands. She did not reach a point of clarity — that AHA! moment when her heart aches with that shocking understanding that she is in love — truly, deeply, madly — and her love is for a certain man and it ain’t Jeff. It doesn’t matter if Jeff grabs a hold of her and won’t let go. The heart is an invisible thing and has a mind of its own. No man can tell a woman whom she should love, only SHE knows…don’t you agree?
I’m just waiting for the eureka moment when Twinkle realizes with utter amazement, sheer happiness, laced with panic, fright and alarm that she is in love with another man! I’d pay a million bucks to watch Jeff’s face.
TkN: I’m very tempted to write Cupid Stupid 2 myself. Only thing is I’ve never written TVB fiction before. Where does one start? ARRGH!
Mistermiu: ‘Unspoken man rules’ are for teenage boys who think they’re men. A man loves differently. Jeff is a boy. Chi Yat Po is a man. The boy has the upperhand at the moment because Twinkle is still behaving like a girl. She is still playing games, easily taken in by charm and good-looks, and is naive and innocent about guys like Jeff. She doesn’t know that boys like Jeff often end up as men like Mang Ping (unstable, dishonest, and immature). There will come a moment when Twinkle emotionally matures from girl to woman and then you watch, all that boyhood charm from Jeff is going to shatter like glass. Teenage love is fast and seems exciting but often is is shallow and unfulfilling. Mature love between a man and a woman is something else……sparks fly and very little can stand in the way, much less something as silly and as superficial as ‘I saw her first!’ or ‘I like her first!’ This is something Chi Yat Po understands. He loves Twinkle and is waiting and hoping she will love him back. He refuses to play the who saw who first game. That’s why he sticks around and hopes for an answer. Unfortunately, Twinkle is sleep ‘ASLEEP’ emotionally. She is ‘in love’ but does not ‘love’ yet. To be ‘in love’ is to be infatuated. To ‘love someone’ now that’s the real thing. Her turmoil at Disneyland is far from over.
dvd says:
March 24th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
All I have to say is: I agree with what you said gaby! Love your analysis about Goon Sing being a boy and Yat Bo being a man.
What Yat Bo does, is all for Twinkle, not Goon Sing. Who is Goon Sing? I would say merely an acquaintance. Twinkle is his BEST FRIEND since childhood. So this ‘bros before hoes’ just doesn’t work for me.
Akazukin says:
March 27th, 2010 at 2:46 am
Gaby, great analysis there once again. I would support you all the way if you decide to write Cupid Stupid 2! Twinkle and Yat Bo so deserve to be together but not only that, Steven and Tavia also deserve to have a happy ending together after all the heartbreaks they (mostly Steven) go through in their series.
Back to Cupid Stupid, like you said, the series didn’t show whom Twinkle choose, because she didn’t choose Goon Sing when Goon Sing appears first before her. Not only didn’t she choose Goon Sing, but she was unhappy that ‘fate’ chose Goon Sing for her too. I can sense not only regret from her, but also disappointment and reluctance of accepting the result. Ideally, only Twinkle should know whom she really loves, but humans are humans, sometimes they don’t know what they really feel until the unconscious mind of them are brought to their consciousness. And I believe it was brought to her consciousness when she saw Goon Sing in the Disneyland. She doesn’t know whether something is right or wrong until she tries it. But she tries twice with Goon Sing and twice was wrong for her. The first time was when she found out about Yat Bo’s feelings for her, and she started to always think about Yat Bo rather than Goon Sing and requested a breakup with him. The second time is her feeling so wrong when she saw Goon Sing in the Disneyland.
Like how you would pay to watch Jeff’s reaction, I would pay a million bucks to watch Yat Bo’s face when Twinkle discloses that the one for her is Yat Bo. Simply because I have been deprived of seeing Yat Bo’s happy face when he is long deserving for it.
As for what you said about ‘[Yat Bo] refuses to play the who saw who first game. That’s why he sticks around and hopes for an answer.’ – I don’t think it’s necessarily that Yat Bo refuses to play the game. When I first watch the ending, with every scenes leading to the ending, I have always understood Yat Bo’s action in this way: Yat Bo let Goon Sing saw Twinkle first because he was afraid of losing Twinkle again. He intended to approach Twinkle until he saw Goon Sing was there. He knew that if he approached Twinkle, Goon Sing would be aware of them and knowing Goon Sing, he would approach them. When Twinkle saw that she saw them again at the same time, she would feel clueless on whom to choose again. So they will be back to square one, to the time where Twinkle announced that she won’t see them again until fate makes the decision for her. Yat Bo wanted to prevent that from happening again. He is afraid that she will run away again like before. And the worst thing for Yat Bo is to be unable to see Twinkle again nor hear her voice nor know her condition. How is she? Is she safe? Is she healthy? Is she sad? He wants to prevent Twinkle from being confused again, sad again, run away again. That’s why he decides to sacrifice himself. As long as Twinkle is happy, he can bear it. Not having her is better than not seeing her. That’s why later when Yat Bo was alone in the fish house, he smiled when he saw Twinkle calling him. Twinkle is finally reappearing in his life. Yeah, he didn’t pick up the phone, but the poor guy needs time to collect himself. He is not ready yet, that’s all.
