The original article was published by Nan Dou Entertainment on August 17, 2019
In early 2016, this magazine first encountered Xiao Zhan. In the reporter’s impression at the time, he was more “composed and gentle” than “brilliantly handsome.” We met again in the spring of 2017; he was “wearing a casual white shirt, tall and slender, polite and considerate.” At that time, he was constantly moving between various film sets, having already clearly defined his direction in the film and television industry. This summer, we met with Xiao Zhan for the third time. As he gained popularity and recognition for his outstanding performances, he shared his experiences as an actor. Xiao Zhan also talked about his childhood, reflecting on the past, summarizing the present, and looking forward to the future. Witnessing his journey, “hard work” and “clear-headedness” are the key words for Xiao Zhan, and this magazine will tell you more fascinating stories in this interview.
Coordinated by reporters Fu Yuanyuan and Qiu Zhili
Written by Fu Yuanyuan and Lu Qian, reporters for this magazine
Video Production: Zhong Junhao, Reporter for this Magazine; Photography: Qi; Styling: Min Rui
Interview coordination – Interns Wang Heng and Liu Hao
(Zhang Yu, Huang Jiaojiao, and Jiang Mengyao also contributed to this article.)
Hard-working actor
“Wei Wuxian already scored 70 points; I dare not take credit for it.”
Acting is something Xiao Zhan has always been working hard at.
“Of course I want to say I have talent,” Xiao Zhan answered candidly with a smile when discussing the topic of talent and hard work. He undoubtedly wants to possess talent and charisma, but whether he actually has them is unclear. The only thing Xiao Zhan can feel is the change within himself, from the naivety of a year or two ago to now having “some understanding and ideas.” He strives to perceive different lives in each role. “Anyway, I’m not the kind of actor who can reach this state in one step, so I probably need talent, charisma and hard work,” he concluded.
When he first entered the industry as a new actor, Xiao Zhan also experienced rejection. He views his past audition experiences as a process of “disintegration and reconstruction”: during auditions, actors must build up confidence that “I will act the best,” then that confidence will be broken, and then it will be rebuilt. He believes that in this constant process of “disintegration and reconstruction,” he is gradually “becoming stronger.”
Although not formally trained in acting, Xiao Zhan has consistently studied performance since entering the industry in 2016. This summer, we witnessed the fruits of his labor. Perhaps at this time last year, when people talked about Xiao Zhan as an actor, the focus was more on his striking period drama appearance in “Oh! My Emperor.” A year later, his role as Wei Wuxian in “The Untamed” not only garnered him considerable popularity but also earned him recognition for his acting skills.
Wei Wuxian was a role that Xiao Zhan had worked very hard to secure from the very beginning. However, the audition experience for “The Untamed” was somewhat different from his previous ones. Producer Yang Xia mentioned in an interview that when she first met Xiao Zhan, she didn’t immediately start the audition. Instead, she talked to him about his interpretation of the character. “Although he didn’t graduate from a professional acting school, it is precisely because of his rich experience in life and society that his understanding of the script is much more mature than that of his peers.”
Playing Wei Wuxian, the male lead in a major IP adaptation, is clearly no easy task. He not only faces the challenge of portraying a multifaceted and vivid character spanning 16 years, but also the formidable hurdles of fans of the original novel and the anime/manga version. Throughout filming, Xiao Zhan’s optimized performance strategy primarily focused on meticulous attention to detail. Before each scene, Xiao Zhan would not only understand the character but also design specific movements and micro-expressions. Of course, there were also improvisations on set, such as the famous “Wuxian throwing peanuts” scene, which originated from a sudden inspiration on Xiao Zhan’s part. Meanwhile, Xiao Zhan also divided the character of Wei Wuxian into stages. In the early part of the story, Xiao Zhan paid great attention to how to portray Wei Wuxian’s cuteness and straightforwardness in a more “likable” and “just right” way. “We discussed with the producer how to portray such a quirky and mischievous character. If it’s not done well, it will be ‘greasy,’ so we were also discussing this ‘degree’.” For the later part of the character, Xiao Zhan paid more attention to how to smoothly transition Wei Wuxian’s growth and changes. To this end, he subdivided the eye acting: the earlier Wei Wuxian could look people directly in the eye, but the later Wei Wuxian, who was forced to grow up, was “stripped” of this innocence. In this stage, Xiao Zhan used a slanted gaze more often. Only when Wei Wuxian truly understood Lan Wangji did the uncertain and insecure wandering gaze finally disappear, and he returned to looking directly at Lan Wangji. All these subtle details reflect Xiao Zhan’s understanding and experience of the character.
