Youku’s historical costume drama, ‘The Story Of Pearl Girl (( 珠帘玉幕))’ stars Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning in the lead roles. Based on the novel “Kun Shan Yu Qian Zhuan” (昆山玉前传) by Tan Tian Yin (谈天音), it is another project from the director behind “Legend of Fu Yao (2018)” and “Luoyang (2021).” Prior to this, Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning had already worked together in the 2021 costume drama “The Long Ballad.”
After four months of filming, which began in November 2023, the drama officially wrapped up its shoot in March 2024.
For those unversed, the duo played the second lead in the 2021 historical costume drama ‘The Long Ballad‘. Zhao Lusi portrayed Le Yan, the Princess of Chang’an who accidentally ventured out to protect her close friend, Li Changge (portrayed by Dilireba Dilmurat) but got kidnapped and lost on the way. During this period, she goes through several hardships and troubles that she never faced before. Eventually, she becomes close to the villainous and devilish Hao Du (played by Liu Yuning), who’s on a mission to hunt her close friend Changge.
“Haoyan” (Hao Du and Le Yan) was one of the most beloved CPs of 2021. Even though they were second leads in the series, their magnetic chemistry was praised by a huge number of audiences.
The main leads of this series are Dilireba Dilmurat and Wu Lei.
The Legend of Jewelry – Plot Introduction
- Episodes: 40
- Genre: Historical, Business, Romance, Drama
- Starring: Zhao Lusi, Liu Yuning
- Director: Xie Zhe
- Original Platform: Youku
- Filming Period: November 17, 2023 – March 14, 2024
- Broadcast Details: tentatively 2025
The series is set in the Tang Dynasty (the Golden Era of China). As the title suggests, ‘The Legend of Jewelry’ will follow the story of a female protagonist Duan Wu who will be involved in the jewelry business, attempting to change her fate while facing various challenges. The drama, being female-centric, focuses on women’s empowerment, growth, and the female protagonist’s arduous journey.
Zhao Lusi stars as Duan Wu, a slave on a pearl farm who successfully escaped with the help of someone from there to be freed from slavery and suffering. Afterward, she joins hands with merchant Yan Zi Jing (played by Liu Yuning) and starts her own jewelry business. With the guidance of Yan Zi Jing, Duan Wu learned many things about the business world, and its strategy and made connections with many good people. But, she got entangled in a life-and-death game, set up by Yan Zi Jing, where she almost lost her life.
Duan Wu’s story doesn’t stop there, she will try to find out the truth, establish herself again, and fight against those who betrayed her.
The Story of Pearl Girl: A Déjà Vu for Haoyan Fans?
As a fan of the Haoyan CP from The Long Ballad, many audiences can’t help but notice the similarities between Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning’s costumes, designs, makeup, and hairstyles in this new drama, “The Story Of Pearl Girl.”
Based on the Reuters photos and video clips released from the filming site so far, they not only exude a Haodu and Le Yan vibe but, in some costumes, appear almost identical. It’s as if we’re about to meet Hao Du as Yan Zi Jing and Le Yan as Duan Wu once again. Look at the pictures below – don’t they look similar?
Both dramas, The Legend of Jewelry and The Long Bllad are set in the Tang Dynasty, it is no surprise that their costumes are similar but also at the same time, audiences didn’t expect them to be this similar.
Liu Yuning as Yan Zijing is somehow similar to Hao Du who comes off as a seemingly cold and ruthless businessman in the show.
Talking about Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning’s chemistry looking at these snaps, it is simply overflowing. If the storyline supports them well, this couple is expected to explode once again for sure.
The Reunion: Can Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning Recapture the Magic?
Despite being the second couple in the 2021 drama The Long Ballad, their breathtaking visuals and sizzling chemistry earned significant popularity and love from audiences. However, Chinese entertainment culture often discourages actors from working together again after a previous collaboration. This was evident in the case of The Legend of Jewelry, as fans on both sides initially protested the reunion, with the actress’s fans being particularly vocal about not wanting her involved in the project.
In the end, both Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning decided to work together. Despite initial disapproval from fans regarding their collaboration, Zhao Lusi reassured her fans that she would bring something valuable to the table and wouldn’t disappoint them.
Though some fans were against their collaboration, many other fans rejoiced at their reunion in the same project again, as the Hao Yan CP was one of the most popular and beloved CPs of 2021.
The 25-year-old actress Zhao Lusi had a hit in 2023 with ‘Hidden Love.’ Liu Yuning, primarily known for his singing career, has also been quite active and successful in his acting endeavors. His first leading role in the costume drama ‘A Journey to Love,’ alongside veteran actress Liu Shishi, was a success in 2023, solidifying his position as an actor.
Booting Ceremony
On November 17, 2023, the film crew held a booting ceremony, where each cast member appeared in a red jacket and smiled while posing for the group photos. Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning have done their makeup and put on hairstyles. There is no doubt that both of them look super good together and their chemistry is simply the best.
Even in the booting ceremony, Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning did not fail to impress their CP fans by having sweet interactions.
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