The first Reuters of her on-set look just dropped, and Zuer’s in full blue hanfu glory — sleek silhouette, silver accessories, and eyebrow game sharp enough to slice jade. Not your usual soft fairy maiden this time around though. Netizens reckon she’s playing a bit of a baddie, and to be fair, she’s definitely giving “ethereal but dangerous” in all the best ways.
🌲 Playing the Tree Demon in ‘Nie Xiaoqian’? Let’s Talk Range
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According to behind-the-scenes buzz, Zuer’s been cast as the iconic tree demon in the “Nie Xiaoqian” unit — yup, that Nie Xiaoqian. With her haunting beauty and slightly off-kilter presence, it’s a smart move that plays off Zuer’s elegance while letting her show a darker, more sinister edge.
It’s her first on-screen gig since the comeback whispers started floating around, and fans are clocking this as a calculated pivot — stepping away from sweet girl roles and leaning into something that mixes elegance with an eerie twist. Honestly? We’re here for it.
#SongZuer as guest role for drama “Liao Zhai” (starring #ChangHuasen, #ZhangMiaoyi)#CDrama pic.twitter.com/GqFJUmuxGq
— All About Cent 🍉 (@Allcbizmelons) June 3, 2025
📺 What’s the Deal with This New Liao Zhai?
For the uninitiated, Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio is based on Pu Songling’s classical tales, with this Tencent version adopting a unit drama format — think standalone stories under the same mystical umbrella. It’s led by rising stars Chang Huasen and Zhang Miaoyi, with Lin Yun, Chen Yao, and even La Mu Yang Zi dropping in as guests.
The full lineup is a buffet of fantasy, romance, and supernatural chaos. Here's how it’s shaping up:
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🧾 Cast & Storyline Breakdown (So Far)
🕊 Main Frame:
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Zhang Miaoyi as Xi Yue
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Chang Huasen as Xia Feixue
💔 Mei Ren Shou (美人首)
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Lin Yun as Princess Yao Hua / Chun Hua
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Ye Zuxin as Pei Zhaorong
🍂 Su Qiu (素秋)
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Chen Yao as Su Qiu
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Zhang Zhixi as Han Qingyue
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Ma Wenyuan as Yu Shen
👻 Xiao Qian (小倩)
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Song Zuer – reportedly as the Tree Demon
🌀 Others floating through the mist:
La Mu Yang Zi, Gao Han, Zhang Mingen, Yang Shize, Yang Xizi
🔗 Ancient CP Universe Link-Up?
Zuer’s guest spot isn’t just a standalone hype-builder — fans of The Demon Hunter’s Romance are already drawing parallels, calling her the new “professional in gu zhuang” (ancient costume dramas). Between this and her romantic-demonic energy in Demon Hunter, Zuer’s carved herself a niche in the ethereal-unearthly space, and it’s working wonders for her brand.
Whether this is just a cheeky one-off or the start of more bold, villain-coded appearances from her post-hiatus… we’re watching closely. One thing’s for sure — Tencent knows how to keep a little mystery swirling in the fog.
🧚♀️ FAQ: Wait, So When Can We Watch It?
🗓 Release Date?
Not officially announced yet — Tencent’s still doing the slow tease. But with the buzz heating up and reuters rolling in, expect a slot later in 2025.
🎬 Where to Watch?
Tencent Video in China. International platforms TBD, but likely WeTV or other Tencent subsidiaries with English subs.
📚 Is this a remake of the old 2005 ‘Liao Zhai’ series?
Not quite. It’s a new adaptation based on Pu Songling’s classic short stories, reimagined with a fresh cast and slick production.
TL;DR? Song Zuer in a silver headpiece playing a seductive tree demon? Inject it.
Stay tuned, ‘cause this Liao Zhai reboot is stacking up to be a big one.