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| Xiao Zhan Moves Viewers with Scene of Tears and Vomiting in Legend of Zang Hai (Weibo) |
In c-drama, Xiao Zhan is a name that needs no introduction. From The Untamed to The Oath of Love, he's proven himself as both a ratings magnet and a certified heart-thief. Now, he's back — and more emotionally raw than ever — in the epic historical saga Zang Hai Zhuan (Legend of Zang Hai), which dropped its first episodes on 18 May.
But this isn’t just another Xiao Zhan comeback. Zang Hai Zhuan is already stirring waves with its gripping storyline, political intrigue, and a performance from Xiao Zhan that’s being hailed as his most intense to date.
Tears, Vomit, and a Scene That Crushed the Internet
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One particular moment has everyone talking — and sobbing. In a pivotal episode, Xiao Zhan’s character, Zhi Nu (aka Zang Hai), sneaks into a secret chamber only to stumble upon the clothes of his long-deceased parents. What follows is nothing short of devastating.
With trembling hands, bloodshot eyes, and a shattered voice, Xiao Zhan delivers a masterclass in grief. As his character sinks into silent despair, he ends up physically vomiting — a spontaneous reaction that reportedly wasn’t even in the script.
Fans and critics alike were floored. Comments like “Xiao Zhan just destroyed my tear ducts” and “Best performance of the year, hands down” flooded social media platforms within hours. The hashtag #LegendofZangHaiEp4 even topped trending charts on Weibo and Douyin.
the supposed storyline here: zanghai’s enemy skinned his parents’ skin till it’s peeled off completely, that’s why zanghai was so disgusted that he threw up when he saw it
— lynn ꪔ̤̮ (@bjyxiao) May 16, 2025
the burst of emotions from shocked → disbelief → hopeless → disgusted → revenge
XIAO ZHAN’S ACTING👏 pic.twitter.com/i7QFjiFOoR
A Tale of Revenge, Strategy, and Hidden Identity
Set in the fictional realm of Dayong, Legend of Zang Hai follows Zhi Nu, the brilliant but vengeful son of a fallen noble family. After witnessing the brutal downfall of his clan, he disappears — only to resurface years later under a new name, Zang Hai.
Now a renowned architect and master strategist, Zang Hai climbs the political ladder, inching closer to his ultimate goal: uncovering the truth behind his family’s massacre and taking revenge on those responsible.
Zang Hai holding a blade to the throat of a key enemy, only to be stopped by a chilling voice warning him: “He’s not the only one.”
Naturally, the internet has spiralled into a frenzy of theories about who the true mastermind might be.
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Ratings War Incoming — Can Zang Hai Reign Supreme?
With over 9 million pre-release reservations, Zang Hai Zhuan is already proving to be a heavyweight contender this season. But it’s not sailing through unchallenged — Liu Yuning and Song Zuer’s much-hyped series The Prisoner of Beauty is also airing in the same slot.
Still, Legend of Zang Hai has a lot going for it: striking cinematography, layered storytelling, and a cast with insane on-screen chemistry. Plus, let’s be honest — Xiao Zhan in full revenge mode is hard to beat.
#LegendofZangHai Douyin update.
— Xiao Zhan Melons🍉 (@xzmelons) May 16, 2025
OMG 😭 this comes out directly from the shooting scene, directly from the monitor screen, without any processing, it’s so shocking! #XiaoZhan is such a good actor 😭 i cried just watching at these few seconds! Cannot wait for this Sunday! pic.twitter.com/K9PMxEY1dx