Nepeta 22

I don't know much about this drama, and the figures I would take as a pinch of salt. And we're told it's split into 3 parts so presumably 24 episodes might be just the first segment.

The academies may have their own little clique too, but as mentioned before it happens, it's human nature, no matter how hard people try to push equality. It is still who you know, and that's not just in China. Another common way into the drama industry, especially the generation before that is being part of a dance troupe or studying dance and Beijing opera.

With regards to the state of the industry right now, there is no denying short form or even vertical dramas have eaten into the drama industry. It is what it is. People are on the go, and want bite sized dramas so that means faster turnover with more compact stories. Meaning a new style of telling stories. You are seeing more shorter dramas. Anything going into 40 episodes can be described as long and epic.

In China, a growing market of boy band members with an already-made fandom are a better option of employing for dramas because it guarantees viewing from the fandom. That model is breaking away into its own market. The middle market is where the issue is. Many of the actors have also come from the generation before that, their fandoms are very protective and are the ones that tend to be bossy and call the shots. As they grow older (into 30s) they want to develop and it's natural. This is where the Beijing circle comes in. That gate is not easily opened. They will pick a handful for their dramas and sometimes, there's a bit of resentment. The Beijing circle view some of these middle market dramas as simply fan service rather than the art of making dramas with the creator's original vision first, and then employing a suitable actor second.

The problem is, in China, the netizens are large and they voice their wants all day long. With that, it's natural drama makers hear that and make what viewers want. Even though the likes of Zhang Yimou are muscling into dramas, I still think there will be a split. They will try to preserve a more film vision into a drama format whilst the middle market may shrink a bit but continue to make whatever is en-vogue of the time, and right now it's Xianxias, rebirth, amnesia and some lightweight retro dramas . I'm not complaining. I think it may mean more variety.

What remains to be seen is whether an economic downturn affects China's drama industry. It may mean less dramas made but not sure if that would help with making quality better or not.

It's ok. You like a portion of viewers have grown out of these dramas but you are just unaware. You demand more now because you are transitioning. Be mindful that this is really just an idol costume drama and many of the complaints you list happen quite often in other dramas.

Dramas that stand out to you will normally have been updated, especially from older novels that have dated elements such as damsel in distress, needing a silent protector to be saved all the time, and having about 3-4 men just seemingly fall for FL. Support actors not fully formed, but needed to fill out the drama.

Also modern taste in ML has changed in China too thanks to a big boy band culture so MLs are often very slim and almost feminine in their facial appearance. With that, FLs need to suit them and it can be challenging at times.

We see this happening with stars like Hou Ming Hao. He has to be carefully paired with equally delicate and often small set actresses like AiMi, Lu YuXiao and He Nan. I hope you know what I mean with the FL. And BTW, most of the complaining I see is mocking older actresses taking on a role that in novels state are described as 18 year olds. I would say having a much younger FL to the ML is still very rare in today's C Dramas, so this constant complaint about a minor is not convincing to me. They should just admit they're bringing other baggage (unable to accept the tax case is closed and everything fine) to this drama and trying to hide behind the minor angle.

These comments you keep seeing are followers. Highly influenced by marketing accounts that populate social media. As pointed out past similar instances did not garner much attention let alone some moral point and protection of young girls. These people aware or unaware try to hide behind this so-called underage allegation but they soon unravel when they personally attack the actress, when ironically she's supposed to be a girl that needs protection so how comes she's subjected to being attacked?

People who genuinely care about under age girls being exploited would always deal with the industry and the surrounding network. But I see less of that but more attacks on the actress & her family instead.

Reality is, we generally see more attacks on older women taking away the role for a younger role, and less the other way round. This over critical analysis of women portrayed in dramas has become the norm,

So the shift from that has to be on current legality of very young actresses playing roles that have a love interest. We all know, many of these adaptations tend to be characters in their teens. But suddenly, no it's not acceptable to cast someone close to the character's age.

This big swing makes me very convinced that those that keep complaining haven't got over the earring case and when the outcome goes against their allegations, they shift tactics. What you are seeing is a portion that got swept up with this original campaign to tarnish the actresses' image and those that are still angry that the authorities' investigation that did not go the outcome they had hoped. Very little to do with her age and her character. She is seen as someone taking a plum role and there must be something behind that.

