LayarHijau – The Chinese drama Love Between Lines, starring Chen Xingxu and Lu Yuxiao, continues to draw attention from viewers. Its total number of views has officially surpassed 100 million. According to Maoyan Pro data released today, Friday, January 16, the drama ranks second on the popular drama chart. The top spot is currently held by The Dream Maker, starring Zhao Liying and Huang Xiaoming.
Online discussions have recently been fueled by a key episode featuring a love triangle between Hu Xiu (Lu Yuxiao), Xiao Zhiyu (Chen Xingxu), and Pei Zhen, portrayed by Dai Xu. A seemingly ordinary elevator scene turned into a memorable moment, combining subtle tension with humor and leaving viewers highly entertained.
In the scene, Pei Zhen deliberately presses the elevator button for Hu Xiu and remarks that he does not usually do so for others, making her the sole exception. The comment immediately sparks Xiao Zhiyu’s jealousy. With a sarcastic edge, he asks whether Pei Zhen normally presses elevator buttons for his employees as well. Pei Zhen’s calm response only intensifies the awkward atmosphere, prompting Xiao Zhiyu to leave the elevator in frustration. Many viewers joked that they never expected an elevator scene to be so addictive, replaying the moment for its sharp dialogue and emotional undercurrent.
Love Between Lines is directed by Mao De Shu, who previously gained widespread recognition for dramas such as Lovely Us and When I Fly Towards You. With such a track record, the drama was once predicted to become a major hit. However, audience responses in China have been divided regarding the storyline and editing. Some viewers criticized the murder-mystery game concept, saying it lacks freshness, while others felt the editing was confusing. The chemistry between the main leads has also been questioned. At the same time, another group of viewers praised the drama for its “three-identity” narrative, which brings the two main characters together through multiple intertwined roles, offering a different angle from conventional romance dramas.
Beyond the main plot, Pei Zhen’s character has helped propel Dai Xu’s popularity as the second male lead. Interestingly, despite portraying romantic rivals on screen, Chen Xingxu and Dai Xu share a close relationship off screen. During rehearsal footage, Chen Xingxu was seen joking around while putting an arm around Dai Xu, drawing amused reactions from fans. In a livestream session, Chen Xingxu was asked whether Dai Xu’s rising popularity had overshadowed him. He responded with humor and ease, earning praise for his high emotional intelligence.
Within the story, Xiao Zhiyu and Pei Zhen are stepbrothers from a restructured family. Xiao Zhiyu’s father died in an accident about 20 years ago, leaving behind unresolved doubts. Since then, Xiao Zhiyu has been determined to uncover the truth, while his relationship with Pei Zhen remains strained. Their rivalry extends beyond romance and into their professional lives.
Although Xiao Zhiyu has acknowledged his feelings for Hu Xiu, he believes he does not deserve happiness until the truth about the past is revealed. This belief leads him to reject Hu Xiu when she tries to get closer, deepening the emotional conflict and making the drama’s next developments increasingly compelling to watch.
