Dazzling (耀眼) has already begun filming in Weihai, Shandong, when the drama finally announced its cast today. Leads Guan Xiaotong and Li Yunrui, ages 27 and 28 respectively, charmed fans with playful social media interactions. In character, Guan Xiaotong tagged Li Yunrui with the message, “Just arrived,” to which he responded, “Got you covered”. The drama is adapted from a Jinjiang novel by Shi Jiu Yuan (时玖远), whose other novel Speed and Love is also being adapted into a drama series.
A Fresh New Pairing
In Dazzling, Guan Xiaotong plays Qing Ye, a down-on-her-luck heiress who ends up in a remote town, while Li Yunrui stars as Xing Wu, a small town boy with a rebellious charm. The two gradually begin to heal each other’s emotional wounds. The production has worked on recreating a nostalgic small-town atmosphere. Li Yunrui has already been spotted on set sporting blond hair while Guan Xiaotong is striking in her curly hair. Photos of the two by the sea and on a motorcycle feel like they’re taken straight out of a novel.
Dazzling Faces Early Controversy Over Cast Billing
Meanwhile, it looks like Dazzing is yet another drama that can’t escape controversy over the cast billing. The recent cast announcement has Guan Xiaotong as the top-billed female lead before Li Yunrui. His fans argue that he contributed significant buzz to the project from the start and should be credited equally. Before the cast was finalized, Li Yunrui was long rumored to be the male lead with casting melons pointing to Sun Zhenni joining as the female lead before it became Guan Xiaotong. The actress’ fans defended her top billing, citing her credentials having won a Magnolia Best Supporting Actress award at just 19 years old and her strong suitability for the role.
The cast also features special appearances by Gao Lu, Yan Zidong, and Jenny Zeng Keni, alongside supporting actors Bian Tianyang, Wang Jiaxuan, Wang Hanwen, and more.
foulthings
GXT is such a shitty actor, the fact that she won a magnolia shows they’re rigged to hell. So are the gaokao cuz ain’t no way she placed first for acting school auditions. She’s really terrible. No expressions, so wooden and uncomfortable to watch. Both Sun Zhenni and Zhang Ruonan who were rumored for the role would have been infinitely better. GXT is a nepo baby and I’m convinced that’s the only reason she keeps getting lead roles.