My guess is no earlier than July. In the last four years, three of Xu Kai's summer releases have overlapped with his appearances on Great Escape. The outlier was As Beautiful as You, which finished airing just before Great Escape began.
All done! I really liked the drama. The only thing I didn't like was how we truly didn't get to see Shang Gu and…
The only consolation is they did retain their memories as Hou Chi and Qing Mu, a time when they weren't burdened by their heavy responsibilities and could be truly happy.
I really wanna know how mei zhuyu survived a stab through the heart tho, and how'd he become a cat yao? is wu…
The Changxi weapon protected Mei Zhuyu, as always. It's magical, not just physical. It could expel the demon without hurting MZ. It was absorbing the demon and its release that nearly killed him.
I don't think the plant came into play until three months later, which led to Mei Zhuyu waking up as a demon ... during the day! No half-demon for our boy. He should have already been half-demon since he was the son of the Cat Lord but it was somehow suppressed (spell by dad? Taoist training?)
Whether he assumed the leadership position or not, he'd be the most powerful demon. Look at the way he kept overpowering book boy with his skills (likely boosted by his latent demon powers).
Xu kai is leaving his agency , lets wish for more great dramas where main focus in on him . I am tired of shows…
Mei Zhuyu was minimized to make room for Book Boy. And Mei Si was granted soooo much screentime thanks to his interactions with Snake Lord and the black snake. Oh, yeah. He was possessed too. 🙄
Did the rat demon have as much screentime as our ML?🤔
Wu Zhen got the screentime she deserved. Mei Zhuyu did not.
Who do you think is paying for Xu Kai's new and improved security? That one guy is tall! (And maybe a little aggressive.) I've noticed a police presence at times as well.
This perfectly encapsulates Mei Zhuyu and Xu Kai's ability to render him perfectly.https://x.com/HIJKL__OP/status/2054604611861061902?s=20Full…
"When thinking of "Mei Zhuyu" from #MoonlitReunion, this character requires both "the aloofness of a cultivator" and "the unconscious tenderness that emerges after falling in love." He needs to possess the power and aura of a demon slayer, but at the same time, he must have an inner awkwardness, vulnerability, and inexperience in matters of love. This balance between "strength and gentleness," "coldness and warmth," requires not only precise acting skills but also a look and personality that naturally suits the character.
"Among his contemporaries, #XuKai feels almost unparalleled in his suitability for this role. Everything about him perfectly matches Mei Zhuyu—his facial features, aura, physique, and overall demeanor—as if he was born to embody the image of Mei Zhuyu. Both his appearance and personality blend seamlessly with the character.
"Mei Zhuyu's character requires a cold yet noble aura, emotional detachment, sharpness in his eyes and eyebrows, and the elegance of a well-educated young man. At the same time, he must carry a deep and restrained love, a hidden sadness in his eyes, and the pure, disciplined aura of a cultivator. He simply couldn't look crude, weak, or have even a hint of common sense.
"Among actors of his age, those who looked too delicate or gentle couldn't carry the depth and elegance required for a high-ranking nobleman role; those who looked too sharp or rugged lacked the gentle aloofness and pure, jade-like beauty. Meanwhile, actors with overly polished "idol" imagery often looked too opulent or deliberate, lacking the facial structure and reserved aura necessary for this role.
"What made Xu Kai stand out the most was his balanced facial structure, clear bone structure, and the naturally cold elegance in his eyebrows and eyes. His tall, straight figure made him feel like the "architecture of a noble lord" or "a cool, reserved man" often described in historical romance novels. This look and aura couldn't be created by mere styling or makeup—it felt innate, as if he was born with the "filter for this role." If it were someone else, something would feel missing—either the right personality or the right charm.
"The essence of Mei Zhuyu's character lies in his self-restraint, endurance, cool detachment, and deeply concealed love — outwardly cold yet inwardly tender, noble yet not arrogant, elegant yet not fragile. This aligns perfectly with the natural aura of #XuKai. He is someone who inherently carries silence, aloofness, and a serene indifference to the world.
"He doesn't make loud noises, act flamboyantly, or express himself excessively. This kind of temperament is crucial, because if the actor were naturally outgoing, passionate, or attention-seeking by nature, when trying to portray a cold and composed character, it would often come across as "trying too hard to be cold," feeling forced.
"But Xu Kai already possesses that quality — a natural tranquility, stillness, and detachment. He doesn't need to deliberately pretend to be composed or cold. Simply standing there makes Mei Zhuyu's self-restraint, aloofness, and icy elegance feel utterly believable.
"This is the pinnacle of acting — when the audience doesn't feel the actor is "performing," but rather that he "truly is that character."
"Even more importantly, beyond his perfectly fitting appearance and aura, Xu Kai also has the solid acting skills to support this role.
"Because having a face suited to the role alone can only create a "handsome guy." But when natural suitability combines with strong performance, a truly memorable character is born.
"The reason Mei Zhuyu is beloved and accepted by audiences in #MoonlitReunion isn't just because of his looks or vibe alone.
"But rather the "pain suppressed in his gaze," the "captivated attraction held back," the "quiet internal conflict," and the "tenderness laced with compassion" — all conveyed through the subtle details of his eyes and expressions.
