The original article was published in Bella Magazine (Feb Issue 2019, March 8, 2019)
Photography/Xing Chao
Planning/Rui Yuanyuan
Interview & Writing/Qiu Meiyao
Styling/Lu Yao
Makeup & Hair/Qing Jun
Assistants/Hongdou, Wang Keyu
Venue/Chaofan Vision
“While experiencing the ‘sweetness’ of the character, one must also experience the ‘bitterness’ as well.”
What does being an actor mean to you? “For me, it’s simply about doing a good job as an actor.”
“What’s interesting is that when you step into different roles and experience their lives, it’s an endless source of reward and wealth. Ordinary people only have their own life, but actors can have more than one life, enriching their own lives in another way.”
“I’m quite easygoing in private. I wouldn’t say one-dimensional, just very pure. I try to make my life simpler and cleaner, focusing on the roles I play and enriching myself through acting.” Xiao Zhan said this simply and sincerely when talking about being an actor.
“Pick the ‘candy’ you want.”
The past two years have been busy for Xiao Zhan, and “being busy” is exactly the goal he has set for himself.
In 2018, he filmed the TV series “The Untamed” and “Joy of Life” and the movie “Jade Dynasty”. In the hit drama “Oh! My Emperor”, he played Beitang Moran, a character who was elegant and straightforward. His ancient costume appearance was stunning and unforgettable.
In addition, in the trailer released for the upcoming TV series “The Wolf,” his portrayal of Ji Chong, drawing his bow and arrow with a fierce and rebellious gaze, has garnered recognition from many netizens and industry professionals. Although he hasn’t been an actor for long, he has already demonstrated immense potential. His new film, “The Rookies,” will be released this summer, and he shared some unforgettable experiences with us: “There was all sorts of parkour in the film, climbing, running, and jumping. On set, I wore a wire harness and ran and jumped on an overpass with Dalu (Wang Dalu). Because it was real climbing, it was quite dangerous, but the experience was truly unforgettable.” He used hand gestures to express his emotions as he spoke, sincerely and unreservedly sharing his story with us.
He’s had very little rest in the past two years of work. He admitted that it would be a lie to say he wasn’t tired, and there were times when he was so exhausted he couldn’t keep going. But he would always talk to his agent and friends to adjust. He didn’t specifically reveal those difficult moments to us, just chuckled a few times and brushed them off lightly, without the slightest anxiety or restlessness. That moment made us feel that even if life brought him some fatigue and confusion, this boy would open himself up and generously welcome them.
When asked what kind of role he would like to challenge next, his eyes suddenly lit up: “I used to want to play a villain, but now I think it’s a bit difficult. This is probably a role I can challenge when I’m more mature, but I feel like playing a villain is so much fun.” He smiled childlike, his eyes filled with a pure curiosity and longing.
If “villainous roles” are a “candy” for Xiao Zhan, he hopes to grow further and use greater strength to reap that “candy.” He wants time to give him rich and mature experiences, so that he can not only feel the “sweetness” of such roles, but also experience the “bitterness” along with them.
Xiao Zhan’s remarks about his future career plans during an interview left a deep impression: “Striving to become a mature artist is a long-term goal,” and he has become more and more determined in this belief each time.
Actor Xiao Zhan is honing his acting skills, accumulating experience and gradually showing his talent. We’ll just have to wait for him to shine.
“Looking forward to the unknown journey”
In the few years since his debut, Xiao Zhan has not appeared in many variety shows. When asked if he wanted to try variety shows in 2019, he said he had considered it, but his focus would remain on acting. He also admitted that travel programs would be more appealing to him, as experiencing unknown journeys and touching his inner feelings would be tiring, but enjoying them was the most important thing.
Because of his role as the dashing and unrestrained Wei Wuxian in “The Untamed,” the difference between Xiao Zhan’s own personality and that of the character Wei Wuxian has made people curious about what he is like in private.
“People might see me as gentle and composed in everyday life, but once you get to know me, I’m actually quite lively and fun-loving in private. I’m also very outgoing with my friends.” But he still admires Wei Wuxian’s carefree and unrestrained nature, being able to do whatever he wants. He feels that people nowadays live too rigidly, and the reason so many people like Wei Wuxian is precisely because he has qualities that make people envious.
Would you be willing to make this kind of life a reality? Xiao Zhan shook his head: “Let such a carefree life exist in everyone’s imagination. Human life still needs some rules to limit it.” Just like his work and life, although he is quite casual and carefree in private, he still hopes to set rules and goals for himself when it comes to work.
He is a young man with a clear understanding of himself, life, and career. He stands in the middle of the scales of life and career and maintains a good balance. One end is simplicity and purity, and the other end is rules and goals, making him steady and reliable.
