LayarHijau— Xu Kai is back on screen in the original mystery thriller Eight Hundred (方圆八百米), drawing viewers into a tense story set in the late 1990s. The drama takes place in Fengyang, a small mining town whose fragile calm is shattered by the discovery of a mysterious woman’s body. Xu Kai plays Chen Hui, a young man caught in a moral dilemma and entangled in an illegal drug trade—while also becoming the central suspect in a criminal investigation led by his own father.
The actor, who rose to fame through Story of Yanxi Palace (延禧攻略) and Moonlit Reunion (子夜归), previously faced public scrutiny due to controversy surrounding his personal life. Actress Xu Lisha claimed she had been in a relationship with Xu Kai and accused him of cheating with fellow agency mate Zhao Qing during the filming of The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传). She also shared a timeline of their relationship that quickly spread across social media. However, Xu Kai’s side denied the allegations, leaving the issue unresolved and widely debated among the public.
Despite stiff competition from other popular dramas such as The Epoch of Miyu (蜜语纪), Veil of Shadows (月鳞绮纪), and Echoes of a Thousand Moons (八千里路云和月), Eight Hundred has managed to stand out, climbing to fourth place on the Maoyan popularity rankings. The achievement reflects both the show’s production quality and its distinctive storytelling approach.
One of the drama’s biggest strengths lies in how it breaks away from the usual crime drama formula. Instead of positioning the lead as a heroic figure solving the case, Eight Hundred places Chen Hui at the center of suspicion from the very beginning. The tension no longer revolves around identifying the culprit, but rather explores how a father and son are pushed to their limits when duty and family collide. Chen Hongbing, played by Ding Yongdai, must carry out his role as a police officer while confronting the painful truth that his own son is involved in the case.
The drama’s fast-paced storytelling is another highlight. With only 20 episodes, Eight Hundred dives straight into its core conflict from the opening episode. Chen Hui is driven into the underworld as he desperately tries to raise money for a kidney transplant for his girlfriend, Gao Songge, played by Deng Enxi. “Chen Hui is forced to take dangerous risks, selling banned Peyton cough medicine to save the life of the person he loves,” the narration explains, capturing the desperation that pulls him deeper into a growing criminal network.
Xu Kai’s performance has also drawn positive attention. Previously criticized for stiff expressions in costume dramas, he now delivers a more layered portrayal, capturing both physical exhaustion and intense psychological pressure. His depiction of constant anxiety, fear, and emotional strain—especially when facing threats from Lu Yuan—adds depth to Chen Hui’s internal struggle.
Meanwhile, Deng Enxi earns praise for her role as Gao Songge. Despite her character’s fragile health, she portrays a quiet resilience that resonates with viewers. Many have described her as “a small white flower standing firm against strong winds,” reflecting a gentle yet unwavering spirit.
The chemistry between Xu Kai and Deng Enxi as a couple trapped in dire circumstances further strengthens the emotional core of the story. Their relationship is filled with warmth and desperation, as both are painfully aware that each choice they make pushes them closer to irreversible consequences.
With strong performances across the cast and a gripping central conflict, Eight Hundred offers more than just a crime mystery. It presents a compelling look at the difficult choices people face under extreme pressure, raising questions about the line between right and wrong—and how far someone is willing to go to save the person they love.
