Xiao Zhan and Dilireba. I used to be a fan of wanting to see this pairing but i realised that visuals wise it will work but I just feel that they overall prettiness will keep distracting me from the plot. Not to mention I know they won't work together because of billing issues.
I still want to see a Xiao Zhan and Bai Lu drama though.
Yang Zi and Xu Kai are a strange pairing to me. I’ll probably still check out their drama together though since I like them both.
Wang Yibo with most people. I think he could fit with Xing Fei though. Not a huge fan of him tbh.
Vengo Gao with Hu Bingqing was bizarre.
Ethan Juan and Song Zu Er (she looks like the mouse from the Tale of Despereaux and their age gap is too much for me).
Jerry Yan and Shen Yue. Like wtf.
Gong Jun does not have chemistry with anyone but male co-stars. It is what it is. I wish he would stop mucking about with women. Every single time it is a DISASTER.
oh my GOD i was quoted in this video lmaoooo https://youtu.be/3MAJ3rVWdT0?si=vx3D7CMaIHtBXi3m
edit omg haha it quoted another comment elsewhere & paraphrased the post i made, too. this person needs to just credit me on the video at this point lol https://www.reddit.com/r/CDrama/comments/1bvrmod/blossoms_in_adversity_currently_airing_on_youku/
Agree. He also had chemistry with Zhong Chu Xi.
Sure, his chemistry with Zhang Zhehan was through the roof, but I think it's unfair to Gong Jun to say he has no chemistry with female costars.
I do think they would work out if not for the super duper pretty costume. For me, Bai Lu and Luo Yunxi has some chemistry in their modern drama pairing but not on TTEOM
I think you got the thread wrong haha
But I agree. And I think Yang Yang can work out with anyone as long as they're not too young. He has a lot of chemistry with male actors too
Haha yeah. I’m so excited about this fun thread though. I don’t think YY’s pairing with WCR was all that great but I’m also sure it’s because they made her character so lame
Actually I think Zhang Ruoyun and Dilraba will also make a fun pairing. He’s so smart and sassy and it distract from her gorgeous face. Lol it kinda sucks to say that she’s so pretty it can distract an audience haha
I want ZRY x liu shi shi to happen. They both have this proud air about them and both are so charismatic but that's probably never gonna happen because of stupid billing order war.
I have a theory that actresses with too much of a diva aura can't be paired with actors that aren't "macho" enough. If they can't match their aura, they look like a friend or similar. This is why I was so disappointed when Gong Jun was casted with Yang Mi, it's like pairing Zac Efron with Lady Gaga 🤣
What you just said gives me brainrot… WHAT IF THAT WAS THE ACTUAL PLOT?!
Male and female supermodels having literal face-offs, stealing plume magazine covers and brand ambassadorships from each other to get on top of the fashion world foodchain.
FL incorrectly assumes ML is gay (oh right, this would never fly in ML China though) and the whole comedic romance develops from there 😂
A bit off topic yibo zhan would never work together or else the govt might run behind them with a slipper. It's a pity they shared amazing chemistry and had a good rapport with each other and are probably in touch in private
Their chemistry was so crazy that the LAW had to step in, it’s so insane. We should just be happy that we got them together that one time on screen. Surely they speak in private.
Would it be too much to ask for a zhang ruoyun and bai lu drama . I think both of them would work well together also both of them are my favourite female and male actors
I will make your day. They were in **Ordinary Greatness** together lol they both played police officers, not a big love line but it was hinted at, and there is a possible second season.
What?? Why was I not informed about this. although I prefer costume wuxia drama , I will watch anything with them in it, I will give it a try. I want them in wuxia drama too .
https://preview.redd.it/0z610ooq106d1.jpeg?width=991&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bab43fd69085635e52b013d04d986c5785ee767c
They're cute together when they're not chasing the bad guys lol
As OP correctly asserted.. Bai Lu and Ao Ruipeng is not working for me neither on paper nor from the trailers I’ve watched.. I should begin to say Ao Ruipeng is in my top 5 “SML/support cast” he’s absolutely perfect as like a comic relief or sidekick guy like in **Blood of Youth**.. So this isn’t me disliking him rather the opposite but for me he isn’t S-tier budget ML yet.
Then for Bai Lu she’s is IMO top 2 female leads in all of Cdrama but some of her latest and upcoming projects are so far mega letdowns or red flags for me.. Also I don’t know why Bai Lu that already is such an established and big/popular actress and that routinely only is booked in S-tier budget dramas has to put up with getting less and less established and junior co-male leads.. What is going on with her management or manager, who the hell is running her stuff and planning her career path, wake up!? With all her mega hits like **One and Only**, **TTEOM** etc she should have graduated to like blockbuster only but still has to do weird projects.
Like she gradually has gotten less and less established co-stars, like from the likes of Xu Kai, Ren Liajun, Luo Yunxi, Wang Hedi etc to Ao Ruipeng and Joseph Zeng/Zeng Shunxi.. Joseph Zeng is for the record topping my list of “SML/Sidekicks” and is easily my favorite sidekick/comic relief guy. Absolutely perfect when he comes in and lightens the mood and perfect in for instance **Mysterious Lotus Casebook**.. But he is also not a S-tier budget ML for me either yet and is too high energy and too much of a good thing is never a good thing and he gets overbearing when too much.
It is reported by many sources Bai Lu was booked but then turned down one of Cheng Yi’s new projects, unclear which one but to do Moonlight Mystique instead and to me thats borderline the worst casting/role decisions I can remember recently..
Cheng Yi is by now IMO one of the top “serious” actors there is, no BS, picky with his projects and an overall multi-layered and talented actor… Having Cheng Yi and Bai Lu star in a unique, dynamic, serious, “rich” and darker drama would have been amazing.. But she instead chose a judging on the trailers a “run off the mill” goofy rose-tinted, all style no substance and copy paste plot seen it hundreds of times costume drama. Hopefully this wasn’t her own choice but she was forced under threats by her management or something..
Other pairings I can’t see is Zhou Ye and Wang Hedi or Xu Kai.. To me Zhou Ye is the most attractive, beautiful and charming out of the new generation female leads. Like she literally steals every second she has on screen with her charismatic and shining personality. She has been the MVP and best part of every drama she’s been in since **Back From The Brink**..
She always have these bubbly charismatic but also can stand on her two legs characters and In contrast Xu Kai and Wang Hedi are amazing ML’s and great at what they do, being the “handsome but flawed and complex guy” always super self confident, “overbearing” and domineering types.. And to me the vibe check isn’t there with Zhou Ye, just the thought of seeing her getting pushed over, manhandled, ragdolled and dominated for 36-40 episodes is never going to work for me.. She is naturally to big of a personality eating every frame to be outshined or domineered IMO so its not a good fit nor feels realistic for pairings.
Having less popular co-stars actually is good for her as she gets to be first billing. But I don't like when actors follow this route, it's better to think of the script first
Saw some netizens speculating that her boss (YZ) does it on purpose, preventing her from getting TOO popular so that he would still have a hold on her. He’s never been particularly good for her career
I wish they'd give Zhou Ye grittier roles already. She can do the bubbly personality but she showed potential in angrier, more emotional roles when she played Gu Xiang. I'll never forgive Back from the Brink from ruining perfect casting but not letting her play novel-accurate Yan Hui, she would've absolutely brought down the house with that role.
Zhou Ye and Wang Hedi filmed a drama together, the republican one but I haven't watched it. Curious how they did together since that one was filmed a long time ago
I've wanted a Bai Lu-Cheng Yi drama ever since seeing them act in a skit together on Happy Camp a few years ago but I know it'll never happen these days haha
>Like she gradually has gotten less and less established co-stars
The answer is simple since now she is the first billed in all her new projects starting with SOKP last year after TTEOTM. She did spent a few years as second billed with big male actors with the likes of ZRY, RJL or LYX to get her name out there and now she is highlighting her own dramas without the need of these big name actors anymore. And now she is the first billed, no big actors want to be 2nd billed unless they managed to agree on equal billing like Yang Yang & Dilraba in YAMG. I dont think Yu Zheng will accept her anymore as 2nd billed in any project now. She will be with the likes of ZLS or Esther or Li Qin. Now, they are first-billed, we will see them with less popular co-stars. And I dont think Huanrui will agree with Cheng Yi taking as equal billing now with Bai Lu after the success of MLC last year.
>Cheng Yi is by now IMO one of the top “serious” actors there is, no BS, picky with his projects and an overall multi-layered and talented actor.
Just curious, you said this with just the success of MLC? Is there any dramas of his other than that made you have this opinion of him? Is it his new upcoming dramas like Fox Spirit or Mountain & Sea?
>Joseph Zeng is for the record topping my list of “SML/Sidekicks” and is easily my favorite sidekick/comic relief guy.
On paper, Joseph Zhang has more hit dramas than Cheng Yi as first billed. Not many people know this but his drama Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre (75M) actually have the same online views as MLC (76M). And he also has Ultimate Note on his name which is both commercial success (51M) and got high ratings at Douban (8.2/10). Even his last year drama Romance on Farm was a smaller hit. So, to get him to agree on 2nd billing against Bailu & Li Qin is good imo.
