Supernatural Romance and Investigation C-drama Moonlit Romance with Xu Kai and Tian Xi Wei Heads Towards Finale and Gets Douban Opening Ratings of 6.6
August 2025 wasn’t as strong a month in C-dramas as July was the prior month, but the August dramas have all ended or are ending so time to check in on one that I haven’t started yet but still plan to. Tencent fantasy romance C-drama Moonlit Reunion with Xu Kai and Tian Xi Wei will end its run this week and the opening Douban ratings of 6.6 are decent enough. But the drama never got hot and hit at most 26,000 heat index on the platform, though the reviews were positive for the lush visuals and strong directing, but mixed for the chemistry of the two leads and higher praise for Tian Xi Wei’s acting compared Xu Kai. In fact, his dating scandal may have generated more buzz than this drama but in the end the viewership did not seem to be impacted by it (neither going up or dropping, just staying relatively the same). Xu Kai always seems to be acting for a paycheck while Tian Xi Wei was really banking on this drama after her earlier year drama The Guardians of the Dafeng made her a true supporting role and she didn’t get any boost from it.
I was able to follow it for 10 or so eps. But then I realize I was making myself watch it and let it go afterwards… I couldnt feel interested in any lead or side characters or their stories? I like both leads esp TXW but even her character OR her acting felt like a cold pretense.. there was no chemistry between them as CP. Filming sets and costumes were amazing to see though.
xu kai is in a high critical period. It’s amazing for them to have secured a decent score. The drama could have been good but the writer and editor messed it up. He was focused on promoting the third male character.
Although Xu Kai is the 1st billed but it feels more like a female-centric drama because TXW has more screentime, ,this drama is also from her POV. XK has less screentime for a ML and his character is more reserved.
I already predicted he won’t be affected much (compared to Zhao Qing) for now. But likely for his future projects, the producers or directors might be more hesitant to cast him…..afterall there are so many up and coming actors with good loooks and talents
I started it recently and am liking it. 6.6 sounds about right for this. I agree that Tian Xi Wei’s acting was better. She’s always had that puppyish, grounded warmth, but here she brings a preternatural cool that doesn’t fight her usual vibe. Xu Kai’s character is pretty quiet and boring, sort of like that one quiet, stiff, tall and handsome side-character you typically see in a cdrama. Story and visuals are interesting. I love the color combinations. I sort of wish this was a drama featuring two female leads (cat lord and snake lord) working together to solve cases, like it was Ancient Detective or something.
Now I’m curious what acting for a paycheck means. I need to check out more of his dramas.
Acting for a paycheck – I can see this. Going through the motions/coasting, is the impression I got, but haven’t watched many episodes, so far, it/he could change.
So far, I like it. I have to agree with the lush visuals and strong directing. TXW does have the advantage with the better written character and more screen time. I usually haven’t seen Xu Kai this cold LOL, Idk if it’s him or the character.
I first watched TXW in. Ew Life Begins, and subsequently I was not able to watch any of her drama. I felt like her acting was the same, couldn’t feel they are different characters in different drama. I also couldn’t continue Guardians of Dafeng after her character was introduced. It’s just my personal opinion. I didn’t try this drama because of this, should I try?