According to Chinese media reports, Zhang Miaoyi has been cast as the female lead Cui Xiaoxiao in the historical fantasy drama Cuo Shi Lu, where she will star opposite Ao Ruipeng. The project is widely viewed as one of the most important opportunities in the actress’s career, potentially helping her rebuild her reputation after the disappointing reception of her 2023 film adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber.

New promotional images from Cuo Shi Lu have generated positive reactions from viewers, with many praising Zhang Miaoyi’s more mature and sophisticated appearance. Compared to her earlier projects, the actress appears noticeably more refined, exuding a mysterious and elegant charm that has impressed fans and industry observers alike. In the past, critics often described her visuals as relatively ordinary compared to other leading actresses in major romance dramas. However, her latest styling and growing screen presence have led many to believe she has undergone a significant transformation.

Many entertainment observers point to Zhang Miaoyi’s decision to star in the 2023 film adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber as the biggest setback of her career. At the time of filming, she was only 18 years old and relatively inexperienced.

Taking on the role of Lin Daiyu one of the most beloved and iconic female characters in Chinese literature proved to be an enormous challenge. Critics argued that Zhang Miaoyi lacked the emotional depth needed to portray Lin Daiyu’s complex inner struggles, sorrow, and vulnerability. Comparisons with the legendary performance of Chen Xiaoxu were unavoidable. The backlash was severe, with some commentators even labeling her “the worst Lin Daiyu in history,” a nickname that followed her for years.

Before the controversy, Zhang Miaoyi had gained popularity through the youth romance drama When I Fly Towards You. The series helped establish her as one of the promising young actresses of her generation. However, the failure of Dream of the Red Chamber significantly affected her momentum. She soon found herself carrying the label of a “costume drama disaster,” while her acting abilities came under increased scrutiny.

Over the following three years, Zhang Miaoyi struggled to regain the same level of popularity and found herself falling behind many of her contemporaries among China’s post-95 generation of actresses.

Rather than retreating from the spotlight, Zhang Miaoyi focused on self-improvement. She gradually refined her image, embraced more fashionable styling, and accepted smaller projects and supporting roles in larger productions to gain experience and improve her craft. Industry observers have noted her determination to rebuild her career through steady growth rather than relying solely on high-profile lead roles.

Cuo Shi Lu is adapted from the novel Cuo Shi by author Kuang Shang Jia Kuang. The story follows Cui Xiaoxiao, a young woman who unexpectedly travels 200 years into the past. In that altered world, she encounters a young man named Wei Jie. Due to a series of misunderstandings, Cui Xiaoxiao ends up taking his place on a path destined to lead to demonic corruption. Although the experience dramatically increases her cultivation powers, she becomes feared and misunderstood by society. Despite enduring hardship and prejudice, Xiaoxiao maintains her kind-hearted nature while helping others and searching for a way back to her own time.

As she grows closer to Wei Jie, she gradually comes to understand his longing for love and acceptance. Together, they ultimately choose to set aside conspiracies and conflicts to confront dark forces threatening the world.

For Zhang Miaoyi, Cuo Shi Lu represents more than just another acting project. The drama could serve as a career-defining opportunity to reshape public perception, demonstrate her growth as an actress, and move beyond the criticism that has followed her since Dream of the Red Chamber.

With audiences already praising her improved visuals and more mature screen presence, many are eager to see whether this new chapter will mark the long-awaited comeback of one of China’s most talked-about young stars.

Sources: Znews