LayarHijau.com — Xiao Zhan, China’s top actor known for his roles in The Untamed and Joy of Life, has scored another major hit with his latest costume drama, Legend of Zang Hai, co-starring Zhang Jingyi. The drama currently leads in popularity with over 320 million views.
In one episode, the characters Zang Hai (Xiao Zhan) and Xiang An Tu (Zhang Jingyi) share a romantic boat date. Xiang An Tu teases Zang Hai by asking, “Who’s prettier, that woman or me?” Zang Hai replies, “Of course Miss Xiang is prettier.”
When asked what exactly is pretty about her, Zang Hai leans in and says, “Miss Xiang has eyebrows like willow leaves and eyes like stars. That’s something no ordinary woman can compare to.” His answer makes Xiang An Tu’s heart flutter. The two continue their sweet, playful banter like a young couple flirting and teasing each other.
According to a report by Upmedia, behind-the-scenes footage of this scene was recently released, revealing adorable moments between the actors. When Zhang Jingyi’s hair got caught in a prop, Xiao Zhan quickly stepped in to help fix it. When the director asked him to compliment Jingyi, the actor didn’t hesitate, praising her: “She looks good, very good! Very beautiful! So sweet!”
That wasn’t all — during the boat date scene, the actors added some funny improvisation. Since Xiao Zhan’s character owed money to Zhang Jingyi’s character in the story, he jokingly asked, “How much did you repay today?” to which Zhang Jingyi replied, “Today you rode my boat and drank my wine — shouldn’t you be owing me even more?”
This playful exchange wasn’t in the script but was a spontaneous improv after the director asked if they wanted to add anything. Their chemistry and natural teamwork impressed netizens, who felt the actors had fully merged into their characters.
Legend of Zang Hai follows the story of Zhi Nu (Xiao Zhan), whose family was massacred when he was a child. As an adult, he returns to the capital under the new name Zang Hai, determined to seek revenge against his main enemy, Pingjin Hou. At first, he approaches Xiang An Tu to use her social connections, but unexpectedly, Xiang An Tu — who had also suffered under Pingjin Hou, falling from princess to captive — secretly starts helping him. What begins as mutual manipulation gradually blossoms into love.
No wonder their on-screen and off-screen chemistry has made viewers swoon and turned this drama into one of the must-watch hits of the season.
