LayarHijau — Taiwanese actress Michelle Chen has captured attention after sharing a touching story about her connection with China’s top actor Xiao Zhan. The two now play mother and son in the new drama Legend of Zang Hai, which premiered on Sunday, May 18 on Youku. Not only do they shine on screen, but their behind-the-scenes story has also touched many fans.
Michelle Chen revealed that she first met Xiao Zhan 10 years ago when she appeared as a guest on the talent show X-Fire in 2015. At the time, Xiao Zhan was just a shy and polite young contestant. They had a chance to act together in one of the show’s segments.
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Now, nearly a decade later, they reunited on the set of Legend of Zang Hai. Michelle Chen shared that Xiao Zhan has grown into a mature actor with deep emotional range. She also recalled a personal moment when Xiao Zhan sent her a heartfelt message, thanking her for helping him complete an important scene together. “That shy and polite boy is still here today,” wrote Michelle Chen, as quoted by Upmedia. Xiao Zhan warmly replied, “Thank you, Sister Michelle, for giving me such a moving memory.”
Xiao Zhan’s New Drama Breaks Records Before Its Premiere
Legend of Zang Hai, starring Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jingyi, achieved a major milestone with over 9 million reservations before its premiere, setting a new record on the Youku platform. The drama will also face tough competition in the same timeslot from The Prisoner of Beauty, starring Liu Yuning and Song Zuer.
In this drama, Xiao Zhan plays Zhi Nu, the son of the Royal Astronomer of the Dayong Kingdom, who witnesses the brutal massacre of his family. Ten years later, he returns to the capital under the alias Zang Hai to uncover the conspiracy behind the tragedy. With intelligence and political strategy, he rises to become the prime minister and ultimately reveals the truth about the past.
A recent trailer highlights an emotional moment when Zang Hai discovers his deceased parents’ clothing in an enemy’s secret chamber. Xiao Zhan’s powerful acting—crying until his eyes turned red and even retching from grief—earned widespread praise from netizens for its emotional depth.
Romance and Political Intrigue
The relationship between Zang Hai and Princess Xiang Antu (played by Zhang Jingyi) is also a central element of the story. In a featurette released by CCTV, it was revealed that Zang Hai initially approached Xiang Antu to use her political connections. However, both characters harbor secrets, leading to a complex and emotionally charged relationship full of tension and push-pull dynamics.
In addition to Michelle Chen, the drama also features top actor Wallace Chung as Zang Hai’s father. With a gripping tale of revenge, political intrigue, and emotionally rich performances from the lead actors, Legend of Zang Hai is expected to be one of the most talked-about Chinese dramas of the year.
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