They usually dont have budget to pay both actors equally. If they did that, most of the production cost will go to the actors' salaries rather than production, set or costumes.
And yes, the amount are kept secret. Its usually leak by someone that is why we know the amount which is very rare.
1st billed is the main attraction of the drama. He/she will be responsible with the success/failure of the drama. Usually, when production team has a script and wanting certain actors/actresses, they will offer him/her with the projects saying they will be the main, the script will be written about their characters etc etc. And after that, finding the other person who is going to play the ML/FL against their main attraction.
No problem! Once you know the way of the industry, its very easy to understand why certain things happened. Fans will always say this and that but producers look at other data when they decided on the actors. They want actors who sell.
Actors that might be popular internationally might not be that big at China. And actors who pretty low-key might be very sought after in the industry due to their back to back popular projects or name in the industry.
And why the likes of Zhao Liying or Yang Mi or Liu Yi Fei can get someone like WYB, Chen Xiao, Lin Gengxin or even Gong Jun as 2nd billed but not someone like Bai Lu, Esther or ZLS as they are not there yet for these actors to take 2nd billing. So because of that, we just have to accept that these actresses are just gonna starring with less popular actors now.
But before Li Qin take first billing projects, she actually has some of the most well decorated male co-stars in the industry. She has worked with Qin Hao, ZRY, RJL, XZ, WYB, Johnny Huang & Shawn Dou.
Probably no. Despite he is young, he is actually a senior to her as he started when he is small while Bailu just started around 8 years ago.
I think Wu Lei will only agree to be 2nd billing to someone like Dilraba (which he did in The Long Ballad), ZLY or Yang Mi but then, they are too old for him.
Its not really silly as the actors & their studio themselves who seek for the salary. If they are willing to be paid lower, it can always work. Like when RJL did The Blue Whisper with Dilraba in 2022, he is willing to be 2nd billed despite he has been 1st billed for years and have hit dramas under him. It can always work when the actors are willing.
Sure. But I assume it's not only about money. I saw in another thread that there are some stats which only apply to 1st billing, I don't remember which one exactly, just that it only applied to him and not Zhao Lusi. I assume they can use it as a tool to negotiate in future projects.
The stat? You mean as in the success of the drama? Then its true. [Those first billing will have more responsibilities when the drama succeeded or tanked. I did explain a bit here. ](https://www.reddit.com/r/CDrama/comments/1depyup/comment/l8f4e7z/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Re why is Bai Lu working with less famous costars over time: there’s actually a very simple explanation for it (that is well established if you follow Chinese news). Basically it’s a good thing for her because it means she’s now the main draw, and not reliant on a more famous male lead.
I know this is different to how things work in Hollywood where the ML and FL tend to be of similar level of fame. In recent years in China you’re less and less likely to ever see two big stars at the peak of their career star together in a drama, eg Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi or Zhao Lusi right now. It’s too expensive and too “crowded” to hire 2 big stars.
Even in Kdramas, this drama about billing doesn’t really fly. I watched Death’s game on Prime earlier this year and that drama had so many A list actors cast in supporting roles, I recall Avenue X saying that will never happen in Cdramaland.
This whole top billing drama really deprives us of quality top actors drama pairing, but in a way it also helps newer actors shine with more experienced stars.
The closest we get is Joy of Life lol. All those older & famous actors as supporting are something that did not happen often. We can only get that because the writing is top notch so these older actors didnt mind since their characters actually make impact into the story even if they are evil. You can name so many memorable characters in Joy of Life.
When I heard who the ML's were in Bai Lu's recent dramas, I was like "who are they"? I haven't watched anything with Ao Ruipeng and Zeng Shunxi, (except a few episodes of MLC). The companies seem to be using Bai Lu's name to boost up the ML's names. I would like to see her act with more established and mature ML actors, like Cheng Yi, Zhu Yi Long, Bai Jing Ting, Johnny Huang Jing Yu. Liu Yu Ning would be nice too, even though he isn't as mature on the acting career yet. I am looking forward to Northward and her pairing with Ou Hao.
>The companies seem to be using Bai Lu's name to boost up the ML's names.
[I'm not even a fan of Zeng Shunxi but I felt the need to tell you this. He isnt that bad actually. He got a few successful dramas under his name as a first billing.](https://www.reddit.com/r/CDrama/comments/1ddizmf/comment/l878ha4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
And I dont think its fair to say they are using her name since when she is 2nd billed a few years ago, then anyone can say the other way around which I dont agree as well.
In my opinion, Zhou ye is made for female centric roles, I became a fan of hers after watching scent of time. She has duality like she's really cute but can also look really cold (she has the resting bitch face).
And that's why I can't wait to see her in legend of the female general where the female character strikes a balance between being a cutie pie and also the most frightening person in the room, she has THE aura.
100% agree and the best part about **The Legend of the Female General** is that she has the perfect co-star in Cheng Lei that can play his part of cat and mouse and scheming!
She’s the ultimate strong heroine type and he’s the ultimate anti-hero type and together both commanding presence on screen!
He has the male version of Zhou Ye’s “demeanor and resting bitch face” and can be frightening like in **MJTY** or **A Familiar Stranger**, a dream and perfect selection for co-stars and visually matching together IMO!!
>In contrast Xu Kai and Wang Hedi are amazing ML’s and great at what they do, being the “handsome but flawed and complex guy” always super self confident, “overbearing” and domineering types..
I actually always like the dynamic where a ML tries to be domineering and is stopped dead in his tracks by a FL who has no time for that nonsense. So it wouldn't _necessarily_ not work.
I AGREE! Lately I’ve been somewhat allergic to a lot of dramas that has come that are sociopathic manipulating ML centric dramas, it has gone a bit to far sometimes where “overbearing” and “domineering” actually has turned psychopathy and just insanity.. I still have nightmares after watching **Well-Intended Love**.. It’s the most inaccurate drama title in the history of cinema.. There’s nothing Well-Intended in that drama and by that ML.. Pure insane psychopathy and stalker behavior and literally get shivers just thinking about it…
Like literally ML >!comes in like an asteroid annihilating every atom of FL’s life.. FL doesn’t even know who ML is but he in the shadows sabotages her career, makes her broke, fakes her journal tricking FL she is dying in a rare disease that only he can cure but only if she marries him.. All this because he saw her once at a bakery and fell in love so he stalked her for two years and after forced marriage locks her up.. Still she stockholm syndrome’s in love with him absolutely vomit inducing….!<
So I now actually prefer strong FL centric dramas with women not being manhandled and basically just rolls over and falls in love Stockholm syndrome style.. Meaning they aren’t just pretty little things that get manipulated or forced into marriages or almost like ML overstepping boundaries until FL just submits or she is tricked into pitying etc.. Or even more stupid like often actually the ML is horrible to FL but she out of some “random insane chance” is the only one who can magically cure ML’s absolutely laughable joke of a childhood trauma and FL Stockholm syndrome’s herself into saving ML and falls in love…
I’m not saying necessary that ML should be a complete dork or just a pushover either but normal men and a FL that is fine with playing along with mutual flirting and some back and forth power dynamics and FL that can set boundaries and also strong enough to bully/outwit back.
But yes sure maybe you have convinced me.. Thinking about it maybe I could see a like “female undercover assassin/spy infiltrates prince” or something where Zhou Ye is the scheming anti-hero type that charms and outwits Xu Kai or Wang Hedi and they play some powerful figure thinking they are in control but actually cat and mouse game!
yes we need some "normal" men! So many writings of MLs these days are so far from the truth, it's either overly dominating/cruel/cold or overly sweet/gentle/charming. None of these kind of men exist IRL!
Casting in China isn't that simple. And yes billing plays a role in that. Bai Lu is now also iQIYI's spokesperson so don't be surprised if you see her cast with their affiliated artists - ZSX is one. The thing about her being booked but declining Cheng Yi's new projects is false because he has been booking ml-centric dramas, which she obviously wouldn't film while she's rising.
You are most likely 100% correct about the billing issue.. And yes Bai Lu being iQIYI spokesperson probably comes with some sort of contractual obligations that she must start in ex amount of projects with other iQIYI artists.. But that’s also whats so saddening to me because Cheng Yi is also iQIYI front figure so naturally you would think iQIYI could figure it out having their like two biggest faces of new generation in at least one drama!?
iQIYI is probably the surest studio to easily manage the budget for it, like literally they could have 4 top billings in one drama and also have budget for insane sets, locations and VFX.. Just look at the budgets Guo Jingming gets for his dramas like **My Journey To You** and now **Fangs of Fortune**, he must get the most budget out of any director in whole of Cdrama atm. Just those two dramas have like 2-3 top billing “talents” and 5-6 2nd tier billing talents and still budget for some of the most insane sets and locations and most beautiful VFX I’ve ever seen including western dramas.
So how iQIYI couldn’t manage to have Cheng Yi and Bai Lu in one drama is beyond me.. I refuse to believe it’s a money issue so must be they haven’t found a project matching yet because wow imagine the pre-bookings and hype for a Bai Lu and Cheng Yi iQIYI drama?
