 |
| Chen Xingxu and Lu Yuxiao’s Love Between Lines Hits 100M Views, Elevator Jealousy Steals the Show (Photo: Weibo) |
Love Between Lines (轧戏) is quietly turning into one of those dramas people can’t stop talking about. Without loud marketing or flashy gimmicks, the series has officially crossed the 100 million total views mark, proving that steady word of mouth still matters. As of Friday, 16 January, Maoyan Pro data places the drama at No.2 on the popular drama chart, sitting just behind The Dream Maker, led by Zhao Liying and Huang Xiaoming.
Starring Chen Xingxu and Lu Yuxiao, Love Between Lines has recently reignited online buzz thanks to a single, surprisingly addictive elevator scene. What looked like an ordinary moment quickly turned into one of the most replayed clips from the show, with viewers praising its sharp dialogue, subtle acting, and awkward emotional tension that felt all too real.
The scene centres on Hu Xiu, Xiao Zhiyu, and Pei Zhen, played by Dai Xu. Inside the elevator, Pei Zhen casually presses the button for Hu Xiu and comments that he rarely does this for others, making her an exception.
The line instantly triggers Xiao Zhiyu’s jealousy. With a dry, sarcastic tone, he fires back by asking whether Pei Zhen usually presses buttons for his employees too.
Pei Zhen’s calm and composed reply only fuels the tension, ending with Xiao Zhiyu stepping out in visible frustration. Fans joked that they never imagined an elevator ride could feel this dramatic, funny, and painfully awkward at the same time.
Netizens’ reactions to the scene have been lively and varied. Some praised Chen Xingxu’s restrained performance, saying his jealous glare and clipped lines felt natural rather than exaggerated.
🐰 Mr. Pei, which floor is the meeting room?
— biee🎐*:.⋆° (@scenerybie) January 15, 2026
🦊 😒😒
🦊 Mr. Pei, do you usually help employees press the elevator buttons too?
PZ: Not really. Ms. Hu is the only exception.
🐰 So it was you in the elevator that day.#LoveBetweenLines pic.twitter.com/afnlKUNr4A
Others found the humour unexpectedly sharp, calling it “quietly savage” and admitting they replayed the clip multiple times just to catch every micro-expression. A portion of viewers also sided with Pei Zhen, noting that his composed attitude made the rivalry even more entertaining.
Directed by Mao De Shu, known for Lovely Us and When I Fly Towards You, the drama arrived with high expectations. While it has secured solid popularity, audience opinions remain split.
Some viewers criticised the murder-mystery game element, arguing that the concept lacks novelty and the editing can feel slightly disorienting. Others questioned the romantic chemistry between the leads.
On the flip side, supporters praised the drama’s “three-identity” narrative structure, where the main characters connect through multiple intertwined roles, offering a refreshing twist compared to standard romance formulas.
Dai Xu’s role as Pei Zhen has also become a talking point. As the second male lead, his calm charisma and layered rivalry with Xiao Zhiyu have helped boost his popularity. Off screen, however, the tension disappears completely.
Behind-the-scenes footage shows Chen Xingxu joking around and casually putting an arm around Dai Xu, which amused fans.
Elevator scene highlights#LoveBetweenLines pic.twitter.com/e2Dan5h7jU
— She🐬TermMax (@sissibbjk) January 16, 2026
During a livestream, Chen Xingxu was asked whether Dai Xu’s rising popularity made him feel overshadowed. His relaxed, humorous reply earned praise for his maturity and emotional intelligence.
Within the story, the rivalry between Xiao Zhiyu and Pei Zhen runs deeper than romance. As stepbrothers from a restructured family, their relationship is shaped by unresolved trauma. Xiao Zhiyu’s father died in an accident two decades ago, leaving lingering doubts that continue to haunt him.
Determined to uncover the truth, Xiao Zhiyu keeps his emotional distance from Hu Xiu, believing he does not deserve happiness until the past is fully revealed.
This inner conflict pushes him to reject her, adding another layer of emotional tension that keeps viewers hooked.
What do you think about Xiao Zhiyu’s jealousy moment, and whose side are you on in this love triangle?