To show their affection for each other (2005 television adaptation)
The tapping of each other’s nose with the back of their index finger is a gesture of affection between the couple. To our knowledge, it was first used by Xiao Yao 10 years ago before the story takes place, when he travels into the past in attempt to change history. However, this in itself is arguable, since Xiao Yao and Ling’er’s first meeting is really unknown. Their destiny to meet and fall in love with each other is like a never ending cycle; there’s no real beginning since their love transcends through time and space. When little Ling’er meets Xiao Yao, Xiao Yao already knew her. For Ling’er, that was their first meeting when this hero known as Xiao Yao rescues her… for Xiao Yao, he first meets Ling’er in Xian Ling Dao when searching for medicine for his Aunty (10 years later).
Nevertheless, this nose tapping gesture remains something special for the two. As the audience, we first see Ling’er tapping Xiao Yao’s nose when she first meets him in Xian Ling Dao, all too happy her Xiao Yao Ge Ge has returned as promised. She taps his nose like that because that’s what he did to her 10 years ago, which she liked. Unfortunately, due to a series of events, Xiao Yao loses his memory of Ling’er and having been to Xian Ling Dao in the first place. Surprisingly, when Xiao Yao and Ling’er travel on a boat to another city, he taps her on the nose! This surprises Ling’er, as she is aware he lost all memory of her, and yet; if that is the case, why is it that he made that gesture to her? This action meant a lot to her, so she told him that she only allows the person who loves her do that. Thinking for a moment, Xiao Yao taps her nose again, smiling very playfully; this brought Ling’er a smile to her face. Although Xiao Yao started off as a somewhat jerk, he is actually very honest and a very down to earth caring individual. At this point, it already shows that he sees Ling’er as someone that means a lot to him; being unaware that they were already married.
From this point onwards, this action is shown throughout the series, and usually substitute tapping the person on the shoulder. In the zombie saga for example, Xiao Yao finally finds Ling’er lying on the bed, and instead of shaking her, he gently taps her on the nose. It’s almost like saying “I’m here”, without speech they know who it is calling for them. During the time when Ling’er is locked in the Demon Locking Tower, she imagines Xiao Yao comes to rescues her and taps her on the nose, but it shatters before that happens, and this saddens her. Towards the end when they are finally together, they tap each other’s nose for the first time at the same time…isn’t that just adorable?
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