These comments you keep seeing are followers. Highly influenced by marketing accounts that populate social media. As pointed out past similar instances did not garner much attention let alone some moral point and protection of young girls. These people aware or unaware try to hide behind this so-called underage allegation but they soon unravel when they personally attack the actress, when ironically she's supposed to be a girl that needs protection so how comes she's subjected to being attacked?

People who genuinely care about under age girls being exploited would always deal with the industry and the surrounding network. But I see less of that but more attacks on the actress & her family instead.

Reality is, we generally see more attacks on older women taking away the role for a younger role, and less the other way round. This over critical analysis of women portrayed in dramas has become the norm,

So the shift from that has to be on current legality of very young actresses playing roles that have a love interest. We all know, many of these adaptations tend to be characters in their teens. But suddenly, no it's not acceptable to cast someone close to the character's age.

This big swing makes me very convinced that those that keep complaining haven't got over the earring case and when the outcome goes against their allegations, they shift tactics. What you are seeing is a portion that got swept up with this original campaign to tarnish the actresses' image and those that are still angry that the authorities' investigation that did not go the outcome they had hoped. Very little to do with her age and her character. She is seen as someone taking a plum role and there must be something behind that.

Which episode are you on? I can't see any of this. FL is fully onboard and in love with ML?

I heard it was because they didn't have the rights in the first one.

If you enjoy her role here, I recommend you watch her in City of the City. She has tremendous confidence in her acting for someone of her age. Definitely one to watch out for.

Whoever warned you clearly knows their fandom well, but I don't want to say each and everyone is like that. But,those that shout the loudest gets the headlines, but not necessarily in a good way sometimes...

I am usually civil when I post, but I cannot sit back when I see blatant bullying. Whenever I see racists, sexist remarks and bullying, I just can't hold back. I usually try to educate some, but unfortunately, that doesn't always ends well. Nevermind. The problem is, they have successfully driven a lot of decent posters away because they are just simply unbearable😉 .

The Beijing set/circle is a fluid term, and in some cases used in a way that is negative rather than positive. The group is not obviously pinned down, but usually a way to describe a set of writers/directors that put film art first and foremost. I don't know if the BIFF is linked with that as such. The Magnolia awards, Flying Apsaras & Golden Eagle are the known awards that's long been established. But due to their quite exclusive selection, there are more and more smaller awards nowadays to accommodate the growing industry that is now more idol drama based.

Actors that work in film more than dramas always tend to have a sense of respectability. But times are changing and dramas are the main medium, much like what we are seeing outside of China where old Hollywood actors in films are now pounding away in short series with Paramount/Netflix and Disney channels etc.

In China the classic of that would be those that have parents from the arts/film industry and families that were influential in those circles, and most importantly are quite wealthy to begin with. Some child actors like Yang Zi, Wu Lei & Song Zuer would be considered that too. Then there's the industry offsprings like Zhang Ruoyun, Chen Fei Yu and Sandra Ma. Next tier are those that have decent agencies with good connections in that circle, and these are unconfirmed, but normally the same sort of names always pop up. Those names tend to be actors or actresses that have had part foreign education like Teresa Li, Julia Xiang & Sabrina Zhuang.

Finally, the last group are ones that have been picked up for their good works. Although going to one of the 3 top acting academies gets you some clout, but it's not really true anymore. I'm sure ZYL started out as an air hostess. I could be wrong. Bai Yu is one example of someone that had been ploughing away until the one overnight hit low budget BL drama Guardians brought him to wider attention. This was recognised later by his sudden fame.

But with that, the establishment will sometimes take a shine to stars like that. Today, it's much more unclear, and with Zhang Yimou increasingly getting more involved in the drama circuit, anyone that ends up on one of his productions are sort of considered the lucky ones. Is that elitist? That's the issue sometimes. So you can see why that term is sometimes used negatively. Modern day China wants and tries to be inclusive and fair, but deep down, the old ways of connections, pandering to those with wealth and past fame is still deep in the culture.

Why would I reply to Kokuto 2 days ago? I chance upon this page because of two actors that might be on here. And what I saw by accident was a gaggle of so-called XZ fans attacking and lashing out at posters that come on here that aren't XZ fans.

