Appearing together at the Tencent Video Starlight Awards, Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, who play the lead couple in Zhu Yu has unexpectedly become a hot topic not for their striking images, but for the frozen atmosphere between them. Netizens were quick to notice that the two barely interacted during the event. A brief moment when Tian Xiwei walked past Zhang Linghe with a unequivocally distant attitude it was enough to send social media into a frenzy.
Indeed, this sense of “alienation” it does not arise from a single incident. From the beginning of filming Zhu Yuthe pair had already come under scrutiny for their lack of interaction, rarely seen chatting or laughing together as is common on other romantic drama sets. During the project’s opening ceremony photo session, the two stood noticeably apart, and even when taking group photos together, they did not take off their masks. It’s rare for a romantic drama to reveal something like this strong sense of incompatibility between the male and female protagonists from the first day of filming.
According to Sina, the root of the tension lies in the delicate issue of billing orders, a recurring source of conflict in Chinese drama productions. Although Zhang Linghe was officially announced as the highest-billed actor, Tian Xiwei’s team reportedly did not accept this deal. Both parties were concerned about screen time, personal positioning and career benefits, leading to a situation where neither was willing to back down.
This dispute had reportedly been dormant for nearly two months prior Zhu Yu filming officially began. Fans of both actors have repeatedly clashed online, while the production team has been criticized for its vague handling of the matter and failure to issue a clear statement, allowing rumors and speculation will get out of control.
Many viewers expressed disappointment, accusing both actors of lack of professionalism. For a romantic drama, the chemistry and interaction between the leads is often considered vital. Watching the two get entangled in a battle over self-interest left the audience feeling like they were “forced” to work together rather than sincerely wanting to collaborate on the project.
What makes the situation even more deplorable is that both Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei are outstanding actors of the post-1995 generation, known for their high-class images and frequent appearances in popular young star lists. Expectations were high for a visually stunning pairing, which only amplified the sense of disappointment AS Zhu Yu was embroiled in controversy before its premiere.
As for the plot, Zhu Yu follows the story of Fan Changyu, a butcher’s daughter, and Xie Zheng, a fallen nobleman seeking revenge, leading to a fake marriage. When Xie Zheng heads to the battlefield, Changyu does not hesitate to follow him, knife in hand, fighting alongside him to protect his loved one, defend the kingdom and seek justice.
A romantic-heroic story full of potential, Zhu Yu now runs the risk of becoming a cautionary tale that no matter how visually perfect a cast may be, a lack of unity and harmony behind the scenes can jeopardize a project before it even reaches the screen.
Sources: K14
