Zeng Shun Xi and He Nan’s new drama Inverted Fate just dropped a plethora of promo visuals today, soon after the Chinese reincarnation/time travel drama began its filming on May 20th.
Now, honestly, this one leaves me a bit cold as it seems like just another rapidly-cranked out Chinese idol drama, with another of the same-old-same-old male leads (No offence to Zeng Shun Xi, but he’s been the lead in three dramas in the last year, and has five more coming up!), and the same plot (see below).
But, this time, reportedly, with a saving grace that, if it turns out to be bad, we only have to suffer through 16 episodes instead of the prerequisite 36-40.
Although, as we all know, that can also come with its own problems as a lengthy story jammed into only a few episodes can be unbearable to watch.
But, as I always do, I will grumble to myself and then withhold judgement until Inverted Fate premieres, and see if it’s as uninteresting as it sounds.
Inverted Fate visuals are pretty, but still not sure about Zeng Shun Xi?
Meanwhile, we did get some pretty character visuals, and a handful of posters of leads Zeng Shun Xi (aka Joseph Zeng) and He Nan together to help us decide if this might be our thing. (I doubt it’s mine, but surprises are nice).
Personally, although I did enjoy his performance in Mysterious Lotus Casebook, as Cheng Yi and Xiao Shun Yao tend to bring out the best in any actor starring opposite them, Zeng Shun Xi generally does little for me as a male lead. (Although I have heard from several sources that he is a super nice guy, so I’m certainly hoping he proves me wrong in this one).
That goes double when it involves a romance plot (probably why I have yet to finish Feud, where he teamed up with Bai Lu, yet managed to create no chemistry with his co-star at all), as bringing out the goosebump feelings does not seem to be his forte.
This time, though, he’s paired with He Nan whose work, I admit, I have only seen in Love in the Clouds, but who left a pretty strong impression on me as she was a standout in an already solidly cast drama.
Inverted Fate then could be a struggle in desperately looking for a spark of chemistry or, it could feature the pairing Zeng Shun Xi needs to take his romance roles to the next level.
Fingers crossed it’s the latter, as I truly would love to see him create sparks like lighting with a female lead who can shoot them right back. Wouldn’t you?
Inverted Fate supporting cast
The Inverted Fate support cast is pretty solid, as it includes the super cute Hu Yi Xuan (How Dare You?), Kang Ning (Our Youth), and Zhao Zhi Wei (Lighter and Princess).
We also get special appearances by Zhang Zhi Hao (The Legend of Heroes), Liu Xian Da (Into the Heat), and Pan Jun Ya (Generation to Generation).
All of the above were gifted some pretty character visuals today as well.
The Inverted Fate plot
As for the plot to this, like I said, it’s nothing new:
Inverted Fate tells the story of a love that spans past and present lives between Lin Chen You (played by Zeng Shun Xi), the heir to the Prince of Cheng, and Teng Yu Yi (played by He Nan), a daughter of a military family.
After being murdered by a traitor, Teng Yu Yi wakes up to find herself transported back to the year before her death where her cousin is still alive, her grandfather is well, and she has unexpectedly acquired a magical sword called “Xiaoya Jian,” capable of slaying demons and evil spirits.
With the help of this divine sword, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. However, after a fateful encounter, she finds herself at odds with the prince’s heir. The two become reluctant allies after an initial clash, setting off on a chaotic and thrilling journey of demon-hunting together.
Let’s just see then how it all pans out, eh?
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