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| Sun Li Leads Star-Studded Cast in ‘A Better Life’ |
April is turning out to be Sun Li’s spotlight month—first with the gritty Breaking the Shadows alongside Luo Jin, and now with her quickfire return in the highly anticipated drama A Better Life.
Set to premiere on 17 April 2025 during primetime on CCTV and Youku, the series promises a refreshing turn for the versatile star.
Often dubbed “Niang Niang” after her iconic portrayal in The Legend of Zhen Huan, Sun Li has long been a household name in Chinese television.
Her powerful performances in Nothing Gold Can Stay and Empresses in the Palace made her a staple of dramatic period epics.
But this time, she’s shaking things up.
In A Better Life, Sun Li sheds her imperial poise to step into the shoes of Hu Manli—a sassy, slightly garish, and unapologetically money-minded insurance executive from Shanghai.
It's a far cry from her usual elegant and restrained characters, and it offers audiences a rare glimpse of her comedic chops.
The story revolves around 39-year-old Hu Manli, who finds her hard-earned position at her insurance firm threatened by Xue Xiaozhou, a 28-year-old upstart with charm, ambition, and a hidden grudge.
Played by the charismatic Dong Zijian, Xue isn't just a rival—he's a mystery wrapped in modern flair.
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What begins as professional sabotage gradually transforms into reluctant teamwork as secrets surface and their rivalry turns into a compelling alliance.
The show digs into office politics, ambition, generational tension, and the highs and lows of corporate survival.
The cast is a powerhouse ensemble. Hong Kong actress Myolie Wu reunites with Sun Li after their acclaimed pairing in Nothing Gold Can Stay.
She brings a sleek modernity that fits the office drama like a glove.
Also joining the fray are Chen Yao, Gao Xin, Vivian Wu, Tong Lei, and Liu Jun, offering a rounded, multigenerational view of urban working life.
Instead of leaning on overused romance plots, A Better Life highlights female agency and resilience.
Its writing favours character-driven growth, witty exchanges, and sharp observations on success, self-worth, and friendship in high-stakes environments.
The show’s production team has also garnered attention. With experienced director Li Xue at the helm and a screenplay penned by Yu Zheng’s studio, expectations are high.
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| Primetime Just Got Better with Sun Li’s New Drama |
Early teasers show polished visuals, crisp dialogue, and fast-paced editing—hallmarks of a potential hit.
Sun Li herself described the role as “liberating” during a recent interview, hinting at how much fun she had portraying someone so bold and brash.
“Hu Manli says what she wants and doesn’t care if it’s awkward. That kind of honesty was exciting to play with,” she said.
Fans have already taken to social media praising the show’s unconventional premise and Sun Li’s eye-catching new look.
Her character’s loud outfits and snappy one-liners have already sparked memes and commentary online, even before the official premiere.
The buzz around A Better Life suggests it may follow in the footsteps of other successful workplace dramas that blend heart, humour, and societal commentary.
And with Sun Li leading the charge, it has all the ingredients of a prime-time success.