Like you, I believe that Twinkle’s search for her true love didn’t end in Disneyland. I believe that her call to Yat Bo at dawn where Yat Bo was sitting alone is something to signify that she is searching him to tell him that she has finally found the answer as to whom she really loves, and that is Yat Bo. And with the answer found, she no longer has to listen to fate, which she only resorts to because she wasn’t able to know whom she loves more.
gaby says:
March 30th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
RE: “When I first watch the ending, with every scenes leading to the ending, I have always understood Yat Bo’s action in this way: Yat Bo let Goon Sing saw Twinkle first because he was afraid of losing Twinkle again…..”
I see your point. Yes, that makes sense and is completely consistent with Yat Po’s character.
I interpreted the phone call from Twinkle the same way you did. Unfortunately, some of my friends read it as Twinkle merely calling to ask Yat Po out so she could explain to him she’s agreed to be with Jeff and Yat Po is merely ignoring the call because he already knows the situation and to hear Twinkle tell him face-to-face is too painful to bear.
Can such a man back down from such pain? Would he choose to go off somewhere and suffer in silence? It is possible.
Is this consistent with Twinkle’s character? What happens when she tells Yat Po and sees the anguish on his face? Does she care enough to understand his pain? If she does, does she not love him indeed?
If I were to start writing CS2, I think I will probably kick off with this scene: where Twinkle finally gets a hold of Yat Po and asks him out to the diner where they always go to eat egg tarts. She will tell Yat Po fate has decided she is to be with Jeff and then watch what happens between when Yat Po reacts. Her reaction and response to him in subsequent days, weeks and months will determine what her heart finally says. Yat Po thinks it’s easy to just tell himself to let his feelings for her die. Let’s see if the longer he hangs around her, the feelings die or otherwise. He has consistently cared deeply for her, can he stop now?
Akazukin says:
March 31st, 2010 at 4:45 am
Gaby, when do you think the scene where Yat Bo was sitting alone in the fish house and Twinkle called him is? How long it is after the night in Disneyland? Because I have always interpreted it to be the sunrise, just the next morning of the Disneyland incident.
I don’t doubt that the reason why Yat Bo didn’t pick up the call is because he is not ready to face her with Goon Sing. It is indeed too painful for him to hear from her own mouth that she is now with Goon Sing. But assuming this, it also means that the cut is fresh on him that he is unable to face it. Sooner or later, he has to face it and chances are he will be able to face it later even if he is still not over Twinkle.
And then, why is Twinkle calling Yat Bo? I guess it has to do with the timing as well. If it is indeed sunrise of the next morning, then it’s quite impossible for Twinkle to call just to tell Yat Bo that she is now with Goon Sing. Like tamaya in AF said, why would Twinkle call him in such urgency so early in the morning to crack such a heartbreaking news to him? Twinkle is not someone sadistic. Instead, in the past, we have been shown how soft her heart is, and how much she care about Yat Bo’s feelings. She can hardly take it whenever she saw Yat Bo was sad. Like the first time she saw him throwing tantrum after she read the email, she was saddened. And then, the next morning, she took extra trip to check on him in the coffee shop and even lied to Goon Sing because of that. When Yat Bo told her to go to Goon Sing, I think I saw Tavia about to cry. And then, when she realised that Yat Bo saw her and Goon Sing dancing in the rooftop, again her eyes are red.
Assuming that she indeed ends up with Goon Sing, sooner or later she will have to tell him, but how long will it take for her to find the courage to tell Yat Bo the bad news? How long will it take for Yat Bo to be able to face the bad news? I think if the phone call is made days later, then maybe Twinkle is calling to break the bad news to Yat Bo. But I would expect Yat Bo to be able to pick it up. Vice versa, because Yat Bo was not able to pick it up, I believe that the phone call came too soon.
Of course I don’t deny that it is open to different interpretations. However, I think the fact that Tavia was not happy when she saw Michael and the phone call coming should have meant something. If the ending is supposed to be Twinkle-Goon Sing, then what’s the point of having Tavia’s sad face and the phone call?
As I said before, the whole series actually shows to me that Twinkle’s real love is Yat Bo. Even if she ends up with Goon Sing in the Disneyland and is stupid enough to continue on the basis of ‘fate’, it will just be a matter of time where their relationship will fall off and Twinkle will be back to Yat Bo who stays true to her. I said before somewhere, it’s much easier and would be quicker for Twinkle and Goon Sing to break up than for Yat Bo to move on.
