Huayu Entertainment: The Birth of a Succubus Top Star

The historical drama "The Legend of the Hidden Sea" has been soaring in popularity, consistently topping the charts on TV and online, once again proving the widely accepted assessment of Gu Zhiyan – "Every move he makes is a hit, and he never misses."

The series has consistently ranked first in popularity on the platform, maintained its top spot in prime-time ratings on CCTV-8, and was simultaneously broadcast in multiple overseas countries, firmly occupying the top positions on various charts.

Countless viewers and film critics focused their attention on the lead actor, Gu Zhiyan.

The character he portrayed, Zang Hai, was burdened with a deep-seated hatred and had endured and lain dormant for decades. He harbored immense resentment within, but remained calm and composed on the surface. Without any hysterical outbursts, he fully presented the character's layered pain, cunning, and isolation through only his eyes, subtle pauses in his body, and the restrained rhythm of his lines.

Social media platforms were completely flooded with posts about "The Legend of Tibet," with trending topics dominating the charts one after another, and netizens offering a plethora of comments.

"Gu Zhiyan really brought Cang Hai to life, as if the character in the book had come to life."

"I didn't dare to blink the whole time I watched Zang Hai's scenes. Every subtle micro-expression was full of acting. There was no screaming acting. Just one look from him was enough to send chills down my spine. Gu Zhiyan really brought the character to life."

"I suspect Gu Zhiyan secretly used some kind of acting cheat code, otherwise how could every role be so convincing?"

"When other actors play scheming and ruthless male leads, they raise their eyebrows, sneer, and try to keep a straight face. But when Gu Zhiyan plays Cang Hai, he just sits quietly, and I feel like he's about to plot against everyone at any moment."

"There are no dramatic shouting scenes; the acting relies entirely on subtle facial expressions to kill. This restrained acting style is truly captivating. I urge some popular actors to come and learn from this."

"Others are so lucky to have even one hit movie, but Gu Zhiyan's every move is practically guaranteed to be a hit. Shouldn't the Chinese entertainment industry take a shot at him and learn from him?"

Others: "We need a hit drama series." Gu Zhiyan: "Sorry, I produce hit drama series in batches."

"Some actors rely on one representative work for ten years, but Gu Zhiyan's representative works are constantly being updated, giving the audience no chance to forget him."

"The mystery of the Chinese entertainment industry—as long as Gu Zhiyan joins a production, the broadcast is guaranteed to be a hit. While others rely on gambling to boost box office and viewership, he seems to have a built-in guarantee buff."

……

People's Daily Online, China Youth Daily, CCTV Entertainment and other mainstream media outlets have successively published reviews of the drama, specifically commenting on Gu Zhiyan's performance.

Media articles praised him for his accurate grasp of the character's complex and multifaceted humanity, breaking away from the stereotypical revenge protagonist template, and using a delicate and layered performance to support the dramatic core of the entire series; he is a rare and powerful actor in the industry who has both award-winning achievements and the ability to consistently produce hit shows, and who has won both critical acclaim and popularity.

The story has also generated a lot of buzz on overseas social media platforms, with audiences from various countries captivated by the characters and stories of Zang Hai. Many foreign netizens have even edited clips of the characters to praise the restrained and sophisticated acting style of the Eastern actors.

Of course, there were also a few dissenting voices. Some people felt that the pacing of the plot could be improved. However, the vast majority of viewers unanimously praised Gu Zhiyan's performance, and related clips spread wildly on short video platforms, maintaining high popularity.

……

During a break on set of "Give Me Your Light," the internet was still flooded with praise for the superb acting in "The Legend of the Tibetan Sea," with the young actors of the crew repeatedly watching memorable scenes on their phones.

Zhong Yating, who plays the female lead Fang Lei in the drama, stood quietly to the side the whole time, her eyes filled with admiration, staring at Gu Zhiyan not far away for a long time without looking away.

She only joined the crew two days ago and hasn't had a chance to greet Xiao Yan yet.

The thought of having many more scenes with Xiao Yan makes her incredibly excited.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhong Yating mustered her courage and stepped forward, saying, "Hello, Brother Xiaoyan, my name is Zhong Yating, and I play Fang Lei in this drama."

