6 Of Xu Kai's C-Dramas Which Showcase His Charming Screen Presence
Chinese actor Xu Kai has been constantly raising the bar when it comes to his performances. Regarded as one of the rising superstars, the actor has scorched the popularity charts with his arresting performances as well as his fashion game and style. Whether it is playing a brave warrior wielding a sword in a period drama, or a CEO dominating the board room, there is no denying Xu Kai’s screen presence. Here are some of Xu Kai’s dramas to add to your C-drama binge list.
“As Beautiful As You”
Xu Kai stars as Han Ting, an enterprising young man who is back home in China after a decade studying medical systems in Germany. Back home, he is regarded as a rookie and is caught in an inheritance battle with his older sister. Han Ting accidentally meets his former classmate, Ji Xing (Tan Song Yun), who is a techie in one of the many companies he has a stake in. What Ji Xing, now engaged to another, doesn’t know is that Han Ting has been in love with her ever since the time they had teamed up for a project. He’s just never had a chance to confess.
But destiny has other plans. When Ji Xing quits her company, wanting to start her own business, it’s Han Ting who can bail her out. Their professional ideologies clash – while Han Ting is practical, Ji Xing is an idealist. Han Ting knows the ways as well as has learnt the ropes of business management, and he does not let emotions come in the way of work. Ji Xing, on the other hand, wants to do everything her way and is irked by Han Ting’s interference. Han Ting, who just wants to shield and protect her, realizes it’s best to let her go and learn things her own way. Even when the two clash professionally, there is a deep affection which translates into a passionate love affair between the two. Their relationship is one between equals, as they learn to trust and nurture each other, as well as giving the other space to grow.
“As Beautiful as You” is for all die-hard romantics, and it’s the steamy chemistry between the lead couple which is a scorcher. Xu Kai is charming as Han Ting, and you can’t help but fall for him either.
Start watching “As Beautiful As You”:
“Falling Into Your Smile”
In this drama, Xu Kai takes on the role of the haughty and overtly exacting Lu Si Cheng, the captain of the all boys team, ZGDX OPL (Onmyoji Premier League). Si Cheng and his team find themselves in a tight spot after their star player suffers a hand injury which could well halt his sporting career. They need a replacement. In comes the sprightly Tong Yao (Cheng Xiao), an amateur gamer with exceptional skills. Though initially hesitant about having a female player on board, and especially one that pushes his buttons, Si Cheng warms up to her, and his icy demeanor begins to thaw. Being the only professional female gamer in a male dominated sport, Tong Yao faces her own share of struggles, fighting patriarchal prejudices and misogyny. Si Cheng and his team encourage her, and Tong Yao not only finds herself a band of cheerleaders, but also the love of her life.
From the need to prove one’s self as well as finding one’s self, “Falling Into Your Smile” gives you the adrenaline rush as well as a cute romance between the lead couple. Xu Kai aces his role as Lu Si Cheng and wins points for being a woman’s man.
Start watching “Falling Into Your Smile”:
“Ancient Love Poetry”
Shang Gu (Zhou Dong Yu) is an immortal and has spent endless lifetimes acting as the head of the four true immortals of the ancient world. These powerful beings have been given god-like status by the mortals who inhabit the earth. The immortals, who have unconditionally helped humans, have also sacrificed themselves for the greater good of all humanity. Shang Gu is young and playful and has sacrificed herself in a trial, which has lasted eons, nearly 60,000 years. Now awake after centuries of slumber, her memories have gone, as she returns as Hou Chi, the High Immortal of Qingchi Palace.
Shang Gu has no recollection of her past and doesn’t remember that she was once the object of Bai Jue’s (Xu Kai) affections. Like Shang Gu, Bai Jue is one of the four True Gods of the Realm, and he has loved Shang Gu for nearly countless of centuries. In his efforts to save the woman he loves, it has come at a heavy price. He trades his reincarnation for her life and gives up on himself for her sake. It is only after his soul disappears that Shang Gu remembers the love they had, and she vows to wait until the end for his return. But the question is, once the wait is over, will Bai Jue ever return?
