Companion piece - Places, Characters, Songs and more

Table of contents

Each title is linked to relevant section (click on them to find them directly)

1.  General information
2.  Shooting dates and other production details : Airing, reservations, popularity ; Platforms to watch the series ; Promotion and buzz
3.  Music
4.  Character Relationship chart and alphabetical list of characters
   
5. What is a Pixiu ? 
   
6. Xinggang and Qingdao (film & studios base, iconic Bavarian style buildings +surroundings)
7. Some interesting product placements
8. Characters and cast by order of appearance  (60+ characters and cast illustrated notes in the gallery)   
   • part 1   Xiaobai, Dahuang, Ji Xing, Han Ting,.... the members of the Board of Dongyuan Group [00-19]
     
   • part 2   Shao Yichen, .... Lu Linjia... Han Yumei, Chang He   [20-37]
     
   • part 3   CEO Lin (Beidi), Han Yujian, .... Luo Ping, ...  Zhang Fengmei...   [38-59]
     
   • part 4   CEO Zhu ..... Qin Li ... [60-71]
9. Farewell messages to the characters
10. Link to the video edit summary by MK916
    

Sources :  MDL, Sohu, Baidu, Weibo, Wikipedia and other articles. (highlighted texts lead to sources ; pictures lead to their source or further information, or are my screenshots from the drama.

To view the list of my other drama companion pieces (with links to them), check : HERE.

2.  Shooting dates and locations, other production details.

Airing, reservations, popularity ; Platforms to watch the series ; Promotion and buzz, Weekly popularity and Douban initial rating,  Fan posts of clips and BTS lists,  Interviews.

• 07/12 -> 27 000
• 07/05 -> 26 000
• 07/03 -> 25 000
• 07/03 -> 24 000
• 07/02 -> 23 000
• 07/02 -> 22 000
• 07/02 -> 21 000
• 07/02 -> 20 000

1. # 4 (week ending July 7)
2. # 1 (week ending July 14)
   with 598 points
3. # 2 (week ending July 21)
4. # 2 (week ending July 28)
5. # 1 (week ending August 4)   
   with 525 points
6.  # 3 (week ending August 11)
7.  # 3 (week ending August 18)
8.  # 6 (week ending August 26)

4. Character relationship chart and list in alphabetical order

B

[00]  XiaoBai, the medical robot, specialized in dental condition diagnosis

[62]  BeiBei, Xiao Yixiao's daughter

[38]   Beidi Technologies sales assistant reporting to CEO  Lin

C

[37] Chang He, Chairman of Tongke Technology, a competitor of Dongyuan group andGuanghua, who tried to ally with Zeng Di and Han Yuan. Enemy of Han Ting.

[50] Chen Ningyang, director of Hanhai, later of HanXing

[7] Chen Songlin, manager of Guanghua R&D department

[48] Chen Zuo, coding engineer hired by LiLi and Su Zhizhou for XingChen

D

[01] Da Huang,  Ji Xing’s and Han Ting’s cat

[65] Da Shu,  Tu  Xiaomeng's idol, who came to sing at the Sweet & Sour bar

G

[71]  German AI company CEO  discussing with Qin Li about employment

[24] “Granny” Liu, old woman from Qingtian village, with dental problems

[25] “Granny” Niu Yuhong, old woman from Qingtian village, with a badly fit prosthetic leg

H

[2] Han Ting, investor from Dongyuan Medical Group ;

[65]  Han Ting's mother, in flashbacks to when HT was 8 years old

[4] Han Yuan, Dong Yuan Technology and cousin of HT

[40] Han Yujian, Han Ting’s grandfather and founder of Dongyang Group

[36] Han Yumei, Han Ting’s (great) aunt, sister of Han Yujian and Lu Linjia’s mother

[5] Huang Weiwei, colleague of Ji XIng in Guanghua company

[19] Director He, a Board member of Dongyang group

[33] “Brother” Huang, a former university acquaintance of Su Zhizhou. A scammer. 

