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| Yu Zheng Puts His Reputation on the Line for Yukee Chen in New Historical Drama "Shadows of Desire" (Photo: Weibo) |
Producer and self-proclaimed “star-maker” Yu Zheng has done it again — turned a simple casting announcement into one of the hottest Weibo discussions of the week.
His upcoming period drama, Shadows of Desire (锦屋不尽 / Jin Wu Bu Jin), has become a buzz topic not just for its star-studded cast but for Yu Zheng’s fiery confidence in his lead actress, Chen Yuqi (also known as Yukee Chen).
In his Weibo post, Yu Zheng introduced the drama’s main lineup, with Niu Junfeng taking on the dual role of Zhang Rong and Bo Rong, while Yukee Chen stars as Li Lingge — a poised yet powerful heroine.
Supporting them are Zhao Qing as Shen Qingwu, a woman who rises from obscurity to become a celebrated general, and Daniel Zhou as Zhang Xingjian, a loyal scholar-official who upholds justice amid political chaos.
Yu Zheng described the upcoming project as a blend of “fresh faces and refreshing energy,” hinting that the performers’ styles would depart from their past roles.
“When a creator has the freedom to choose the right actors, all kinds of magic can begin,” he wrote — a line fans have since been quoting all over social media.
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| Yukee Chen Lands Lead in Yu Zheng’s Shadows of Desire – Producer Says He’ll “Take the Blame” If She Doesn’t Shine |
But the real explosion came later.
Shortly after the casting reveal, Yu Zheng made a statement that became its own headline: “If Chen Yuqi doesn’t explode in popularity, that would be my failure.”
The quote instantly sparked the Weibo hashtag #YuZhengSaysIfChenYuqiDoesntExplodeItsMyFailure, sending fans and drama watchers into debate.
Some applauded his confidence, saying he’s always had a good eye for talent (after all, Yu Zheng was behind breakout hits like Story of Yanxi Palace).
Others found his tone a bit dramatic, joking that “Yu Zheng’s PR is working overtime again.”
Yu Zheng later explained why he’s betting so big on Chen Yuqi.
He said her character, Li Lingge, has “the charm of Zhang Manyu’s Green Snake and the inner strength of Liu Xiaoqing’s Wu Zetian.”
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The role, he said, requires someone who can balance elegance and intellect — an alluring but razor-sharp woman who commands both emotion and authority.
He went on to compare Li Lingge to legendary female icons like Dongfang Bubai from Swordsman and Shi Guanyin from The Legend of Chu Liuxiang, painting her as a complex figure whose beauty and cunning are equally formidable.
Born in Chengdu, Sichuan, Chen Yuqi (Yukee Chen) first rose to fame in 2019 for her brilliant portrayal of Zhao Min in Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre.
Her lively yet strategic take on the classic character won viewers over and set her apart from many of her peers.
Since then, she’s starred in a string of successful dramas, including Unchained Love, See You Again, Memory of Encaustic Tile, and Love in Pavilion, proving she can pull off everything from romantic fantasy to period intrigue.
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With Yu Zheng’s faith and the striking premise of Shadows of Desire, many are already predicting that this could be Yukee’s next career-defining performance.
Shadows of Desire follows Shen Qingwu’s transformation from an ordinary woman into a respected general amid turbulent times.
Along the way, she crosses paths with Zhang Xingjian, a scholar caught in political turmoil.
Together, they face war, rebellion, and the rigid social codes of their world — while exploring themes of loyalty, passion, and ambition.
With Yu Zheng’s trademark flair for aesthetics and high drama, plus his now-viral declaration about Chen Yuqi, Shadows of Desire is shaping up to be one of the most-watched Chinese costume dramas of the upcoming season.