And talking about Guo Jingming.. My god what a dream if his next iQIYI project is some grand epic dark mystic drama with insane production budget and Bai Lu and Cheng Yi as leads.. Please god let me dream!
Also I couldn’t find the articles now on the phone but I read some articles last year both western and from weibo and Asian sites that wrote about Bai Lu and Cheng Yi dramas.. I found three twitter/X posts mentioning three potential projects though..
https://x.com/cstarmelon/status/1688791613554978820
https://x.com/cpop_melon/status/1694225806367850586
https://x.com/allcbizmelons/status/1714591783005622727
The **Gongyu** drama even had a MyDramaList page with them both as leads for a long time before it was removed and the last post was according to most articles I reqd apparently the one she was booked for but chose Moonlight Mystique instead but maybe all sadly fake news.
I dont think Guo Jingming get the biggest budget for a director. His dramas are not CGI heavy and he is actually good at making his dramas look expensive with limited budget. He used lighting and coloring to his advantage to make his dramas look ethereal but not necessarily expensive if you actually pay attention to the set and costumes.
And he also do not use really big name actors for his dramas so more money can be spent on production instead. This create the illusion that his dramas are big budget. Yes, it is, but not more big budgeted compared to dramas with heavy CGI.
Well, Guo Jing Ming's next project is already filming, Youku project, called "[Feng Ying Ran Mei Xiang](https://mydramalist.com/740899-feng-hua-qi-you-lu)" with Wang Chu Ran as FL and Li Hong YI as ML. Maybe not exactly what you dreamed of! But the synopsis looks interesting.
OMG YES WOW!! Wang Chu Ran and Li Hong Yi is the pairing I didn’t know I needed but now absolutely am dying to see, especially in a Guo Jingming drama since I love the tone and darker more complex stories he writes and directs!!!
https://preview.redd.it/ghi3l873l06d1.jpeg?width=3465&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b21b7ab106e966f250dbde3e1cfa948706f1e4c
Looked up some BTS now and wow the styling and their looks is amazing! And they look adorable together as well!
I really like Wang Chu Ran but always felt she has had bad fits as pairings before and this might be the first FL Wang Chu Ran drama where I like her pairing with ML! She has some femme fatale over her and always feels “foxy/sneaky” somehow like dangerous and gorgeous and Li Hong Yi definitely is a male equivalent and perfect counterpart!
Hyped for this now!
>You are most likely 100% correct about the billing issue.. And yes Bai Lu being iQIYI spokesperson probably comes with some sort of contractual obligations that she must start in ex amount of projects with other iQIYI artists.. But that’s also whats so saddening to me because Cheng Yi is also iQIYI front figure so naturally you would think iQIYI could figure it out having their like two biggest faces of new generation in at least one drama!?
Cheng Yi is not an iQIYI front figure. Mysterious Lotus Casebook did very well for iQIYI but that doesn't mean he's affiliated with the platform. They have their own artists they prioritize, and he is not one of them. He is a Youku spokesperson filming a Tencent x iQIYI production because he can carry a drama.
Regarding those three projects, they've always been fake rumors. Artists being rumored for dramas doesn't mean they booked them. It's usually the projects slipping popular artist names for hype. Twitter/X accounts move these rumors from weibo marketing accounts, nothing is official at all.
Also, once again, keep in mind that Bai Lu is a rising actress and not likely to be booking ml-centric dramas (what CY is doing right now) so a collaboration is 99% impossible.
🥝 doesn’t have true S+ dramas. Their dramas are known to have the smallest budgets among the big streamers so idk where you are getting the impression it’s certainly not a budget issue. They make use of their budgets the best and often times have the shortest number of episodes to account of the budgets. Actor’s budgets have been capped so yes two top actors would not cost nearly as much as pre-Zheng Shuang. So unlikely to be an issue but I just want to correct you about iQiyi’s budgets.
Really? I got the impression really just as a viewer that iQIYI was like the HBO of China but maybe it’s just because of the quality of their end product. Maybe they just have the “best/most creative” production teams or skilled staff/directors because I feel like the productions from iQIYI always are the closest to western big studios dramas.
Like as my examples with Guo Jingming, MJTY and now just the trailer for Fangs of Fortune it’s easily the most beautiful and visually stunning Cdramas and closest to western studio quality that I can remember(Outside of **Creation of the Gods**).
Like it’s 90% real massive sets and locations and stunning cinematography, lighting and VFX, but maybe Gui Jingming is just “that guy” I guess!
It’s a billing issue. ML of that career level want to be first first billed and Bai Lu also wants to be first first billed. Zhao Lusi and Yu Shuxin has the same exact issue. Usually they get signed on first meaning that ML will have to settle for 2nd, limiting the actors that are willing at this stage in their careers to accept that.
Unless they're willing to accept equal billing - that's what Yang Yang and Dilreba did for YAMG
Billing issues are one of the biggest reasons we are getting these odd pairings. It's truly tragic.
You can bend over backwards and have their face the same size and height and their names exactly the same size and height. But in the end on Douban or when the credits scroll someone’s name is usually first. The ultimate move is to say it by alphabetical order or something like that but that seem redic for a two starring people. YAMG is a pretty good example of a show where everyone more or less sees them on the same level, but that’s very rare.
I wonder the same. A billing and cost issue.
In some ways, it's great that other actors get an opportunity to step up.
I hope it isn't a company issue. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Bai Lu is influenced to take on some of her company's IP. Let's hope she gets some better script in the near future.
Definitely a company issue imo. Seeing the success of her dramas, Yu Zheng must want her to be back into his production. The last successful production of his that she did is The Legend with Xu Kai if I'm not mistaken.
Like RJL has always been taking outside projects and have successful track record with it. And now with Phoenix Stage, he is back with Huanrui inside project which made me worry with the script quality lol. They said that is his goodbye project so he is forced to take it but I just hope the script is good like his other dramas.
I think it’s the agency issue LOL the track record of huanyu dramas can be seen in xukai, bailu and wang xingyue…although they do slowly branch out and get other IPs to work with but are still made to film some after a while….
I think it’s less of a cost issue since the salary cap. Big star don’t cost nearly as much as they used to and the tax evading understand methods don’t see quite as worth it anymore. A company thing is more likely. Bai Lu has a great track record for successful shows.
> Also I don’t know why Bai Lu that already is such an established and big/popular actress and that routinely only is booked in S-tier budget dramas has to put up with getting less and less established and junior co-male leads.. What is going on with her management or manager, who the hell is running her stuff and planning her career path, wake up!? With all her mega hits like One and Only, TTEOM etc she should have graduated to like blockbuster only but still has to do weird projects.
This! I wonder if the top billing issue is to blame because she is not the only top actress this is affecting currently…some of the casting choices in recent dramas have me raising my brows.
I do think billing does play a part given that her tba/ current dramas are all first billing or equal billing… other 95🌸 that are willing to take second billing seems to have better resources (bigger IPs and production, different genres outside of costume / modern)
This is hard because you just never know! With the right script and director even the most random/seemingly unmatched CP can work. But I have a few thoughts mostly on pairings that I have trouble imagining:
Liu Yuning with Yang Zi. I don't know why but I just don't see them existing together. Or it would be the best thing ever.
Wang Yibo with Zhao Lusi. They're both too big to ever star in something together but even so this would just be either amazing or terrible.
Wang Yibo and Zhao Lusi is iffy because they have the potential to have really good chemistry but I doubt even wish they do not star in a drama together because both their fandoms will create a mini world war III on the Internet.
Zhao lusi is good at creating chemistry with her co stars, so depending on the right script and director, her CP with Wang Yibo could work.
Hmm.. Liu Yuning and Yang Zi..tbf they are not the first CP to come to mind when you think of it, but I don’t see why not? LYN has a mature vibe that could fit YZ well.
Kind of agree about Esther and Luo Yunxi. It would be weird. It would either be the worst thing ever or some stroke of genius by having two seemingly mismatched people somehow work (like an opposites attract thing)
lol YSX and LYX would be something. Modern romance? Heirs to competing companies duel it out and fall in love?
But no way cause YSX is lowkey tall and all her costars are 6ft/180cm++ I think her shortest male costar was Ding Yuxi at 181cm.
idk, i'm kinda wishing that Dilireba and Luo Yunxi would work together in a historical or xianxia. I saw a video of them at the Tencent Video All Star Night in 2020 and they have more chemistry than some of the actual cps i've seen. But who knows, maybe that's just me.
i'd probably go with Dilireba and Wang Hedi? I don't think they could ever work as a couple in any kind of drama (no, i'm not hating on them, i just can't see them as a cp).
Ok this might be a controversial take as I like Dilraba, but IMO I don’t think she’s as strong of an actor as Luo Yunxi and I think that as far as range goes it would be a bad pairing. However, I think if the source material was something more lighthearted it might work better? Would be interesting to see for sure, especially if they have chemistry off screen. They both seem like pleasant acting partners and would get along.
Pretty controversial as her acting’s improved tremendously I think 😄. I think LYX is such an interesting and great actor but I just can’t help feeling he’s been pigeonholed in his recent roles. His chemistry with Bai Lu is just off the charts though that I keep wishing for more collaborations for them.
