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| Why Zhang Ruonan Couldn't Stop Crying While Reading A Part of Me Script. (Photo: Sohu) |
Sometimes a script does not need explosions or dramatic twists to win over an actor. For Zhang Ruonan, it only needed one unforgettable sentence. Speaking at the Beijing premiere of A Part of Me, the actress revealed she spent much of her first read-through wiping away tears, admitting the emotional story of lifelong friendship felt so personal that turning down the role was never really an option.
The cast and crew gathered in Beijing on July 15 for the film's premiere, where director Ma Yingxin joined stars Zhang Ruonan and Jin Jing for a lively post-screening discussion with audiences.
Rather than focusing on romance or spectacle, the film centres on the enduring friendship between Gao Fan, played by Zhang Ruonan, and Wang Meili, portrayed by Jin Jing, celebrating the kind of bond that quietly survives life's biggest challenges.
Looking back on her decision to join the project, Zhang Ruonan said the screenplay connected with her almost immediately.
"I was deeply touched by the script. I couldn't stop crying while reading it," she told the audience.
She explained that she found herself becoming emotional whether she was reading on a plane or during a car journey, saying the story had a habit of catching her off guard. Every chapter seemed to remind her of people she treasures in real life.
The actress revealed there was one line she simply could not shake from her mind.
"What touched me the most was when Gao Fan says to Meili, 'We really did it. We became lifelong best friends.' That line hit me so hard."
She continued, "The moment I read those words, I immediately thought about my own best friend. It felt incredibly real. I've always been someone who treasures friendship, so when I received this script, I knew I really wanted to be part of this story."
Zhang Ruonan also happily described herself as someone who naturally gravitates towards stories celebrating genuine female friendships.
She said films centred on women supporting one another rather than competing have always held a special place in her heart, making A Part of Me feel like the perfect project for her.
In her eyes, the story is less about dramatic conflict and more about unconditional companionship, loyalty and growing older together without letting go of the people who matter most.
That heartfelt connection extended beyond the script. During filming, Zhang Ruonan said she gradually became close with Jin Jing, joking that the friendship written on the page slowly became real behind the cameras as well.
According to the actress, working together every day allowed them to build the same comfort and trust shared by their characters, making many scenes feel surprisingly natural.
Her co-star Jin Jing shared an equally emotional story about receiving the screenplay. She revealed that producer Chen Jie sent her the script through WeChat, and she began reading it while travelling by car.
"I was reading it in the car, and halfway through I exited the document and turned off my phone," she recalled with a laugh.
The audience chuckled before Jin Jing explained the unexpected reason behind her dramatic reaction.
"Based on my past experience, I never thought an important role like this would come my way. I was scared because I loved the story so much."
She admitted she became afraid of falling even deeper in love with the screenplay if she continued reading, believing there was little chance she would actually be cast.
"I couldn't even bring myself to finish reading it. I kept thinking, 'I don't want to love this story even more.'"
Fortunately, reality had a much happier ending than the one she had imagined.
"I reopened my chat with Producer Chen Jie, and he told me they wanted me to play Wang Meili."
Remembering that moment, Jin Jing could not hide her excitement.
"I felt like rolling down the car window and shouting at the top of my lungs. I was so excited and so happy."
She added, "I never expected my first truly important role would be in a story that I love this much. That made everything feel even more meaningful."
Director Ma Yingxin also spoke about the heart of the film, explaining that A Part of Me hopes to shine a light on friendships that often receive less attention on screen despite shaping people's lives just as profoundly as family or romance.
Rather than relying on exaggerated conflict, the film focuses on everyday moments of encouragement, understanding and standing beside someone through every stage of life.
The premiere quickly sparked discussion across Chinese social media, where many viewers praised Zhang Ruonan for speaking so openly about the value of friendship. Fans said her emotional reaction made the film feel even more genuine, with many calling it refreshing to see a major production centred on women supporting each other instead of endless misunderstandings.
Others joked that audiences should probably bring tissues because if the lead actress cried while reading the script, viewers might not survive the final act with dry eyes either.
Many fans also loved hearing about the growing friendship between Zhang Ruonan and Jin Jing behind the scenes. Some joked that the pair accidentally became the perfect advertisement for having a best friend, while others said their off-screen chemistry made the story feel even more believable.
Several viewers described the film as exactly the kind of comforting friendship story they had been waiting for, proving that sometimes the strongest love story is not a romance at all.
With A Part of Me preparing to meet wider audiences, expectations continue to grow for a film that promises heartfelt performances and a celebration of lifelong friendship.
If the cast are already getting emotional just talking about the script, audiences may want to prepare themselves before the opening credits even roll. What do you think about Zhang Ruonan's touching story? Will A Part of Me become this year's most emotional friendship film?