LayarHijau – After gaining widespread attention from two hit dramas, The Prisoner of Beauty and The Demon Hunter’s Romance, actress Song Zuer returned to the screen in Created in China, co-starring with Zhang Xincheng. However, unlike her previous projects, this time she sparked discussion for a different reason—her character didn’t appear until episode 15.
The delayed appearance of her character, Cui Bingbing, drew disappointment from many viewers. Several advertisers reportedly pulled out due to unmet expectations. According to a report by Upmedia, the absence of the female lead for more than half of the initial broadcast contributed to the drama’s inability to capture early public interest. Nevertheless, when Song Zuer finally appeared on screen, audiences were immediately captivated by her visual presence, which was described as “beyond expectations.” Her fashionable, modern look set in the 1990s became a major highlight among netizens.
More Read
Created in China is set during the rise of China’s manufacturing industry in the 1990s. Liu Jun (played by Zhang Xincheng), a student returning from Germany to care for his ailing father, embarks on a journey of industrial innovation. Song Zuer’s character, Cui Bingbing, initially works at the national bank union before being offered an executive position in Shanghai, prompting her to pursue her ambitions.
The chemistry between Cui Bingbing and Liu Jun developed quickly, with two intense kissing scenes appearing not long after her character’s debut—delighting fans of romantic drama. However, their relationship faced a challenge when Liu Jun proposed marriage on the condition of signing a prenuptial agreement that declared full ownership of his company. Bingbing, who was initially moved, quickly came to her senses and rejected the proposal to protect her independence.
Their romance continued to twist and turn. In the latest episode, a drunken Liu Jun visited Bingbing’s apartment and confessed his love. The two shared an emotional moment on the sofa, resulting in a passionate kiss that many viewers deemed the most romantic scene in the entire drama. Despite this, it wasn’t enough to reverse the show’s declining momentum compared to A Dream Within A Dream, which stars Liu Yuning and Li Yitong.
While the drama has faced criticism for delaying the lead actress’s entrance, Song Zuer’s performance and charisma still won praise. Viewers commented, “If Song Zuer had appeared earlier, the drama would’ve been more engaging,” and “She stole the spotlight the moment she showed up.”