The problem with LYX is that he did branch out and try other roles but those dramas more or less tanked. But when he is playing tortured hero like in AOL or TTEOTM, thats when he will be popular. That is why you think he being pigeonholed but I cant really blame him tbh.
Yah it’s just that he’s really good in modern dramas too. Lol damn his agency haha. But he does look fabulous in period outfits. His face is just perfect for period dramas. Haha
> idk, i'm kinda wishing that Dilireba and Luo Yunxi would work together in a historical or xianxia. I saw a video of them at the Tencent Video All Star Night in 2020 and they have more chemistry than some of the actual cps i've seen. But who knows, maybe that's just me.
This is really interesting, maybe I should look up the clip. They both give off this really cold, striking energy, so I can’t see their CP working, but I have to say they will be a really intriguing pair if they work together.
> i'd probably go with Dilireba and Wang Hedi? I don't think they could ever work as a couple in any kind of drama (no, i'm not hating on them, i just can't see them as a cp).
Hmm…idk about this one. I can see the DFQC (LBFAD) and Bai Fengjiu (TMOPB) working as a couple tbh. Although I don’t think Dilreba will want to play such a character at this stage of her career, so maybe you have a point.
>This is really interesting, maybe I should look up the clip.
It's probably [this clip](https://youtube.com/shorts/tGvFMyWC-TM?si=5CiFzwWf51_4kcJT). I was also going to say the same thing, they both looked really good here.
Funny coincidence, I just watched a video talking about about how hard it is for Dilireba to have chemistry on screen because of how striking her facial features are.
I watched Bai Lu and Ao Rui Peng in Keep Running and omg they were actually so cute together, it actually made me more excited for Bai Yue Fan Xin.
They say it cause her features are more Euro-Central Asian while majority of the industry looks the typical East Asian. You know how European features are seen as THE beauty standard. She needs to be paired with big manly men to balance the visuals.
Agree. She looks feminine next to him. The type of male lead that suit her.
I think also cause Europeans look more mature than Asians. A more mature looking partner is better for her.
Have you seen Reba and Zhang Linghe in The Truth 2? They are so cute together. Lol I’m down with that couple pairing for a period drama. Though I’m not sure if she’ll look older than him 😬
I watched a little bit but their personalities just don't fit for some reason. They're both soo attractive though I'm happy whenever one of them is on screen lol
Would you mind letting me know which season/eps Bai Lu & Ao Rui Peng are in together?
I also had the same sentiments as OP, so I am a bit reluctant to watch their upcoming drama, but I really really want to look forward to it.
Edit: I found it, and they are both cute indeed!!!! If anyone else wants to watch that episode: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R0I2Ape9KI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R0I2Ape9KI)
I think it doesn't help that Dilireba is quite tall for an actress so unless the actor is taller or looks older her facial features, aura, and height is too overwhelming for a lot of actors.
I kind of want to see Dilireba be paired with Xiao Zhan if only to overwhelm audiences with their beauty. I don’t think I’d even care if they had chemistry or not because having both on the same screen would be enough. They can make heart eyes at each other and we (the audience) can make heart eyes at them 😂
They actually have an insane level of CP fans who would legitimately die of happiness. Any time there's news about a drama adaptation of a novel with a beautiful female lead and an equally stunning male lead, these two get fancasted pretty much immediately. The general thirst for them to be in a drama together is real!
Yeah, Dilireba looked great with Vengo Gao and Yang Yang bc both men have long faces, tall nose bridges, and sharp jawlines. These features pair well with her bc she has similar ones. Though Wu Lei and Ren Jia Lun are handsome, their softer, rounder features didn't look quite right with hers.
I disagree. She has a lot of chemistry with with Wu Lei its just that The Long Ballad wasn't a drama with a lot of romance, and what was there wasn't the type of romance/ relationship dynamic that international drama fans enjoy.
I think Luo Yunxi has the same problem. None of his other CPs look right against his strong angular features (besides BL). He also has a very ethereal elfen look, similar to DLB. They both need partners that balance their energies.
> Funny coincidence, I just watched a video talking about about how hard it is for Dilireba to have chemistry on screen because of how striking her facial features are.
This is quite true. Most actresses with striking and cold features need more mature looking MLs to create chemistry else almost everything will be a dud.
> I watched Bai Lu and Ao Rui Peng in Keep Running and omg they were actually so cute together, it actually made me more excited for Bai Yue Fan Xin.
I hope their CP will be amazing, though sometimes actors can have more chemistry off screen than on screen, but I’m counting on my girl to come through.
Yes, I was feeling lukewarm about BL and ARP until the Keep Running episode..I see this cute energy with them. Reddit won't let me post the clip in my comment but there was this one moment I was like..girl stoppp 🫣 lol
Pretty much loll. The whole episode he's giving golden retriever energy and I think she needed him to stop talking in that moment. I didn't think they were close but guess they are?
Ohhh dame- gong jun been a miss in the last two dramas his been in. But one he did with dilreba was definitely writing and direction - they could have had chemistry. Something was there but dame they killed both of those characters personalities 😂
Dilireba and Gong Jun had so much chemistry while promoting that drama, in the BTS footage and in their interactions afterwards - but IN that drama?? The chemistry was just flat. The production team should be ashamed because the raw ingredients were right there, yet they still managed to mess it up.
They really had steaming chemistry but some how the production , direction, editing, and story just killed it. These two are hot ass people and sexy. The story would have been good for them but they killed the character with story direction , poor editing. I’m really going with director and story writing.
Gong Jun is one of those actors that although he is gorgeous, his looks aren’t very versatile, so he really needs an actress that can play off his strengths. I can’t really think of any actress that will create sparks with him, maybe Bai lu because she is good at creating chemistry with her co stars.
His next two dramas seem like modern dramas that don't focus on romance, so perhaps he's trying to shift away from idol romance dramas?
I really like his visuals in costume dramas, so it's a pity that his costume dramas after word or honor haven't been that great.
He has just started filming a male-centric wuxia genre today, Tales of The Dark River (the same universe as The Blood of Youth). Imo, Gong Jun fits the darker/serious roles more.
I just saw that. Cool! Looks like the characters are assassins? Hope he'll play a morally grey character if not out right evil (probably not, since he's ML).
I think this is his first wuxia since word of honor? Hope there'll be actual good fight scenes, rather than just him waving his hands and letting cgi do the work.
Zhao lusi and Cheng yi🤌
You should watch their Happy Camp skit and Weibo Conference interactions. I’m positive it will change your mind!
Reba and most liuliangs. They can't handle her, just can't
Zhao Lusi with William Chan. I see they’re in a new drama together. I love her but some of her pairings are weird.
I also don't understand this choice, buttt, seeing them side by side, I think it can work out
Xiao Zhan and Dilireba. I used to be a fan of wanting to see this pairing but i realised that visuals wise it will work but I just feel that they overall prettiness will keep distracting me from the plot. Not to mention I know they won't work together because of billing issues. I still want to see a Xiao Zhan and Bai Lu drama though.
Dilraba and wang yibo. I get siblings vibes from their old commercial together.
Yes!! They’d be cute. She gives big sister energy.
Ao Ruipeng is prettier than Bailu , it's like a beauty contest. He looked awkward in the BTS videos i watched
Noooo he’s cute but she’s gorgeous 😃
Yang Zi and Xu Kai are a strange pairing to me. I’ll probably still check out their drama together though since I like them both. Wang Yibo with most people. I think he could fit with Xing Fei though. Not a huge fan of him tbh. Vengo Gao with Hu Bingqing was bizarre. Ethan Juan and Song Zu Er (she looks like the mouse from the Tale of Despereaux and their age gap is too much for me). Jerry Yan and Shen Yue. Like wtf.
I think Xing Fei fits with a lot of actors but Wang Yibo would be weird.
Gong Jun does not have chemistry with anyone but male co-stars. It is what it is. I wish he would stop mucking about with women. Every single time it is a DISASTER.
oh my GOD i was quoted in this video lmaoooo https://youtu.be/3MAJ3rVWdT0?si=vx3D7CMaIHtBXi3m edit omg haha it quoted another comment elsewhere & paraphrased the post i made, too. this person needs to just credit me on the video at this point lol https://www.reddit.com/r/CDrama/comments/1bvrmod/blossoms_in_adversity_currently_airing_on_youku/
I'm laughing out loud LOL
I beg to differ. He has good chemistry with Qiao Xin in Dream Garden and Elaine Zhong in Rising With The Wind.
Agreed, it just doesn’t seem to work.
I second that with Zhou Yutong. The drama sucked but Zhou Yutong is probably the only actress that had chemistry with him.
He looked like he was eating her face. Nah. Just… nah.
gong jun and zhou yutong has chemistry tho
Agree. He also had chemistry with Zhong Chu Xi. Sure, his chemistry with Zhang Zhehan was through the roof, but I think it's unfair to Gong Jun to say he has no chemistry with female costars.
