Tencent’s highly anticipated historical fantasy drama, Chasing Dreams (also known as Flower in Novoland), has finally begun filming, but not without some drama off-screen. The show, starring rising stars Chen Zheyuan and Zhang Jingyi, is a prequel to the popular Novoland: Pearl Eclipse which featured Yang Mi and William Chan.
Both Chen and Zhang were spotted at the Chasing Dreams opening ceremony, appearing friendly and at ease with each other. However, their fans seem to be anything but relaxed. A fierce debate has erupted online over who deserves top billing in the show’s credits.
A Battle for Top Billing
Fans of both actors have taken to Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, to argue their case. They’re showcasing their idols’ achievements this year, trying to prove who has the bigger star power and therefore deserves the higher billing.
Chen Zheyuan’s fans highlight his success in the drama Dark Night and Dawn, while Zhang Jingyi’s supporters point to her popularity and her recent role in the costume drama Blossoms in Adversity alongside Hu Yitian.
The debate stems from the fact that Chasing Dreams is a female-centric story, focusing on the journey of Princess Tilan. This has led some of Chen Zheyuan’s fans to express disappointment with his involvement in the project, believing it diminishes his star power.
A Story of Love, Loss, and Intrigue
Based on the novel Xie Luo by Xiao Ruse, Chasing Dreams tells the story of Princess Tilan, a blind princess who finds herself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy after a coup rocks the palace. She forms an unlikely alliance with Tang Qianzi, a soldier from a rival kingdom, who is initially sent to investigate the palace. As they work together to uncover the truth, they face numerous challenges and their bond deepens, leading to a captivating romance.
Despite the fan wars, the show promises a compelling storyline filled with political intrigue, action, and romance. With two talented young actors at the helm, Chasing Dreams is poised to be a major hit for Tencent. Some sources suggest the production may opt for an equal billing solution, listing the actors’ names alphabetically to appease both fanbases.
