Love in the Clouds Breaks Youku Drama Records in 2025

Unexpected Soar-Up: ‘Love in the Clouds’ Hits 10,000 Heat Index on Youku — First 2025 Historical Drama to Do So

The latest fantasy-historical romance series Love in the Clouds has quietly become a phenomenon on the streaming platform Youku. 

The real-time “heat index” for the drama recently leapt from 9,999 to 10,014 — making it the first historical drama of 2025 on the platform to breach the magic 10 000 mark.

This may be a “slow year” for Chinese dramas in general, but for a show without mega-stars and a modest rollout, this milestone is absolutely worth celebrating. 

It signals that good stories, clever production and dedicated fandom can still out-shine the obvious big-name bets.

The moment it happened

Lead actor Hou Minghao was still filming another project when the data alert pinged on his phone. 

He checked, saw the number tip past 10,000, and bolted around the set, cheering. 

Staff on site captured the spontaneity; netizens called it “a genuine burst of emotion”. 

According to his post-milestone message: “Zai Zai loves you all. Having you is the greatest happiness….” And yes — he even promised a “viral dance” in thanks.

Co-star Lu Yuxiao chimed in, too: “Wahhh thank you so much! Love Love in the Clouds, love you all! So grateful that we’ve been seen by you.” 

Her note carried extra weight: after moving from second-lead to main-lead status post-My Journey to You, she’d received some criticism for failing to hit “lead-lady level” in recent offerings. 

Meanwhile, Hou Minghao often dismissed as “just a pretty face”, now boasts another win to his name.

What this success says

The fact that Love in the Clouds achieved this without big traffic stars suggests that audiences are responding to substance, not just name value. 

“we live together”
“we die together”

mingyi and ji bozai were in such a harmony that even situ ling couldn't help but think that they are of the same mind. their souls move with the same thought and they are one. but ming yi did that knowing she'll die#loveintheclouds #入青云 pic.twitter.com/FHzXgQnMvm

— alina the nana thinker ☁️ (@linacaromina) October 18, 2025

The heat-index milestone gives proof that a “quiet” series can turn into a cultural wave — if it has the right mix of story, production values and fan-engagement. 

It also strengthens both leading actors’ trajectories. 

Hou Minghao’s third drama on Youku to past 10,000 (after Back From the Brink and Dashing Youth) and Lu Yuxiao’s transformation into a credible leading lady get a legitimacy boost.

Why fans are buzzing

Loyal viewers are now calling for a reunion of the two in future projects — rumours are already circulating of a possible remake of My Lucky Star with them in lead roles.

The chemistry and underdog nature of the show are being celebrated: it’s a “win” not just for the actors, but for the idea that good content can succeed outside of blockbuster hype.

It’s still early days — the final figures and long-term impact are yet to be seen — but for now, Love in the Clouds has pulled off a classy moment of recognition. 

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