Kokuto has been unwelcomed and mocked. If defending yourself from attack is polluting, I don't have much to say. You clearly have been sucked into playing victims when most of the polluting have been a handful of XZ fandom trying to gate keep this page and trying to hound or restrict anyone that happens to be here that don't fan or praise XZ. That's intolerance and needs pushing back at.

Well, anyone that isn't repeating same things like a robot can look interesting on this page! I unfortunately came across this same fandom on the Spying drama page 6 months ago, and the same bullying tactic and trying to control who, what & when someone can say or not say certain things...

Apparently, you can't mention another actor's name in a drama from another drama, only the ones within the drama? They came down on an innocent poster who just made a comparison. The intolerance of a mere name of another actor playing something similar set the pack free.

The relentless repeated ticking off on that poster. You'd think that poster had killed someone! When I politely told them that there is no such rule on the forum and they shouldn't make comments like it is gospel, they then tried to hound me off by conveniently labelling me a hater. This is the go-to tactic when you know you have no other thing to say.

The word hater is often abused and used to make them look like they're picked on. But it doesn't work much because they then resort to making fun of anyone that is not a XZ fan.

I'll see how it goes with the future of this drama. It depends if there is anything worth posting about in regards to the other cast members. I genuinely only chanced upon this drama for Zhang Yaqin and Lan Ying Ying. But now I am apparently a hater and a TJC fan . Very bizarre paranoid behaviour. And to make things worse, they keep telling others to seek help with their mental state.

The Beijing set/circle also sent them off too. They are snobs themselves, so that comment is the type that annoys them most. They don't like the fact that, there is a gate that you need to go through and it has nothing to do with money or fame. If that set likes you or accepts you, then you are in. And XZ's team has been orchestrating themselves that direction for a long while. Being in Daylight Entertainment productions or working with director ZXL are indicators. I have no issue in saying these things, it's pretty obvious.

In China, there is an unwritten rule that sudden fame through BL dramas is like a cheats way in. From those sets, a select few can transition into more long-term careers. He is like the early wave of that group and if accepted, they need to tread a very clean line and set very good examples with ethics & morals. That means limiting idol romance style dramas and playing more roles that reflect heroes of the day.

This drama is straying a bit off that, but their fandom know it is a good middle ground type drama. His own fans will like it a lot more, as it sings to that generation more. But this is why you will see less and less of him working back to back like some of the traffic stars. He and his team will only wait for projects that are from certain directors in that clique and with subjects that are creating old style heroes.

Sorry, you got it wrong. I came here because I saw Lan Ying Ying and Zhang Yaqin listed. So that is how I ended up here. Nothing sinister and certainly not as exciting as you claim it to be. I have no one else in mind for the lead role as I know very little of the story.

But upon turning up here, I see relentless bullying and belittling of potential co-stars. Has nothing to do with XZ at all, but all to do with some of his so-called fandom hiding behind his name to grind others down when all I am seeing is a lot of cringey back patting and repeated copy and pasted achievements of XZ.

You obviously don't read the room well. But it's OK, if you are in the centre of this echo chamber, how would you know...

No problem, I don't worry for XZ. He is doing just fine. That uplift comment was in response to the other XZ fan's claim that these co-stars need this job badly to help with their careers. It's all there to see. So I responded with a similar way with what I believe could also be plausible. As I said, if they play below belt, I will respond in a similar way.

Anyway, have a lovely day...

I'm not directing what is best. I wanted to be more to the point that I was not specifically talking about XZ, but the people he's surrounded with. These decisions may not be his own choice but advice from those around him. This is in regards to the direction of his career, and how they want him to progress.

You seem to be touchy even with that type of comment, talking about he's a grown adult? I will leave it here. A normal healthy discussion about an actor's career or direction can even turn into so much negativity.

Stand back and really re-read these comments. Some fans have become so paranoid they are making the forum miserable. But will happily put the blame on others. Fanning should be a happy event, but some of the posters here seem stressy and tired out. That is the real unhealthy picture. XZ is doing just fine. He probably want you to chill too?

I am not expecting you to agree. That statement is my opinion. It might not make nice reading to XZ fans but they are my opinion and entitled to write them out, especially if that other poster felt the need to let others know all co-stars needed to audition hard to get a gig on this drama. If you feel that is unkind, then so be it.