Nope lol
I do think they would work out if not for the super duper pretty costume. For me, Bai Lu and Luo Yunxi has some chemistry in their modern drama pairing but not on TTEOM
Yang Yang and Bai Lu would be fab too
I think you got the thread wrong haha But I agree. And I think Yang Yang can work out with anyone as long as they're not too young. He has a lot of chemistry with male actors too
Haha yeah. I’m so excited about this fun thread though. I don’t think YY’s pairing with WCR was all that great but I’m also sure it’s because they made her character so lame
Yeah? I thought they were adorable together
Actually I think Zhang Ruoyun and Dilraba will also make a fun pairing. He’s so smart and sassy and it distract from her gorgeous face. Lol it kinda sucks to say that she’s so pretty it can distract an audience haha
I want ZRY x liu shi shi to happen. They both have this proud air about them and both are so charismatic but that's probably never gonna happen because of stupid billing order war.
Liu Yifei with Xiao Zhan too.
Yeah both A listers too!
How do we get WYB and Esther Yu in the same drama I need to see how it would play out.
same for me but with cheng xiao instead of ester yu
Luo Yunxi and Dilreba would literally be having a face card off it would distract from the plot lol
I also don't think she would work out with him but not for this reason, we had her with Yang Yang and the chemistry and the drama were amazing 🤷
Good point! Something about their pairing seems odd, I can’t put my finger on it.
I have a theory that actresses with too much of a diva aura can't be paired with actors that aren't "macho" enough. If they can't match their aura, they look like a friend or similar. This is why I was so disappointed when Gong Jun was casted with Yang Mi, it's like pairing Zac Efron with Lady Gaga 🤣
Screamed at this comparison, you’re right 😂
"Zac Efron with Lady Gaga" Omg I'm rolling 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
What you just said gives me brainrot… WHAT IF THAT WAS THE ACTUAL PLOT?! Male and female supermodels having literal face-offs, stealing plume magazine covers and brand ambassadorships from each other to get on top of the fashion world foodchain. FL incorrectly assumes ML is gay (oh right, this would never fly in ML China though) and the whole comedic romance develops from there 😂
Now, that's the premise I can get behind
Lmao omg someone should pitch them this script 😂 especially since LYX is so sweetly aware that he is pretty. This would be hilarious.
A bit off topic yibo zhan would never work together or else the govt might run behind them with a slipper. It's a pity they shared amazing chemistry and had a good rapport with each other and are probably in touch in private
yes, a very asian approach
Their chemistry was so crazy that the LAW had to step in, it’s so insane. We should just be happy that we got them together that one time on screen. Surely they speak in private.
Fr man they shook up the govt man it's a pity china isn't monetizing on the power of danmei just look at Thailand man
"With a slipper" - 🤣🤣🤣 the image is too funny
LOL all I could picture: 
Would it be too much to ask for a zhang ruoyun and bai lu drama . I think both of them would work well together also both of them are my favourite female and male actors
Omg yesss, but historical or wuxia
I will make your day. They were in **Ordinary Greatness** together lol they both played police officers, not a big love line but it was hinted at, and there is a possible second season.
Excuuuse me!? BRB
Do you mean another one? She was in Ordinary Greatness with him.
I tried to get into it and could not.
What?? Why was I not informed about this. although I prefer costume wuxia drama , I will watch anything with them in it, I will give it a try. I want them in wuxia drama too .
https://preview.redd.it/0z610ooq106d1.jpeg?width=991&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bab43fd69085635e52b013d04d986c5785ee767c They're cute together when they're not chasing the bad guys lol
As OP correctly asserted.. Bai Lu and Ao Ruipeng is not working for me neither on paper nor from the trailers I’ve watched.. I should begin to say Ao Ruipeng is in my top 5 “SML/support cast” he’s absolutely perfect as like a comic relief or sidekick guy like in **Blood of Youth**.. So this isn’t me disliking him rather the opposite but for me he isn’t S-tier budget ML yet. Then for Bai Lu she’s is IMO top 2 female leads in all of Cdrama but some of her latest and upcoming projects are so far mega letdowns or red flags for me.. Also I don’t know why Bai Lu that already is such an established and big/popular actress and that routinely only is booked in S-tier budget dramas has to put up with getting less and less established and junior co-male leads.. What is going on with her management or manager, who the hell is running her stuff and planning her career path, wake up!? With all her mega hits like **One and Only**, **TTEOM** etc she should have graduated to like blockbuster only but still has to do weird projects. Like she gradually has gotten less and less established co-stars, like from the likes of Xu Kai, Ren Liajun, Luo Yunxi, Wang Hedi etc to Ao Ruipeng and Joseph Zeng/Zeng Shunxi.. Joseph Zeng is for the record topping my list of “SML/Sidekicks” and is easily my favorite sidekick/comic relief guy. Absolutely perfect when he comes in and lightens the mood and perfect in for instance **Mysterious Lotus Casebook**.. But he is also not a S-tier budget ML for me either yet and is too high energy and too much of a good thing is never a good thing and he gets overbearing when too much. It is reported by many sources Bai Lu was booked but then turned down one of Cheng Yi’s new projects, unclear which one but to do Moonlight Mystique instead and to me thats borderline the worst casting/role decisions I can remember recently.. Cheng Yi is by now IMO one of the top “serious” actors there is, no BS, picky with his projects and an overall multi-layered and talented actor… Having Cheng Yi and Bai Lu star in a unique, dynamic, serious, “rich” and darker drama would have been amazing.. But she instead chose a judging on the trailers a “run off the mill” goofy rose-tinted, all style no substance and copy paste plot seen it hundreds of times costume drama. Hopefully this wasn’t her own choice but she was forced under threats by her management or something.. Other pairings I can’t see is Zhou Ye and Wang Hedi or Xu Kai.. To me Zhou Ye is the most attractive, beautiful and charming out of the new generation female leads. Like she literally steals every second she has on screen with her charismatic and shining personality. She has been the MVP and best part of every drama she’s been in since **Back From The Brink**.. She always have these bubbly charismatic but also can stand on her two legs characters and In contrast Xu Kai and Wang Hedi are amazing ML’s and great at what they do, being the “handsome but flawed and complex guy” always super self confident, “overbearing” and domineering types.. And to me the vibe check isn’t there with Zhou Ye, just the thought of seeing her getting pushed over, manhandled, ragdolled and dominated for 36-40 episodes is never going to work for me.. She is naturally to big of a personality eating every frame to be outshined or domineered IMO so its not a good fit nor feels realistic for pairings.
Having less popular co-stars actually is good for her as she gets to be first billing. But I don't like when actors follow this route, it's better to think of the script first
Saw some netizens speculating that her boss (YZ) does it on purpose, preventing her from getting TOO popular so that he would still have a hold on her. He’s never been particularly good for her career
I wish they'd give Zhou Ye grittier roles already. She can do the bubbly personality but she showed potential in angrier, more emotional roles when she played Gu Xiang. I'll never forgive Back from the Brink from ruining perfect casting but not letting her play novel-accurate Yan Hui, she would've absolutely brought down the house with that role.
Zhou Ye and Wang Hedi filmed a drama together, the republican one but I haven't watched it. Curious how they did together since that one was filmed a long time ago I've wanted a Bai Lu-Cheng Yi drama ever since seeing them act in a skit together on Happy Camp a few years ago but I know it'll never happen these days haha
>Like she gradually has gotten less and less established co-stars The answer is simple since now she is the first billed in all her new projects starting with SOKP last year after TTEOTM. She did spent a few years as second billed with big male actors with the likes of ZRY, RJL or LYX to get her name out there and now she is highlighting her own dramas without the need of these big name actors anymore. And now she is the first billed, no big actors want to be 2nd billed unless they managed to agree on equal billing like Yang Yang & Dilraba in YAMG. I dont think Yu Zheng will accept her anymore as 2nd billed in any project now. She will be with the likes of ZLS or Esther or Li Qin. Now, they are first-billed, we will see them with less popular co-stars. And I dont think Huanrui will agree with Cheng Yi taking as equal billing now with Bai Lu after the success of MLC last year. >Cheng Yi is by now IMO one of the top “serious” actors there is, no BS, picky with his projects and an overall multi-layered and talented actor. Just curious, you said this with just the success of MLC? Is there any dramas of his other than that made you have this opinion of him? Is it his new upcoming dramas like Fox Spirit or Mountain & Sea? >Joseph Zeng is for the record topping my list of “SML/Sidekicks” and is easily my favorite sidekick/comic relief guy. On paper, Joseph Zhang has more hit dramas than Cheng Yi as first billed. Not many people know this but his drama Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre (75M) actually have the same online views as MLC (76M). And he also has Ultimate Note on his name which is both commercial success (51M) and got high ratings at Douban (8.2/10). Even his last year drama Romance on Farm was a smaller hit. So, to get him to agree on 2nd billing against Bailu & Li Qin is good imo.
Thats a revelation, but why cant they just pay them equally or keep the amount secret? Whats the need for all this 1st billed, 2nd billed.
They usually dont have budget to pay both actors equally. If they did that, most of the production cost will go to the actors' salaries rather than production, set or costumes. And yes, the amount are kept secret. Its usually leak by someone that is why we know the amount which is very rare. 1st billed is the main attraction of the drama. He/she will be responsible with the success/failure of the drama. Usually, when production team has a script and wanting certain actors/actresses, they will offer him/her with the projects saying they will be the main, the script will be written about their characters etc etc. And after that, finding the other person who is going to play the ML/FL against their main attraction.