J

[1] Ji Xing, engineer with Guanghua, and next, vice-president of XingChen

[35] Ji Xing’s mother

[46] Ji Xing’s father

[66] young Jixing, as a 7 year old at the Xinggang aquarium

[21] Dr.Jiang Huai, a specialist who became Director of AI department at Dongyang Medical 

L

[12] Li Li, one of Ji Xing’s three “guinü” (bff), saleswoman, also skilled in purchases and HR employees.

[45] Li Li’s mother

[15] Li zong, businessman and acquaintance of HT

[23] Dr. Li, in charge of testing Phase II of XIaoBai robot, and Dongyuan’s Doctorcloud at Xinggang Hospital 

[41] Dr. Li Quan’an, a department head in Xinggang Hospital who JX wanted to connect with about 3D products

[6] Lin Zhen, colleague of Ji XIng in Guanghua company

[39] Mr Lin, CEO of Beidi Technologies, maker and seller of 3D printing machines

[24] “Granny” Liu, old woman from Qingtian village, with dental problems

[68] Liu ayi, Han Yumei's maid who conveniently went on leave to help attract TXM

[63] Liu Zhiling,  Assistant Liu for Han Yuan

[30] Lu Linjia, Han Ting’s “uncle” and manager of Sweet & Sour Music bar

[42] Luo Ping,  Became head of Products department at Dongyang, and President of  HanXing

M

[43]  Mr Ma, Director of Kebo Technology, often drank wine with old Mr. Han, and was torn between favoring Zeng Di or Han Ting

[51]  Mǎ Fēng, a genetics expert who brushed off Ji Xing at Xinggang university.

[69] Professor Meng, Qin Li's post-doctoral supervisor in Germany

N

[25] “Granny” Niu Yuhong, old woman from Qingtian village, with a badly fit leg prosthetic

O

[55-56]  Old couple taking pictures on the square in Munich, Germany.

P

[72]  Passenger in the flight back from Germany

[53] Péng Sīnián, of Penguin Technology, a businessman HT was eager to connect with.

[69] Professor Meng, Qin Li's post-doctoral supervisor in Germany

[52] Professor Xiang, teacher of management at the Xinggang university

Q

[70] Qin Li,  friend of Han Ting, consultant on AI for Dongyang

[26]  Qingtian fishing village mayor

[27] Qiuzi (Wei Qiuzi), one of the three best friends of Ji Xing 

R

S

[21] Shao Yichen, orthopedic assistant doctor, Ji Xing’s boyfriend of four years, who chose another future

[28] Shang Gaofeng, one of the first staff members of XingChen

[34] Director Shen, Director of Ke Technology (Science and Technology Innovation)

[10] Su Zhizhou, friend and founder with JX of Xingchen company

T

[64]  Tan Yuni, actress, ambassador of Dongyang social activities

[3]    Tang Song, assistant of HT

[22] Taxi driver, taxi driver encountered twice by Ji Xing

[11] Tu Xiaomeng, best friend of Ji Xing, live streamer under stage name “Clever Fruit, Bitter Lemon”

W

[16] Director Wang, a Board member of Dongyang group, who HT had met on purpose on his flight back. 

[47] Wang Chong, New Sales Director of Dongyang Medical, promoted by Han Ting

[54]  Wèi Dè,  Director of clinical tests at the hospital, and Qiuzi's uncle.

[27] Wei Qiuzi, one of the three best friends of Ji Xing 

[31] Mr. Wu, a possible investor found by LiLi, and a lecher

[32] Mrs Wu , Mr Wu’s wife, quick to scold

X

[29] Xia Lan, one of the first staff members of XingChen

[58] Xia Lu, a young entrepreneur, invested by Mr Zhu

[52] Professor Xiang, teacher of management at the university

[11] Xiaomeng (Tu Xiaomeng), best friend of JX, live streamer under stage name “Clever Fruit, Bitter Lemon”

[13] Xiao Yixiao, friend and secret figurehead for HT investments, owner of Xingyue club

[49] Xu YouYou, computer science graduate hired by LiLi and Su Zhizhou for XingChen

Y

[17] Director Yang, Board member of Dongyang, often opposed to HT

Z

[9] Zeng Di, CEO of Guanghua

[57] Zhang Fengmei, a poor workig class mom with a displaced vertebral disk.

