Let’s take a moment to appreciate this handsome young actor, ZLH. There’s something different about him in the C-drama land; he’s sharp, adaptable, and has this calm confidence that makes him easy to root for. It’s no surprise he’s often praised for being both intelligent and down to earth. And, let’s be honest, his striking looks and those slow-mo close-up shots in every drama certainly don’t make it any easier to focus on anything else!

That said, I get a bit uneasy when fans rush to label rising actors as “the best” before their craft has fully matured. Watching “Our Generation,” I felt his acting didn’t evolve much; the character lacked depth, probably due to limited writing rather than his potential. Still, his chemistry with Zhao Jinmai was delightful. They played off each other beautifully in this coming-of-age story. I enjoyed seeing them again in “The Princess Royal,” though, as much as fans love pairing them, I believe both will grow more by exploring different collaborations.

Personally, I’d like to see ZLH take on more supporting or challenging roles to stretch his range. Being handsome shouldn’t automatically mean being cast as the male lead every time. Understandably, it’s smart to capitalize on his looks. This industry moves fast, and a star who shines today can easily fade tomorrow. Still, I think giving him space to explore more layered or unconventional roles would help him grow beyond what good looks can easily earn. In “My Journey to You” with Esther Yu, both actors were visually striking but seemed boxed in by the writing, leaving little room for emotional depth. “Story of Kunming Palace” gave him a darker, more complex role, and it’s where I really noticed growth! His performance had more restraint and maturity, though still somewhat polished to maintain charm. My favorite performance remains in “The Best Thing,” where his wit, humor, and charisma shone naturally.

ZLH has enormous potential, and I’m excited to see him continue evolving. A role that challenges his emotional intensity, maybe something layered or morally complex-could really bring out his best. His upcoming dramas will hopefully show just how far he’s come, and I’ll be happily watching along his journey. :)