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| Li Yunrui Reveals the One Rule That Decides Every Drama Role He Accepts. (Sohu) |
Chinese actor Li Yunrui has revealed the personal rule that guides every acting decision he makes, offering fans a rare look at how he chooses drama projects in an industry where popular names are often flooded with offers. Speaking during an interview released on Sohu, the rising star explained that star power, genre trends or commercial appeal are not the factors that matter most to him. Instead, everything begins with one simple question: can he genuinely understand the character standing in front of him?
The actor, who continues to attract growing attention following the success of recent dramas, said he needs to fully immerse himself in a role before agreeing to take it on.
For Li Yunrui, acting is not simply about memorising lines or appearing convincing on screen. It is about building a genuine emotional connection with the character and understanding every choice they make.
"I think the most important thing is whether I can enter the deepest part of a character's heart, understand all of their actions and empathise with them," he explained. "I need to completely believe in that character and believe in that world."
That answer quickly caught the attention of viewers online, particularly because it reflects the thoughtful and detail-oriented approach many fans have already noticed in his performances.
While some actors speak about challenging roles or exciting storylines, Li Yunrui's focus on empathy and emotional truth felt refreshingly straightforward.
During the interview, he also reflected on the enthusiastic praise he has received from drama viewers. When asked about comments claiming that modern romance dramas are fortunate to have him, the actor responded with characteristic modesty.
"Thank you for everyone's praise," he said. "No matter what kind of drama or genre it is, I will continue to work hard and let everyone see better dramas and better characters."
Fans were quick to point out that the humble response sounded exactly like the actor they have come to know. Some joked online that while many celebrities have mastered the art of self-promotion, Li Yunrui still reacts to compliments like someone being unexpectedly praised during a school assembly.
The actor also discussed his role as Yan Shang in the upcoming historical drama Tigers Sniff the Rose, revealing why the character left such a strong impression on him. According to Li Yunrui, Yan Shang possesses qualities that are increasingly rare and deeply admirable.
"He has an incredibly strong inner core and principles," Li Yunrui said. "He is resilient and determined. He has a noble ideal. For the people and for the country, he can sacrifice himself. Even if he has no weapons in his hands, he will still walk alone on an unknown road for his ideals and goals."
That unwavering commitment is precisely what drew Li to the role. When asked whether he strongly related to Yan Shang, his answer was immediate and simple.
"Too many moments," he replied.
Li Yunrui went on to explain how he carefully adjusted Yan Shang's behaviour, expressions and mannerisms across different stages of the character's life.
In the earlier chapters of the story, he wanted Yan Shang to appear approachable, sincere and comfortable around others. His gaze was designed to feel honest and humble without lacking confidence.
As the character grows and shoulders greater responsibilities, Li Yunrui intentionally introduced more emotional weight into the performance.
He described adding signs of maturity, concern for the nation and deeper personal burdens. Yet even as Yan Shang changes, one quality remains constant: his determination.
"In his eyes there is more certainty," Li Yunrui explained. "He knows what he wants and where he is going."
The conversation also touched on another highly anticipated project, Gui Liang Chen, where Li Yunrui plays the ambitious strategist Yuwen Liangshi. Unlike Yan Shang, this role presents a very different emotional challenge.
"He has strong intelligence and huge ambitions," Li Yunrui explained. "But at the same time, he has a deep love that he cannot control. These two extreme sides are constantly in conflict. His choices and struggles were definitely challenging to portray."
Away from filming, the actor spoke about returning to one of his favourite hobbies: basketball. After months of filming, he admitted he felt rusty the moment he stepped back onto the court.
"It felt very unfamiliar," he laughed. "But I was so happy when I picked up the basketball. The energy immediately came back. I couldn't stop moving. Then after a while I realised I was exhausted because I hadn't played for such a long time."
His playful side emerged again when discussing fellow actor Wang Anyu. Asked about online comments suggesting Wang Anyu should keep crying in dramas while Li Yunrui keeps smiling, the actor jokingly defended his friend.
"I've seen those comments," he said. "That's too cruel to him. Making him cry every day would be miserable. Me smiling every day is fine though."
The light-hearted exchange quickly became another fan favourite moment from the interview, with many praising the actor's easygoing humour and down-to-earth personality.
Meanwhile, football fans may have been surprised to learn that Li Yunrui has been following the ongoing World Cup. Rather than focusing on the newest stars, he said he has been paying close attention to veteran players approaching the later stages of their careers.
"I want to see some of those legendary players one more time," he said. "Whether it's scoring a goal or simply running on the pitch, it's a continuation of the spirit of sport."
Online reactions to the interview have been overwhelmingly positive, although discussions have varied. Many fans praised Li Yunrui's emphasis on emotional authenticity, arguing that it helps explain why his performances often feel natural and relatable.
Others focused on his comments about Yan Shang, predicting the character could become one of his most memorable historical roles. Some viewers even joked that Li Yunrui's standards for accepting scripts are probably stricter than their own standards for choosing what drama to watch on a Friday night.
Netizens also highlighted how consistently his answers reflected sincerity rather than rehearsed celebrity talking points. Across Chinese social media platforms, comments described him as thoughtful, grounded and increasingly mature as an actor.
For many viewers, the interview reinforced the idea that Li Yunrui's growing popularity is being driven not only by his screen presence but also by his approach to the craft itself.
With Tigers Sniff the Rose, Gui Liang Chen and other upcoming projects generating anticipation, audiences will soon have more opportunities to see whether the qualities Li Yunrui admires in his characters continue to shape his performances.
Do you agree with Li Yunrui's approach to choosing roles? Which of his upcoming characters are you most excited to see, and do you think Yan Shang could become his defining role yet?