As someone who has followed the Chinese entertainment industry for quite a long time, I have to say this isn’t…
Yeah, he is from an ordinary family, no wealthy background, no strong connections from capitalists in the industry. All he has is only his fans. He is relying almost entirely on his fans to keep him going on this acting path. That’s why he almost updates Weibo every day, sharing his daily mood and what happens in his life, like he’s talking to friends.
As someone who has followed the Chinese entertainment industry for quite a long time, I have to say this isn’t…
Yes, capital influence plays a very significant role in the Chinese entertainment industry. For actors without strong backing or connections, it is often difficult to access quality projects or even gain visibility.
If ZLH did not possess strong screen presence, solid acting skills, and a good public image, it would have been much harder for him to achieve his current level of recognition and fan support.
However, having a large fanbase is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can offer protection and visibility for an actor. On the other hand, it also makes them more vulnerable to being treated as a commercial asset, with agencies maximizing their value through continuous workload and exposure.
As someone who has followed the Chinese entertainment industry for quite a long time, I have to say this isn’t…
Yes, His effort and the final result often feel completely disproportionate, and it’s genuinely frustrating to see such a dedicated actor repeatedly treated unfairly.
This isn’t an isolated case either. In several of his previous dramas, his screen time and narrative importance were noticeably reduced, while supporting characters were given disproportionate emphasis.
In Princess Royal, there was a clear attempt to elevate the second male lead. His every appearance was accompanied by background music, clearly designed to highlight and romanticize his dynamic with the FL, while ZLH often appeared without any such narrative framing or emotional emphasis.
In Our Generation, the first ten-plus episodes gave him less than 30 minutes of total screen time. Many viewers even jokingly referred to the show as “The Disappearing Male Lead.”
In My Journey to You, the direction heavily focused on the brotherhood between the second and third male leads, while ZLH's role was at times reduced to a rather simplistic or even ineffectual portrayal.
Overall, his contribution doesn’t seem to be fairly reflected in the final cut. 😔
Honestly, I don’t even feel like writing a full review anymore 😂. I’ve learned not to expect too much from…
As someone who has followed the Chinese entertainment industry for quite a long time, I have to say this isn’t surprising.
In many cases, investors initially use an actor’s popularity—like Zhang Linghe’s—to attract attention, and then gradually shift the focus by giving more screen time to supporting roles, often to promote actors from their own companies. Unfortunately, this is a common reality in the industry.
Also, just to clarify, Zhang Linghe doesn’t come from a powerful background or have strong industry connections. The only support system he has is his agency—but even that wasn’t always supportive. In some of his early interviews, you can see how he was treated rather dismissively.
It was only after he became popular that the company started fully capitalizing on him. Since 2022, he has been constantly filming and doing commercial work, with barely any breaks.
In fact, he usually only gets a few days off during Chinese New Year. This year, he reportedly had just three days off before returning to filming—while most people would normally have at least a couple of weeks.
Btw, he filmed the fight scenes in the battlefield for about two months, but mostly cut out. He was so excited and proud when talking about this part in an interview before airing. Feel so sad for him. 💔
Honestly, I don’t even feel like writing a full review anymore 😂. I’ve learned not to expect too much from…
This isn’t the first time I’ve seen this issue in Chinese dramas. Once screenwriters start trying to be “clever” by changing or adding new plotlines, the characterizations often fall apart and the story starts losing its logic.
Honestly, I really wish they would just follow the original novel. The story is already there—why not stick to it?
But I also understand that a drama usually involves multiple investors and companies. Each of them wants more screen time for their own actors, so the script keeps getting revised. In the end, the main characters’ arcs are compressed, while supporting roles sometimes get even more highlights and development.
This has pretty much become the norm in many Chinese dramas now.
That’s why I often choose to read the novel first and treat the drama as a supplement. At least that way, I know what the complete, original story is supposed to be.
And honestly, I feel bad for the original authors too—having to watch their work being changed into something almost unrecognizable.