BTW, it is not XZ, it is the people he is surrounded with that are pushing him in this direction. I am sure XZ just want to act full stop, rather than slowing down and having bigger gaps to wait for the next select project to come along.

Good to see some rational fans. And I know there are. It is unfortunate that on MDL, some of the most vocal ones are inadvertently damaging his good reputation. It's almost like he has to deal with the embarrassing mother at the school gates!

It's not called defensive. It is called standing up to bullies that think hiding behind XZ they can have licence to talk down to others. Read AndiFlowers original comment and you will see where this discussion started from.

I can have a nice and healthy discussion on the drama and the actors of choice any other time. But responding to someone that I feel have got it wrong about auditioning because I don't agree with that comment is unhealthy according to you, I think you are the defensive one.

And where did I dream about other characters not being central? Check, I have made zero comments about that. I am well aware of the drama lay out and how it will pan out, so I am not your imaginary 'delusional' anti fan that you seem to be quite obsessed about. I was responding to a comment about auditioning.

Regarding your last paragraph, I was responding to a poster claiming to be a XZ fan, who talked down to others and condescendingly stated they all had to audition hard to get a place to be in "Xiao Zhan's Drama". Now tell me, am I expected to agree when I don't agree with this remark?

I only replied from that and then mentioned WDX (to whom I am not a fan of) because to my mind, this actor has a fair bit of respect inside China and well liked too. That someone like him scrambling to try and get a gig on this drama made me laugh. It just seems quite out of touch and a bit cringey. Now you're going to tell me this is bad behaviour?

I will always be fair and civil even if I disagree. But using poor XZ to bully others in such a blatant way, I cannot sit back and let that happen and go unchallenged. If you wish to paint me as some nasty piece of work, go ahead, I can accept that.

If other posters will find the time to read through the historic posts, they will see that there was a handful of so-called XZ fans mocking potential co-stars by repeating anyone that is not his fan are merely jealous and venting their anger at XZ. Wrong, they are standing up to blatant bullies hiding behind XZ as an excuse to talk down to other stars. Far from the picture of them being the victim I'm afraid

More juvenile comments from the poster that drags down the tone on this forum. So who exactly am I a fan of that you keep repeating. I'm honestly mystified. Talking in code is really not the done thing.

Reap what you sow is exactly what I stick with. I only react like with like. If openly responding to a poster that talks down to potential co-stars and their view on auditioning is so problematic for you, then stay away from the discussion. This isn't just a one-man-band drama.

I can't speak for the other poster Kokuto as I am not specifically a TJC fan. I admire some of his dramas just like I admire some of XZ works. It's not a crime to be that way?

As for WDX, I stated clearly I am not a fan of him, but it is a bit comical to state by a so-called XZ supporter in this drama, saying support actors needed to work hard to audition on one of XZ's dramas. If that's not comical, I don't know what is.

I think some of these fandoms have been in their little echo chamber for too long, they're growing a bit out of touch with the real world. For actors like WDX or Lan Ying Ying, it's just another gig in their career. And they didn't need to audition because sadly in China, that is not happening much anymore, unless a very specific director demands it, and on projects like this, it's connections.

That poster did that to put other actors down to uplift their fave. You reap what you sow. That is why you will see my comment, you play below belt, I will do the same too.

Just so others are aware when they come to this page, thinking it's just a normal drama page please be aware that by making comments like I disagree with your assessment of how the Chinese dramas industry works, the usual suspects pile in to play victim by putting down other actors in this drama and then claiming it's the other way round.

A common tactic seen and to be honest quite tiresome. They claim they're the victims and then block you (which has happened in my case) so they think they have the final say.

The reason why the forum turns negative is due to their insistence of being picked on readily and shamelessly using XZ as their excuse. To any passerby that happens to chance on this page, don't allow the multi accounts try to intimidate or hound you out of the page. They don't know the meaning of sharing a drama page with others that may not be that interested in their own fave so they consistently repeat other fandoms are picking on their faves, when in reality, I have seen little of that.

Please watch out for these particular posters that try to act the victim (but done poorly) Liz Florez, AndiFlowers, Nap Time, Cooloria, Laughing Stars & brighstar. Just a side note they're probably just 2 people because they can't seem to conceal their writing styles 😉