The drama "The Pearled Curtain," featuring Zhao Lusi, Liu Yuning, Tang Xiaotian, and Xie Kecin, will premiere on November 1. On October 30, the show held an advance screening in Hangzhou, where the cast members met with fans and shared their experiences.

"The Pearled Curtain" is adapted from Tan Tianyin's novel "The Prequel to Kunshan Jade." It tells the story of the pearl-diving slave Duanwu (played by Zhao Lusi), who escapes the humiliation at the pearl market. She encounters the Western merchant Yanzijing (played by Liu Yuning) and the gentleman Zhang Jinran (played by Tang Xiaotian), and they embark on a westward trading journey. Amidst the changing tides of fate, Duanwu defies her destiny and ultimately becomes a legendary female merchant. Viewers follow the protagonists’ perspectives as they travel from Hepu to Guangzhou, Shaozhou, Wuling, the Western Regions, and Yangzhou, experiencing the ups and downs of life along the way.

As of October 30, "The Pearled Curtain" has surpassed 5 million pre-orders.

At the screening event, the media got an early glimpse of the captivating storyline. In previous fantasy dramas, Zhao Lusi often portrayed soft and endearing characters, but this time as Duanwu, she demonstrated her desire to showcase her "ambition." The half-hour preview highlighted several pivotal challenges throughout Duanwu's growth during different periods.

At the beginning of the story, Duanwu is oppressed as a pearl-diving slave. Zhao Lusi appears without makeup, swimming gracefully among the coral like a mermaid, risking her life to harvest precious pearls, yet her life is filled with daily hunger and bullying. When it comes time to present her pearls for sale, Duanwu boldly steps forward, staining the pearls with her blood to carve a path for herself. At this point, Duanwu is determined and unafraid. However, once aboard Yanzijing's ship, she faces her enemies with rage and desperation, vowing to avenge her mother. This transformation from brave and unyielding to heartbroken when suppressed by Yanzijing shapes her into a seemingly fragile woman who can unleash her strength for her loved ones.

Zhao Lusi interprets her character

The strength displayed by Duanwu is also what Zhao Lusi sees as the story's unique essence. She emphasizes that Duanwu stands out in that she lacks a typical protagonist's aura. "Duanwu never waits for anyone to save her; she works hard to survive and establish her place in the world. Whether she's learning to do business or gaining wisdom from Yanzijing on the ship, her every step forward comes from the injuries she endures. This growth is very real; only through pain and lack of protection can one truly grow. Unlike other female leads, Duanwu earns what she wants through grit and resilience."

When discussing her connection with Duanwu, Zhao Lusi revealed that before filming this drama, she had spent six or seven months away from acting, during which time she experienced significant personal growth. Upon reading the script for "The Pearled Curtain," she felt an affinity with Duanwu's struggles, both navigating pain while growing in a challenging environment. Zhao Lusi, with a hint of emotion, shared that since joining the "The Pearled Curtain" cast, the most common phrase she heard was, "You've grown up."

Transforming from a lowly pearl-diving slave into a legendary merchant is driven by Duanwu's formidable will and relentless effort. Zhao Lusi reflected on a new term she learned: "a cataclysmic start," which encapsulates Duanwu's experience. She hopes that girls do not feel too anxious. From Duanwu, she learned the importance of not worrying about others' opinions. "Everyone desires to be a better version of themselves in the eyes of others. But look at Duanwu—her life is already incredibly hard, so aside from being an artist, I hope all girls can live from their own perspectives. Your reference point shouldn’t be someone beside you or someone else’s opinions, but yourself. As long as you are changing, that's what matters."

A still from "The Pearled Curtain"

In fact, the theme of female growth extends beyond just Duanwu. The character Yue Yunxiu, portrayed by Shang Xinyue, also embodies another aspect of a woman’s journey. Zhao Lusi particularly mentioned her fondness for Yue Yunxiu's narrative, stating, "There’s a part where she seeks redemption; she was born into a family that practiced emotional manipulation. Her courage when she ventures into the world with us is remarkable, and her development from beginning to end is very complete."

Liu Yuning plays the role of Yanzijing, the Western merchant, and shares that many refer to his character as the "Godfather of the Western Regions" or the "Count of Monte Cristo of the West." "I feel ashamed; I'm not that great," he quipped. Nevertheless, he finds much resonance with Yanzijing, noting, "Perhaps it's his background; he has endured many trials that shaped his character. I am also grateful for my experiences before debuting. I can relate to his every decision and action." Liu Yuning jokingly added that if Yanzijing were transported to modern times, he would undoubtedly be a hobbyist promoting collectibles, recommending amber and other treasures.

The relationship between Duanwu and Yanzijing also embodies a cataclysmic beginning. Aboard the ship, as they confront their enemies, Yanzijing forcefully takes the keepsake left to Duanwu by her mother, causing her immense pain. This scene stands out as a highlight for Duanwu in the early part of the story. Liu Yuning revealed that he and Zhao Lusi rehearsed it extensively beforehand. Reflecting on their emotional connection, Zhao Lusi felt moved by their ability to see reflections of themselves in one another’s struggles, as neither of their paths have been easy.

In the development of their relationship, Zhang Jinran serves as a significant figure, providing Duanwu with steady affection, which she ultimately rejects. Zhao Lusi believes, "Because Duanwu has never truly experienced love, receiving it suddenly would frighten her. At that time, she hadn't become her true self. However, during their interactions on the boat, they discover similar aspects of themselves."

"The Pearled Curtain" takes a creative approach by using the pearl trade of the Tang Dynasty as its focal point, exploring various types of pearls and gems. It is set to be a standout production for Youku in the fourth quarter of this year, with the series airing on November 1 on the platform.