For Xiao Zhan, *The Untamed* was his first time playing the male lead in a long-running drama series. The substantial amount of screen time meant he spent a significant amount of time “accompanying” the character, allowing him to truly immerse himself in the role. After two weeks on set, he began to feel like he had “become Wei Wuxian,” gradually building up his “sense of conviction” as an actor. “During that time, you were completely immersed in the character,” Xiao Zhan told us. He felt strongly that even after filming wrapped, he couldn’t fully escape Wei Wuxian’s world for a while, and he himself even changed because of the role. Xuan Lu, the actress who played Jiang Yanli, recalled her first meeting with Xiao Zhan, saying he was very “reserved,” but after filming wrapped, Xiao Zhan became more lively, just like Wei Wuxian—”mischievous and prone to acting cute.” Producer Yang Xia shared the same sentiment, remarking to Xiao Zhan in a subsequent meeting, “You seem to have changed.”
After the broadcast of “The Untamed,” many viewers felt that Xiao Zhan’s performance was highly accomplished. In a survey conducted by this magazine with online viewers, some fans of the original novel even described Xiao Zhan’s portrayal of the character as a “surprise” and “the very embodiment of Wei Wuxian.” Faced with external praise, Xiao Zhan offered rational reflection: “The character of Wei Wuxian is already 70 points in himself; I dare not take credit. What I need to do is to bring him to 80, 90, or even a perfect score.” However, with the success of Wei Wuxian preceding him, Xiao Zhan also began to face a common challenge for many actors—how to achieve a breakthrough on his own level? When this topic came up, Xiao Zhan, who had been smiling almost throughout the interview, lowered his head and paused for a few seconds. He sighed, “Actually, even when filming later, I would think about how this performance had already been used in ‘The Untamed.’ How could I differentiate it? These were points I struggled with. I would also discuss with the acting coach whether we could develop some new methods.” After saying this, he thought for a while and then smiled with relief, “I still have confidence in myself. Of course, I just need to work harder!”
“Step-by-step” growth
“Do your best within limited circumstances”
Xiao Zhan’s meteoric rise to fame this summer caused the term “Xiao Zhan” to “flood” the internet and social media feeds.
There’s a fascinating “coincidence” behind the name “Xiao Zhan.” Many of his fans affectionately call him “Xiao Zan” (小赞), both because of the homonym and because his performance deserves praise.
In fact, Xiao Zhan almost got the name “Xiao Zan.” He told us a funny story about when his parents named him, laughing and saying, “I was very casual about choosing my name. We originally wanted to use the ‘zan’ from ‘like’ or ‘to give a thumbs up,’ but my parents said that ‘zan’ was a bit difficult to write. Would a child be able to write it? So we changed it to something simpler, Xiao Zhan.” When the reporter pointed out, “The character ‘zan’ is quite cool, but people rarely use it when naming their children,” Xiao Zhan immediately started promoting it: “So let’s use it! I think it’s a pretty good name, and I quite like this character, hahaha!”
Xiao Zhan was born in 1991. In his description, he grew up in a rather traditional Chinese family. His family gave him a lot of love and protection and instilled in him “a very correct set of values”.
Xiao Zhan’s parents not only valued his academic performance but also placed great emphasis on cultivating his overall qualities. Therefore, Xiao Zhan spent a childhood frequently visiting the Children’s Palace. When asked about the online praise for his “multitalented” nature, Xiao Zhan let out a long, confused “Hmm?!” before explaining, “Most of it I learned when I was little, you know, hahaha, just the basics, it’s alright, alright.” While he did learn violin and Go (Weiqi) at his parents’ insistence, attending art classes was purely out of his own interest. At the age of eight, he began formally studying painting, a skill he has consistently pursued. Xiao Zhan’s family still keeps a DV camera filmed during his kindergarten years, in which young Xiao Zhan recorded his dream—to become a painter—a dream that later became an illustrator and designer.