[59] Zhang Fengmei's husband, a violent person who slandered XingChen company

[58] Zhong Yini, the new XingChen Purchasing department employee

[14] Zhao Xingbo, son of the Chairman of Ren’ai Hospital group, who Zeng Di wanted to support Guanghua.

[18] Mr. Zhou, Board member of Dongyang group from Han Yuan faction, systematically opposing Han Ting 

[44] Zhou Ying, Han Ting’s aunt and mother of Han Yuan

[60] Zhu Houyu, a shady businessman at the Forum of Leading Entrepreneurs dinner

[8]   Zhu Lei, Director of Sales Department of Guanghua

6. XINGGANG AND QINGDAO  青岛

1. Qingdao's film hub revs up China's cinema scene

At a recent promotional event for the Shanghai International Film Festival, Qingdao West Coast New Area showcased the China Movie Metropolis, representing the entire Qingdao Film and Television Base for on-site promotion.

The Qingdao Film and Television Base plays a key role in producing major film and television projects such as The Wandering Earth series, Creation of the Gods series, A Writer's Odyssey, Moon Man, and Home Coming. (*)

China Movie Metropolis, having contributed over 31 billion yuan ($4.27 billion) in box office revenue through its involvement in more than 60 films, has been pivotal in the creation of iconic Chinese movies.   The park has pioneered the first domestic virtualized film and television production platform, championing the utilization of cutting-edge LED virtual shooting technology. It has also united leading domestic talent in various fields, forming a powerful film and television supplier alliance.

Furthermore, significant efforts have been made to introduce supportive policies at the provincial, municipal, and district levels to bolster the film and television industry. By synchronizing policies across these three levels, production companies within the industry can benefit from up to 34.8 million yuan in government support.

Over the years, the Qingdao Film and Television Base has attracted 1,045 film and television companies, establishing a comprehensive industry cluster covering all aspects of film and television production. Hosting 353 diverse production teams, with 401 projects approved for production, Qingdao is solidifying its position as a key hub for the Chinese film industry.  [  chinadaily.com.cn, updated: June 17, 2024]

(*)  Four movies produced and shot in Qingdao, namely Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, The Wandering Earth II, Home Coming and Ripples of Life, collectively won seven Golden Rooster Awards in 2023 in Xiamen [other hot film base in China, outside the mega studios of Hengdianin Zhejiang province]

2. Virtual rehearsal technology powers film studio in Qingdao

 Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA) is home to almost 1,000 film and television companies and has played host to more than 300 film crews. The area has overseen 380 projects, generating over 31.1 billion yuan ($4.31 billion) in box office revenue. The West Zone Studio, established in January 2018 in Qingdao WCNA, is a vibrant hub of cinematic innovation.

Renowned for its exceptional art design and extensive prop library containing a diverse array of props, the West Zone Studio has become a popular prop rental destination for numerous film crews at the Qingdao Film and Television Base. However, founder Zhang Mingkai hopes to expand the studio's services beyond traditional boundaries by integrating the unreal engine – a virtual rehearsal technology – into film production.

The studio aims to enhance efficiency and reduce time and labor costs by combining the unreal engine with motion capture systems. This integration streamlines the design, planning, and post-production processes, promoting a smooth collaboration between post-production companies and art design.

Zhang Mingkai's forward-thinking approach, rooted in his belief in the eventual prominence of unreal engine technology in the domestic film industry, exemplifies the studio's commitment to exploring cutting-edge creative avenues. Through real-time pre-visualization videos, close cooperation between motion capture systems and UE5, and meticulous planning of major scenes, the West Zone Studio is paving the way for a dynamic and immersive filmmaking experience. [chinadaily.com.cn, Updated: May 15, 2024]

Montage of various landmarks in Qingdao city, clockwise from top left: Qingdao's skyline, St. Michael's Cathedral, Qingdao harbor, a temple at the base of Mount Lao, and May Fourth Square with the iconic red Wind sculpture.  (Wikipedia)

Guantao Street, Qingdao

In the spring of 1898, the German government signed a treaty that allowed the Germans to lease an area of 540 square kilometres (130,000 acres; 210 sq mi) for 99 years (or until 1997, as the British did in Hong Kong's New Territories), to construct a railway to Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, and to exploit coalfields along the railroad.  The Kiautschou Bay concession, as it became known, existed from 1898 to 1914.

