While Chinese drama Zhu Yu continues to gain impressive viewership and interest, its lead actor Zhang Linghe is rapidly gaining popularity. However, beyond her success on screen, discussions about strong support for her career have also become a hot topic.
Many industry observers point to its manager Xu Yiruo, founder of Zhòng Xīng Shí Dài, as a key figure who guided its rise. While the company is not among the largest in China’s entertainment industry, it is known to possess significant assets and strong ties.
Xu Yiruo has previously directed several notable actresses, including Li Yitong and Lu Yuxiao, both of whom consistently secured leading roles early in their careers. Now, Zhang Linghe appears to be following the same path, quickly becoming one of the most notable actors born after 1995.
The discussion intensified when netizens revisited Xu Yiruo’s past relationship with Zhao Lusi. At the beginning of his career, Zhao Lusi was also under the direction of Xu Yiruo, and within just one year, he landed leading roles in numerous dramas such as Oh! My Emperor, “The Love of Tiger and Rose”,…
However, controversy emerged when Zhao Lusi revealed that she had suffered mistreatment from a former boss after losing a role, resulting in mental health problems. Although he did not explicitly name the individual, speculation quickly pointed towards Xu Yiruo. The manager later denied all allegations.
Adding to the complexity, producer Yu Zheng shared that he helped Zhao Lusi secure a role in Untouchable Lovers without requiring an audition. Yu Zheng is known to have a close relationship with Xu Yiruo, further fueling discussions of industry connections and influence.
Chinese media reports highlight that Xu Yiruo’s strength lies not only in his access to resources but also in his fierce protection of his artists. He reportedly directly confronted other management teams about disputes, including conflicts over billing orders involving his talent.
Zhang Linghe’s entry into the entertainment industry has also been described as unusually smooth. In 2019, while still a university engineering student, he was discovered in a bar and immediately signed with Xu Yiruo. Soon after, he secured leading roles in dramas such as Maiden Holmes, Love Crossed and Flourish in Time.
In recent years, he has continued to star in major productions including My Journey to You, Story of Kunning Palace and The Princess Royal, solidifying his position in the industry.
Despite his growing popularity, Zhang Linghe’s acting still receives mixed reviews. While viewers recognize his improvement in “Zhu Yu”, some criticize his emotional expression as lacking subtlety, especially in scenes of everyday life where his performance can appear stiff. Acting alongside veteran artists also highlighted a notable gap in experience.
Additionally, attention was drawn to the long-standing tensions between Xu Yiruo and co-star Tian Xiwei’s manager. Reports suggest a conflict that lasted nearly nine years, leading to rumors that Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei showed limited interaction during promotional activities for “Zhu Yu”.
As Zhang Linghe’s career continues to grow, the influence of his powerful management remains both a great advantage and a source of pressure. Given the high expectations of the public, whether he can fully fulfill his opportunities with performances will be closely monitored in the coming years.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
