LayarHijau.com — Chinese actor Liu Yuning is currently riding high on a wave of popularity following the massive success of his historical drama The Prisoner of Beauty (Zhe Yao/折腰). Starring alongside actress Song Zuer, the series not only captivated audiences but also significantly boosted Liu Yuning’s profile as a leading man. Within just 19 days of the show’s release, he gained over 550,000 new fans.
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However, his upcoming drama, A Dream Within a Dream (书卷一梦), has sparked concern among fans, according to a report by World Journal. In this new series, Liu is paired with actress Li Yitong, who, despite appearing in a number of well-known dramas such as Legend of the Condor Heroes, Royal Nirvana, and The Knockout, has struggled to achieve breakout stardom. She’s even been jokingly referred to as having a “permanently unpopular physique”—a phrase netizens use to describe actors who appear in hit dramas but don’t gain personal fame.
Some fans worry that this collaboration could stall Liu Yuning’s momentum, especially since his previous hits were often attributed in part to the star power of his co-stars like Liu Shishi, Zhao Lusi, and Song Zuer—actresses known for drawing large audiences on their own.
Still, not everyone is pessimistic. Many netizens are optimistic about the potential chemistry between Liu Yuning and Li Yitong. Behind-the-scenes photos, particularly of a romantic snow scene, have sparked buzz online, with fans praising their strong on-screen presence and suggesting the pair might defy expectations and win over audiences.
A Glimpse into the Storyline: A Dream Within a Dream
The drama is based on the novel Rebirth of the Eldest Daughter of a Concubine by Qian Shan Chake. It follows the story of Song Xiaoyu (played by Li Yitong), a struggling actress who unexpectedly finds herself transported into the script of a period drama. There, she assumes the identity of the heroine, Song Yimeng.
In the original plot, Song Yimeng is a tragic character who endures tremendous suffering and meets a grisly, heartbreaking end. Aware of her fate, Song Xiaoyu is determined to change the storyline and escape the narrative trap of doomed romance.
But no matter how hard she tries, she keeps crossing paths with the male lead, Nan Heng (played by Liu Yuning). As if fate refuses to be rewritten, the story continually pulls her back into the romantic arc she desperately wants to avoid.
Production & Release Info
Directed by Guo Hu and produced by Linmon Pictures, A Dream Within a Dream is scheduled to premiere on iQiyi sometime in 2025. Blending elements of historical fantasy, parallel worlds, and metafiction, the series will feature around 38 episodes and is aimed at younger viewers who enjoy stories about reincarnation and rewriting one’s destiny.
Final Thoughts
Will this unexpected pairing bring a fresh spark to the screen—or will it slow down Liu Yuning’s skyrocketing rise? A Dream Within a Dream has quickly become one of the most talked-about upcoming dramas, and fans are eager to see whether it will soar or stumble. Ultimately, only the audience’s reception will tell.
