Zhang Zifeng

At just 22, Zhao Jinmai (赵今麦) has captivated audiences with memorable roles in teen dramas like A Love for Separation (小别离), and the time-loop thriller Reset (开端). Her natural portrayals of spirited characters earned widespread affection. Yet her recent pivot toward mature roles reveals growing pains. Projects like the period romance Our Generation (樱桃琥珀) highlight a disconnect between her established screen persona and the emotional depth newer characters demand. This transition, while ambitious, lacks the gradual evolution needed to convince audiences. The Our Generation Conundrum In Our Generation, Zhao partners with rising actor Zhang Linghe (张凌赫) in a story of fate and romance. Despite high expectations, the drama struggled with pacing and character development. Audiences found the leads’ chemistry unconvincing—Zhang’s mature demeanor clashed with Zhao’s youthful energy, creating a sibling-like dynamic rather than romantic tension. The rushed plot offered little foundation for their relationship, leaving viewers detached from the first episode. Zhao’s performance, though technically sound, retained traces of her iconic role as Lin Miaomiao (林妙妙) from Growing Pain (少年派). Her expressive eyes and bright smile, perfect for teen characters, felt incongruous with a role demanding gravitas. This inconsistency pulled viewers out of the narrative, sparking criticism about her limited…