Chasing Dramas

We share the inside scoop of the Chinese entertainment industry from our cousins who work there! This includes why major cities aren't named anymore in Chinese dramas, to what to expect when visiting Heng Dian, to various restrictions on costumes and set design and more!

With Zhang Xiao Jing's apparent victory over the Wolf Squad members, the Emperor orders the case to be closed. No one is recognized for their efforts, which greatly angers Cui Qi. Zhang Xiao Jing is back in chains, first at Jing An Si, and then transferred to the Right Cavalry. Cui Qi abandons Li Bi for greater chances of glory elsewhere and takes Zhang Xiao Jing as his prize. The rest of the men at Jing An Si also take their leave but just as they do so, Xu Bin arrives to inform them that there are actually 300 barrels of petrol hiding in Chang An.

Lisa from Blackpink was embroiled in controversy for performing in a Parisian cabaret show called Crazy Horse. At least 2 Chinese female actresses, Angelababy and Zhang Jia Ni, were photographed to have attended. We discuss what the controversy is and the arguments from Chinese social media.

Zhang Xiao Jing finally catches up to the remaining Wolf Squad members and their carriages of Crouching Fire. Many in Jing An Si are doubtful that Zhang Xiao Jing will succeed but Li Bi puts his faith in him. Meanwhile, a traitor is revealed amongst their midst and Yuan Zai continues to woo Wang Yun Xiu.

With his reputation severely damaged, Xu Bin still decides to sneak out of Jing An Si. Li Bi pursues him to find out that Xu Bin is the inventor and owner of a Bamboo production making factory. Xu Bin wanted to find a way to help the empire and his grand idea was to produce more paper. Li Bi's suspicion of him recedes. In the meanwhile, the Right Chancellor also takes an interest in Xu Bin and finds that Xu Bin's funder was none other than He Fu, the adopted son of Director He. With this information, the Right Chancellor has what he needs to strike at the Crown Prince and his close ally, Director He

The October slate of dramas of interest include Parallel Worlds 西出玉门 featuring Ni Ni and Bai Yu in a modern day but supernatural show. Huang Jing Yu and Zhang Jing Yi bring us another romance around firefighters that is often compared to Fireworks of My Heart. Alliance 好事成双 has divorce, cheating, sisterhood and getting back at an awful ex with Zhang Xiao Fei, Huang Xiao Ming and Zhang Jia Ni. Faithful 九义人 with Wu Qian and Li Jia Hang is your historical mystery while Tiger and Crane 虎鹤妖师录 ft Jiang Long and Zhang Ling He offer a historical demon catching tale.

In the aftermath of the fire, Zhang Xiao Jing must race to save people, including the Wolf Squad member Cao Po Yan for clues. The blast was heard from all over Chang An and we come to learn that the bombs were called Crouching Fire. Li Bi interrogates Xu Bin about his relationship with Zhang Xiao Jing. Xu Bin finally admits that he chose Zhang Xiao Jing for this mission due to personal reasons.

For Chinese dramas and movies, having top billing or Yi Fan 一番 is a huge deal for actors or actresses. Well, at least the fans think so. Karen and Cathy discuss what Fan Wei 番位 or billing spots mean in the Chinese drama/movie world and what types of spats happen by fans who try to push for their star to get the top spot.

In episode 13, Cen Sen and Xu Bin finally discover the secret of Que Le Huo Duo - ink stones made from oil will be the catalyst to burn down all of Chang An. The lowly Yuan Zai meets with Feng Da Lun but quickly discovers that the woman the Blaze Gang captured is more than meets the eye. He seizes his opportunity to climb up the ranks. In the meanwhile, Li Bi turns his suspicions to Xu Bin.

Livestreaming is a particularly popular activity in China with many products being sold via livestreams on popular apps and social media platforms. Recently, one of the most famous livestreamers Li Jia Qi was embroiled in controversy with how he behaved during a particular session. Tune in to listen to what happened and learn more about the world of livestreaming in China!