Chasing Dramas

The biggest bombshell over the past two weeks involve the 17 year old actress Huang Yang Tian Tian and a pair of earrings that she wore. This set off a firestorm with everyone focusing on her background and potential corruption. Meanwhile, Zhao Li Ying has a new rumored boyfriend that has sent her fans spinning. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear about these two new events!

Fan Xian and company head out on their journey back to the Qing kingdom. Turns out, the 2nd prince was behind everything Fan Xian suffered in the Capital. He threatens Fan Xian into working with him but Fan Xian refuses. However, this results in a shock ending that left fans waiting painfully for season 2.

In the penultimate episode of season 1 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian must tie up the loose ends before heading home. That loose end is Shen Zhong. He cleverly sets a trap for Shen Zhong by building a fragile alliance with Shang Shan Hu. Sure enough, with some prompting from Shang Shan Hu, the Empress Dowager strips Shen Zhong of his powers. Before Fan Xian departs, he pays one more visit to the Qi scholar Zhuang Mo Han. Fan Xian informs him of Xiao En's death, providing closure to the old man. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!

Fans of different celebrities (Wang He Di, Bai Lu, Zeng Li etc) have been the center of different stories over the last few days. Listen to hear what's happened, often times without input from the idol/celebrity they represent.

Hai Tang Duo Duo invites Fan Xian to her residence after a grocery trip. They have a delightful meal together where Fan Xian finally let's down his guard. After several drinks, he reveals to Hai Tang Duo Duo that he is lonely. He has no friends. He wants to do more in this world than just politics and here he recites the inspiration of this whole story of Joy of Life. The poem Liu Yu Qing from Dream of the Red Mansion. Fan Xian wakes hours later and is shocked to discover Si Li Li sitting next to his bed. He's angry at Hai Tang Duo Duo for setting him up but she jokes that this is simply revenge for their first encounter.

Listen to our latest discussion of episode 44 Joy of Life season 1!

Here are the dramas that aired in April and are airing now in May The Demon Hunter's Romance 无忧渡 starring Allen Ren Jia Lun and Song Zu Er surprised everyone with its airing as Song Zu Er was soft blacklisted a few years ago. Love in Pavilion 淮水竹亭 is part 2 to the Fox Spirit Matchmaker series starring Liu Shi Shi and Zhang Yun Long. Serendipity 榜上佳婿 features Lu Yu Xiao and Wang Zi Qi. We discuss other dramas, many of which have actually faired quite poorly in April

In episodes 43 and 44 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian begins to set in motion his plan to seize power within the Overwatch Council and gain favor in the Qi Kingdom. The best way to do so is to form new allegiances with different factions and defeat the formidable Shen Zhong. Fan Xian brings to light the of embezzlement occurring in the kingdom to the Empress Dowager and makes a persuasive case for Shen Zhong to reveal his secrets. Listen to our latest podcast episode to understand more about the political machinations at play.

Social media was all abuzz around April 20th because for the 1st time since they started dating 7 years ago, Guan Xiao Tong did NOT wish Lu Han a happy birthday on Weibo. We talk about what the implications are and the speculation around their relationship.

In episode 42 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian is stunned to discover that not only is he a prince, but that his whole life has been nothing more than a lie that was masterminded by Chen Ping Ping. The reason for his move to the Capital, his friendship with Teng Zi Jing, and his trip to the Qi Kingdom was all pushed forward by Chen Ping Ping. He also deduces that there must be more to his mothers death and vows to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Chen Ping Ping and the Emperor are pleased with the turn of events but the Emperor immediately begins to question Chen Ping Ping's loyalty.

In 2025, Zhao Lu Si and Zhang Wan Yi have dominated the trending topics on social media, but not all to their benefit. Zhao Lu Si, who publicly announced she was suffering from mental illness late last year, released a new reality show that resulted substantial backlash in China. Zhang Wan Yi has fallen out of favor with Chinese audiences despite his prolific output in the past year. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts on the events surrounding these two stars and how a break from the public eye would be good for their health and public image.