LayarHijau – Chen Xiao and Michelle Chen are back in the spotlight—this time not for their relationship, but for the unexpected timing of their latest projects. The former couple, who officially ended their nine-year marriage on February 18, are coincidentally launching new dramas within days of each other, sparking plenty of online buzz.
Chen Xiao’s new period drama Legend of the Magnate, co-starring Sun Qian, is set to premiere tonight (November 25) on CCTV and iQIYI. Sporting a shaved head for the role, Chen Xiao plays Gu Pingyuan, a gifted scholar in the late Qing era who is falsely accused, imprisoned, and exiled to the harsh frontier of Ningguta. From the lowest point in his life, he gradually rises again—using sharp instincts and clever strategy to navigate the lucrative yet dangerous world of salt, tea, and traditional banking. His transformation from a disgraced exile into a powerful merchant makes the series one of the most anticipated works of his recent career.
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The cast of Legend of the Magnate adds even more star power, featuring Li Chun from Joy of Life, Luo Yizhou from Gen Z, Xiang Hanzhi from The Wanted Detective, along with several seasoned actors.
Meanwhile, Michelle Chen has also been rebuilding her career momentum post-divorce. Earlier this year, she appeared in The Legend of Zang Hai and Dear Enemy, earning strong feedback for both roles. In The Legend of Zang Hai, she portrays the mother of Xiao Zhan’s character and the wife of Wallace Chung’s character—appearing in only a few scenes but leaving a memorable impression. In Dear Enemy, she works alongside Gao Ye as two long-time friends navigating a fraught mix of loyalty, rivalry, affection, and suspicion. Her portrayal of a wealthy wife who falls out of favor with her family struck a chord with viewers and frequently trended on Weibo.
Michelle Chen’s next project Sniper Butterfly, where she stars opposite rising actor Zhou Keyu, is rumored to premiere on December 4. Even before airing, the drama has already generated significant attention. The pair’s 19-year age gap—Chen is 42 while Zhou Keyu is 23—has become a hot topic, yet their on-screen chemistry in teasers has quickly won over viewers. Kiss scenes shown in early promotional clips have only fueled anticipation.
Adapted from the novel by Qibao Su, Sniper Butterfly follows the story of Cen Jin (Michelle Chen), a woman struggling through the emotional aftermath of her divorce. One day, she receives a call from Li Wu (Zhou Keyu), a rural teenager she once supported financially. Wanting to help him build a better future, she brings him to the city to continue his studies. Living under the same roof, they quietly help each other heal and grow. When Li Wu becomes a college student, he realizes he has fallen for Cen Jin—but before their feelings can be addressed, circumstances force them apart. Six years later, Li Wu, now a polished professional, crosses paths with Cen Jin once more.
Back in Legend of the Magnate, adapted from the novel by Zhao Zhiyu, the narrative chronicles Gu Pingyuan’s turbulent journey through wrongful accusation, exile, narrow escapes, and ultimately the creation of a business empire in a politically unstable era.
With both dramas set to arrive almost back-to-back, audiences are eager to watch how the former couple’s new works perform—two very different stories, each anchored by strong leads and compelling character arcs.
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