 |
| “Are They a Real Couple?” – Zhang Linghe and Zhao Jinmai’s Chemistry Stuns Fans (Pics: Weibo) |
If anyone still had doubts about the chemistry between Our Generation leads Zhang Linghe and Zhao Jinmai, this week’s fan event in Beijing pretty much sealed the deal—on-screen soulmates, and off-screen besties (or… more? 👀).
The coming-of-age drama Our Generation (樱桃琥珀) just dropped on Youku, with global streaming on Netflix, Viki and Viu—and to mark the launch, the main duo reunited in front of hundreds of excited fans for a celebration packed with cute moments, personal insights, and plenty of squeal-worthy banter.
Set in the 1990s and adapted from Yun Zhu’s nostalgic novel Ying Tao Hu Po, the 24-episode series follows Lin Qile (Zhao Jinmai), a bubbly mountain-town girl full of sunshine, and Jiang Qiaoxi (Zhang Linghe), a reserved maths genius. From strangers to something sweeter, their slow-burn bond unfolds alongside stories of friendship, family, and figuring yourself out.
“Second Time’s a Charm”
 |
During the interview segment, Zhao Jinmai reflected on how this was their second time working together—though this time, the roles took them into completely new territory. “Qile is nothing like my previous character,” she said. “She’s lively, proud of who she is, and super loveable.”
Zhang Linghe chimed in with a grin, “Yeah, and I finally got to play a guy who’s not a total ice block. Qiaoxi’s introverted, but not cold. He grows a lot through Qile—and honestly, so did I while playing him.”
 |
The duo also dived into the meaning behind Lin Qile’s unique name. Zhao Jinmai explained, “Only my character says her name with that full ‘le’ sound—it’s her little way of showing confidence.”
The name itself, inspired by her mother’s love of cherries, symbolises warmth and love. Zhang LingHe added, “Red cherries are like sunlight. That’s Qile in a nutshell—bright, energetic, and impossible to ignore.”
Fanservice or Just Friends?
 |
Let’s talk moments that had fans going absolutely feral.
Zhang Linghe and Zhao JinMai performed a cheer dance to the theme song, sending the crowd into fits of laughter—especially when Zhang Linghe joked he looked like “an old man in rehab.” That didn’t stop him from giving his all, though.
 |
Later on, he sweetly fed Zhao Jinmai a traditional mantou stuffed with red dates, while she helped him apply lipstick on stage (yes, really). They also re-enacted one of the show’s most beloved confession scenes, complete with dramatic pauses and all the emotional punch. Safe to say, fans were not ready.
With their casual bickering, eye contact that went on a bit too long, and matching soft smiles—it’s no wonder social media exploded with rumours: “Wait… are they actually dating?”
While neither actor confirmed anything, they didn’t exactly deny it either—just some shy laughs and a cheeky, “We’re very close friends.”
Netizens Can’t Deal
 |
“Zhao Jinmai feeding him lipstick?? That’s domestic energy right there.”
“Zhang Linghe has never smiled this much. I’m watching this drama for the real-life couple storyline at this point.”
“No offence but if they’re not dating, I’ll riot.”
Where to Watch
Our Generation is now streaming on Youku (Mainland China), and available internationally on Netflix, Viki, and Viu with subtitles.