LayarHijau – While the finale of the phenomenal wuxia hit Pursuit of Jade (逐玉) has left fans with a major void to fill, a slew of upcoming projects from its stars—Zhang Linghe, Tian Xiwei, Snow Kong, and Deng Kai—is already set to be the perfect remedy. These actors haven’t wasted any time getting back on set to film the Chinese dramas that fans are now eagerly anticipating.
Zhang Linghe
Overdo (這一秒過火)
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This drama marks Zhang Linghe’s debut in the Republican Era genre (early 20th-century China). Starring alongside Wang Churan, the series tells a story of intense, forbidden love in Shanghai. Zhang Linghe plays Mu Rong Qing Yi, a son of a military family who was abused in his foster father’s home due to a case of mistaken identity. Interestingly, in several leaked photos, Zhang Linghe appears with very polished makeup. Netizens have already begun debating whether his look will trigger the “Foundation” critique—a term used when an actor’s makeup is deemed too thick or white to look natural on camera—or if it will simply enhance his military charisma.
The Road to Glory (歸鸞)
Adapted from a hit novel on Jinjiang, this historical drama is being hailed as a “gender-swapped” version of Pursuit of Jade (逐玉). Zhang Linghe stars as Xiao Li, a man from a grassroots background whose mother was once a famous courtesan. Growing up hardened by the world’s cruelty, Xiao Li eventually meets a noblewoman who is a master of political intrigue. With her help, he rises to power as the hegemon of Northern Wei. The push-and-pull chemistry between Zhang Linghe and Lin Yun in this drama is highly anticipated due to its high-octane romantic tension.
Tian Xiwei
Genius Girlfriend (天才女友)
Returning to the modern romance genre, Tian Xiwei is paired with actor Hu Yitian. She portrays Lin Zhi Xia, a girl with an extraordinary IQ (a “genius”) who is socially awkward. Her lonely life takes a turn when she enters high school and meets Jiang Yu Bai (Hu Yitian), a popular top student. The two will showcase how two geniuses navigate a sweet and unique romantic relationship.
Where the Mask Ends (嫁金釵)
This historical drama plunges Tian Xiwei into a world of domestic intrigue and revenge. She is challenged to play two roles simultaneously: “Ah Chou,” a lower-class girl who happens to look exactly like a noble’s daughter, and the cunning noblewoman herself. Ah Chou is forced to become a “substitute bride” for a young nobleman named Lu Zhuo (played by Yan An). The dynamic between Tian Xiwei and Yan An in the promotional posters has already led many netizens to start shipping them online.
Kong Xueer (Snow Kong)
Burning Frost (燃霜為晝)
In this Chinese drama set in the Republican Era, Snow Kong officially takes the lead as the Female Lead. She plays Lou Jinyu, the charismatic and free-spirited daughter of a mafia boss. Starring opposite actor Li Jiahui, who plays Fu Yunzhou, Kong Xueer will showcase her “badass” side and glamorous charm amidst a plot of revenge. Fans of Snow Kong are particularly excited to see her transformation, as she perfectly suits the classic qipao aesthetic.
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of a Military Lineage (將門獨后)
This is the highly anticipated “Er-da” project between Kong Xueer and Deng Kai. The term Er-da is frequently used by Chinese drama fans to describe a “second collaboration,” where two actors who previously had successful chemistry are reunited in a different project. While the main leads are Wang Hedi and Meng Ziyi, Snow Kong’s role as Shen Yue is crucial. She plays the sister of Meng Ziyi’s character who turns into an antagonist due to her unrequited love for the Crown Prince.
Deng Kai
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of a Military Lineage (將門獨后)
Continuing his “golden reunion” with Kong Xueer, Deng Kai plays Huangfu Hao, a Crown Prince from an enemy nation who is ambitious and deceptive. His relationship with Shen Yue (played by Snow Kong) is built on political interest and mutual manipulation; however, this “pure hate couple” dynamic is exactly what fans are dying to see in their second outing together.
Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (聊齋)
Deng Kai is also part of the legendary Chinese horror anthology. In the Xiao Xie chapter, he plays Nan Shan Weng, a fortune teller whose predictions are eerily accurate. He will star alongside a cast of young stars like Wu Yuheng and Yang Xizi in a tale about a scholar’s encounter with two ghostly entities in a haunted old mansion.
The Golden Branch (金枝)
Deng Kai is showing his loyalty by making a special cameo appearance in the latest Chinese drama from the director of Pursuit of Jade (逐玉). Although details of his role remain under wraps, leaked photos show Deng Kai in lavish robes, exuding an elegant noble aura that has left fans incredibly curious about his performance.
Which of these new projects from the stars of Pursuit of Jade (逐玉) is at the top of your watchlist? Will it be the reunion of Deng Kai and Snow Kong, or Zhang Linghe’s Republican Era debut?