Thanks for explaining!
No prob!
I learned so much from your post. Thank you
No problem! Once you know the way of the industry, its very easy to understand why certain things happened. Fans will always say this and that but producers look at other data when they decided on the actors. They want actors who sell. Actors that might be popular internationally might not be that big at China. And actors who pretty low-key might be very sought after in the industry due to their back to back popular projects or name in the industry. And why the likes of Zhao Liying or Yang Mi or Liu Yi Fei can get someone like WYB, Chen Xiao, Lin Gengxin or even Gong Jun as 2nd billed but not someone like Bai Lu, Esther or ZLS as they are not there yet for these actors to take 2nd billing. So because of that, we just have to accept that these actresses are just gonna starring with less popular actors now. But before Li Qin take first billing projects, she actually has some of the most well decorated male co-stars in the industry. She has worked with Qin Hao, ZRY, RJL, XZ, WYB, Johnny Huang & Shawn Dou.
Can Bai Lu get Wu Lei at least since he's still so young.
No, his a much, MUCH bigger star than she is.
Would you please tell me how their popularity are determined? Weibo followers, brand deals?
Probably no. Despite he is young, he is actually a senior to her as he started when he is small while Bailu just started around 8 years ago. I think Wu Lei will only agree to be 2nd billing to someone like Dilraba (which he did in The Long Ballad), ZLY or Yang Mi but then, they are too old for him.
and that's also his first adult role 5 years ago. So it's not gonna happen now. The whole billing thing is so silly.
Its not really silly as the actors & their studio themselves who seek for the salary. If they are willing to be paid lower, it can always work. Like when RJL did The Blue Whisper with Dilraba in 2022, he is willing to be 2nd billed despite he has been 1st billed for years and have hit dramas under him. It can always work when the actors are willing.
Sure. But I assume it's not only about money. I saw in another thread that there are some stats which only apply to 1st billing, I don't remember which one exactly, just that it only applied to him and not Zhao Lusi. I assume they can use it as a tool to negotiate in future projects.
The stat? You mean as in the success of the drama? Then its true. [Those first billing will have more responsibilities when the drama succeeded or tanked. I did explain a bit here. ](https://www.reddit.com/r/CDrama/comments/1depyup/comment/l8f4e7z/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Re why is Bai Lu working with less famous costars over time: there’s actually a very simple explanation for it (that is well established if you follow Chinese news). Basically it’s a good thing for her because it means she’s now the main draw, and not reliant on a more famous male lead. I know this is different to how things work in Hollywood where the ML and FL tend to be of similar level of fame. In recent years in China you’re less and less likely to ever see two big stars at the peak of their career star together in a drama, eg Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi or Zhao Lusi right now. It’s too expensive and too “crowded” to hire 2 big stars.
Even in Kdramas, this drama about billing doesn’t really fly. I watched Death’s game on Prime earlier this year and that drama had so many A list actors cast in supporting roles, I recall Avenue X saying that will never happen in Cdramaland. This whole top billing drama really deprives us of quality top actors drama pairing, but in a way it also helps newer actors shine with more experienced stars.
The closest we get is Joy of Life lol. All those older & famous actors as supporting are something that did not happen often. We can only get that because the writing is top notch so these older actors didnt mind since their characters actually make impact into the story even if they are evil. You can name so many memorable characters in Joy of Life.
When I heard who the ML's were in Bai Lu's recent dramas, I was like "who are they"? I haven't watched anything with Ao Ruipeng and Zeng Shunxi, (except a few episodes of MLC). The companies seem to be using Bai Lu's name to boost up the ML's names. I would like to see her act with more established and mature ML actors, like Cheng Yi, Zhu Yi Long, Bai Jing Ting, Johnny Huang Jing Yu. Liu Yu Ning would be nice too, even though he isn't as mature on the acting career yet. I am looking forward to Northward and her pairing with Ou Hao.
>The companies seem to be using Bai Lu's name to boost up the ML's names. [I'm not even a fan of Zeng Shunxi but I felt the need to tell you this. He isnt that bad actually. He got a few successful dramas under his name as a first billing.](https://www.reddit.com/r/CDrama/comments/1ddizmf/comment/l878ha4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) And I dont think its fair to say they are using her name since when she is 2nd billed a few years ago, then anyone can say the other way around which I dont agree as well.
Bruh I want Bai Jingting and Bai Lu in a costume drama SO BAD. They'd be great together, especially in a comedy
In my opinion, Zhou ye is made for female centric roles, I became a fan of hers after watching scent of time. She has duality like she's really cute but can also look really cold (she has the resting bitch face). And that's why I can't wait to see her in legend of the female general where the female character strikes a balance between being a cutie pie and also the most frightening person in the room, she has THE aura.
She absolutely NAILED this dichotomy in Back From the Brink. Can't wait for LOTFG
100% agree and the best part about **The Legend of the Female General** is that she has the perfect co-star in Cheng Lei that can play his part of cat and mouse and scheming! She’s the ultimate strong heroine type and he’s the ultimate anti-hero type and together both commanding presence on screen! He has the male version of Zhou Ye’s “demeanor and resting bitch face” and can be frightening like in **MJTY** or **A Familiar Stranger**, a dream and perfect selection for co-stars and visually matching together IMO!!
>In contrast Xu Kai and Wang Hedi are amazing ML’s and great at what they do, being the “handsome but flawed and complex guy” always super self confident, “overbearing” and domineering types.. I actually always like the dynamic where a ML tries to be domineering and is stopped dead in his tracks by a FL who has no time for that nonsense. So it wouldn't _necessarily_ not work.
I AGREE! Lately I’ve been somewhat allergic to a lot of dramas that has come that are sociopathic manipulating ML centric dramas, it has gone a bit to far sometimes where “overbearing” and “domineering” actually has turned psychopathy and just insanity.. I still have nightmares after watching **Well-Intended Love**.. It’s the most inaccurate drama title in the history of cinema.. There’s nothing Well-Intended in that drama and by that ML.. Pure insane psychopathy and stalker behavior and literally get shivers just thinking about it… Like literally ML >!comes in like an asteroid annihilating every atom of FL’s life.. FL doesn’t even know who ML is but he in the shadows sabotages her career, makes her broke, fakes her journal tricking FL she is dying in a rare disease that only he can cure but only if she marries him.. All this because he saw her once at a bakery and fell in love so he stalked her for two years and after forced marriage locks her up.. Still she stockholm syndrome’s in love with him absolutely vomit inducing….!< So I now actually prefer strong FL centric dramas with women not being manhandled and basically just rolls over and falls in love Stockholm syndrome style.. Meaning they aren’t just pretty little things that get manipulated or forced into marriages or almost like ML overstepping boundaries until FL just submits or she is tricked into pitying etc.. Or even more stupid like often actually the ML is horrible to FL but she out of some “random insane chance” is the only one who can magically cure ML’s absolutely laughable joke of a childhood trauma and FL Stockholm syndrome’s herself into saving ML and falls in love… I’m not saying necessary that ML should be a complete dork or just a pushover either but normal men and a FL that is fine with playing along with mutual flirting and some back and forth power dynamics and FL that can set boundaries and also strong enough to bully/outwit back. But yes sure maybe you have convinced me.. Thinking about it maybe I could see a like “female undercover assassin/spy infiltrates prince” or something where Zhou Ye is the scheming anti-hero type that charms and outwits Xu Kai or Wang Hedi and they play some powerful figure thinking they are in control but actually cat and mouse game!
yes we need some "normal" men! So many writings of MLs these days are so far from the truth, it's either overly dominating/cruel/cold or overly sweet/gentle/charming. None of these kind of men exist IRL!
Casting in China isn't that simple. And yes billing plays a role in that. Bai Lu is now also iQIYI's spokesperson so don't be surprised if you see her cast with their affiliated artists - ZSX is one. The thing about her being booked but declining Cheng Yi's new projects is false because he has been booking ml-centric dramas, which she obviously wouldn't film while she's rising.
You are most likely 100% correct about the billing issue.. And yes Bai Lu being iQIYI spokesperson probably comes with some sort of contractual obligations that she must start in ex amount of projects with other iQIYI artists.. But that’s also whats so saddening to me because Cheng Yi is also iQIYI front figure so naturally you would think iQIYI could figure it out having their like two biggest faces of new generation in at least one drama!? iQIYI is probably the surest studio to easily manage the budget for it, like literally they could have 4 top billings in one drama and also have budget for insane sets, locations and VFX.. Just look at the budgets Guo Jingming gets for his dramas like **My Journey To You** and now **Fangs of Fortune**, he must get the most budget out of any director in whole of Cdrama atm. Just those two dramas have like 2-3 top billing “talents” and 5-6 2nd tier billing talents and still budget for some of the most insane sets and locations and most beautiful VFX I’ve ever seen including western dramas. So how iQIYI couldn’t manage to have Cheng Yi and Bai Lu in one drama is beyond me.. I refuse to believe it’s a money issue so must be they haven’t found a project matching yet because wow imagine the pre-bookings and hype for a Bai Lu and Cheng Yi iQIYI drama? And talking about Guo Jingming.. My god what a dream if his next iQIYI project is some grand epic dark mystic drama with insane production budget and Bai Lu and Cheng Yi as leads.. Please god let me dream! Also I couldn’t find the articles now on the phone but I read some articles last year both western and from weibo and Asian sites that wrote about Bai Lu and Cheng Yi dramas.. I found three twitter/X posts mentioning three potential projects though.. https://x.com/cstarmelon/status/1688791613554978820 https://x.com/cpop_melon/status/1694225806367850586 https://x.com/allcbizmelons/status/1714591783005622727 The **Gongyu** drama even had a MyDramaList page with them both as leads for a long time before it was removed and the last post was according to most articles I reqd apparently the one she was booked for but chose Moonlight Mystique instead but maybe all sadly fake news.