In 1910, the Germans drew up for the second time the city planning of Tsingtao (Warner 2001, p. 33). The former urban area was extended four times highlighted by the emphasis on the development of commerce and trade. Sun Yat-sen (1866–1925), leader of the Chinese Revolution of 1911 and subsequently first president of the Republic of China, visited the Tsingtau area and stated in 1912, "I am impressed. The city is a true model for China's future"

8. Characters and cast list by order of appearance  (part 1 of 4)

Main Cast and

characters  :

It was the cat that JX and HT had adopted and named when they were students. The name means “Big and Glorious” !

Once Han Ting found out that it still was in her care, he asked for regular pictures of it. He took it to his and Ji Xing’s new home, and took care of it when she was in Germany ; he used it to tempt Ji Xing to return to him, inviting her for the cat's " picnic birthday!

28 years old engineer. In Nov.2022, she had been working for 3 years on the Xiaobai robot and Doctorcloud project of Guanghua company. She quit and launched Star Tech (XingChen) 3D medical printing business on 2022.11.29 becoming President of the startup.

Ep.7 she fainted from too much stress before getting the investment.  Ep.27, HT used her birthdate 951103 as new password for his apartment.

Tán Sōngyùn 谭松韵 b.1990-05-31 - 162 cm   Weibo  (谭松韵seven ; 25+ million fans on 2024-08-05)

Actress and singer (she has sung for 13 drama OST, including 2 songs for this one). She played in 33+ dramas and 12 movies since 2005.

Fandom name 松果 song guo, pine cones (play on the Song character in her name).

Investor and heir to the Dong Yang Medical [东扬医疗 Dōngyáng yīliáo] group, cousin of Han Yuan, grandson of Han Yujian

Orphaned of both parents who died in an accident in a fishing village. He had been sent to Germany by his grandad to get an MBA, and he had founded the Dongyang  R&D base there. He also invested in classmate Zeng Di's Guanghua (under Dongyang), before returning to China, where Han Yuan was not too pleased that he was going to be CEO of the compay she had developed for ten years.

He has played in 17+ dramas and 2 movies since 2018.

He has distinctive amber eyes, that had schoolmates nickname him "Noble Persian Cat". His chosen nickname and handle is Soso. Fandom name Alaso (‘ala’ in Shanghai dialect means mine or ours).

Although not a professional, he can sing. Here: Eason Chen's Under Mount Fuji, promised if ABAY reached 28000 heat index. And the OST songs of 2 dramas:   Falling into Your Smile  ("Soulmate", with Cheng Xiao) + Wonderland of Love ("Destined to be With You" with A'Lan 阿兰)

Han Ting’s aide and chauffeur

Luō Péng  罗鹏 /Luō Wénzé 罗文泽   
b.1995-04-18

He has played in several support roles since 2018

Han Ting’s “sister” (in fact, a cousin). Competitor in the board of Dongyang Medical group (who were investors in Guanghua and reluctantly, in Star Tech). She remained vice chairwoman of Dongyang after HanTing was named CEO.

Once her collusion with Chang He was proven, HT asked her to hand over the shares she had in Dongyang.

Ji Xing’s coworker from Guanghua who switched to Star tech.

Su Zhizhou had offered welfare and bonus on top of salary, when she had applied to the interview at XingChen, but when he rejected her she became dissatisfied and claimed he had promised shares to her as a founding member.

Coworker of Jin Xing at Guanghua, who was favored by supervisor Chen and tried to take credit for her work at the meeting about Xiao Bai.

Luō Shèngdēng 罗圣灯  dob unknown. Weibo

Screenshot portrait from Baidu ; he also played in 2024 In Blossom and 2023  There will be Ample Time.

He lied to her about her bonus. His bullying led Ji Xing to resign. He was not pleased when WeiWei resigned.

