Rank
Alternative
Author(s)
Genre(s)
Tag(s)
What does it feel like to wake up inside the very TV drama you’re acting in?
Zhang Xingxing is an underrated, “eighteenth-tier” actor. In his latest historical drama, he plays the antagonist, Shen Zhijing. On the surface, Shen Zhijing is the picture of a refined, elegant gentleman. In reality, he is the Sovereign of the Demonic Cult, the most dangerous power in the martial arts world. He is gloomy, ruthless, bloodthirsty, and utterly unpredictable.
When Zhang Xingxing transmigrates, he doesn’t land the role of the big boss. Instead, he becomes a piece of “cannon fodder” destined to die within the first ten episodes.
The moment he opens his eyes, he sees Shen Zhijing, fresh from a massacre, walking toward him step by step, leaving a trail of corpses in his wake.
Zhang Xingxing: …Can I get a do-over?
To avoid being silenced forever by the villain, Zhang Xingxing spends his days running for his life. But Shen Zhijing is a master of martial arts; he is a ghost, a shadow, and completely inescapable.
Realizing he can’t outrun death, Zhang Xingxing changes his strategy: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
He transforms into Shen Zhijing’s most devoted subordinate:
When Shen Zhijing seeks revenge, he hands him the blade.
When Shen Zhijing is feeling low, he offers comfort.
When Shen Zhijing is wounded, he offers a warm embrace.
When the “righteous” sects hunt Shen Zhijing down, he puts his life on the line to protect him.
Eventually, Zhang Xingxing finds a way back to the modern world. But just as he’s happily preparing to head home, he sees that terrifying man with tears in his eyes, clutching his sleeve: “Don’t leave… stay with me, please?”
Zhang Xingxing: ……
He originally intended to be a mere bystander, watching Shen Zhijing play out his scripted life while observing the “Villain of the Century” up close to improve his acting skills. He never expected to lose his heart in the process.
Through the storms of the martial world and the schemes of the elite, Zhang Xingxing never left his side again.
*****
[Shen Zhijing’s Perspective:]
In his youth, he was a brilliant prodigy whose swordplay stunned the world. Then came the framing, the betrayal, and the expulsion from his sect. He was forced into the darkest depths of hell for a decade, crawling through a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood just to survive and claim the throne of the Demonic Cult.
He became a decisive executioner, a vengeful ghost.
He thought his soul had been entirely consumed by hatred—until he met Zhang Xingxing. That man respected him, loved him, and shielded him from the world.
[“After-Story”]
At an awards ceremony following his return, a tuxedo-clad Zhang Xingxing stands backstage for an interview, looking every bit the dashing star.
“As everyone knows, the award for Best Supporting Actor this year goes to Zhang Xingxing. His brilliant performance has captured the hearts of the audience. Tell us, Mr. Zhang, how were you able to grasp the emotional depth of such a complex character like Shen Zhijing so perfectly?”
Zhang Xingxing: “…Probably because I fell in love with the character I was playing?”