"Hello." Gu Zhiyan smiled gently.

Zhong Yating was instantly mesmerized. Xiao Yan's smile was so handsome, how could he be so charming?

Forcibly pulling herself back to reality, Zhong Yating said excitedly, "Brother Xiaoyan, I really admire your acting skills so much. I've watched every episode of 'The Legend of Zanghai' over and over again. You portrayed Zanghai's forbearance, isolation, and shrewdness so well. Your performance was restrained yet powerful. I feel like I learn a lot every time I watch your shows."

Gu Zhiyan smiled faintly: "Thank you for your recognition. Let's learn from each other."

Looking at the gentle-smiling Xiao Yan, Zhong Yating said with a hint of shyness and excitement, "Xiao Yan, actually... I'm a big fan of yours."

These words surprised Gu Zhiyan slightly.

Most fans in the industry are fans of acting skills, looks, and dramas; very few people mention "study fans".

Chung Ya-ting explained earnestly: "I've always known that you graduated from Tsinghua University with a law degree. Not only is your acting superb, but your knowledge and vision have always been my role models. Others admire your hit dramas and awards, but I have always respected you for being able to reach the pinnacle of film and television while also possessing a top-notch academic background. This has always inspired me to keep up with the times."

Well, actually, besides being a fan of her studies, she's also a fan of her looks and her dramas.

A hint of warmth appeared in Gu Zhiyan's eyes as she softly asked, "Do you still keep reading when you're not filming?"

"Yes!" Zhong Yating nodded vigorously, her eyes exceptionally firm. "I've been studying in my spare time. I've already made plans. I intend to apply for graduate school next year. I want to continue my studies and improve myself. I don't want to just be a pretty face actress."

Gu Zhiyan was quite impressed by these words.

The entertainment industry is frivolous and noisy, with too many young artists indulging in popularity and traffic, eager to become famous overnight. It is rare to find a young girl who is clear-headed and insightful, always remembering to focus on her studies and plan for her long-term future when she is not filming.

He nodded slightly and asked with a smile, "Have you decided which school to apply to?"

Zhong Yating smiled shyly: "I used to really aspire to Peking University, but now I want to apply to Tsinghua University so I can be an alumnus like you, Xiaoyan."

"Your ambition is commendable," Gu Zhiyan said, giving the other person a thumbs-up and encouraging them, "As long as you work hard, nothing is impossible. Keep going, you can do it!"

Ok?

Upon hearing the words "Peking University," Gu Zhiyan's memory was instantly awakened. She remembered that this was the actress who had been admitted to Peking University for graduate studies in her previous life!

However, she has now switched to applying to Tsinghua University.

"Brother Xiaoyan, thank you for your encouragement!" Zhong Yating smiled happily.

Gu Zhiyan greatly admires young women who love learning. It's rare to find someone who stays true to themselves and is willing to continuously improve. He doesn't mind saying a few more words about it.

Gu Zhiyan said earnestly, "The entertainment industry changes too quickly. Looks, popularity, and traffic are all fleeting things. Only knowledge, inner strength, and mindset are the foundation that can accompany you throughout your life."

Tsinghua University's academic atmosphere, resource platform, and social circle can offer you more than just a degree certificate; it's a process of reshaping your understanding and cultivating your character.

In the end, what actors compete for is their cultural foundation and life experience. You have the talent for acting, as well as a proactive and ambitious mindset. If you dedicate yourself to studying and further your education, you will definitely go further and more steadily in the future.

A few simple words of advice, insightful and far-sighted.

Zhong Yating felt a surge of warmth in her heart upon hearing this, and nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with clarity and determination: "Brother Xiaoyan, I've got it! I will definitely study hard for the exam and strive to get into Tsinghua University."

Oh my god, Xiao Yan is so sweet!

After a short break, the production crew announced that filming was about to begin.

Zhong Yating returned to her seat, pondering the script while silently jotting down her postgraduate entrance exam plans in her memo.

I absolutely must get into Tsinghua University's graduate program!