Honestly, I don’t even feel like writing a full review anymore 😂. I’ve learned not to expect too much from the Chinese drama industry.
Out of my appreciation for the leads and the original novel, I still gave it a 9/10.
If you’re curious why so many novel adaptations don’t live up to expectations, I’ve pasted my previous comment below. (What I’m about to say is widely known within Chinese fandoms, but many international audiences may not be aware of it, so I wanted to share some context.)
This is one of the dramas that I always return to every time I feel bored and have nothing fun to watch.Some say…
Same! I've rewatched it for so many times. This is honestly one of the few political dramas where the power struggles are neither boring nor hard to follow—in fact, they’re engaging and genuinely compelling.
I don’t quite understand why some people think the leads only fall in love in the final episodes. Perhaps it’s a matter of perspective, but to me, their dynamic is already there from the very beginning—subtle, tense, and filled with underlying chemistry. It’s a kind of push-and-pull that feels far more interesting than the typical “falling in love naturally” trope, which can sometimes come across as predictable.
What makes their relationship unique is that both of them see each other more clearly than anyone else. The FL, because of her past-life memories, is aware of the ML’s darkest side. Meanwhile, the ML, having seen her humble and unrefined past years ago, is perceptive enough to understand her true nature beneath the surface.
To me, a deeper form of love is not about idealized perfection, but about accepting each other fully—flaws, darkness, vulnerability and all—without fear of revealing one’s true self. ❤️
In many other romances, people fall in love with the best version of each other, only to walk away once they encounter imperfections. But here, it’s different.
After finishing Pursuit of Jade, my favorite character is still Xie Wei. Because from the very beginning, the FL falls for who he truly is—not just his strengths, but also his darkness, his madness, his fragility, and his loneliness. And even knowing all of that, she instinctively trusts and relies on him.
Xie Wei’s storyline is fully developed and well-layered, whereas in Pursuit of Jade, much of the Xie Zheng’s arc was cut or toned down, which makes his characterization feel less nuanced and lacking in depth.
agreed. i am gonna get hate, but i think he also got the right fillers placed in to stabilize his face lines when…
He hasn’t had any facial surgery. Since 2022, he’s been filming almost non-stop. Even during the one or two months each year when he’s not on set, he’s still busy with brand shoots and promotional events.
Fans regularly film him going to and from work every day, so his schedule is quite visible. He barely even has time to properly treat his chronic neck issues or rhinitis. 😂
Here is a more objective explanation of the variety show issue.
China is a very large country with 56 ethnic groups, and people from different regions often have noticeable differences in appearance. In daily life, it is quite common for people to casually comment that someone “looks like they are from a certain region.” In that context, such remarks are usually not intended to be offensive, but rather a habitual way of describing appearances.
During the show, Zhang Linghe made a similar comment in a natural way, and it was not considered inappropriate during editing.
However, after the broadcast, some viewers from Southeast Asia felt offended. In response, he chose to apologize out of respect for their feelings. even knowing it might expose him to more criticism online.
His Instagram account is managed by agency staff, and the way the apology was posted may have come across as less sincere, which led to further misunderstanding.
The purpose of sharing this is simply to provide more context. In situations like this, misunderstandings can easily arise, and public opinion can sometimes be influenced by incomplete information and cultural difference.
Here is a more objective explanation of the variety show issue.
China is a very large country with 56 ethnic groups, and people from different regions often have noticeable differences in appearance. In daily life, it is quite common for people to casually comment that someone “looks like they are from a certain region.” In that context, such remarks are usually not intended to be offensive, but rather a habitual way of describing appearances.
During the show, Zhang Linghe made a similar comment in a natural way, and it was not considered inappropriate during editing.
However, after the broadcast, some viewers from Southeast Asia felt offended. In response, he chose to apologize out of respect for their feelings. even knowing it might expose him to more criticism online.
His Instagram account is managed by agency staff, and the way the apology was posted may have come across as less sincere, which led to further misunderstanding.
