I explained clearly in my book translations that the story of Lost You Forever is Xiao Yao’s story and the male lead of her story is Cang Xuan/Zhuan Xu, her older brother cousin. The growth and evolution of his path to ruling the entire world mirrors Xiao Yao’s return and her trials and tribulations, so the male lead designation is not about which guy she ends up but about which guy this novel is telling the story about. He’s also the Lost You Forever in Book 1, with Jing taking book 2 Love You Forever, and my bae Xiang Liu being book 3 Missing You Forever. So the Bazaar China pictorial that just came out is all Yang Zi and Zhang Wan Yi promoting LYF in a modern crossed with period photo shoot. Both look really poised and proper while radiating a strong connection with the camera. Zhang Wan Yi really grew on me as Cang Xuan/Zhuan Xu, initially he wasn’t as compelling as Tan Jian Ci bringing Xiang Liu to life with a dash more hidden emotion or Deng Wei making Jing a stronger presence onscreen. But as the drama has gone on, Zhang Wan Yi is absolutely stepping up and nailing the dichotomy of his character.
ZWY gives me the young Leslie Cheung’s vibes
I’m here for all the LYF content, thank you for obsession and commentary!! I didn’t read the books but am OBSESSED with the show, it’s all so so good…
Ockoala, are you in the mood to translate your favorite xiang liu – xiao yao fanfics?
My FEELINGS are stirred again after 8 years.
love the pics!
I LOVE THIS PICTORIAL! I didn’t understand Zhuanxu much in the story, but here Zhang Wanyi is making the character more believeable and his acting is just 💯💯💯. Did you see his knife scene in ep 24? Just glad Cang Xuan is played by a great actor!
I just read the novel and my heart is broken into a million pieces. It’s not hard to guess who is breaking it (your bae is my bae) it’s beautifully written and looking at the episodes till now, the drama has stayed true to the spirit of the novel, the casting is chef kiss and now we just need to let the pain come real and deep. Sob…
Totally agree there is no dispute who is the male lead – he’s not the romantic lead for sure as amongst all things grey it’s clear her feelings for him never grew to that point (and that’s his fault more because he had a clear advantage which he picked power over) – but his way to the top mirrors her trials and growth into 2 individuals wanting different things in life. I love how the story develops and they better not ruin it!
He’s super studly. Lol. Doing a fantastic job with his character
Love love. Thank you for always going out of your busy life to update content and put your POV on LYF. I agree with stardust and your comment about the whole novel and content of the drama. Just like Yang Zi said it’s not about who XY ends up with but the journey ZX and XY went through to get to where they are. Also, the sacrifices made. Maybe I have watched too many historical dramas with the ML wanting the throne but ZW did a wonderful job as ZX. And I like his character because he isn’t the typical emperor or prince who covets his fortune and name for the title but by maneuvering his own abilities through his charm, vision and ultimately his driving force XY. He might come off obsessive but I see it as obtaining your goal and love at the same time.
Jianci played XL really well, but you get that from a lot of seasoned actors. I don’t ever doubt his ability.
DW did a great job portraying Jing. He is getting lots of traction after till the end of the moon and now LYF.
ZWY is really a great actor. I love his acting delivery on LYF and his voice, so damn cool.
So excited to read your translation of this book. Finished season 1 and I can’t wait for season 2. Please not another year😔
Casting directors know their s*** cuz this cast is stellar! When I first heard about a new Yang Zi drama being filmed and saw all of the final male actors,I was like oh well because I did not know any of them. But now all I can say is WOW 🔥🔥🔥
So glad Xu Kai was already committed to do Snow Eagle Lord and had to pass on the role of Cang Xuan!