Chinese dramas and films

On September 4, an interview with Sun Qian, star of the drama «The Early Spring» (早春晴朗), which is currently airing on Youku and Netflix, was published on the channel «Huchang Damingxing» (狐厂大明星, an interview show from Sohu Video). The drama has become hugely popular in China and around the world. On Netflix, «The Early Spring» climbed to number two in the global streaming charts.

Watch the show here

At the heart of the story is the tangled relationship between office newcomer Shang Zhitao (Sun Qian) and her domineering boss Luan Nian (Jing Boran). The setup — «by day, boss and subordinate; by night, secret lovers» — has proven irresistible to viewers. In the «Huchang Damingxing» interview, Sun Qian admitted that she loves that her character «loves herself like a flower», and that the character's life journey deeply resonates with her own.

The intimate scenes in the series are remarkably atmospheric and nuanced. Sun Qian revealed that a specially hired intimacy coordinator was a huge help, giving her a complete sense of security. The actress also confessed that while watching «The Early Spring», her cheeks would burn.

Although their on-screen relationship is full of emotional twists and turns, off-screen Sun Qian and Jing Boran are like bickering siblings. Sun Qian admitted that she considers Jing Boran her idol.

In recent years, Sun Qian has frequently been paired on screen with older male actors, earning her the nickname «The Older-Brother Harvester». However, the actress is eager to break out of this typecast and called on directors to offer her roles in dramas with younger co-stars.

Read more:
Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian to Star in Romantic Series «The Early Spring»
Drama «The Early Spring» with Jing Boran and Sun Qian Premieres on Youku and Netflix
Drama «The Early Spring»: outstanding results on a modest budget

Sohu Entertainment: Tell us about your character, Shang Zhitao.

Sun Qian: Shang Zhitao is a girl with a strong will to live. She's very active and very kind. She can be knocked down today, but she'll be back on her feet tomorrow.

Sohu Entertainment: What drew you to the script?

Sun Qian: I really loved this story because it's about these two people who love, hate, fight, make up, fall out again — it's very compelling. Shang Zhitao's growth arc also really appealed to me. In a romantic drama, she has a complete character journey — from rookie to starting her own business, achieving success, and winning her guy back. It's very satisfying — you feel like a winner.

Sohu Entertainment: What kind of character is she?

Sun Qian: I was going to say she's very resilient, but it's not really about resilience. She's someone who learns very quickly.

Sohu Entertainment: And she's quite at peace with herself.

Sun Qian: Yes, sad things don't stay with her for long.

Sohu Entertainment: Everyone says Shang Zhitao is a «romantic workaholic.» Do you agree?

Sun Qian: Take out the word «romantic.»

Sohu Entertainment: So just a workaholic?

Sun Qian: Yes, a workaholic with occasional romantic interludes.

Sohu Entertainment: How would you describe this office worker's path to success?

Sun Qian: At the start of her career, she's a zero.

Sohu Entertainment: Yes, like a blank slate.

Sun Qian: Yes, if I were in her shoes, I would be proud of every step she takes. She grew herself into the flower she loves.

Sohu Entertainment: «Love like a flower» — is that the saying?

Sun Qian: Love yourself.

Sohu Entertainment: Loving yourself is like growing a flower. From Shang Zhitao's perspective, how did she and Luan Nian gradually develop feelings?

Sun Qian: It all started with one... you know.

Sohu Entertainment: I know, the after-work story on Friday.

Sun Qian: It all started with «Freaky Friday.» In any relationship, a girl has moments of confusion, but Shang Zhitao gets through them quickly, works on herself, and then the right person finds you.

Sohu Entertainment: They go through different stages in their relationship. How did Shang Zhitao's feelings evolve?

Sun Qian: She just threw herself into work. If you're not going to let me work properly and earn a living, then stay away.

Sohu Entertainment: Putting yourself in an employee's shoes, dating your boss is a bold move. From colleagues to lovers — did Shang Zhitao always strive for equality in the relationship?

Sun Qian: The saddest part is that the relationship started out unequal. So no matter how many years they're together, one person will always see you as you were in the beginning. Luan Nian couldn't accept that he had been lecturing Shang Zhitao from a position of superiority. He forgot that she was constantly growing.

Sohu Entertainment: When do you think Shang Zhitao's feelings first emerged?

Sun Qian: Definitely on that «Freaky Friday.» For a naive girl, it all started with love. That love, in the process of being taught, kept them constantly pulling toward and away from each other. Through a series of events, they built their relationship brick by brick. It's hard to pinpoint an exact moment.

Sohu Entertainment: There's no single moment — it just happened.

Sun Qian: Yes. She had her happy moments, but exactly when she realized she loved him — I can't say for sure.

Sohu Entertainment: On the very first day of broadcast, viewers were impressed. Did you see the comments saying this is a drama for adults?

Sun Qian: I watched it as an adult and got really red in the face.

Sohu Entertainment: Was watching harder than filming?

Sun Qian: No, when we were filming... check out the behind-the-scenes footage.

Sohu Entertainment: Everyone's asking to see everything that was cut.

Sun Qian: Actually, not much was cut. I'm pretty happy with what made it in.

Sohu Entertainment: You had an intimacy coordinator on set. What did you learn from that?

Sun Qian: So much! I hadn't done that before. It really helps actors psychologically — it gives you a sense of security. It's not about how explicit the scenes are, but it helps the audience's experience, right?

Sohu Entertainment: Yes, yes.

Sun Qian: I wouldn't say it myself, but it looks good.

Sohu Entertainment: And it's very beautiful. Really beautiful.

