While Love in Pavilion (淮水竹亭) officially stars Liu Shishi and Zhang Yunlong, it has a cast full of guest stars. Among them is the unexpected new pairing of Ding Yuxi and Meng Ziyi, both fresh off their respective hit dramas and on-screen chemistry with Esther Yu and Li Yunrui. It might feel a bit too soon, but it just proves that good acting is all you need—because I’m totally sold on this new pairing.
In the drama, Zhang Zheng is a swordsman burdened by family secrets, while Qing Muyuan is a bold and resourceful informant leader. Their storyline is full of classic tropes: two people secretly in love with each other, a supposed love triangle between the stand-in Anaran and the young master (both played by Ding Yuxi), and the woman they love (played by Meng Ziyi). But it’s not really a love triangle—her first love was always the same person.
One particular kiss scene trended especially with the two stars watching it live and reacting in real time with viewers. Right before the scene aired, Meng Ziyi commented, “This is a bit awkward… we’re watching our own scene,” complete with both nervously sipping their drinks. Ding Yuxi asked, “The one after, is it the one with some touching?” Meng Ziyi awkwardly replied, “It’s a bit embarrassing… yes, the touching is a bit…” The two couldn’t help but laugh, with Meng Ziyi even avoiding the the camera during the kissing scene. As awkward as it was for them, the chemistry was off the charts. Can we hope for them to star in a full-length drama together?
Source: Ding Yuxi Studio, Meng Ziyi Studio
