LayarHijau – On July 16, 2025, the Weibo hashtag #李一桐曾被大冰写进书里 (“Li Yitong was once written into a book by Da Bing”) unexpectedly went viral. But this isn’t your typical celebrity scandal or promo—it’s a deeply human story about how actress Li Yitong first entered showbiz simply because she loved to eat, not because she dreamed of fame.
Who Is Da Bing?
Da Bing (焉冰), real name Yan Bing, is a well-known Chinese writer and former TV host. His books are famous for their light tone and real-life characters drawn from everyday people. One such character, “Ni’er,” turned out to be Li Xue—the real name of actress Li Yitong before her debut.
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#liyitong in a TV show before she debuted pic.twitter.com/zAdn5NZKQb
— Layar Hijau (@layar_hijau) July 16, 2025
Da Bing met her when she was a student attending a variety show he hosted. They became good friends and kept in touch after both moved to Beijing—Da Bing to write, and Li to chase an uncertain path.
In his book, Da Bing wrote that Li Yitong:
- Had a simple, somewhat silly personality,
- Loved food deeply,
- And often filled her social media with pictures of food.
- Her catchphrases?“This is delicious.” and “I want to eat that.”
“She told me she wanted to become an actress simply because she loved to eat,” Da Bing wrote. “She hoped to make her own money to afford good food.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated over 100 oxygen machines and ¥100,000 without asking for credit or attention. “She trusts me, just like I trust her,” Da Bing noted in a post, showing the quiet mutual trust between them.
The Beginning: From Student to Star
Before becoming an actress, Li Yitong studied at the Beijing Dance Academy. Without any industry connections, she started from the ground up, attending auditions and pushing forward.
She gained recognition with her debut as Huang Rong in Legend of the Condor Heroes (2017). Though comparisons with legendary predecessors were inevitable, she left a strong impression with her lively portrayal.
But unlike many, Li Yitong never aimed for fame. She simply loved what she did—and wanted to eat well while doing it.
A Solid Career, Yet Often Overlooked
Over nearly a decade, Li Yitong has starred in many significant dramas:
- Legend of the Condor Heroes (2017)
- Bloody Romance (2018)
- Royal Nirvana (2019)
- Court Lady (2021)
- The Knockout (2023)
- A Dream Within a Dream (2025)
Despite her steady roles and talent, some netizens still label her with the phrase “drama produces face” (剧抛脸)—suggesting she’s forgettable outside her roles.
Concerns from Liu Yuning’s Fans
A Dream Within a Dream (2025) completed filming quite some time ago. But after Liu Yuning skyrocketed in popularity through The Prisoner of Beauty (2024), some of his fans became uneasy. They feared that Li Yitong, who had already been cast as his co-star, wouldn’t match his rising status.
Comments like “it’s a pity she’s the female lead” or “don’t pair them again” appeared online. Yet as the show aired, many were pleasantly surprised by their chemistry and by Li Yitong’s strong, nuanced performance.
Her Role in A Dream Within a Dream
In A Dream Within a Dream (书卷一梦), Li Yitong plays Song Xiaoyu, a struggling actress who mysteriously enters a classic script and lives as Song Yimeng, a tragic woman doomed to die 108 times.
To escape, she must rewrite her fate.
Her performance walks the line between comedy, heartbreak, and resilience. Many viewers called it her best role yet, showing both depth and restraint.
From “Ni’er” to Song Xiaoyu
From a girl who once cried over not having meat at lunch, Li Yitong has risen to become the female lead in one of this summer’s most-watched dramas.
She’s never chased fame or scandal. But she’s always been present, consistent, and emotionally resonant.
The “Ni’er” that Da Bing wrote about—kind, trusting, and sincere—still lives on in the woman who brings empathy and strength to the screen.
Those netizens who criticize Li Yitong for not chasing fame, avoiding scandals, and just wanting to earn a living and help those in need are really pathetic. I’ve watched many of her dramas and as a result have become a fervent fan. IMO, she’s the most versatile of the C-Drama actresses, taking on every genre and always delivering a strong performance.