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Urban youth, football dreams, and heartfelt healing come together in the upcoming drama Road to Success, which has officially kicked off filming. Fronted by fan favourite Esther Yu Shuxin and rising actor Chen Jingke, this new series promises a blend of passion, romance, and self-discovery.
Adapted from Chang Er's popular novel Kuang Lu, the story follows Lin Wanxing, a brilliant psychology PhD student played by Esther Yu.
After a personal setback, Lin is forced to return to her hometown and takes an unexpected role managing her former high school's abandoned sports equipment room.
Things take a turn when she meets her new tenant, Wang Fa, portrayed by Chen Jingke. He’s a man of few words but deep scars—a former football coach who’s left the sport behind.
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Together, the unlikely duo are thrown into the chaotic task of rebuilding the school’s disbanded football team from scratch.
As the story unfolds, it’s not just about football drills and competition.
Road to Success places strong emphasis on growth, connection, and redemption, with Lin and Wang helping troubled students overcome their own struggles, both on and off the pitch.
The team they guide isn’t exactly made up of prodigies. From injured ex-athletes to students with low self-worth, each character has their own inner demons.
But with Lin's psychological insight and Wang’s hidden coaching talents, sparks begin to fly—both in training sessions and between the leads.
Esther Yu’s role marks a refreshing departure from her usual bubbly characters.
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Lin Wanxing’s academic background and emotional baggage make her a far more grounded and layered figure—offering Yu a chance to show new depth in her acting.
Meanwhile, Chen Jingke, known for his chemistry with Sun Qian in Islands, looks the part of a tough but caring coach.
His calm intensity and athletic charm make him a fitting choice to lead a sports-centred story.
Behind the scenes, Road to Success comes from the creative minds who brought us the fan-favourite Go Go Squid!, so expectations for compelling character arcs and swoon-worthy moments are high.
Production is said to be moving swiftly, with filming taking place across multiple sports-themed locations to capture the grit and glory of school tournaments.
It’s a far cry from city office romances, and offers a more youthful, competitive energy.
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Fans are also buzzing about how the drama will balance psychological healing with football excitement—two seemingly different elements that, if done right, could make this show stand out in a crowded drama scene.
What’s clear from the premise is that Road to Success aims to hit not just goals, but heartstrings.
Themes of healing, second chances, and learning to believe in yourself again are expected to resonate deeply with viewers.
Will Lin Wanxing find new meaning in coaching? Can Wang Fa rediscover his love for football? And will their teamwork lead to more than just victories on the field?
The drama is set to air sometime next year, though no exact release date has been announced yet. With a promising cast, a strong creative team, and a unique blend of sports and healing, it’s already shaping up to be one to watch.