Chinese dramas and films

The drama «Love for You» (野狗骨头) has announced its upcoming premiere. Starring Song Wei Long («Shine on Me», «The Seven Relics of Omen») and Zhang Jing Yi («Legend of Zang Hai», «Lighter and Princess»), the series is based on the novel of the same name by writer Xu Tu Cheng, though the production team has made several changes to the original storyline: the female rivalry subplot has been removed, a detective element has been added, and the open-ended finale has been replaced with a happy ending.

Set in the southern Chinese town of Tengcheng in the 1990s, Chen Yi (Song Wei Long) and Miao Jing (Zhang Jing Yi) meet through their parents. At this point, it is not entirely clear whether their parents were just friends or in a relationship, but it is certain that they never started a family together. Initially, Chen Yi is hostile toward Miao Jing. After his father passes away and her mother disappears, the two teenagers are forced to rely on each other.

During their college years, Miao Jing confesses her love, but Chen Yi becomes entangled in an arson case as a key witness. To protect her, he forces her to leave Tengcheng and cooperates with the police.

Years later, Chen Yi runs a billiards hall, while Miao Jing returns to her hometown as an auditor, and their paths cross once again.

Read more: Song Wei Long and Zhang Jing Yi to star in romantic drama «Love for You»

The series combines romance, drama and a detective storyline centred on reinvestigating the old arson and smuggling case.

As of July 2, the number of pre-release reservations on the Mango TV platform had exceeded 4.5 million.

The drama is directed by Liu Jun Jie, known for his work on «Symphony's Romance» and «Lighter and Princess».

Filming took place on sets that recreated the atmosphere of a southern town in the 1990s. To better immerse himself in his character, Song Wei Long gained ten kilograms, tanned his skin and deliberately kept dirt under his fingernails to match the rugged appearance of his role. Zhang Jing Yi, in contrast, lost 14 kilograms and cut her long hair.

Ahead of the premiere, fans have expressed concerns about possible cuts to key scenes. In particular, an eight-minute rain scene – considered crucial to understanding the characters by readers of the novel – has been widely discussed. In an interview, Zhang Jing Yi commented: «Some details have indeed been adjusted, but the core emotional essence remains intact.» Representatives from Mango TV confirmed that all changes have been approved by the rights holders.

The premiere of «Love for You» will take place on July 5 at 12:00 Beijing time on the Mango TV platform and on Hunan TV.