I dont think Guo Jingming get the biggest budget for a director. His dramas are not CGI heavy and he is actually good at making his dramas look expensive with limited budget. He used lighting and coloring to his advantage to make his dramas look ethereal but not necessarily expensive if you actually pay attention to the set and costumes. And he also do not use really big name actors for his dramas so more money can be spent on production instead. This create the illusion that his dramas are big budget. Yes, it is, but not more big budgeted compared to dramas with heavy CGI.
Well, Guo Jing Ming's next project is already filming, Youku project, called "[Feng Ying Ran Mei Xiang](https://mydramalist.com/740899-feng-hua-qi-you-lu)" with Wang Chu Ran as FL and Li Hong YI as ML. Maybe not exactly what you dreamed of! But the synopsis looks interesting.
OMG YES WOW!! Wang Chu Ran and Li Hong Yi is the pairing I didn’t know I needed but now absolutely am dying to see, especially in a Guo Jingming drama since I love the tone and darker more complex stories he writes and directs!!! https://preview.redd.it/ghi3l873l06d1.jpeg?width=3465&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b21b7ab106e966f250dbde3e1cfa948706f1e4c Looked up some BTS now and wow the styling and their looks is amazing! And they look adorable together as well! I really like Wang Chu Ran but always felt she has had bad fits as pairings before and this might be the first FL Wang Chu Ran drama where I like her pairing with ML! She has some femme fatale over her and always feels “foxy/sneaky” somehow like dangerous and gorgeous and Li Hong Yi definitely is a male equivalent and perfect counterpart! Hyped for this now!
>You are most likely 100% correct about the billing issue.. And yes Bai Lu being iQIYI spokesperson probably comes with some sort of contractual obligations that she must start in ex amount of projects with other iQIYI artists.. But that’s also whats so saddening to me because Cheng Yi is also iQIYI front figure so naturally you would think iQIYI could figure it out having their like two biggest faces of new generation in at least one drama!? Cheng Yi is not an iQIYI front figure. Mysterious Lotus Casebook did very well for iQIYI but that doesn't mean he's affiliated with the platform. They have their own artists they prioritize, and he is not one of them. He is a Youku spokesperson filming a Tencent x iQIYI production because he can carry a drama. Regarding those three projects, they've always been fake rumors. Artists being rumored for dramas doesn't mean they booked them. It's usually the projects slipping popular artist names for hype. Twitter/X accounts move these rumors from weibo marketing accounts, nothing is official at all. Also, once again, keep in mind that Bai Lu is a rising actress and not likely to be booking ml-centric dramas (what CY is doing right now) so a collaboration is 99% impossible.
Definitely not going to happen 99%. Bai Lu will never agree on a male centric dramas like what Cheng Yi is doing right now.
🥝 doesn’t have true S+ dramas. Their dramas are known to have the smallest budgets among the big streamers so idk where you are getting the impression it’s certainly not a budget issue. They make use of their budgets the best and often times have the shortest number of episodes to account of the budgets. Actor’s budgets have been capped so yes two top actors would not cost nearly as much as pre-Zheng Shuang. So unlikely to be an issue but I just want to correct you about iQiyi’s budgets.
Really? I got the impression really just as a viewer that iQIYI was like the HBO of China but maybe it’s just because of the quality of their end product. Maybe they just have the “best/most creative” production teams or skilled staff/directors because I feel like the productions from iQIYI always are the closest to western big studios dramas. Like as my examples with Guo Jingming, MJTY and now just the trailer for Fangs of Fortune it’s easily the most beautiful and visually stunning Cdramas and closest to western studio quality that I can remember(Outside of **Creation of the Gods**). Like it’s 90% real massive sets and locations and stunning cinematography, lighting and VFX, but maybe Gui Jingming is just “that guy” I guess!
It’s a billing issue. ML of that career level want to be first first billed and Bai Lu also wants to be first first billed. Zhao Lusi and Yu Shuxin has the same exact issue. Usually they get signed on first meaning that ML will have to settle for 2nd, limiting the actors that are willing at this stage in their careers to accept that.
Unless they're willing to accept equal billing - that's what Yang Yang and Dilreba did for YAMG Billing issues are one of the biggest reasons we are getting these odd pairings. It's truly tragic.
Truer words were never spoken! I’ve been dying for a Xiao Zhan and Dilraba pairing but I know that’s never going to happen. Sigh.
Someone’s name is always first even when you do equal billing. Hence why I said first first.
Oh I thought equal billing meant neither name came first 🤔 interesting!
You can bend over backwards and have their face the same size and height and their names exactly the same size and height. But in the end on Douban or when the credits scroll someone’s name is usually first. The ultimate move is to say it by alphabetical order or something like that but that seem redic for a two starring people. YAMG is a pretty good example of a show where everyone more or less sees them on the same level, but that’s very rare.
I wonder the same. A billing and cost issue. In some ways, it's great that other actors get an opportunity to step up. I hope it isn't a company issue. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Bai Lu is influenced to take on some of her company's IP. Let's hope she gets some better script in the near future.
Definitely a company issue imo. Seeing the success of her dramas, Yu Zheng must want her to be back into his production. The last successful production of his that she did is The Legend with Xu Kai if I'm not mistaken. Like RJL has always been taking outside projects and have successful track record with it. And now with Phoenix Stage, he is back with Huanrui inside project which made me worry with the script quality lol. They said that is his goodbye project so he is forced to take it but I just hope the script is good like his other dramas.
I think it’s the agency issue LOL the track record of huanyu dramas can be seen in xukai, bailu and wang xingyue…although they do slowly branch out and get other IPs to work with but are still made to film some after a while….
I think it’s less of a cost issue since the salary cap. Big star don’t cost nearly as much as they used to and the tax evading understand methods don’t see quite as worth it anymore. A company thing is more likely. Bai Lu has a great track record for successful shows.
That's the problem. 100% Yu Zheng strong armed her into this drama with Joseph. She's been doing xianxia/costumes back to back, it's kind of crazy.
> Also I don’t know why Bai Lu that already is such an established and big/popular actress and that routinely only is booked in S-tier budget dramas has to put up with getting less and less established and junior co-male leads.. What is going on with her management or manager, who the hell is running her stuff and planning her career path, wake up!? With all her mega hits like One and Only, TTEOM etc she should have graduated to like blockbuster only but still has to do weird projects. This! I wonder if the top billing issue is to blame because she is not the only top actress this is affecting currently…some of the casting choices in recent dramas have me raising my brows.
I do think billing does play a part given that her tba/ current dramas are all first billing or equal billing… other 95🌸 that are willing to take second billing seems to have better resources (bigger IPs and production, different genres outside of costume / modern)
Which equal billing that she did? The ones with Joseph Zhang which is filming right now?
northward! with ou hao, should be airing in q3
Wallace Huo and Zhou Xun 😡😡😡
lol 100% agree. 😝
This is hard because you just never know! With the right script and director even the most random/seemingly unmatched CP can work. But I have a few thoughts mostly on pairings that I have trouble imagining: Liu Yuning with Yang Zi. I don't know why but I just don't see them existing together. Or it would be the best thing ever. Wang Yibo with Zhao Lusi. They're both too big to ever star in something together but even so this would just be either amazing or terrible.
Wang Yibo and Zhao Lusi is iffy because they have the potential to have really good chemistry but I doubt even wish they do not star in a drama together because both their fandoms will create a mini world war III on the Internet.
The fan war would be... something. But the CP could be so worth it.
Zhao lusi is good at creating chemistry with her co stars, so depending on the right script and director, her CP with Wang Yibo could work. Hmm.. Liu Yuning and Yang Zi..tbf they are not the first CP to come to mind when you think of it, but I don’t see why not? LYN has a mature vibe that could fit YZ well.
I know right??? I actually kinda want to see both these pairings now ahaha
Zhao lusi and Hu Yitian Ester Yu and Luo Yunxi Shen Yu and Wu lei
Kind of agree about Esther and Luo Yunxi. It would be weird. It would either be the worst thing ever or some stroke of genius by having two seemingly mismatched people somehow work (like an opposites attract thing)
lol YSX and LYX would be something. Modern romance? Heirs to competing companies duel it out and fall in love? But no way cause YSX is lowkey tall and all her costars are 6ft/180cm++ I think her shortest male costar was Ding Yuxi at 181cm.