“Ancient Love Poetry” gained massive popularity on its release. Apart from the bittersweet narrative of love and longing, the costumes, scale of production, and performances struck a chord with viewers. Xu Kai is impressive as Bai Jue, and he emotes the love and heartbreak of his character through his eyes. He and Zhou Dong Yu complement each other, and the drama comes with several dramatic and crushing moments. Spanning nearly 50 episodes, the drama is like an odyssey into the life of Bai Jue and Shang Gu and requires a bit of patience.
Start watching “Ancient Love Poetry”:
“Best Choice Ever”
Mai Cheng Huan (Yang Zi), suffocated by her mother’s constant interference in her life, decides to break free and stand up for herself. She joins a hotel run by one of the most affluent families in town. It’s here that she runs into the suave yet arrogant Yao Zhi Ming (Xu Kai), the heir as well as manager of the hotel. Zhi Ming does not trust people easily and is extremely weary of Cheng Huan, since he feels she does not posses the necessary skillset to be part of his hotel. The two constantly clash and bicker to the point of driving the other up the wall. Zhi Ming realizes that Cheng Huan is determined to prove and make a place for herself, and he finds himself warming up towards her. From hostile colleagues, the two develop an easygoing compatibility with some serious sparks. As love blossoms between the two, they also grow as individuals and become partners in the truest sense of the word, supporting and guiding each other.
Using the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, “Best Choice Ever” is held together by its lead couple. The attitude of Cheng Huan’s mother towards her makes you feel sorry for Cheng Huan, and you can’t help but root for her. And Xu Kai once again slips into the shoes of the astute rich boy with ease.
Start watching “Best Choice Ever”:
“Snow Eagle Lord”
Xu Kai plays Dong Bo Xue Ying, who lives in the peaceful Snow Eagle Territory with his family. But their happiness is short-lived after his mother is kidnapped and demonic powers lay siege and start striking his clan. Dong Bo Xue Ying rises to the occasion and is determined to overthrow the demons. He joins forces with Yu Jing Qiu (Gülnezar Bextiyar), a brave and intimidating young warrior and a few others. They pool in their resources, which include not only their magical powers, but their martial arts skills as well as astute intelligence.
Dong Bo Xue Ying is a principled young man who believes in the right. Empathetic and kind towards people, he is a determined man who devotes himself to training so as to save his mother. He is impressed with the graceful Yu Jing Qiu’s strength and powers. And even though she comes across as haughty, he understands that it’s just part of her straightforward personality. As the two work together, their tender smiles and gentle affection towards the other transitions to something stronger.
“Snow Eagle Lord” is an expansive and extensive narrative, with breathtaking production and design. The well choreographed action sequences are a treat to watch. Xu Kai impresses with his spear fighting skills, and the show is a treat for all fans of the actor.
Start watching “Snow Eagle Lord”:
“She and Her Perfect Husband”
Qin Shi (Yang Mi) is an ambitious young attorney who lands a job at a top law firm by fabricating her marriage to a man named Yang Hua (Xu Kai), whom she has never met. But chaos reigns supreme when Yang Hua comes for a company gathering. Qin Shi has to continue with her facade, so as to not let the truth come out. Yang Hua, who is stressed with his family putting pressure on him to get married, decides to play along and play husband to Qin Shi. But the two can’t maintain the charade for long, as there are too many chinks in their “happily married” armor. And things get worse when Qin Shi’s ex joins the firm, and he knows the truth. With a strange love triangle developing, is there any hope for Qin Shi and Yang Hua beyond their pretenses?
“She and Her Perfect Husband” is your typical romantic fare. The chemistry between the two leads is cute, and even though the show and writing meanders a bit, it is worth a watch. Xu Kai scores as Yang Hua, and once again he reaffirms why he is the perfect actor on screen for his fans.
Hey Soompiers, which one of these is your favorite Xu Kai drama? Let us know all about it in the comments below!
Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Yang Yang and Lee Junho bias. A long time K-drama fan, she loves devising alternate scenarios to the narratives. She has interviewed Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, Cha Eun Woo, and Ji Chang Wook to name a few. You can follow her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram.
Currently watching: “Cinderella at 2AM”
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