Kevin Wang /Wáng Zǐxuān 王子轩   b.August 1987

He has played in a dozen dramas since 2012 , including as Chef Yu in 2020 Dating in The Kitchen, Cao Heng in Love is Sweet, and  in 2021 Lie To Love. 

Director of Sales Department of Guanghua, and colleague of Chen Zuo.

His brother in law was Lin Zhen. Zhu patted JX on the butt, causing her to raise a case of sexual harassment; HT tricked him into admitting it.

Guanghua director and first boss of Ji Xing. Han Ting had invested in her Guanghua firm.

She was the choice of Han Ting’s granddad for his future wife (ep22, but HT refused). She was jealous of Ji Xing, and allied with Chang He.

Kira Shi or Shī Shī 施诗  b.1990-02-06 in Jiangsu

She has played in 8 movies and in 31+ dramas (including as Jing Hong in 2024 The Double, Lou Ben's wife in 2022 Love Like The Galaxy, FL Shen Mo Lan in 2018 The Story of Ming Lan, empress Wang in 2014 The Empress of China).

Friend of Ji Xing and co founder of Star Tech. He had hoped that his dad who ran supermarkets would invest in his idea, but got only a dilapidated rooftop warehouse which the two turned into their first HQ.

He became head of Technical dept. He had a crush on Li Li. He was named head of Technical Dept2 of the new merged company (ep32)

“Smart Lemon” /”Clever Fruit” the 22 yrs old live streamer was one of Ji Xing’s three best friends –

She met Lu Linjia in person for first time at Qiuzi’s blind date (ep.6). After having been offended by his attitude, she warmed up to him,  helped him find the name Sweet & Sour for his bar, and sang a nice song for him in the bar (ep.18. 06:05 - see Music). She was his mom's teacher of songs.

Ji Xing’s senior from university and a gifted Saleswoman.

Ep.7, she met Xiao Yixiao in a mall.  She joined XingChen as HR head and PR.
She agreed to be the gf of Xiao (ep19) but broke up with him, when he was too reluctant to marry her.
She was promoted to Deputy director of Sales Dept. in the new merged HanXing company (ep32)

Han Ting’s friend and investor with HT in the Xingyue club.

He met Li Li, liked her, went to live with her (ep17) but did not want more than an informal relationship, because he was a widower and had a daughter.

He was the son of the Chairman of the Ren’ai Hospital group, that Zeng Di took Ji Xing to meet at the club where the man was playing cards with HT and Xiao Yixiao and Mr. Li.

Mr. Li, businessman who had invited HT, XYX and Mr Zhao to play Guandan (a card game) at the Xingyue club, for networking.

He was a friend of Han Yuan and also came to the Guanghua banquet.

Director Wang was a Board member of Dongyang. 

On the plane when Han Ting flew back home from Germany, he was plotting against HT who came to sit next to him ; Director Wang next decided not to attend the first Board meeting, but came to support HT in the next one (ep2).

Mǎ Hè 马赫  b.1981.04.17 Weibo

His filmography on Baidu does not list this drama, but instead 3 other dramas and a movie for 2023/24

Director Yang was a Board member of Dongyang

Mr Zhou, Board member of Dongyang, was in collusion with Han Yuan, always opposed to Han Ting.

Ep.16 raising mismanagement issues;    Ep.38 preparing to frame the company for selling radioactive products.
Ep.39 trying to obstruct Dongyang board meeting for AI development.

Wáng Měihuá 王美华

No info on Baidu about this actor, except listed in cast for the role (Google only finds a female actress with this name, who was the ex wife of Eric Tsang)

“Director He” was a Board member of Dongyang. 

She was close to Director Wang and told Han Yuan that she could not attend the first board meeting after HT return, “because her gout flared up.” She supported Han Ting in the next board meetings.

Zhāng Yuànyù 张媛钰  b.1980-11-17 in Laizhou, Shandong - Weibo

8. Characters and cast list by order of appearance (part 3 of 4)

Mr. Lin CEO of Beidi Technologies, marketing 3D printers.