During his middle school years, Xiao Zhan, like most children, was expected to “get into a good university.” He almost never deviated from this general direction. When he was about to enter a top high school in Chongqing, he chose the humanities stream. “Because I studied art, studying humanities might not be as stressful. I can memorize things quickly, and subjects like politics and history are relatively easier to manage,” he explained. In his own account, he also admitted to experiencing the “rebelliousness” typical of adolescence. “When I was in high school, I liked to draw, but my grades weren’t that good, just average. My parents were very anxious, making me study and not let me play. Sometimes there would be conflicts, haha. I would even argue with my mom to the point where she would smash plates.”
The year of his college entrance exam, Xiao Zhan unexpectedly “failed,” failing to achieve his desired score in his strongest subject, art. At this crucial crossroads in his life, Xiao Zhan rejected his father’s suggestion to retake the exam. At 18, he had already learned to “accept.” Xiao Zhan told reporters, “Although I feel a bit resentful now, at that time I felt it was best to accept the result and do my best within the limited circumstances.” Looking at Xiao Zhan’s university experience, it’s clear this wasn’t just empty talk. There are many “legends” about Xiao Zhan’s university days online, with exaggerated descriptions mostly intended to prove his talent and good looks. Media outlets have repeatedly asked him to confirm these claims, but he always responds as an “ordinary person.” However, upon closer examination, the title of “academic star and campus heartthrob” does seem to have some basis.
While studying design at Chongqing Technology and Business University, Xiao Zhan was an extremely active “arts and culture enthusiast”: he served as the class’s arts and culture representative from the very beginning of his studies; having loved singing since childhood, he joined the school’s art troupe choir and later served as the head of the vocal department and the male vocal department; simultaneously, he also joined the school’s language arts troupe as an actor. During his sophomore year, Xiao Zhan won the title of “Top Ten Campus Singers” in a campus singing competition. Subsequently, he represented the school in a Chongqing municipal competition, where he won the “Second Prize in the Chongqing Campus Singer Competition.” It is said that Xiao Zhan was frequently seen in various performances at Chongqing Technology and Business University at that time, and he even performed the opening solo in a singing category at the school’s 60th anniversary celebration.
Xiao Zhan also excelled in his professional field. During his university years, he won the “First Prize” and “Most Popular Award” in a public service poster design competition held by his school. Describing himself as someone who “likes to experiment,” Xiao Zhan started a “university student entrepreneurship” project with several close friends in 2012. They established a design studio, taking on small logo and VI design projects. Around the same time, they also founded a photography studio, where he served as the lead photographer. Later, Xiao Zhan interned at a design company and stayed on after graduation, working in the design industry for a total of two years, including his internship.
In many people’s minds, the daily life of a “designer on the other end” is often described as “full of tears.” However, Xiao Zhan is exceptionally “lucky.” “Designers are relatively weaker, but our boss protects us and blocks some unreasonable demands. For example, if a client asks for ‘colored black,’ haha, the boss has probably already ‘filtered’ it out for us.” Xiao Zhan has also had moments of repeated “battles” with clients, but it is through these work experiences that he feels his design and communication skills have significantly improved. Not long ago, in a media interview, Xiao Zhan was asked, “What are you most proud of?” He once said, “In a highly competitive industry, I have successfully sold many of my own (designed) logos. I can proudly say that I did exceptionally well in the industry I worked in before.”
At the end of this casual reminiscing, we told Xiao Zhan a joke that’s been circulating in the industry lately. Because of Xiao Zhan’s high level of cooperation at work, many industry insiders jokingly praised him, saying, “No wonder he’s been a ‘supplier’ in the industry; he’s so considerate of others.” Hearing this, Xiao Zhan laughed for a long time, saying, “I think it actually has nothing to do with whether I’ve been a supplier or not. It’s probably the influence of my family environment since I was little. My parents always told me to put myself in other people’s shoes and create a comfortable environment for both sides so that everyone can work more happily. Isn’t that better?”
From confusion to determination
“If an opportunity arises, seize it.”
In fact, Xiao Zhan never realized his advantage in appearance, nor did he ever consider developing a career in the entertainment industry. On the contrary, he was shocked by his face, which appeared “1.8 times larger” on camera the first time he appeared on screen. “Wow! How come my face is so big!” As for becoming an artist, Xiao Zhan used two “coincidences” to explain it. His father supported him to “take a trip and come back,” and his design company boss told him to “come back after you’re done playing around.” Xiao Zhan agreed to both, but no one expected that he would come all the way to where he is today.
