As the Chinese drama Zhu Yu continues to achieve impressive viewership and buzz, its lead actor Zhang Linghe is rapidly gaining popularity. However, beyond his on-screen success, discussions surrounding the strong backing behind his career have also become a hot topic.
Many industry observers point to his manager Xu Yiruo, founder of Zhòng Xīng Shí Dài, as a key figure driving his rise. Despite the company not being among the largest in the Chinese entertainment industry, it is known for possessing significant resources and strong connections.
Xu Yiruo has previously managed several notable actresses, including Li Yitong and Lu Yuxiao, both of whom consistently secured leading roles early in their careers. Now, Zhang Linghe appears to be following the same path, quickly becoming one of the most prominent actors born after 1995.
The discussion intensified when netizens revisited Xu Yiruo’s past connection to Zhao Lusi. Early in her career, Zhao Lusi was also under Xu Yiruo’s management and, within just one year, landed leading roles in multiple dramas such as Oh! My Emperor , “ The Romance of Tiger and Rose ,…
However, controversy emerged when Zhao Lusi revealed that she had once suffered mistreatment from a former boss after losing a role, leading to mental health struggles. Although she did not explicitly name the individual, speculation quickly pointed toward Xu Yiruo. The manager later denied all allegations.
Adding to the complexity, producer Yu Zheng shared that he helped Zhao Lusi secure a role in Untouchable Lovers without requiring an audition. Yu Zheng is known to have a close relationship with Xu Yiruo, further fueling discussions about industry connections and influence.
Chinese media reports highlight that Xu Yiruo’s strength lies not only in her access to resources but also in her fierce protection of her artists. She has reportedly confronted other management teams directly over disputes, including billing order conflicts involving her talents.
Zhang Linghe’s entry into the entertainment industry has also been described as unusually smooth. In 2019, while still a university engineering student, he was discovered at a café and quickly signed under Xu Yiruo. Soon after, he secured leading roles in dramas such as Maiden Holmes, Love Crossed , and Flourish in Time.
In recent years, he has continued to headline major productions including My Journey to You , Story of Kunning Palace , and The Princess Royal , solidifying his position in the industry.
Despite his growing popularity, Zhang Linghe’s acting still receives mixed reviews. While viewers acknowledge his improvement in “Zhu Yu”, some criticize his emotional expression as lacking subtlety, especially in daily-life scenes where his performance can appear stiff. Acting alongside veteran performers has also highlighted a noticeable gap in experience.
Additionally, attention has been drawn to long-standing tensions between Xu Yiruo and the manager of co-star Tian Xiwei. Reports suggest a conflict lasting nearly nine years, which has led to rumors that Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei showed limited interaction during promotional activities for “Zhu Yu”.
As Zhang Linghe’s career continues to rise, the influence of his powerful management remains both a major advantage and a source of pressure. With high expectations from the public, whether he can fully match his opportunities with performance will be closely watched in the coming years.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
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