The purpose of sharing this is simply to provide more context. In situations like this, misunderstandings can easily arise, and public opinion can sometimes be influenced by incomplete information and cultural difference.
Is ZLH travelling anywhere I saw a video of him in Airport without any security guards people are falling on him…
He started filming the variety show The Truth (S4) yesterday. The video you saw is he arriving at the high speed train station at midnight. No separate entrance for artists, but there are a few security guards with black outfits.
Thankyou !! This helps so much, I don't like separating the art from the artist, so it's always hard for me to…
I’m really glad you found out in time — it’s not too late at all.
From everything I’ve seen, he’s genuinely a kind and humble person. People who’ve studied or worked with him—his classmates, teachers, and colleagues—have shared many positive stories about him over the years, and he’s widely liked. There haven’t been any credible scandals about him.
He also doesn’t act like a “celebrity” on set. He’s very considerate of the staff—for example, during breaks, he prefers to sit for hours rather than lie down,even though the wig is heavy. Just to keep his styling intact and avoid creating extra work for the makeup and hair team.
I think it’s really unfair that some people judge someone’s character based on a single moment or a short clip. In reality, the most reliable impressions usually come from people who have interacted with him over a long period of time.
1
If ZLH did not possess strong screen presence, solid acting skills, and a good public image, it would have been much harder for him to achieve his current level of recognition and fan support.
However, having a large fanbase is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can offer protection and visibility for an actor. On the other hand, it also makes them more vulnerable to being treated as a commercial asset, with agencies maximizing their value through continuous workload and exposure.
This isn’t an isolated case either. In several of his previous dramas, his screen time and narrative importance were noticeably reduced, while supporting characters were given disproportionate emphasis.
In Princess Royal, there was a clear attempt to elevate the second male lead. His every appearance was accompanied by background music, clearly designed to highlight and romanticize his dynamic with the FL, while ZLH often appeared without any such narrative framing or emotional emphasis.
In Our Generation, the first ten-plus episodes gave him less than 30 minutes of total screen time. Many viewers even jokingly referred to the show as “The Disappearing Male Lead.”
In My Journey to You, the direction heavily focused on the brotherhood between the second and third male leads, while ZLH's role was at times reduced to a rather simplistic or even ineffectual portrayal.
Overall, his contribution doesn’t seem to be fairly reflected in the final cut. 😔
In many cases, investors initially use an actor’s popularity—like Zhang Linghe’s—to attract attention, and then gradually shift the focus by giving more screen time to supporting roles, often to promote actors from their own companies. Unfortunately, this is a common reality in the industry.
Also, just to clarify, Zhang Linghe doesn’t come from a powerful background or have strong industry connections. The only support system he has is his agency—but even that wasn’t always supportive. In some of his early interviews, you can see how he was treated rather dismissively.
It was only after he became popular that the company started fully capitalizing on him. Since 2022, he has been constantly filming and doing commercial work, with barely any breaks.
In fact, he usually only gets a few days off during Chinese New Year. This year, he reportedly had just three days off before returning to filming—while most people would normally have at least a couple of weeks.
Btw, he filmed the fight scenes in the battlefield for about two months, but mostly cut out. He was so excited and proud when talking about this part in an interview before airing. Feel so sad for him. 💔
Honestly, I really wish they would just follow the original novel. The story is already there—why not stick to it?
But I also understand that a drama usually involves multiple investors and companies. Each of them wants more screen time for their own actors, so the script keeps getting revised. In the end, the main characters’ arcs are compressed, while supporting roles sometimes get even more highlights and development.
This has pretty much become the norm in many Chinese dramas now.
That’s why I often choose to read the novel first and treat the drama as a supplement. At least that way, I know what the complete, original story is supposed to be.
And honestly, I feel bad for the original authors too—having to watch their work being changed into something almost unrecognizable.
Out of my appreciation for the leads and the original novel, I still gave it a 9/10.