Even with a playful attitude, Xiao Zhan never slacked off during the competition. This magazine first met Xiao Zhan in early 2016, in the practice room on the eve of the finals. In the reporter’s memory at the time, Xiao Zhan seemed more “composed and gentle” than “brilliantly handsome.” Contrasting with this gentleness was his stubbornness and perseverance. At the time, Xiao Zhan described his mental state while practicing dance as “breaking down,” saying, “I haven’t stretched in over twenty years, and suddenly at my age, I have to stretch? It’s heartbreaking!” The program also mentioned that he lost his big toenail due to improper exertion during dance practice. But he never considered giving up. “It was painful, but since I decided to come, I’ll persevere and do it well.” Looking back now, Xiao Zhan feels his thinking at the time was quite simple: he wanted to prove to those who didn’t believe in him, “If you say I can’t do it, then I definitely will.”
Participating in the competition at the age of 24 was considered by Xiao Zhan as the third important milestone in his life. Before that, he had once regarded design as his lifelong career. Did he feel conflicted about giving up his design career? “I don’t think I felt conflicted,” he answered decisively. “I might have struggled with whether or not to do it while I was doing it, but once I started, I just went for it.” In fact, Xiao Zhan didn’t think too much when making the decision. “I didn’t think about what I would give up or what I would gain.”
After the competition ended, Xiao Zhan went through a period of “adjustment.” The contrast between having consistent media exposure and being “idle” at home made him realize he needed to adjust his mindset. “It was a good opportunity to lose weight; I ran every day,” he recalled with a smile. This period without work actually allowed Xiao Zhan to reflect and mature. He clearly understood that, “Since we don’t know where the future lies, we should first adjust ourselves to be the best we can be now; and when an opportunity comes, we should seize it.” Xiao Zhan is always prepared, continuing to practice singing and dancing. He even paid attention to the issue of “drifting eyes” that had been pointed out during a program, saying, “I consciously pay attention to this issue when I look in the mirror.”
Have you had any regrets during this time?
“No, never.” He replied almost without thinking.
Regarding the topic of “regret,” Xiao Zhan had mentioned it once in a previous conversation. Before participating in the competition, his father told him, “Once you’ve made a decision, don’t regret it.” He replied, “There’s nothing to regret, just do it.” In Xiao Zhan’s world, once a decision is made, you must go all out because “there’s no turning back; you can’t go back.” Xiao Zhan considers himself “a person with an extreme lack of security,” so when he sets a goal, he strives to achieve it, constantly reminding himself to “stay focused.” He sees this pressure as motivation, believing that “a sense of crisis is necessary to achieve something.” But where does this sense of security come from? Xiao Zhan doesn’t understand either. He analyzes, “If I knew, perhaps (this feeling) would be better.”
The Xiao Zhan of today is no longer as confused and wavering as he once was. Instead, he has become more resolute and focused, able to “set aside the noise” and “get straight to the point.” Xiao Zhan believes that these changes are all thanks to acting. His perception has become stronger, and he has gained a deeper understanding of the various aspects of life. Acting has undoubtedly been a significant turning point for him.
Our reunion with him was in the spring of 2017, when he had already clearly decided to pursue a career in film and television. Our reporter described the scene: “He was very polite and considerate, wearing a casual white shirt, tall and slender. He didn’t forget to mention the fans who had waited for his rehearsals overnight, saying it was cold at night and he was worried they might catch a cold.” At that time, he was about to return to the set of “Battle Through the Heavens” and had already confirmed his participation in “The Wolf.” “Facts have proven that choosing the path of acting was the right one for him.”
Xiao Zhan doesn’t like to think about the distant future; most of the time, he adopts a “wait and see” approach, “like climbing a mountain. Once you reach a certain stage, you then plan the next stage.” Living in the present and doing the right thing in front of you is Xiao Zhan’s philosophy of life. His current small goal is to “make every film and television project well.” In his view, doing his job well is the basic quality of an actor.
“I’m the kind of person who’s prepared for unforeseen circumstances even in times of peace.”
The actor’s The actor’s self-cultivation
I really want to have talent and inspiration.
Nan Dou Entertainment: What is the most touching part of the character Wei Wuxian for you?
Xiao Zhan : His kindness and perseverance have always led him to persist in doing what he believes is right, even if he is despised and misunderstood by the world.
Nan Dou Entertainment: There are behind-the-scenes photos circulating online of you crying during a script reading. Do you remember what the scene was about?