"Without shouting, without over-the-top dramatics, or exaggerated displays.
"Xu Kai also demonstrates masterful control in his performance — cold yet not emotionless, reserved yet not numb, serene yet brimming with feeling, distant yet still warm. His emotions are drawn inward and hidden deep in the heart, making the acting more nuanced, intricate, and captivating with every moment. The more you watch, the more enchanting it becomes.
"The fusion of "irreplaceable looks + perfectly suited temperament + exquisitely nuanced acting skills" in a single actor is something unbelievably rare in Chinese period dramas."
But, yes, the timing isn't right.
I hope he does find smaller projects, like endorsements, that keep him in the public (meaning my) eye.
I love this drama so much!
I don't think the plant came into play until three months later, which led to Mei Zhuyu waking up as a demon ... during the day! No half-demon for our boy. He should have already been half-demon since he was the son of the Cat Lord but it was somehow suppressed (spell by dad? Taoist training?)
Whether he assumed the leadership position or not, he'd be the most powerful demon. Look at the way he kept overpowering book boy with his skills (likely boosted by his latent demon powers).
https://youtu.be/CBuGxadZ0a0?si=-WOhBaPJsMn6N1FU
The article praises Xu Kai's success in his body of work.
Yu Zheng must hate this.
Also rewatching Xu Kai's scenes in MR nearly daily. I love Mei Zhuyu!
Did the rat demon have as much screentime as our ML?🤔
Wu Zhen got the screentime she deserved. Mei Zhuyu did not.
I'm guessing he's footing the bill for more professional assistance instead of just bodies.
My money is NOT on Yu Zheng.
https://x.com/i/status/2054492170569331020
"Among his contemporaries, #XuKai feels almost unparalleled in his suitability for this role. Everything about him perfectly matches Mei Zhuyu—his facial features, aura, physique, and overall demeanor—as if he was born to embody the image of Mei Zhuyu. Both his appearance and personality blend seamlessly with the character.
"Mei Zhuyu's character requires a cold yet noble aura, emotional detachment, sharpness in his eyes and eyebrows, and the elegance of a well-educated young man. At the same time, he must carry a deep and restrained love, a hidden sadness in his eyes, and the pure, disciplined aura of a cultivator. He simply couldn't look crude, weak, or have even a hint of common sense.
"Among actors of his age, those who looked too delicate or gentle couldn't carry the depth and elegance required for a high-ranking nobleman role; those who looked too sharp or rugged lacked the gentle aloofness and pure, jade-like beauty. Meanwhile, actors with overly polished "idol" imagery often looked too opulent or deliberate, lacking the facial structure and reserved aura necessary for this role.
"What made Xu Kai stand out the most was his balanced facial structure, clear bone structure, and the naturally cold elegance in his eyebrows and eyes. His tall, straight figure made him feel like the "architecture of a noble lord" or "a cool, reserved man" often described in historical romance novels. This look and aura couldn't be created by mere styling or makeup—it felt innate, as if he was born with the "filter for this role." If it were someone else, something would feel missing—either the right personality or the right charm.
"The essence of Mei Zhuyu's character lies in his self-restraint, endurance, cool detachment, and deeply concealed love — outwardly cold yet inwardly tender, noble yet not arrogant, elegant yet not fragile. This aligns perfectly with the natural aura of #XuKai. He is someone who inherently carries silence, aloofness, and a serene indifference to the world.
"He doesn't make loud noises, act flamboyantly, or express himself excessively. This kind of temperament is crucial, because if the actor were naturally outgoing, passionate, or attention-seeking by nature, when trying to portray a cold and composed character, it would often come across as "trying too hard to be cold," feeling forced.
"But Xu Kai already possesses that quality — a natural tranquility, stillness, and detachment. He doesn't need to deliberately pretend to be composed or cold. Simply standing there makes Mei Zhuyu's self-restraint, aloofness, and icy elegance feel utterly believable.
"This is the pinnacle of acting — when the audience doesn't feel the actor is "performing," but rather that he "truly is that character."
"Even more importantly, beyond his perfectly fitting appearance and aura, Xu Kai also has the solid acting skills to support this role.
"Because having a face suited to the role alone can only create a "handsome guy." But when natural suitability combines with strong performance, a truly memorable character is born.
"The reason Mei Zhuyu is beloved and accepted by audiences in #MoonlitReunion isn't just because of his looks or vibe alone.
"But rather the "pain suppressed in his gaze," the "captivated attraction held back," the "quiet internal conflict," and the "tenderness laced with compassion" — all conveyed through the subtle details of his eyes and expressions.
"Without shouting, without over-the-top dramatics, or exaggerated displays.
"Xu Kai also demonstrates masterful control in his performance — cold yet not emotionless, reserved yet not numb, serene yet brimming with feeling, distant yet still warm. His emotions are drawn inward and hidden deep in the heart, making the acting more nuanced, intricate, and captivating with every moment. The more you watch, the more enchanting it becomes.
"The fusion of "irreplaceable looks + perfectly suited temperament + exquisitely nuanced acting skills" in a single actor is something unbelievably rare in Chinese period dramas."
https://x.com/HIJKL__OP/status/2054604611861061902?s=20
Full text under "spoiler" (no spoilers, just long).