I would support you to write CS2. Do tell me where you post the story when you started.
gaby says:
March 31st, 2010 at 1:10 pm
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind the phone call is on the dawn immediately after the Disneyland outing. I’m not sure if Chi Yat Po has even changed out of his clothes. I’m going to check and see if he’s wearing the same gear. If yes, then it’s 100% confirmed it’s the dawn immediately after.
Since his and Twinkle’s relationship as childhood friends are so close and intimate, it is very likely for Twinkle to call him immediately to talk to him. This is characteristic of her because she tells him everything. Remember the time she has insomnia and calls Yat Po in the middle of the night and our silly friend goes and reads her the weather report to put her to sleep? Well, it’s something like that. I agree Twinkle isn’t sadistic but she just wants to pour out her heart to him ….AGAIN! (Arrgh, I know, I know!)
Twinkle’s relationship with Yat Po reminds me of Vanessa Williams’ song ‘Save The Best For Last.’ The lyrics go something like this:
“How could give your love to someone else
And share your dreams with me
Sometimes the very thing you’re looking for
Is the one thing you can’t see ….”
Twinkle is ‘emotionally asleep’ still. She shares all her dreams with Yat Po but gives her love to Simon, Jeff, etc.
Ok, when I start cracking on CS2, I’ll let you know. Appreciate any input and correction of errors from you and all fans of CS.
Akazukin says:
April 1st, 2010 at 4:59 am
Well, the jacket and the sleeves that Yat Bo was wearing in the fish house were the same as the ones he wore in the Disneyland scene. And it’s sorta the first time he wore that combination set/ the red vest in the series. And considering that they film the Disneyland scene and the fish house scenes in different days (because they usually will film scenes according to the location rather than the chronology), I think TVB actually intends the scene to be the next morning too.
Yeah, Twinkle will always want to share her feelings with Yat Bo first. But this is not a situation where he would be in objective position to advise her like all the previous times she confides with him on. While she most certainly loves to tell him everything, there would be certain things where she couldn’t bring herself to tell him, especially when the triangle relationship is involved, especially when the news is going to break his heart. As much as she wants to pour her heart out to him, I believe Twinkle cares enough for Yat Bo’s feelings that she won’t pour her heart out to him if it means it will hurt Yat Bo’s heart.
Your idea of CS2, about how the story talks about whether them not being together will work out for both of them is very original as most CS2 do progress on the basis that Twinkle realised that the one she loves is Yat Bo through the Disneyland event. I would definitely love to read your version. I actually want to write a Stevia fanfic too (I have like about 4 idea of stories in my head but they are CS-unrelated) but I’m too lazy to write it out. So I prefer to read instead. LOL.
gaby says:
April 5th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
hi akazukin,
I watched the last few episodes of CS again last weekend and unbelievably I’m traumatized once more by the ending. I was so sure the feeling would be more blunt this time but no — it was terrible! WORSE, IN FACT! I wanted to chuck my TV out! I’ve decided that until TVB comes out with an alternate ending or do a more heartening sequel, I shall have to write my own sequel to this awful tragedy.
I’m calling my fanfic Cupid Stupid 2: Butterflies in Summer. I’m writing it on my own blog called butterfliesinsummer.blogspot.com.
I’m going to go ahead with the premise that Twinkle has decided to let fate choose her love for her. I’m going to try and push the characters to see if they will break. Wish me luck.
Please feel free to comment and critique. I don’t mind. See you!
(P.S. Please be patient because I’m slowly plotting out the story ….)
Akazukin says:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Gaby, I’m so happy that you decide to write CS 2. I wanted to leave a message in your blogspot but I couldn’t find a place to leave the comment. Anyway, I have read your introduction, it’s great. I can’t wait for the first chapter, but I’ll try to be patient.
CS ending is very sad. I keep rewatching CS but I have been trying to stay away from the ending. Usually, I will only rewatch episode 1-17. I tried to stay away from the ending because it is too sad. Heck, it’s my first time being so pissed off to see Tavia ending up with someone. Oh yeah, I wasn’t happy to see Tavia with Adam in TPS and with Wong Hei in SOT, but it’s nothing like this hurt painful unacceptable feelings. Gotta say the ending is not only sad ending for Yat Bo’s fans but is also a sad ending for Twinkle’s fan.
gaby says:
April 6th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Akazukin,
Thanks so much for alerting me about the comment box. I’ll rectify that at once.
I haven’t watched TPS and SOT yet. Yes, I’m very far behind in catching up with all the TVB series because of my studies (one exam after another…headache). My sister has been complaining about those two stories as well.