Xiao Zhan : Actually, it was the first day I met Xuan Lu, who plays my senior sister. That afternoon, we did a script reading together. When we got to the part where Jiang Cheng loses his golden core, I said to my senior sister, “Could all of this be my fault, just like Madam Yu said? Could it be that I caused all of this?” During that scene, my senior sister and I couldn’t help ourselves, and we both burst into tears. Actually, even though we didn’t film my senior sister’s scene, she was also in tears. It was just that feeling between the two of us.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Which scene do you feel you put the most effort into? Which scene are you most looking forward to seeing?
Xiao Zhan : I think the “Qiongqi Road” scene left a deep impression on me. When I saw the Wen family members, including Wen Ning, react with such anger after being murdered; and then there was the scene where my senior sister passed away. Actually, that scene was only filmed twice. The first time, we waited until five or six in the morning because we needed the warm light of sunrise. On the first day of filming, I felt it wasn’t enough, so I asked the director if we could do it again. The director said OK, respecting my choice, and we did it again. The second time, I felt it was significantly better than the first time; all the emotions were adjusted perfectly.
Nan Dou Entertainment: You may have noticed that you’re often asked about crying scenes in recent interviews. This is partly because *** said you have a “crying scene switch,” and partly because the audience really appreciates your performance. Could you talk more about your acting experience in this area?
Xiao Zhan : My friends around me are even more interesting. They directly asked me, “What eye drops are you using? (laughs) How come it looks so natural?” Actually, if I were to think back now, I can only say that I was completely immersed in that situation and the character at the time. Actually, I discussed with the director for a long time whether or not to cry. Was Wei Wuxian someone who needed to cry? But in the end, we concluded that because it is the actor himself who presents a vivid character to the audience, we should just follow our feelings. You can empathize with everything he went through, you can feel his feelings, and you feel that the audience needs to see it, so you should do it. So I am also grateful to the director and producer for giving the actors space and opinions. So if you’re asking me how I manage to cry in a scene, like just crying on command, it’s not that I can just cry on cue. It’s because the situation required it, and I felt it was necessary, so it was a natural presentation.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Many viewers are praising your performance, but some say that “you were deliberately cute at the beginning.” What are your thoughts on this?
Xiao Zhan : At first, I was also wondering where the cuteness level lay. But actually, our idea was that since he had three transformations, we should do our best. Of course, I admit that I am still a new actor, so I accept all the shortcomings pointed out by everyone. Even now, when I watch it, I think, “Hey, if I were to play that youthful, carefree state in the early stages now, I could do better, because my experience wasn’t as mature back then, so there were indeed some flaws in my performance.” But I did my best during that period, and this is the result of my efforts. So I accept both the good and bad feedback from everyone, and then I just improve.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Many viewers are currently commenting that “Xiao Zhan has a lot of talent in acting.” Do you consider yourself to be either naturally gifted or hardworking? Many senior figures in the entertainment industry also say that “talent is actually more important.” What do you think about this?
Xiao Zhan : Of course I want to say I’m talented, hahaha! Actually, I really want to have talent and charisma, but as for whether I have it or not, I don’t know for sure. When I look back at some of my previous works, I feel quite immature. Now, I have some understanding and my own ideas. I think everyone goes through this stage. Every actor goes through this process. I hope everyone can give us new actors some encouragement. Anyway, I’m not the kind of actor who can reach this level in one step, so I think talent, charisma, and hard work are all necessary.
Nan Dou Entertainment: How do you understand the word “actor” now? What do you think are the basic qualities of an actor?
Xiao Zhan : I think the basic professional ethics of an actor is to do their job well. I also see people’s comments on some new generation actors, who may feel that their acting skills are not very good. But at least I see that the young actors around me are all eager to do well and are working hard to do this. I hope that everyone can see our drive and hard work in us new generation actors. Give us some time, and I believe we can do better.
Action-oriented people who live in the moment
“I think I’ve become more determined.”
Nan Dou Entertainment: What is the relationship like between you and your parents?
Xiao Zhan : They respect my choices and hobbies, but our relationship is still like that of a child and parents. Some children might be more like friends with their parents, but my relationship with my parents is more like that of a parent and child, a more traditional Chinese family.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Have you always had a relatively mild personality since childhood?