Sun Qian: While the director was shooting it beautifully, we actors felt safe. It was all fine — we were protected.

Sohu Entertainment: You said before that filming «The Early Spring» was the hardest on you. What part of Shang Zhitao's life resonated with you the most?

Sun Qian: I almost cried talking about it, and I still feel like crying. Zhitao's life trajectory is so similar to mine: from Harbin, moved to Beijing, then back home... ten years of connection. This year marks ten years in my career. There are moments when I feel exactly the same way, especially when we were shooting in Beijing. Those scenes are still vivid in my mind. I really want to wish them happiness, because finding a love like that is rare. If you like someone, say fewer hurtful things. Don't wait until you break up to realize how much you mean to each other.

Sohu Entertainment: That was beautifully said. I almost teared up. Now that you're promoting the series, are you back in Shang Zhitao's mindset?

Sun Qian: Yes, I'm back. My hair is short right now, but when I play Zhitao, I add extensions. My own hair is naturally curly, but Zhitao's is straight. And every time I do that hairstyle, I feel Zhitao has returned.

Sohu Entertainment: In the behind-the-scenes footage, there was a game of charades. What was your reaction?

Sun Qian: It was so awkward. We were standing too close. We had to guess a phone number through gestures — my mind went completely blank, I couldn't focus on the number. He showed «1,» and I guessed «8.» Of course I got it wrong. I had no idea what was going on. Oh, so embarrassing.

Sohu Entertainment: Were you blushing?

Sun Qian: (Laughs)

Sohu Entertainment: Everyone wants to be Luan Nian and Shang Zhitao's daughter. What do you think their child would be like?

Sun Qian: She'd be very spoiled. Zhitao grew up as a pampered princess, and Luan Nian gradually learns to care for others. By the time little Zhitao is born, he'll already be the perfect father — supportive and encouraging. I think she'd be very lucky.

Sohu Entertainment: Shang Zhitao's style changes as the story progresses. Did you give any input? Your style is often copied.

Sun Qian: But I prefer casual, comfortable looks.

Sohu Entertainment: You walk red carpets in sneakers?

Sun Qian: Yes, I almost came in jeans today (laughs).

Sohu Entertainment: That's fine — being as natural as Zhitao is. Did you know Jing Boran brought 120 outfits?

Sun Qian: Of course I knew. That's exactly why I felt more pressure.

Sohu Entertainment: Did you tease him about it?

Sun Qian: Why would I tease him? He was very serious, and I really respect his dedication to the role.

Sohu Entertainment: Were you competing with each other?

Sun Qian: It's not competition. It's something I should learn from. Forget about «cutthroat competition» and «burnout.»

Sohu Entertainment: Let's drop those words.

Sun Qian: Yes, hard work is just hard work. Don't call it burnout.

Sohu Entertainment: That's inspiring. Everyone says you both seem cold, but you're actually like bickering siblings.

Sun Qian: Jing Boran really is my idol. When you meet your idol, there are two ways to act: option one — «Oh my god, it's you!» and option two — well, we were like, you don't really show your feelings to your idol, you know?

Sohu Entertainment: Were you rivals on set?

Sun Qian: We were more like learning from each other. Jing Boran treated me very well.

Sohu Entertainment: Was there ever a time you got the better of him in a verbal spar?

Sun Qian: He's pretty sharp.

Sohu Entertainment: Sharp and tough?

Sun Qian: Yes, he's sharp — sometimes I can't keep up.

Sohu Entertainment: I saw he once said you two speak French off-screen.

Sun Qian: Let him say it, then (laughs).

Sohu Entertainment: Three of your dramas came out this year. Do you feel like your pipeline is running dry?

Sun Qian: Actually, no. On the contrary, I think I need to choose my next projects even more carefully to live up to the audience's expectations. Every project should be high-quality. I shouldn't just jump into things for the sake of working.

Sohu Entertainment: Your on-set photos often go viral. Everyone says you're the «quintessential high-society heroine.»

Sun Qian: But I feel like anyone who puts on glasses gets that label.

Sohu Entertainment: Well, because you really do have that look.

Sun Qian: Then I'm happy to hear that.

Sohu Entertainment: You can smile.

Sun Qian: (Laughs) We sound like two girlfriends having a late-night chat.

Sohu Entertainment: Of course. I've seen your «Puppy Diary» (小狗日记, a series of posts on the actress's personal Weibo account). Have you noticed people call you a «stubborn, vulnerable, broken puppy»?

Sun Qian: Vulnerable? Really? I don't think she's vulnerable. The learning process is a quiet one. When you're learning, you don't say too much. I think Zhitao is the same: when she's absorbing information, the best response is to listen.

Sohu Entertainment: In real life, do you feel like you have that same «puppy» energy?

Sun Qian: Of course. Can't you tell? I'm very grateful that people like my «Puppy Diary.» I'm happy that through my posts, I can show my real life and be myself.

Sohu Entertainment: You know your quote «Under the cherry tree, anyone looks beautiful» went viral, right? Have you seen people's remix of it: «Under the cherry tree, anyone looks beautiful, and Qian looks good with everyone»?

Sun Qian: (Laughs) Yes, I really am like the cherry tree.  First, I have to admit that this statement is absolutely right — because my co-stars' charm is truly irresistible. If I didn't acknowledge that, it would mean they have no charm at all. And secondly, I want to give myself some credit — being with me is also pretty great.

Sohu Entertainment: After this drama aired, people started calling you the «Older-Brother Harvester.»

Sun Qian: What about the younger ones?

Sohu Entertainment: When are you going to do a drama with a younger co-star?

Sun Qian: Directors, look at me! I'm up for anything.

Sources 1, 2