“Link Click” (also known as “Shiguang Daili Ren“) has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique premise, thrilling mysteries, and complex emotional core. But beyond the time-traveling adventures and suspenseful plot twists, one element consistently stands out and sparks endless discussion among fans: the profound, often enigmatic, relationship between our two protagonists, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang.
Their dynamic is the beating heart of the series, but what kind of heart is it? Is it the epitome of an intense bromance, or are the subtle threads of something more, something akin to Boys’ Love (BL), woven into their shared destiny? Let’s dive into the fascinating ambiguity of their bond.
Two Halves of a Whole: The Foundation of Their Connection
At its core, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang’s relationship is built on extreme co-dependence. They are, quite literally, two halves of a functional whole:
- Cheng Xiaoshi: The emotional, impulsive, and deeply empathetic one. He’s the one who “dives” into photographs, experiencing the joys and sorrows of the past firsthand. He acts on instinct and often struggles with the emotional weight of his interventions.
- Lu Guang: The rational, calm, and analytical strategist. He observes the past, understands the timelines, and provides crucial guidance to Cheng Xiaoshi, acting as his anchor and protector. He carries the burden of knowing the future’s consequences.
Their abilities aren’t just complementary; they’re intertwined. Cheng Xiaoshi cannot operate without Lu Guang’s guidance, and Lu Guang’s strategic mind would be inert without Cheng Xiaoshi’s power to enter the photos. This foundational reliance creates a bond far deeper than typical friendship. They literally trust each other with their lives, minds, and emotional well-being.
The Case for “Bromance”: Unwavering Loyalty and Platonic Intimacy
For many viewers, the relationship between Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang can be firmly categorized as an extraordinarily powerful bromance. And there’s ample evidence to support this:
- Shared Purpose: Their primary focus is their mission at the Time Photo Studio, driven by a shared desire to help people and, increasingly, to uncover a larger conspiracy. Their bond serves this professional and ethical purpose.
- Found Family: Along with Qiao Ling, they form a tight-knit unit, a chosen family that supports each other through thick and thin. Their loyalty is absolute, typical of deep familial bonds.
- Sacrificial Love (Platonic): Both characters routinely put themselves at risk for the other. Lu Guang’s constant warnings, his physical interventions, and his emotional stoicism in the face of Cheng Xiaoshi’s pain are hallmarks of profound protective friendship. Cheng Xiaoshi’s distress when Lu Guang is hurt or in danger is equally powerful. This kind of self-sacrifice is common in platonic bonds of brotherhood.
The Case for “BL”: Subtle Hints and Interpretive Subtext
However, the “Link Click” fandom is also rife with interpretations that lean towards a romantic undertone, or at least a strong “BL-coded” dynamic. This isn’t just wishful thinking; there are narrative and visual cues that lend themselves to this reading:
- Intense Gaze and Proximity: Lu Guang’s almost constant, intense gaze upon Cheng Xiaoshi is frequently highlighted. His eyes often follow Cheng Xiaoshi with a focus that goes beyond mere observation. Their frequent physical closeness, moments of vulnerability, and shared domesticity (living and working together) can easily be interpreted as romantic intimacy.
- Emotional Dependency Beyond Friendship: While platonic friends can be emotionally supportive, the depth of their reliance on each other’s emotional state, particularly Lu Guang’s awareness and handling of Cheng Xiaoshi’s mental burden, feels exceptionally intimate.
- Lack of Other Romantic Interests: The conspicuous absence of significant romantic interests for either character outside of their dynamic further strengthens this interpretation. In many narratives, the emotional void is filled by the most prominent relationship, which in “Link Click” is undoubtedly theirs.
- The “Censorship Trope” in Chinese Media: This is perhaps the most significant point. Due to strict censorship in China regarding LGBTQ+ representation, many Chinese animation studios and dramas employ “soft BL” or “bromance” narratives that are heavily coded with romantic subtext. They allow for strong emotional and visual cues that fans can interpret as romantic, without explicitly stating it, thus bypassing censorship. “Link Click” is seen by many as a prime example of this phenomenon, especially after Season 2 and the “Bridon Arc,” which many fans found to be even more overtly “coded.”
Conclusion: The Beauty of Ambiguity
So, is it finally BL or still just a very strong bromance? The truth is, “Link Click” masterfully navigates this ambiguity.
For those who see a powerful bromance, the show delivers a compelling narrative of loyalty, partnership, and chosen family. Their bond is a testament to the strength of platonic love and mutual reliance in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
For those who interpret it as BL, the subtle hints, emotional intensity, and visual framing provide ample ground for a romantic reading. It allows fans to connect with a powerful love story that, while not explicitly stated, resonates deeply.
Ultimately, the strength of Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang’s bond lies in its unbreakable nature, regardless of the label. It is the thread that holds the series together, the source of its most poignant moments, and the reason why “Link Click” continues to resonate so deeply with its audience. Whether you see them as soul-bound partners in a mission or soulmates in love, their connection is undeniably special, powerful, and a defining element of this extraordinary anime.