If you’re curious why so many novel adaptations don’t live up to expectations, I’ve pasted my previous comment below. (What I’m about to say is widely known within Chinese fandoms, but many international audiences may not be aware of it, so I wanted to share some context.)
I don’t quite understand why some people think the leads only fall in love in the final episodes. Perhaps it’s a matter of perspective, but to me, their dynamic is already there from the very beginning—subtle, tense, and filled with underlying chemistry. It’s a kind of push-and-pull that feels far more interesting than the typical “falling in love naturally” trope, which can sometimes come across as predictable.
What makes their relationship unique is that both of them see each other more clearly than anyone else. The FL, because of her past-life memories, is aware of the ML’s darkest side. Meanwhile, the ML, having seen her humble and unrefined past years ago, is perceptive enough to understand her true nature beneath the surface.
To me, a deeper form of love is not about idealized perfection, but about accepting each other fully—flaws, darkness, vulnerability and all—without fear of revealing one’s true self. ❤️
In many other romances, people fall in love with the best version of each other, only to walk away once they encounter imperfections. But here, it’s different.
After finishing Pursuit of Jade, my favorite character is still Xie Wei. Because from the very beginning, the FL falls for who he truly is—not just his strengths, but also his darkness, his madness, his fragility, and his loneliness. And even knowing all of that, she instinctively trusts and relies on him.
Xie Wei’s storyline is fully developed and well-layered, whereas in Pursuit of Jade, much of the Xie Zheng’s arc was cut or toned down, which makes his characterization feel less nuanced and lacking in depth.
Fans regularly film him going to and from work every day, so his schedule is quite visible. He barely even has time to properly treat his chronic neck issues or rhinitis. 😂
Sadly, this kind of manipulation isn’t uncommon - it happens in real life, and we see it reflected in dramas as well.
China is a very large country with 56 ethnic groups, and people from different regions often have noticeable differences in appearance. In daily life, it is quite common for people to casually comment that someone “looks like they are from a certain region.” In that context, such remarks are usually not intended to be offensive, but rather a habitual way of describing appearances.
During the show, Zhang Linghe made a similar comment in a natural way, and it was not considered inappropriate during editing.
However, after the broadcast, some viewers from Southeast Asia felt offended. In response, he chose to apologize out of respect for their feelings. even knowing it might expose him to more criticism online.
His Instagram account is managed by agency staff, and the way the apology was posted may have come across as less sincere, which led to further misunderstanding.
The purpose of sharing this is simply to provide more context. In situations like this, misunderstandings can easily arise, and public opinion can sometimes be influenced by incomplete information and cultural difference.
China is a very large country with 56 ethnic groups, and people from different regions often have noticeable differences in appearance. In daily life, it is quite common for people to casually comment that someone “looks like they are from a certain region.” In that context, such remarks are usually not intended to be offensive, but rather a habitual way of describing appearances.
During the show, Zhang Linghe made a similar comment in a natural way, and it was not considered inappropriate during editing.
However, after the broadcast, some viewers from Southeast Asia felt offended. In response, he chose to apologize out of respect for their feelings. even knowing it might expose him to more criticism online.
His Instagram account is managed by agency staff, and the way the apology was posted may have come across as less sincere, which led to further misunderstanding.
The purpose of sharing this is simply to provide more context. In situations like this, misunderstandings can easily arise, and public opinion can sometimes be influenced by incomplete information and cultural difference.
From everything I’ve seen, he’s genuinely a kind and humble person. People who’ve studied or worked with him—his classmates, teachers, and colleagues—have shared many positive stories about him over the years, and he’s widely liked. There haven’t been any credible scandals about him.
He also doesn’t act like a “celebrity” on set. He’s very considerate of the staff—for example, during breaks, he prefers to sit for hours rather than lie down,even though the wig is heavy. Just to keep his styling intact and avoid creating extra work for the makeup and hair team.
I think it’s really unfair that some people judge someone’s character based on a single moment or a short clip. In reality, the most reliable impressions usually come from people who have interacted with him over a long period of time.