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| No Zhang Linghe, No Tian Xiwei. Even the official Pursuit of Jade Weibo account has stayed silent about the concert. (Credits: Sina) |
The newly announced Pursuit of Jade: One Thought (逐玉一念) concert was supposed to be a celebration of one of 2026's biggest Chinese drama hits. Instead, it has become the latest topic dominating Chinese social media, with fans questioning how an official concert carrying the drama's name could go ahead without its two biggest stars, Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei. For many viewers, it feels less like a reunion and more like turning up to a birthday party only to realise the hosts never arrived.
The spin-off concert is scheduled for 15 August at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center and promises a one-night gathering of the drama's supporting cast. Confirmed guests include Deng Kai, Snow Kong Xueer, Ren Hao, Li Qing, Yu Zhongli, Lin Muran, and Xiang Xia, while organisers have teased one mystery guest whose identity remains under wraps.
That mystery guest, however, has done little to calm disappointed fans. Almost immediately after the announcement, discussions shifted away from excitement over the concert itself and focused almost entirely on one question: where are Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei?
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As the lead couple who carried the story from beginning to end, many viewers argue that the drama's emotional connection was built around their performances. Without either of them appearing, some fans believe the event loses the very heart that made Pursuit of Jade such a phenomenon in the first place.
One comment quickly summed up the mood across Chinese social media: "A Pursuit of Jade concert without Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei should be considered a crime."
While clearly written with humour, the phrase rapidly spread online as thousands echoed similar opinions and if neither Zhang Linghe nor Tian Xiwei walks onto the stage, perhaps the concert should simply be renamed because calling it Pursuit of Jade feels incomplete.
Many C-netz have even declared they will not purchase tickets, arguing that an official drama concert should feature at least one of its two leading stars.
Some insisted both actors should have been present, while others said having either Zhang Linghe or Tian Xiwei would have been enough to reassure fans that the production genuinely wanted to celebrate the drama rather than simply extend its popularity.
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| Fans Refuse to Buy Tickets as Pursuit of Jade Concert Misses Its Biggest Stars |
Ticket prices have only intensified the debate. The event offers four price categories ranging from 480 yuan to 1,680 yuan, prompting many online users to question whether the announced lineup justifies premium pricing.
Several comments compared the cost with concerts held by established music stars, arguing that expectations naturally rise when audiences are asked to pay similar amounts.
That criticism has fuelled accusations that organisers are relying too heavily on the drama's enormous popularity. Some viewers claimed the concert appears to be benefiting from fans' emotional attachment to Pursuit of Jade, while delivering a lineup that falls short of what many expected from an official after-series event.
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The discussion became even more complicated after Snow Kong Xueer's official fan club released a public statement distancing itself from the concert. The fan club announced that it would not organise, recommend, encourage or support ticket purchases or fan support activities related to the event.
The statement added another unexpected twist to an already heated conversation and quickly attracted attention across entertainment forums.
Despite the criticism, not everyone shares the same view. Supporters of Deng Kai and Kong Xue'er, whose on-screen pairing developed a loyal following during the drama's run, say they are still looking forward to seeing the secondary couple reunite on stage.
They believe the talented supporting cast deserves recognition in its own right and argue that the concert could still provide an enjoyable evening regardless of who headlines it.
Some fans are also urging patience, pointing out that organisers have yet to reveal the mystery guest. Optimistic viewers continue to speculate that one major surprise could still be waiting, although there is currently no official indication that Zhang Linghe or Tian Xiwei will make an appearance.
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Meanwhile, another talking point has emerged around early ticket interest. According to figures shared from the Damai ticketing platform, the number of users marking themselves as interested remained relatively modest during the first several hours following the announcement.
Although early engagement does not necessarily predict final sales, many online users have already begun linking the slower response to disappointment surrounding the missing lead actors.
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| Not even the official Pursuit of Jade Weibo account has posted about the concert |
For many longtime drama fans, successful spin-off concerts are about more than simply putting familiar faces on stage. They are seen as a chance to revisit unforgettable scenes, hear beloved soundtrack performances and celebrate the chemistry that made audiences fall in love with the series.
That is precisely why comparisons have already been made with previous hit drama concerts, where the leading cast played a central role in creating a genuine reunion for fans.
Whether Pursuit of Jade: One Thought ultimately changes public opinion may depend on what organisers reveal next. Until then, the absence of Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei continues to overshadow almost every other aspect of the event.