Zhao Liying has soared in recent years, cementing her top-tier status among the post-85 Chinese actresses with hit dramas like The Story of Xing Fu, Wild Bloom, and The Legend of Shen Li. However, 2025 hasn’t been smooth sailing—her films We Girls and She’s Got No Name failed to impress at the box office, and her drama What a Wonderful World underperformed. This has led many to believe that Zhao is losing steam to her long-time rival, Yang Mi, who recently struck gold with the blockbuster This Thriving Land.
Now, Zhao faces another major concern her new co-star, Huang Xiaoming. Once a box office golden boy, Huang has suffered repeated flops, and his involvement in Zhao’s upcoming drama The City Maker is making fans nervous. The hashtag “Save Zhao Liying from Huang Xiaoming” is spreading online as fans fear his declining popularity might sabotage her.
Huang Xiaoming: From Leading Man to Liability?
Huang Xiaoming used to be a guaranteed draw with roles as CEOs or emperors in dramas and films. But in recent years, his projects have failed to live up to expectations. His latest, Mostly Sunny, flopped hard, despite efforts to reinvent himself with a shaved head and more grounded performances. His recent projects both on TV and in film have consistently failed to resonate with audiences, raising questions about whether he can still carry a major production.
This brings intense scrutiny to The City Maker, a drama adapted from Zhu Xiaojun’s novel Zhong Guo Nong Min Cheng. The story follows Li Qiu Ping, played by Zhao Liying, a pioneering female cadre who leads rural development efforts in 1980s Zhejiang. Huang Xiaoming plays Zheng De Cheng, her partner in this mission.
Initially hyped for its socially relevant themes and high production value, the series has become a hot topic for all the wrong reasons. One major controversy is the gender swap of the central character from male to female a move some critics believe weakens the adaptation. While some defend the change as a nod to modern female leadership, others worry it strays from the original’s spirit.
But what worries fans most is Huang Xiaoming’s track record. They question whether he can hold his own next to Zhao, who is still considered a ratings queen. If he underdelivers, the show risks flopping and Zhao could unfairly bear the blame.
Fans Mobilize to Protect Zhao Liying
Zhao’s fandom has been vocal. They’ve called on her management and the drama’s production team to reassess casting decisions, or at least protect Zhao from shouldering all the risk. “She doesn’t deserve to be dragged down,” reads one trending comment.
What’s at stake is more than just viewership numbers it’s Zhao Liying’s brand. Her fans argue that she should be paired with actors who match her current standing and momentum. The City Maker could be a career-defining work Li Qiu Ping is a deep, multi-dimensional lead, far from the love-focused heroines Zhao used to play. It’s a golden opportunity to show off her acting chops and gain further acclaim both commercially and critically.
But it’s a gamble. If the show fails due to poor reception, narrative issues, or simply audience fatigue Zhao could see her reputation take a hit. And with Huang Xiaoming’s career already in a fragile state, some worry he could trigger a “domino effect” that affects the entire project.
Currently in post-production, The City Maker is scheduled for release later this year on both TV and streaming platforms. A hit would elevate Zhao even further. But if things go south, the fallout might be more damaging than fans are willing to accept.
As for Huang Xiaoming, this drama could be his last big chance at a comeback. But it’s a high-stakes bet and if he fails, he may not be the only one to fall.
Sources:K14
You must be logged in to post a comment.