Zhang Linghe Pairs with Wang Churan in Republican Drama

Currently wrapping up filming for Chasing Jade <逐玉> alongside co-star Tian Xiwei (田曦薇), actor Zhang Linghe (張凌赫) is slated to team up with Joy of Life’s <慶餘年> Wang Churan (王楚然) in anticipated Republican-era drama This Second <這一秒>!

Shooting to fame with Story of Kunning Palace <寧安如夢> and The Princess Agent <度華年>, the actor’s recent collaboration with actress Xu Ruohan (徐若晗) in The Best Thing <愛你> has once again brought his career to new heights.

The two nearly starred together in First Frost <難哄>, the spin-off of Zhao Lusi’s (趙露思) hit drama Hidden Love <偷偷藏不住> but the project fell through due to delays in production schedule, and Wang Churan’s negative rumors at the time. The roles eventually went to Bai Jingting (白敬亭) and Zhang Ruonan (章若楠), leaving many fans disappointed that Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan missed the chance to achieve even greater popularity together.

Mostly starring in historical dramas, Zhang Linghe expressed a desire to take on more modern roles after The Princess Agent. Initially, his pairing with Xu Ruohan in The Best Thing was met with skepticism, but his natural acting and impressive kiss scenes unexpectedly captured viewers with strong on-screen chemistry. As his first time leading a drama, the show’s succesd led to a steady stream of new script offers.

A Romance Fraught by Longstanding Family Feud

Adapted from web novel If We Were Strangers, a novel by Chinese author Fei Wo Si Cun (匪我思存), the story takes place in 20th-century Shanghai, 11-year-old Ren Susu (played by Wang Churan), the daughter of a pharmaceutical salesman rescues the same-age Murong Qingfeng (played by Zhang Linghe), a destitute noble. By 1937, amidst turbulent times, Ren Susu and Murong Qingfeng reunite during a mission. After completing her task, Ren Susu returns to the place where she and Murong Qingfeng had agreed to meet, waiting alone for his return after he mysteriously goes missing.

Netizens Eagerly Anticipate the Pair’s Onscreen Chemistry

In the original story written 19 years ago, the male lead Murong Qingfeng was portrayed as forceful in his pursuit of the female lead Ren Susu, even causing her to suffer a miscarriage, which led to fans criticizing him as a “scumbag.” Many fans worry that playing this role might harm Zhang Linghe’s public image. However, significant changes have been made to the story according to the drama production team, making fans hopeful for both leads to scale new career heights with the upcoming series.

Source: Upmedia