Appearing together at the Tencent Video Starlight Awards, Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei who star as the main couple in Zhu Yu unexpectedly became a hot topic not for their striking visuals, but for the icy atmosphere between them. Netizens were quick to notice that the two barely interacted throughout the event. One brief moment in which Tian Xiwei walked past Zhang Linghe with an unmistakably distant attitude was enough to send social media into a frenzy.
In fact, this sense of “estrangement” did not stem from a single incident. From the very start of filming Zhu Yu, the pair had already been scrutinized for their lack of interaction, rarely seen chatting or laughing together as is common on other romance drama sets. At the project’s opening ceremony photo session, the two stood noticeably far apart, and even when taking group photos together, they did not remove their masks. It is rare for a romance drama to reveal such a strong sense of incompatibility between its male and female leads right from the first day of filming.
According to Sina, the root of the tension lies in the highly sensitive issue of billing order a recurring source of conflict in Chinese drama productions. Although Zhang Linghe was officially announced as the top-billed actor, Tian Xiwei’s side reportedly did not accept this arrangement. Both parties were concerned about screen time, personal positioning, and career benefits, leading to a situation where neither was willing to back down.
This dispute had reportedly been simmering for nearly two months before Zhu Yu officially began filming. Fans of both actors repeatedly clashed online, while the production team was criticized for its vague handling of the matter and failure to issue a clear statement, allowing rumors and speculation to spiral out of control.
Many viewers have expressed disappointment, accusing both actors of lacking professionalism. For a romance drama, chemistry and interaction between the leads are often seen as vital. Watching the two become entangled in a battle over personal interests has left audiences feeling as though they are being “forced” to work together rather than genuinely wanting to collaborate on the project.
What makes the situation even more regrettable is that both Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei are standout post-1995-generation actors, known for their top-tier visuals and frequent appearances on lists of popular young stars. Expectations were high for a visually stunning pairing, which only amplified the sense of letdown as Zhu Yu became embroiled in controversy before its premiere.
As for the storyline, Zhu Yu follows the tale of Fan Changyu, a butcher’s daughter, and Xie Zheng, a fallen noble seeking revenge, leading to a fake marriage. When Xie Zheng heads to the battlefield, Changyu does not hesitate to follow him, knife in hand, fighting by his side to protect her loved one, defend the realm, and seek justice.
A romance-heroic story rich in potential, Zhu Yu now faces the risk of becoming a cautionary tale proof that no matter how visually perfect a cast may be, a lack of unity and harmony behind the scenes can jeopardize a project before it even reaches the screen.
Sources: K14
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