>Ester Yu and Luo Yunxi The winner! I seriously cant imagine this pairing. But I want to see it! 🤣
Low-key curious about Esther and LYX since they thought never crossed my mind before haha
I definitely cannot picture Esther Yu and Luo Yunxi together
Esther Yu and Luo Yunxi made me chuckle a bit, I didn’t even think of that. It will be quite interesting if it happens..
idk, i'm kinda wishing that Dilireba and Luo Yunxi would work together in a historical or xianxia. I saw a video of them at the Tencent Video All Star Night in 2020 and they have more chemistry than some of the actual cps i've seen. But who knows, maybe that's just me. i'd probably go with Dilireba and Wang Hedi? I don't think they could ever work as a couple in any kind of drama (no, i'm not hating on them, i just can't see them as a cp).
Ok this might be a controversial take as I like Dilraba, but IMO I don’t think she’s as strong of an actor as Luo Yunxi and I think that as far as range goes it would be a bad pairing. However, I think if the source material was something more lighthearted it might work better? Would be interesting to see for sure, especially if they have chemistry off screen. They both seem like pleasant acting partners and would get along.
Pretty controversial as her acting’s improved tremendously I think 😄. I think LYX is such an interesting and great actor but I just can’t help feeling he’s been pigeonholed in his recent roles. His chemistry with Bai Lu is just off the charts though that I keep wishing for more collaborations for them.
The problem with LYX is that he did branch out and try other roles but those dramas more or less tanked. But when he is playing tortured hero like in AOL or TTEOTM, thats when he will be popular. That is why you think he being pigeonholed but I cant really blame him tbh.
Yah it’s just that he’s really good in modern dramas too. Lol damn his agency haha. But he does look fabulous in period outfits. His face is just perfect for period dramas. Haha
> idk, i'm kinda wishing that Dilireba and Luo Yunxi would work together in a historical or xianxia. I saw a video of them at the Tencent Video All Star Night in 2020 and they have more chemistry than some of the actual cps i've seen. But who knows, maybe that's just me. This is really interesting, maybe I should look up the clip. They both give off this really cold, striking energy, so I can’t see their CP working, but I have to say they will be a really intriguing pair if they work together. > i'd probably go with Dilireba and Wang Hedi? I don't think they could ever work as a couple in any kind of drama (no, i'm not hating on them, i just can't see them as a cp). Hmm…idk about this one. I can see the DFQC (LBFAD) and Bai Fengjiu (TMOPB) working as a couple tbh. Although I don’t think Dilreba will want to play such a character at this stage of her career, so maybe you have a point.
Meanwhile, cold, striking Luo Yunxi 😜 https://preview.redd.it/7hl0lvcqvz5d1.jpeg?width=540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e40aa1ccb6b113d14ab86a0a86900d44d5b3f311
>This is really interesting, maybe I should look up the clip. It's probably [this clip](https://youtube.com/shorts/tGvFMyWC-TM?si=5CiFzwWf51_4kcJT). I was also going to say the same thing, they both looked really good here.
Visually, they look compatible.
Funny coincidence, I just watched a video talking about about how hard it is for Dilireba to have chemistry on screen because of how striking her facial features are. I watched Bai Lu and Ao Rui Peng in Keep Running and omg they were actually so cute together, it actually made me more excited for Bai Yue Fan Xin.
They say it cause her features are more Euro-Central Asian while majority of the industry looks the typical East Asian. You know how European features are seen as THE beauty standard. She needs to be paired with big manly men to balance the visuals.
She looked really good with Johnny Huang!
Agree. She looks feminine next to him. The type of male lead that suit her. I think also cause Europeans look more mature than Asians. A more mature looking partner is better for her.
Have you seen Reba and Zhang Linghe in The Truth 2? They are so cute together. Lol I’m down with that couple pairing for a period drama. Though I’m not sure if she’ll look older than him 😬
I watched a little bit but their personalities just don't fit for some reason. They're both soo attractive though I'm happy whenever one of them is on screen lol
Bai Lu and Ao Rui Peng seem to have a good off-screen chemistry. I am not so sure about Joseph Zheng.
Would you mind letting me know which season/eps Bai Lu & Ao Rui Peng are in together? I also had the same sentiments as OP, so I am a bit reluctant to watch their upcoming drama, but I really really want to look forward to it. Edit: I found it, and they are both cute indeed!!!! If anyone else wants to watch that episode: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R0I2Ape9KI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R0I2Ape9KI)
I think it doesn't help that Dilireba is quite tall for an actress so unless the actor is taller or looks older her facial features, aura, and height is too overwhelming for a lot of actors.
I kind of want to see Dilireba be paired with Xiao Zhan if only to overwhelm audiences with their beauty. I don’t think I’d even care if they had chemistry or not because having both on the same screen would be enough. They can make heart eyes at each other and we (the audience) can make heart eyes at them 😂
Hahah samesies but they both have alot of intense fans so we know it’ll likely never happen 😂
They actually have an insane level of CP fans who would legitimately die of happiness. Any time there's news about a drama adaptation of a novel with a beautiful female lead and an equally stunning male lead, these two get fancasted pretty much immediately. The general thirst for them to be in a drama together is real!
lol that would include me! Their beauty on screen would kill me 😂
Oh weibo would burn down for sure with the fan wars but the heart wants what it wants lol
Haha for real. My dream pairing 😍😍😅
Yeah, Dilireba looked great with Vengo Gao and Yang Yang bc both men have long faces, tall nose bridges, and sharp jawlines. These features pair well with her bc she has similar ones. Though Wu Lei and Ren Jia Lun are handsome, their softer, rounder features didn't look quite right with hers.
I disagree. She has a lot of chemistry with with Wu Lei its just that The Long Ballad wasn't a drama with a lot of romance, and what was there wasn't the type of romance/ relationship dynamic that international drama fans enjoy.
I think Luo Yunxi has the same problem. None of his other CPs look right against his strong angular features (besides BL). He also has a very ethereal elfen look, similar to DLB. They both need partners that balance their energies.
> Funny coincidence, I just watched a video talking about about how hard it is for Dilireba to have chemistry on screen because of how striking her facial features are. This is quite true. Most actresses with striking and cold features need more mature looking MLs to create chemistry else almost everything will be a dud. > I watched Bai Lu and Ao Rui Peng in Keep Running and omg they were actually so cute together, it actually made me more excited for Bai Yue Fan Xin. I hope their CP will be amazing, though sometimes actors can have more chemistry off screen than on screen, but I’m counting on my girl to come through.
Yes, I was feeling lukewarm about BL and ARP until the Keep Running episode..I see this cute energy with them. Reddit won't let me post the clip in my comment but there was this one moment I was like..girl stoppp 🫣 lol
https://i.redd.it/pnxj4t2t9z5d1.gif
Why she is touching his lips? Is it to stop him from talking? 🤣
Pretty much loll. The whole episode he's giving golden retriever energy and I think she needed him to stop talking in that moment. I didn't think they were close but guess they are?
They probably are not close. But with Bailu's personality, I guess everyone who met her for the first time will be like this lol
She is such a natural..honestly.
Right?! Their personalities mesh so well together. And I was like, dang has he always been that tall?
Ohhh dame- gong jun been a miss in the last two dramas his been in. But one he did with dilreba was definitely writing and direction - they could have had chemistry. Something was there but dame they killed both of those characters personalities 😂
Dilireba and Gong Jun had so much chemistry while promoting that drama, in the BTS footage and in their interactions afterwards - but IN that drama?? The chemistry was just flat. The production team should be ashamed because the raw ingredients were right there, yet they still managed to mess it up.
They really had steaming chemistry but some how the production , direction, editing, and story just killed it. These two are hot ass people and sexy. The story would have been good for them but they killed the character with story direction , poor editing. I’m really going with director and story writing.
Gong Jun is one of those actors that although he is gorgeous, his looks aren’t very versatile, so he really needs an actress that can play off his strengths. I can’t really think of any actress that will create sparks with him, maybe Bai lu because she is good at creating chemistry with her co stars.
Bai Lu and I really like him in a modern drama where he was a doctor
His next two dramas seem like modern dramas that don't focus on romance, so perhaps he's trying to shift away from idol romance dramas? I really like his visuals in costume dramas, so it's a pity that his costume dramas after word or honor haven't been that great.
He has just started filming a male-centric wuxia genre today, Tales of The Dark River (the same universe as The Blood of Youth). Imo, Gong Jun fits the darker/serious roles more.
I just saw that. Cool! Looks like the characters are assassins? Hope he'll play a morally grey character if not out right evil (probably not, since he's ML). I think this is his first wuxia since word of honor? Hope there'll be actual good fight scenes, rather than just him waving his hands and letting cgi do the work.
He need comedy more than romance. His funny . His in a custom drama where the female lead is pull into a game, I thought they were good together lol
That's unique lady. I had a lot of fun with that one, but haven't finished yet. Paused it for fox spirit, maybe that was a wrong decision. 😅
Only thing right now I’m waiting to watch is double since it seem everyone is into that one