Deng Kai and Huang Yi have begun filming their new historical romance drama The Pearl Swindle (珠雀), which started production in Hengdian on August 25, 2026 and is expected to wrap in early October 2026. The pair have already worked together in the upcoming drama The Noble (金枝) as part of the supporting cast, where they play the villain couple. This time, they take on the leading roles except their characters remain morally questionable.
In The Pearl Swindle, Deng Kai and Huang Yi are master and servant who see their roles reversed. Huang Yi plays Ru Zhu, once a loyal female servant who is forced to kill her master and his household. She subsequently disguises herself as a noblewoman and enters the world of aristocratic power and wealth, gradually losing herself in the pursuit of status. Deng Kai plays Shen Qingjue, who was once Ru Zhu’s master, rising the ranks through military achievements and eventually sacrificing his conscience for power. After losing his memory, he becomes a horse slave and reunites with Ru Zhu.
It looks like Deng Kai will be playing “deranged” roles for a while, and I’m not complaining. The two leads literally have blood smeared across their faces, which is no doubt a glimpse of the scheming and angst to ensue. The Pearl Swindle is produced by Hunan TV, Mango TV and Haohan, which is reportedly Huang Yi’s new agency after leaving Huanyu Film. Deng Kai is part of Chun Feng Hua Mian Talent Agency, which is also under Haohan. It also stars Zuo Ye and Ke Ying.
