 |
| Zhang Ruonan’s Next Move? New Drama with Li Xian and Qu You Ning Sends Fans into Frenzy (Photo: Upmedia) |
Just as the dust was starting to settle around I Live in Your Time (你那儿几点), Zhang Ruonan has quietly flipped the script again. The actress, who has been riding a strong career high, is now at the centre of fresh industry buzz after being linked to a brand-new romance drama that could reunite her with director Qu You Ning and pair her opposite Li Xian. The sudden shift has not only reignited fan excitement but also sparked intense discussion across entertainment circles about creative chemistry, casting choices, and timing.
Zhang Ruonan first captured wide public attention through the romance film My Love, where her natural screen presence left a strong impression. She later levelled up with the hit drama The First Frost, delivering a performance that many viewers praised for its emotional honesty and quiet strength.
That project didn’t just boost her popularity, it also cemented her reputation as an actress who shines in emotionally driven stories.
Originally, I Live in Your Time was expected to enter filming with Zhang Ruonan and Wang Anyu attached as leads. Early industry talk suggested that the drama would be directed by Qu You Ning, with Li Xian lined up as the male lead.
At the time, the combination was widely seen as a dream team, blending proven directing style with strong on-screen appeal.
However, as development moved forward, the project reportedly underwent major changes. Qu You Ning was said to have been replaced by another director, while the male lead was switched from Li Xian to Wang Anyu.
 |
These behind-the-scenes adjustments quickly cooled enthusiasm, and rumours soon followed that Zhang Ruonan had chosen to step away from the drama. Some insiders also pointed to disagreements over lead billing as part of the reason the collaboration failed to materialise.
Not long after, talk began circulating about Zhang Ruonan joining a different romance drama titled Mist and Green.
The project is said to be directed by Qu You Ning, marking a reunion after their successful work on The First Frost. Many fans believe Qu You Ning has a particular talent for drawing out Zhang Ruonan’s emotional layers, making their reported reunion feel less like coincidence and more like a deliberate creative choice.
Li Xian has been frequently named as the male lead for Mist and Green. His previous collaboration with Qu You Ning on Go Go Squid! is still remembered as a defining moment in his career, one that pushed him firmly into top-tier popularity.
A second partnership between the two has therefore raised expectations not just for ratings, but for overall storytelling quality.
 |
Mist and Green is adapted from a popular novel and centres on Chen Qingwu, a woman who leaves behind an unresolved past relationship and rebuilds her life as a ceramic artist. As she moves forward, she forms a deep connection with someone who has quietly cared for her over the years.
The story leans into themes of emotional healing, timing in love, and choosing a partner who truly understands you, a direction that fits neatly with Zhang Ruonan’s recent acting choices. Online reactions to the rumours have been sharply divided.
Some netizens see Zhang Ruonan’s reported exit from I Live in Your Time as a smart career move, praising her for prioritising creative fit over sticking with a project that kept changing direction. Others feel the original lineup was a missed opportunity and remain curious about what the drama might have looked like with the earlier cast and director combination.
Meanwhile, fans of Li Xian have expressed cautious excitement, hoping the new project will bring a more mature and emotionally grounded role.
So far, no official announcements have been made, but the discussion shows no sign of slowing down. With names like Zhang Ruonan, Li Xian, and Qu You Ning being mentioned together, expectations are naturally high.
What do you think about this potential pairing? Is this the romance drama lineup you’ve been waiting for, or are you still holding out for I Live in Your Time?