Chinese television stars Chen Xiao and Rosina Lam are captivating audiences with their long-awaited onscreen reunion in the new historical drama, The Great Entrepreneur (Da Shengyi Ren), generating significant buzz and driving the series to massive early success. Since its premiere, the drama has swiftly accumulated over 250 million total views within its first 10 days, according to production metrics, fueled in part by Lam’s unexpected yet widely praised cameo as Empress Dowager Cixi.
Lam’s brief but powerful appearance as the formidable Empress immediately resonated with viewers, who took to social media to commend her commanding screen presence and fierce portrayal, noting her “explosive gaze” and “undeniable aura.” This acclaimed performance marks the first time the duo have collaborated in fifteen years, electrifying fans who followed their earlier careers.
The two artists, along with cast member Ling Zhuo, recently participated in a live stream to share anecdotes about the demanding production process. Lam disclosed that her portrayal of Cixi presented a unique challenge: delivering the entire performance using her own voice in Mandarin Chinese, a first for her in a mainland production.
Commitment to Authenticity Requires Rigorous Preparation
Lam emphasized the meticulous preparation required to embody the iconic historical figure authentically. To master the distinct posture and gait associated with Qing Dynasty noblewomen, particularly the precarious “flowerpot bottom” shoes, she dedicated a month to preparation, practicing movements daily. Lam shared a humorous anecdote about wearing the towering platform shoes at home, even while taking her dog out, which led to curious glances from her neighbors. Chen Xiao lauded her commitment during the live stream, calling her “truly professional.”
The reunion was characterized by a palpable sense of familiarity and seamless collaboration, the actors noted. Lam described feeling an immediate sense of ease upon seeing Chen Xiao again, explaining that their shared history allowed for a strong, comfortable synergy during scenes. Chen Xiao echoed this sentiment, adding that he hopes their future collaborations will explore more intense, complex emotional narratives, specifically the “love-hate type,” contending that Lam’s versatility and “fierce edge” are qualities yet to be fully utilized on screen.
The Great Entrepreneur‘s rapid ascent into the viewership elite underscores the commercial power of strategic casting and the enduring appeal of established star pairings. The drama is capitalizing on both nostalgia for the actors’ previous work and the high production value typical of major historical epics. Industry analysts suggest that Lam’s surprise performance helped differentiate the series in a saturated market, turning a supporting role into a significant talking point. Their professional dedication and ability to revive a successful partnership after nearly two decades serve as a compelling model for sustainable careers in the highly competitive entertainment sector.
