Zhang Wanyi, a rising star in Chinese costume dramas, has recently captivated audiences with two consecutive series, Are You The One and The Rise of Ning. Both dramas aired on Tencent and featured the actor working alongside two beautiful leading ladies from the ’95 flower’ generation, Wang Churan and Ren Min.
Though The Rise of Ning was filmed earlier, Are You The One was the first to be released. Zhang Wanyi’s performances in both shows have earned praise, but which one showcases his chemistry and talent best?
Zhang Wanyi’s Stellar Performance in Are You The One
Zhang Wanyi’s Stellar Performance in Are You The One
In Are You The One, Zhang Wanyi plays Cui Xingzhou, a character who initially exploits the heroine Liu Miantang, played by Wang Churan. Despite this, Zhang successfully conveys the complexities of his character, especially in the way his relationship with Liu evolves. Viewers were particularly impressed with his ability to portray two distinct personalities—both as Lord Huaiyang and in his interactions with Liu Miantang. His unexpected chemistry with Wang Churan surprised many, adding depth to their on-screen dynamic.
As soon as Are You The One concluded, fans eagerly turned to The Rise of Ning.
The Rise of Ning Takes the Stage
In The Rise of Ning, Zhang Wanyi takes on the role of Luo Shenyuan, who finds himself in a complicated romantic entanglement with his ‘sister’ Luo Yining, portrayed by Ren Min. As the truth about their relationship unfolds, Zhang Wanyi masterfully captures the emotional depth of his character, and his chemistry with Ren Min is equally natural and captivating. Their portrayal as star-crossed lovers had netizens swooning, with many claiming the duo felt like a real couple.
Which Drama Did It Better?
While both series were well-received, The Rise of Ning slightly edges out Are You The One in terms of popularity. With a peak popularity index of 28,000, it surpassed Are You The One, which reached 27,000. Additionally, The Rise of Ning achieved over 1 billion views, compared to the 753 million views garnered by Are You The One. Despite these numbers, fans are still divided on which drama showcases Zhang Wanyi’s best work this year.
Both dramas highlight Zhang’s ability to create compelling on-screen chemistry with his co-stars. His skillful portrayal of different characters continues to solidify his place as a top actor in historical costume dramas. Whether you prefer Are You The One or The Rise of Ning, there’s no denying that Zhang Wanyi has delivered some of his finest performances to date.