What reveals another side of him is his talk about his youthful rebellion. “When I was in school, my family was quite strict. When I was disobedient, my parents would resort to violence. But looking back now, I regret it. I think you should never argue with your parents, no matter what. Even if they are really wrong, you should always give in.”
Now when he goes home, his parents still talk to him about his rebellious past. “Sometimes, my parents will say, ‘Oh, you used to be like this and that, so disobedient! Do you remember?’ I’ll say I don’t remember, but actually I do.”
When he talked about his parents with a smile, his mature and sensible nature was tempered with a touch of mischief and childlike innocence.
He even added a word of advice: “Kids these days shouldn’t make their parents angry.”
What kind of relationship does he yearn for in real life?
He pondered for a moment, then answered “perfect,” but frowned slightly, feeling it was unrealistic. “Love has its good times and its bad times; there will always be arguments. But I think these arguments are necessary; they highlight the good in the relationship. So I yearn for a normal and lasting relationship.” He considered this important and emphasized that the hardships in a relationship should be experienced together. If they can overcome them together, then that relationship is the perfect one he longs for. He spoke calmly and clearly, gently yet firmly expressing his pursuit and aspirations.
Throughout the interview, Xiao Zhan wore a cheerful smile, and was even amused by his own answers at times. He seemed to possess a rare childlike purity and innocence, as well as curiosity and anticipation for the unknown and challenges.
“Bella Interview with Xiao Zhan”
Bella: What have you been busy with lately?
Xiao Zhan: I just finished filming recently, so I’m taking a short break.
Bella: 2018 has passed. Have you achieved all your goals?
Xiao Zhan: I think it’s about right. My small goal was to keep myself busy, to make my life more meaningful, and to film some works that I like. So I think I’ve pretty much achieved that.
Bella: Have you thought about setting any different goals for yourself in 2019?
Xiao Zhan: Actually, I think it’s okay. I just want to be healthy and have a smooth life.
Bella: What is your understanding of a mature actor?
Xiao Zhan: My understanding is that a mature actor can handle many roles. Unlike now, I understand characters more through my own personality and experiences. Mature actors don’t limit their roles because of their own traits.
Bella: Were there any interesting things that happened during the filming of “The Rookies”?
Xiao Zhan: There was a scene where I and Lu Ge were both hanging from the roof.
We were both about to give up, and we kept telling each other, “Let go first,” while we held on. Eventually, I really couldn’t hold on any longer, and he said, “Then let go and fall.” I happily let go of his hand. The director wanted the scene to be realistic, so we were holding on with all our might, and the footage turned out pretty good.
Bella: Are you a meticulous guy in private? Do you pay a lot of attention to skincare?
Xiao Zhan: No (hahaha), really no, I’m a homebody. If there’s a special event, like today’s shoot, I might quickly put on a face mask beforehand to remedy the situation. But now I’ve developed a habit of using face masks because Beijing is so dry, my skin gets dry and flaky.
Bella: Do you have any favorite variety shows or variety show stars?
Xiao Zhan: I watched “Adventure Life” before, and I thought it was quite meaningful.
Bella: Which episode did you like best?
Xiao Zhan: I particularly liked Fan Xiaoxuan’s episode. I thought it was very meaningful; they were creating something new. Fan Xiaoxuan kept asking the shepherd about the meaning of the song itself. It wasn’t about changing him, but about elevating the song based on the existing foundation, their lives, and their stories. I think that was especially meaningful.
Bella: Your work schedule is quite full. Do you make time to spend with your family?
Xiao Zhan: During the Spring Festival, I usually go home and stay for a longer period of time to spend more time with them.
Bella: In a relationship, how do you provide your partner with a sense of security?
Xiao Zhan: I think a sense of security isn’t something you can create; it’s something you do. Of course, it also depends on the other person’s personality. If I were to choose a romantic partner, I would choose someone with a similar personality to mine. I probably wouldn’t want the other person to give me a sense of security by asking things like, “Do you like me?”, “Where are you?”, or “What are you doing?” I think that would make the other person feel pressured. I believe that once you choose a relationship, you should trust them; trust is very important.
Bella: In terms of fashion, have you ever wanted to try different styles?
Xiao Zhan: I thought about it, and then I failed (laughs). When I was out having fun before, I suddenly fell in love with a piece of clothing—a rather exaggerated cape. All my friends said it looked amazing and that I absolutely had to buy it. But when I got it, I couldn’t wear it at all (laughs). Every time I open my closet and look at it, I wonder if I should wear it today? After putting it on and looking at myself in the mirror, I just want to take it off. Every time I look at myself, I question my life choices—why did I even buy it? Your clothing style should suit you; don’t make any overly daring attempts. (laughs)