He offered the printer from another reservation and a rebate, and requested Ji Xing's support at Dongyang Medical. (But Han Ting was very angry about Ji Xing using name dropping for shortcuts.)

Han Ting’s granddad and power wielder in Dongyang group.

He seldom sat at the Board meeting except in a crisis, but set strict goals for his grandson, whom he revealed he had named Ting for “giving out orders and holding court” whn he met Ji Xing at lunch in the family mansion (ep.29). He had explicitly designated Zeng Di as Han Ting’s future wife, until HT told of her betrayal, but he foresaw that Ji Xing would not be an easy partner or wife for Han Ting.

Mǎ Wénzhōng 马文忠   b.1958-09-18 Weibo

He is an actor in the Repertory Theater of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions Art Troupe, and a national first-class actor.  He has played in about 18 dramas since 2007.

Ji Xing had sent SZZ to report to Han Ting, so she could meet the hospital department head.

But she was snubbed by Dr.Li until HT himself showed up. At the evening dinner where JX sat between him and HT, Dr. Li was more polite.

Lǐ Xiǎng 礼响

No further information

An asset for Dongyang who Han Ting went out of his way to hire.

He was made head of Products department. HT trusted him with the merger of Hanhai and XingChen (creating HanXing).  
Ep36 he offered to promote SZZ and to send him to Germany for 3 years as a reward for his excellent job improving printers.

Mr Ma, Director of Kebo Material first met JX at the business dinner where JX was introduced to the “circle”.

He colluded with Ms.Zeng and purposefully caused a delay in supply of raw material for JX.  Later, he also brushed away the emergency tantalum supply request by LiLi.

Mrs Zhou was Han Yuan’s mother and Han Ting’s aunt.

She was at the Chinese New Year dinner (which HT left in haste to find JX on request by her parents who had come unannounced but could not reach her on the phone).

Hú Cǎihóng 胡彩虹  b.1976-01-13, Shanxi —Weibo

She has played in 8 movies and 63+ dramas since 1998

Li Li's mother scolded her daughter for her "loose behavior" and wanted her to marry a reliable husband.

She scolded so much that LiLi ended up in a café, eating alone, but she liked Su Zh when she came for the following new year (SZZ pretended to be LiLi's boyfriend).

Xiàng Hóng  项洪

This is her 5th role in a drama since 2019

Ji Xing's father was happy to meet HT at the CNY dinner after HT brought JX home.

The following CNY, he was worried that Ji Xing had not brought Han Ting.

Chén Hàowén 陈颢文  b.1994-12-17, Shanghai — Weibo

He has played in about 30 dramas since 2004

A long time executive in Dongyang, he was promoted by Han Ting to replace the former Sales director (who was pushed to resign for “personal reasons”).

Zōu Gāng 邹刚

No further information

Promising new employee of Star Tech, young graduate from Xingang University of Engineering Sciences, who liked to code.

He broke but finally repaired the printer enough that XingChen did not miss the deadline to have their product approved (ep 16-17).

Douban

Film and Television Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Director who won a Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Award for his 2012 micro film "Pet Guardian". MDL traces him as actor in 7 movies since 2006 Crazy Stone, and in 7 dramas.

Graduated from Xinggang University in Computer Sciences with a bachelor’s degree, she hoped to work on patentable products.

She brought breakfast for the staff during the printer crisis (ep.17)

The director of Hanhai  Technology, a big firm secretly invested by HT but in competition with XingChen.

Han Ting suggested the organic merger, and Mr Chen went to work on the proposal. Later he became President of  HanXing company.

Zhāng Jiéfēng 章杰峰   Weibo

He appeared in one movie and 9 dramas since 2018. 

Ji Xing met the genetics expert at the university lecture about management.

But he brushed her off when she tried to talk to him, and only warmed up when he was introduced to her by Han Ting at a dinner.

Professor Xiang taught the class for management to which Han Ting had sent her to study for 6 months and learn about management and industry leaders. 

Han Ting later signed her up for an MBA class that would take her on a study trip to Germany in ep.20.

Schwinseveerg  (German) and Judiila Truscova (Russian)

No further information

9. FAREWELL MESSAGES