Xiao Zhan : The word “gentle”… well, for me, gentleness is probably the side I show to people I’m not very familiar with. I’m the kind of person you’d feel comfortable with, someone you can talk to about anything. But actually, with people I’m closer to, I can be a bit more assertive, haha. I’m actually a very impatient person; if I think of something, I’ll do it right away. If I’m not allowed to do it, I’ll feel really bad. Why can’t I do it? Why can’t I execute it? I’m the kind of person who wants to act on whatever comes to mind.
Nan Dou Entertainment: From childhood to adulthood, when did you start to realize that you were not bad looking?
Xiao Zhan : But I really didn’t, hahaha. I weighed 150 pounds when I participated in the competition. In daily life, it was no problem at all. I thought I was okay. But when I was on camera, wow! My face looked so big! At that time, I realized that I might need to lose weight. My friends and manager also told me that I might need to lose weight because the camera would make my face look 1.8 times bigger. Okay, so I lost weight. After losing weight, I really felt “refreshed”, hahaha. After losing more than 20 pounds, almost 30 pounds, you feel a real difference.
Nan Dou Entertainment: When did you first have the idea of becoming an artist?
Xiao Zhan : When I participated in the competition back then, I never really thought I would become an artist, and I had absolutely no concept of what an artist was. It just so happened that I had just graduated and decided on my career path. Then the production team contacted a teacher from my school’s art troupe and said they would recommend me. The teacher asked me, “Hey, you like singing, do you want to give it a try?” I thought, “Hmm, sure.” Anyway, I had graduated, so why not try something new, change my environment and have some fun? So I went. Becoming an artist was a coincidence, quite a coincidence.
Nan Dou Entertainment: When the opportunity came, did you ever say you wanted to seize it and actually enter the entertainment industry?
Xiao Zhan : At the time, I just liked singing. I thought I sang pretty well and wanted to sing for you guys.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Are you a very confident person?
Xiao Zhan : I feel confident in areas where I feel good, but I become a little insecure in areas that are completely unfamiliar to me.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Sometimes, you’re the type of person who likes to take a walk and see what happens?
Xiao Zhan : Yes, let’s see how things go. If you have something to do, just do your job well. Don’t be greedy and want more, right? Focus on doing your job well first. I think that’s the key.
Nan Dou Entertainment: If you were to divide your life into several major milestones up to now, how would you do it?
Xiao Zhan : The college entrance exam, university graduation, and participating in competitions. I think these are the three most unforgettable milestones for me. I feel I failed the college entrance exam; I was careless during the art exam, and the score wasn’t what I wanted. This is a very memorable point for me. My dad advised me to retake the exam, but I felt I should accept the result and do my best within the limited resources. But now, thinking back, I still feel a bit resentful because I feel I deserve more than that score. Then came graduation. What to do after graduation? Design. Okay, when I decided to pursue design, I participated in a competition. The competition was an inspiration, and at the time, I felt that since I was going to do it, I should do it well. These are the three milestones.
Nan Dou Entertainment: When you debuted at the age of 25, did your family support you?
Xiao Zhan : My family is very supportive. When I went to participate in this competition, my dad was very supportive, saying, “Go and have some fun, then come back.” I said, “Okay, I’ll come back anytime,” hahaha. Even the boss of my previous design company said, “Come back after you’re done having fun,” and I said, “Okay, okay,” hahaha. Anyway, nobody really thought of it; everyone just thought it was a trip to have some fun. (Reporter: What about when you signed with a management company?) My parents were also very supportive. Actually, after participating in this competition, they understood that I was determined to pursue this path. I remember my dad telling me, “Once you’ve made a decision, don’t regret it.” I said, “There’s no point in regretting it; just do it.”
Nan Dou Entertainment: Do you feel any changes in yourself since your debut?
Xiao Zhan : Sometimes I hear friends say that I seem to have changed, and I ask myself, have I changed? It seems my life is still the same as before—relatively simple, monotonous, and a bit of a homebody. My friends are also relatively simple, and I don’t get involved in complicated things. I think I’ve become more determined, less confused and wavering, and I’ve ignored some of the noise and gotten straight to the point. If I’ve changed at all, it’s that I’ve become more determined.
Nan Dou Entertainment: When did you realize that you only need to take care of yourself and keep moving forward?
Xiao Zhan : When I first started acting, I thought one of the best things about acting is that it makes you more perceptive, your nerves more sensitive, and you experience many things you’ve never experienced in your previous life. You also experience the lives of the characters, which gives you more insights. For me, I’m still a new actor, but I can feel that acting has indeed brought about changes in me.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Do you have any small or long-term goals in mind right now?
