Among the dramas unveiled at the recent Mango TV event is a new project that reunites Xu Kai and Bai Lu after the two played the main couple in The Legends and Arsenal Military Academy. Set during the Ming Dynasty, Shang Shi 尚食 is a historical drama about the culinary arts that follows a woman’s journey as she enters the palace and rises up the ranks through her cooking skills. Am I the only one thinking Jewel in the Palace?
It seems that not everyone is happy with the repeated pairings involving the two as producer-writer Yu Zheng had to defend the casting choice. He explained that both leads were casted because they fit the role and not as a way to push the couple pairing.
Yu Zheng took to social media to issue a warning towards toxic haters. He says, “Let me tell you something, it’s useless! I am a professional producer, casting has always been based on whether it’s a good fit or not. Could care less whether it pleases you or not. Leave the fandom, once the show airs on Hunan TV + Mango TV, fans will increase. Your criticisms can’t affect me, dream on!” He even cited that a certain actor who because of fans left a job last minute was blacklisted by three broadcasting networks. Yu Zheng added, “You can scold me and dislike me, that is your freedom, but, sorry, I will still go my way, see you at the latter half of next year when Shang Shi begins filming!”
When Bai Lu previously bore the brunt of hate from some Xu Kai fans, it was Yu Zheng who stood by the pair and even declared that more projects will be in store for them. No wonder he’s getting a rep as the couple’s biggest fan.
Truth be told, Huanyu Film seems to be promoting repeated pairings lately with Wu Jinyan and Nie Yuan who keep working together. The same seems to be happening to Xu Kai and Bai Lu. Some may hate it, but I’m one of those who simply love it. The timing of this is kind of funny, I’m in the middle of watching Arsenal Military Academy.
Source: 1
jess
I like this pairing, they have the chemistry and rapport having worked together before. I hope the storyline is good.
Zhilie
Yu zheng is so cool. One should be like him when faces haters.
Anonymous
I personally disagree. People should be like Yang Mi instead, who lets haters say whatever they want and never replies to them.
Kyliee
I'm so happy ?. I don't mind seeing them together even for hundred times ?.
Kenjana
Same here ✋
Lil
Wowzer!!! Thank you for the translation.
I happen to love this OTP. Their off screen chemistry is the true entertainment (lol). So far it looks like this new drama will be female lead centric like Legend & Arsenal.
I did hear China was planning a Jewel in the Palace a while ago (on/off), so this tells me that this pairing was made with much considerations. Although,
Ella Clark
It's not like he only pairs them two together. Xu Kai has shot 2 dramas without Bai Lu and another one coming, and Bai Lu has had 3 dramas without Xu Kai shot and another one coming. I love both actors but when they are together I just think they are at their best especially behind the scenes. I never understand how you can call yourself a fan if you damage the actor or their colleagues reputation neither does help the person you admire. I have read many comments on the original Weibo post of Yu Zheng and a lot of people support his choice.I think the overall percentage internationally and in China supporting them is higher it's just that negativity creates more noise.
Heidi
Awesome news. Much respect to this dude who stands up against the backlash. He does sound like a major fan of the two. I can't wait for more from this pairing. They work so well together, and if they don't mind it, I don't mind it. I just feel so spoiled, both The Legends and Arsenal Military Academy are my two absolute favorite dramas, and they both came out this year.
hohliu
It is a Dae Jang Geum copy. I sincerely hope he bought rights to use the story. I have always wonder who will film a similar drama, not surprised it is Yu Zheng.
Anonymous
so is it based on Jewel in the Palace ? or did Yu Zheng just copy it again illegally.
Man Man
Wow! I never would have thought that they would ever star in another drama together again. Honestly, it's rare they were in two, but I love them together so I'm elated! They do such a good job becoming their characters and making the stories new and entertaining. The two leads were paired again in the Fated to Love You China remake and people like them together too. It sells, but then again Bai Lu and Xu Kai's chemistry is so electrifying, it really comes out on the screen. Can't wait! I'm looking forward to their other projects as well.
Anonymous
@Man Man: I don't know what you're talking about. The two leads in Eternal Love/Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms are Yang MI <3 and Mark Chao. The leads in the upcoming Fated to Love You are Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie.
Anonymous
Oh, I'm SO sorry. Continued from 9.c: I thought you were talking about "Eternal Love"/"Ten Miles Peach Blossoms" – you know, the crazy popular one that's the most popular drama in China? I didn't realize you were talking about "THE Eternal Love"! Sorry!
Man Man
I meant to say the two leads in ETERNAL LOVE were casted in the Fated to Love You China remake.
Anonymous
I love both of them individually and together but sometimes I want to see fresh pairings as well. Bai Lu is gonna work with Luo Yunxi and I hope she one day works with Song Weilong again, seeing how they are in the same company.
sissy
These two would stop the clock once their drama starts. I just hope they could get more support than hate and BaiLu could get more recognition since she is a very flexible actress. Their pairing is so realistic that haters can’t get over with ZuKai. Can’t wait for this drama…
Anonymous
They are obviously dating.
And both are good actors with great on screen chemistry.
So I don't mind if they want to work with each other for the rest of their lives
Anonymous
Arsenal is anything but female centric.
It's an military drama so it'd definitely listed as male centric even BL was 1st billed. At the time they were filming that she was more popular.
Anonymous
Yes his post is salvage and true!
Only his obsessed fans are mad because, let's be real, she is his gf and they didn't want them to be close. This news is pretty much a confirmation they are still together and stay strong even after everything. I'm happy for them and hope they can do better in their next drama.
As long as they provided great acting skill and good story line they will have support.
Anonymous
It's not strange for Chinese actors working together especially if they are under 1 agency.
I think it has to do more with the her being his girlfriend and his fans aren't happy with it… It's not like they could have him
Jules Verne
Oh cool! I just finished Arsenal Military Academy and loved what the two brings into the characters 🙂 It's one of those drama that doesn't drag and fun to watch from the beginning to end.
Unknown
Omg im glad that they have another drama together love it..they have a heavy chemistrt hope they become couple in real life
unknown
they r really awesome and heave beautiful chemistry it's will blockbuster super awesome like the legend all the best team ……..xu kai and ba lui fans r waiting
Unknown
I really realy love the chemistry of Xu Kai and Bai Lu. Fans are getting wild and happy to see them back together in a project. We are hopingto see them filming together for more projects…
We love you #KaiLu (Xu Kai & Bai Lu)
Unknown
Bai Lu and Xu Kai have chemistry…I love the way they act on screen….especially from the movie The Legends…to d director congratuation for job well done…
Unknown
Hahaha I am a new fan of them. I really just wish I could understand their language without subs I thinks its would be so much beautiful. I have seen them on separate dramas and individually I like them both. So much more now that they are together. Mwah! Lots of love!
John
who have watched love is sweet here, If you have please who can compare it to her relatioship with xu kai
Kem
I personally prefere ku Kai x Ching xiao