Ok, don’t be sad. Let us as fans give Twinkle and Chi Yat-Po some justice and fairness in blogosphere!
gaby says:
April 7th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Akazukin, I’ve posted Episode One, Scene 1 and Scene 2 and I’ve got Chi Yat Po to do something really drastic and crazy. I’m kinda laughing right now because I seem to have pushed him into an emotional corner and he cannot do anything except explode!
The way Chi Yat Po’s character has been set up by TVB, I think it’s going to take a lot before he’ll crack under the pressure of his feelings for Twinkle. Oh boy, I’m going to have some fun putting him in a lot of terrible situations.
TkN says:
April 11th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Although I’ve been unavailable to join in the discussion, I’ve had great pleasure reading your conversations! Thanks everyone for lighting up my inbox with wonderful insights. :)
gaby – I’m excited you’ve finally decided on writing Cupid Stupid 2! The name [Butterflies in Summer] sounds lovely, embracing both the qualities of finding true love for the first time and interspersing with some heartwrenching (or stomach churning :P) moments. :) I hope you will accept my invitation of being an author at TVB Central Fanfic and posting your story there? :) It has additional features that blogspot lacks while still preserving anonymous commenting, etc. Furthermore, we are trying to expand our small community of TVB writers. :) Do check us out and I hope you’ll join the bandwagon. :) The URL is http://tvbcentral.net/fanfic
gaby says:
April 14th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
TkN,
Thanks so much for the invite. Will definitely check you guys out. Am in the middle of fleshing the opening episodes out, some of which I’ve already posted on my blog. It’s a lot more work than I thought, ARRRGH!
Love the job you guys are doing here. Not really a TVB devotee, not much chance to watch Cantonese dramas these past few years because of uni exams, so quite ignorant about a lot of series. Just happened to watch Cupid Stupid because went home for the holidays and wham, I was hooked! Your site is helping me to catch up a lot on what I’ve missed from TVB although I confess I’m doing it very sparingly lest I bomb out at my next exams.
Hope it’s ok with you guys if I posted abridged versions of Cupid Stupid 2: Butterflies In Summer on your fanfic site cos I’ve gone crazy and wrote yards and yards of text with bits and pieces of trivia with the story. I’ll chuck out the trivia and just give you guys the good bits.
Last thing, Butterflies is kinda spinning out into a epic. (Dudes at my house keep asking me to write more, more!) Is that ok? I can chop it down further to fit TVB Central Fanfic, if you like.
Gillian says:
April 15th, 2010 at 6:17 am
Just had a chance to read the alternative ending.. agree that I would much prefer this to the stupid ending that TVB had. A Stevia ending just felt right, and i think simply cause we could see how much Steven was willing to do for Tavia. Whereas Michael just came across as ‘another guy’
TkN says:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:24 am
gaby – I am very sorry with my ultra slow response! :( There is no word limit at TVB Central Fanfic. Please post as you please, be that the abridged or epic version. :)
I hope you have had the chance to balance TVB and academic life. Let me know if you’ve chanced upon a recommended series. :)
Gillian – Indeed! :)
m says:
August 12th, 2010 at 5:36 am
i’m so dispapointed with the ending i actually cried when steven ma was tearing at disneyland after seeing tavia and michael hug!!! :’(
STEVEN SPOTTED HER FIRST!! STUPID ENDING!!!!
Estee says:
August 17th, 2010 at 1:08 am
The series was going well, but the ending was a huge disappointment. Tavia’s character said let fate decide who she should choose. The ending shows that even fate don’t know who Tavia should choose. Tavia wasn’t even sure who she loved better than the other. That is what I thought was upsetting. What if she and Michael get together and in the future fall back in love with Steven? She has to be sure. The very end left me unsatisfied. It would’ve been better if Tavia woke up and find out who she really loves. Even if Michael is who she ends up with, the ending made everyone feel sorry for Steven. I wanna watch Tavia’s reaction when she knows that Steven was there too. He saw her first anyways.
Anyways, in my opinion I would really rather Tavia end up with Steven. I do not hate Michael, he’s a great actor. I’m talking about his character. Steven was there for Tavia while Michael was being all cranky and psycho. Tavia should’ve made up her mind by then that Steven is the one. And they know each other more and grew up together. I think they would’ve been the best and cutest couple. Steven cared for her feelings and let them be while Michael, all he care about is himself. There was this part in the series that Tavia wanted to be friends again with them two and Michael was mad at her saying what if she chose Steven? I hated him! And Tavia liked Steven first, they would’ve been together!
So overall, good series, fun and relaxing until the stupid ending which ruined everything. Steven’s character is 5/5, he believes when you love someone you just want them to be happy. In the end, he rather give up Tavia for her and Michael to be happy instead of them three being sad. Tavia’s character is 2/5, undecisive and caused a bad ending. Michael’s character 2/5, somewhat selfish and irritating. I believe he doesn’t care much about Tavia, but more about himself. The series, 3/5, hate the way the ending was but the fate thing was interesting.