Xiao Zhan : My small goal is simply to do well in every film and television production. Like I just mentioned, it’s essentially the basic professionalism of an actor. I don’t dare to think too far ahead or set overly long-term goals. If I had to say something, I certainly hope to improve in the future, to act better and better, and to win awards, but what we need to do is focus on short-term goals and strive to achieve them. I think it’s like climbing a mountain; once you reach a certain stage, you then set a plan for the next stage you want to climb.
Nan Dou Entertainment: You are someone who lives in the moment?
Xiao Zhan : Hehehe, we must live in the moment.
Nan Dou Entertainment: How do you manage to be rational and constantly reflect on your actions? Because sometimes popularity inevitably leads to a bit of arrogance.
Xiao Zhan : I understand what you mean. Actually, if you’re asking about how to stay clear-headed, I think this profession is inherently cruel, with new people constantly emerging. It might also be related to my personality; I’m the kind of person who’s always prepared for the worst. I won’t let myself stay in a comfortable, easy place. This is due to my personality. I think everyone’s personality is related to their upbringing.
Private art style
“I’m a homebody when I’m not filming.”
Nan Dou Entertainment: Have you thought about how long you want to stay in this industry?
Xiao Zhan : I haven’t thought about this.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Have you ever thought about leaving this industry one day?
Xiao Zhan : Not going into this industry? I’ve thought about it sometimes. Sometimes I wonder, how long would I have to keep doing this? Actually, I also think about what will happen to me in the future, but it’s just something I think about (laughs).
Nan Dou Entertainment: I saw you mentioned before that you wanted to open a pastry shop. Where did this dream come from?
Xiao Zhan : Haha, actually I have a lot of dreams like that (laughs). But I think it’s because I’m a person with a rather unconventional way of thinking. One minute I’m thinking, hey, I’ve been really into Western-style pastries and cakes lately, so if I could make cakes or pastries that look like works of art, I think that would be amazing, and I could even make them for my friends. So, could I open a pastry shop someday? Sometimes I also think, should I open a hot pot restaurant? I just love to daydream. Actually, sometimes I also think about opening a coffee shop or a flower shop, just some really wild ideas.
Nan Dou Entertainment: I feel like everyone in Chongqing wants to open a business…
Xiao Zhan : You want to open a hot pot restaurant, right? (laughs)
Nan Dou Entertainment: What is your typical day like when you’re not filming or working?
Xiao Zhan : It’s actually very simple. I stay at home, happily staying at home, sleeping in, ordering takeout, and watching my favorite movies. Then, if friends are also in Beijing, I meet up for a meal and catch up. That’s how the day goes. Life is very simple. Work already gets me really “engaged,” so when I’m resting, I keep things simple and relax.
Nan Dou Entertainment: After you became an actor, do you unconsciously overthink and analyze movies?
Xiao Zhan : Yes, when I watch a show, I’ll say, “Wow, he acted so well, I need to make a note of it.”
Nan Dou Entertainment: I heard you like watching horror movies? Why?
Xiao Zhan : I feel like I just like it, I don’t know, I can’t explain it.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Do you like that kind of exciting and suspenseful feeling?
Xiao Zhan : I just thought, wow! That’s amazing. I think horror movies have reached a bottleneck these days. Audiences’ appetites have been spoiled, so how can you still scare people? I don’t know. So I wanted to see what new tricks you had up your sleeve to scare people.
Nan Dou Entertainment: You’re no longer easily scared?
Xiao Zhan : It’s difficult.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Are you talking about ghost movies or thrillers?
Xiao Zhan : Thrillers, the kind of thrillers with ghosts. For example, I watched one a while ago, oh no, I forgot the name again (thinking of the name…), Nightmare Inheritance? (Reporter’s note: It should be “Hereditary”) I like that kind of thing. It’s not that the “ghost” comes straight at you, but rather that kind of sudden (feeling) it hits you unexpectedly. For example, that little girl, (imitating a sound…) that tongue-clicking, wow, you’ll be startled. Because, for example, if I’m home alone and suddenly hear someone click their tongue, wow, I’m scared to death.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Do you know a lot of internet memes? Do you usually search for yourself online?
Xiao Zhan : Actually, I think this is quite normal. In this day and age, who among young people doesn’t go online? I wouldn’t believe anyone who said they didn’t.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Do you ever search your own name to take a look?
