LayarHijau – Chinese actress Zhang Ruonan has once again drawn widespread attention after being rumored to have exited the romance drama I Live in Your Time. Shortly afterward, she was reported to have chosen a new project that reunites her with director Qu You Ning and pairs her with popular actor Li Xian—a combination that has quickly fueled anticipation across social media.
Zhang Ruonan first rose to prominence through the romance film My Love (你的婚礼) alongside Greg Hsu. Her popularity surged further after starring in the hit drama The First Frost (难哄) with Bai Jingting, a series that significantly elevated her status and earned her recognition for delivering a deeply emotional and memorable performance.
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I Live in Your Time was originally expected to begin filming in the near future, with Zhang Ruonan and Wang Anyu rumored as the lead actors. However, during the early stages of the project, industry speculation suggested that the drama would be directed by Qu You Ning, with Li Xian attached as the male lead. This rumored lineup generated strong interest, as it was seen as a potentially powerful collaboration involving proven talent both in front of and behind the camera.
As development progressed, reports indicated a major shift in the project’s direction. Qu You Ning was said to have been replaced by director Huang Tian Ren, while the male lead reportedly changed from Li Xian to Wang Anyu. Following these changes, Zhang Ruonan was rumored to have decided to withdraw from the project. In addition to the director and casting adjustments, differing views over lead billing between Zhang Ruonan and Wang Anyu were also cited as a contributing factor to the failed collaboration.
Not long after news of her reported exit emerged, Zhang Ruonan was rumored to have joined another romance drama titled Mist and Green (霧裡青). The project is said to be helmed by Qu You Ning, marking a reunion after their successful collaboration on The First Frost. Many viewers believe Qu You Ning’s directing style excels at highlighting Zhang Ruonan’s emotional depth and vulnerability, making their renewed partnership a natural and highly anticipated choice.
Li Xian has been widely mentioned as the male lead for Mist and Green. The actor previously worked with Qu You Ning on the 2019 hit drama Go Go Squid!, co-starring Yang Zi—a project that became a major turning point in Li Xian’s career and propelled him to top-tier popularity. A reunion between Li Xian and Qu You Ning is therefore seen as a promising move for both creative quality and audience appeal.
Mist and Green is adapted from the novel of the same name by Jinjiang Literature City author Ming Kai Ye He. The story follows Chen Qingwu, a woman who leaves behind a long-standing but unresolved childhood relationship and begins a new life as a ceramic artist. During this emotional transition, she develops a deep bond with a man who has quietly loved her for years, exploring themes of soulmates, emotional healing, and the courage to choose the right partner.
Although the production has yet to make any official announcements, the rumored collaboration between Zhang Ruonan, Li Xian, and Qu You Ning has already positioned Mist and Green as one of the most highly anticipated romance dramas. Fans are now awaiting official confirmation to see whether this much-discussed lineup will become reality.
