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Liu Yuning Talks About Wei Shao and Filming with Song Zuer

Liu Yuning Wei Shao The Prisoner of Beauty
Liu Yuning Dishes on His Role in The Prisoner of Beauty and Working with Song Zuer (Sohu/Weibo)

If you’re glued to The Prisoner of Beauty (折腰) right now, you’re definitely not alone. The costume romance drama starring Song Zuer, Liu Yuning, Xuan Lu, and Liu Duanduan has been making waves for its compelling story and captivating cast. Adapted from Peng Laike’s popular novel, it tells the tale of Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao — a marriage that ties two families together, brimming with love, sacrifice, and all the feels.

Liu Yuning, stepping into the shoes of Wei Shao, describes his character as a clever, ambitious leader with a surprisingly soft side. He’s fiercely loyal to Xiao Qiao, who Liu cheekily calls a “top-level charm demon” — basically, someone who easily wins everyone over with her charm. Wei Shao, on the other hand, is “stubborn but gentle” and, yes, a “jealous king” who’ll go all out to protect his relationship.

Liu Yuning Interview

What hooked Liu Yuning to Wei Shao was the complexity behind the character. “Wei Shao isn’t just about strength and authority,” He shared in an interview with Sohu. “He’s got deep emotional layers — power and tenderness wrapped into one. 

Portraying that balance was a real challenge, but also very rewarding.” He talked about the tightrope walk of showing Wei Shao’s fierce leadership alongside his sincere, steadfast love without tipping into melodrama.

Drawing from his own life experiences, Liu Yuning said he was able to connect with the character on a deeper level, which helped him bring authenticity to Wei Shao’s emotional journey.

Sweet Chemistry with Song Zuer

When it comes to his on-screen partner Song Zuer, Liu had nothing but praise. Known on set as the “Queen of Sweetness,” Song Zuer’s warm and genuine personality created an easygoing atmosphere during filming. Liu said their chemistry felt natural and real — a must for a romance drama like this.

He even joked about how Song Zuer’s intense gaze could totally “fool” him despite her knowing exactly how he was feeling. Their smooth collaboration filled the set with positive vibes, making the relationship between Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao believable and engaging.

Liu Yuning once said on a live stream, “The actress I’m working with on The Prisoner of Beauty is Song Zuer. I’m so happy to see her every day — such a big celebrity! I hope to get a photo with her after maybe one more month of filming.”

Liu Yuning:
"I’d say, ‘Hello Song Zuer laoshi, I’m also in this drama. Can I get a photo with you?’ I’d have to tell her that first because I know her, but Zuer might not know me! After we get a bit more familiar, I can introduce myself like, ‘Hello, I play the male lead. Can I get a photo?’"

Liu Yuning: “She’s the celebrity here, after all! I can’t be too sudden — what if I get kicked off the film crew? Once the photo with her is done, I’ll ask for an autograph too. Signed ‘To: Liu Yuning’. I’m a fan as well — I stan celebrities too!”

Liu Yuning: "If I manage to get Zuer's autograph, I’ll post it on Weibo to show off — like, “Look, I’ve got a celeb’s autograph and you don’t!” With my name on it too! But I’m not sure if her studio allows autographs for random nobodies like me… Let’s see if I get kicked out by her team tomorrow."

A Modern Twist: Liu Yuning’s Vision

Liu Yuning didn’t stop at just the costume drama — he also shared a cool idea about reimagining The Prisoner of Beauty in a contemporary setting. Imagine a story where two business dynasties arrange a marriage to save their companies, starting off as a formal alliance but gradually blossoming into true love. The classic trope of “married first, love later” but with a modern-day spin that many could relate to.

“It’s a story that feels very relevant now,” Liu said. “Business, family pressure, love — it’s all wrapped up in something that resonates with a lot of people.”

Audience Love and Self-Reflection

Since airing, The Prisoner of Beauty has been warmly received, with viewers particularly praising the lead actors’ chemistry and the emotional depth of their characters. Liu Yuning modestly gave his own performance an 80 out of 100, expressing gratitude for the audience’s support and encouragement.

“This experience has been so fulfilling. It motivates me to keep pushing myself and growing as an actor,” he said.

All in all, The Prisoner of Beauty offers a classic romance with fresh energy, thanks largely to Liu Yuning’s nuanced portrayal of Wei Shao and the sparkling chemistry he shares with Song Zuer. If you’re into heartfelt costume dramas packed with emotion and a sprinkle of modern sensibility, this one’s definitely worth your time.

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