Xiao Zhan : Yes, I will. For example, I will check it when I have free time, but I do it less often now because everyone tells me, “Don’t search anymore.”
Nan Dou Entertainment: In the comments you see, do you feel that they don’t match your own thoughts or your own personality?
Xiao Zhan : There are too many. If I had to go through them one by one, I would be exhausted. Just take a look and move on.
Deciphering the Ideal Type
“It’s more comfortable to get along with people who have similar personalities.”
Nan Dou Entertainment: Are you a very opinionated person? Are you easily swayed by the opinions of others?
Xiao Zhan : I think I have my own opinions, but I’m willing to listen to others’ opinions. Because I feel that if everyone wants to do well, then of course we should listen to everyone’s opinions and work together to improve. Sometimes, if you’re too fixated on something, you get trapped in it and don’t see the whole picture. For example, every time I work, after listening to everyone’s opinions, I realize they make sense, and I might have been a bit too extreme before. It’s always like this: I have an understanding, then I overturn it, and then we integrate it with everyone else. That’s the best approach; it’s not about saying I have to do something just because I say so.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Are you more of a lively or quiet person in private?
Xiao Zhan : I’m a bit of a show-off when I’m with people. Once we get to know each other, I become a bit more energetic and lively. But if we’re not that close, or if I’m alone in private, I’m just a normal person, quiet and reserved.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Do you think you have high principles and bottom lines?
Xiao Zhan: It’s pretty high.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Do you get angry when it exceeds this?
Xiao Zhan : Yes. I will, but then I won’t contact them anymore.
Nan Dou Entertainment: You’re really persistent?
Xiao Zhan : I will stick to my principles. My principle is that I cannot (compromise).
Nan Dou Entertainment: What quality do you value most when making friends?
Xiao Zhan : Kindness, hehe, does that sound a bit official? But it’s true, so I don’t have many friends around me, (because) I want to make friends with someone whose personality is similar to mine, and whose values must be correct.
Nan Dou Entertainment: At the “The Untamed” fan meeting, you said your ideal type is someone who is neither arrogant nor humble. Why?
Xiao Zhan : I’m growing myself right now. After experiencing so much, I think this is a very good quality. Don’t let reality crush you, but don’t let it mislead you either. Just be a person who is neither arrogant nor humble. I won’t back down when facing difficulties, but I won’t be arrogant either. Just face it head-on, without being arrogant or humble.
Nan Dou Entertainment: And then there’s the point about being gentle and domestic, which you’ve been talking about for so many years, but you yourself are also very domestic and can cook…
Xiao Zhan : Yes, I’m more of a homebody.
Nan Dou Entertainment: And then you want to find someone of the same type?
Xiao Zhan : That’s why I just said I like to be around friends who are similar to me, with similar values and personalities, because it’s comfortable to be around them, and everyone feels comfortable together. You know, if I’m someone who cares a lot about what others think, and my friends are the same, it’s actually very comfortable to be around them, because they know my principles and where my bottom line is. My way of getting along is to keep things simple and comfortable in private.
Nan Dou Entertainment: How do you balance work and family now?
Xiao Zhan : Yes, when I was filming in Hengdian a while ago, my parents came to visit me, and I really missed them. Because I was so busy filming, I was filming all day, and after filming, I would have dinner with them in the evening, then go for a walk, chat, and relax. We usually video chat, and my mom would call me too. When I’m really busy, if my parents send a message in the group chat and I don’t reply immediately, my mom will use “nuts” to tempt me—she makes a lot of videos of our cat, and I have to go up and like them, saying how cute they are. (laughs)
Nan Dou Entertainment: Many cat lovers video chat with their cats every day.
Xiao Zhan : I’m fine. I’ll go check on it. I said, “Hey, let me see what it’s doing today.”
Nan Dou Entertainment: Are you the kind of person who only reports good news and not bad news?
Xiao Zhan : Yes, I will definitely only report good news and never bad news. I must only report good news and never bad news (laughs).
Nan Dou Entertainment: When you feel confused or stressed, do you tend to confide in others or…?
Xiao Zhan : No. I’m the type to process things on my own. I just need to shut myself off for a bit.
Nan Dou Entertainment: Can it really get better?
Xiao Zhan : I’m fine, aren’t I? If you always rely on others, it’s not a good thing. I think there’s no need for parents to know things that would worry them; they can handle it themselves.