LayarHijau— Zhao Lusi, who has solidified her status as one of China’s top drama stars through hits like Love Like the Galaxy and Hidden Love, is preparing to return to filming. After taking an extended break to focus on her health, the actress—also known for Love’s Ambition—previously announced that she plans to take on a modern, female-focused drama this summer. The move marks her long-awaited return to the screen after more than a year dedicated to recovery and independently managing her career through her personal studio.
Over the past two days, rumors have been circulating widely on Weibo about a new modern drama that Zhao Lusi is reportedly set to star in. The project is titled As Beautiful As You Want (要多美麗就多美麗). It is adapted from a novel by renowned author Yi Shu, whose works are known for highlighting women’s independence, as seen in the hit drama The Tale of Rose, starring Liu Yifei. This medical-themed drama is expected to explore social issues such as appearance anxiety and life values through the story of two sisters with completely different outlooks on life, who must support each other in the face of crisis.
The rumors surrounding Zhao Lusi’s involvement have sparked widespread discussion among netizens. Before her name was linked to the project, the drama was previously rumored to star Michelle Chen and Qin Lan. With Zhao Lusi now entering casting discussions, the production may adjust the characters’ age range, meaning the team is likely searching for a co-lead with comparable star power to balance the lineup.
One reason Zhao Lusi is believed to be considering this project is her close working relationship with well-known producer Yang Xiaopei. The two previously collaborated successfully on Who Rules the World and The Last Immortal. Following Yang Xiaopei’s recent success with Shine on Me, this potential third collaboration is widely seen as a promising and ambitious project. “I will soon join a production team this summer for a modern, female-centered drama,” Zhao Lusi said during a recent beauty brand event.
Her return to filming is highly anticipated, especially after she faced serious health issues in the past. In late 2022, while filming Almost Lover, Zhao Lusi had to halt all activities due to a sharp decline in her physical condition. During her one-and-a-half-year recovery period, she parted ways with her former agency, Galaxy Cool Media, established her own studio, and is rumored to have joined a new management team in order to gain more control over her schedule.
As Beautiful As It You Want will center on the relationship between Li Yipin, a plastic surgeon, and her younger sister Li Erjing, a veterinarian. The story reaches its emotional peak when Li Yipin falls in love with a man who is also admired by her sister, creating tension that puts their bond to the test. Through a life-threatening illness, Li Yipin begins to reassess her views on beauty and her profession, offering an emotional journey that is expected to resonate with audiences, much like Yi Shu’s previous works. For now, it remains unclear which role Zhao Lusi might take on—Li Yipin or Li Erjing. As of now, Zhao Lusi’s team has not issued any official response to the circulating rumors.
