Kevin Cheng: “My Life Is Marked by High Peaks and Deep Pits!”

The recent broadcast of mainland series, Bu Bu Jing Xin <步步驚心>, led to a sudden burst in Kevin Cheng’s (鄭嘉穎) popularity in China, with his salary shooting through the stratosphere as well. However, when Kevin was working in Taiwan a decade ago, his career hit rock bottom and he did not even have money to buy dinner, requiring his mother’s cash assistance instead. Perhaps now, it was the right time for Kevin’s meteoric rise!

Kevin noted, “My life is marked by dramatic ups and downs. There were several low pits in my life, ha ha, the rock bottom period was when I was working in Taiwan. After the release of my first album in Taiwan, the Asian financial crisis hit, which resulted in a delay in production of my second album.”

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“When I was a singer, I did not have much to do after the recording of a song. The most was spending time to practice singing. However, you cannot practice for more than a few hours each day. In this manner, a day passed and another day passed…. After six months passed, my second album has not been released yet. My anticipation in awaiting the album’s release slowly turned to disenchantment.

“In my idle time, I bought some cooking books to learn how to cook so that I can save money. My earlier savings had slowly depleted by almost 80 percent. Although I had already spent two years in Taiwan, I released only one album. The music company told me that the sales were only lukewarm. At that time, I had little earning power and depended on my family for help to pay for meals. Without my mother’s support, there was no way I could continue to work in the entertainment industry!

Making a Comeback Through TVB

“My financial distress lasted for over one year. During this time, it was the lowest point in my life. I had nothing to do each day, only going out to buy groceries, cook meals, and read books to pass the time. It was not until Lee Kwok Lap (李國立) invited me to film Taiwanese drama, The Legendary Siblings <絕代雙驕>, that I became an actor. For a certain time, I resisted in the idea of turning from a singer to an actor.

“Without The Legendary Siblings, then I would not have signed a contract with TVB. ATV purchased the broadcasting rights of The Legendary Siblings to air in Hong Kong, which attracted TVB’s notice that I could act. TVB invited me to come back to Hong Kong to film for them. Since my return to TVB, things have been smoother.”

Source: Oriental Daily

Jayne: During the one year that Kevin was in Taiwan, he didn’t know how to spend his time and idled away learning how to cook. Although it was not mentioned in this particular interview, I believe it was also during this time that he had broken up with Linda Wong. With the loss in love and career, it was a double hit. 

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Responses

  1. Not sure about his singing though. So he has a history with Lee Kwok Lap. Eh why suddenly so many Kevin articles?

    1. Maybe jayne is affected by your newfound love for kevin! 😛

    2. I thought Kevin’s singing is pretty good in my opinion anyways. I guess Kevin is really getting popular due to BBJX. Glad that BBJX and its cast is getting more and more known…

    3. From what I remember of his singing – it wasn’t very good at all.

      Anyways, I’m happy for for him because I think he’s finally earned his spot in the light. Since LOS, I’ve been less critical and he did very well in Only You this year. Haven’t watched GJ. And of course, he did very well in BBJX. It feels like his acting has really matured.

    4. Funn,
      “Eh why suddenly so many Kevin articles?”

      Kevin is the hot favorite to win Best Actor at TVB Anniversary awards and it appears Oriental Daily is running a 5 part interview series on him.

      I apologize if there was insufficient coverage on Kevin before. I was sidetracked by the Rose/Benny/Joe scandal. Now news can resume to coverage of other artists. 🙂

      1. @Jayne: A 5 part interview with Oriental Daily doesn’t have a relationship with the award :P. If you rmb LF also had one but only first part is translated by Ah K. To talk about Ah K, how is her study? Long time no see her.

      2. Fox,
        I think there are a lot of last minute HK media interviews on Kevin since he is widely speculated to win the TVB Best Actor Award.

        Oriental Daily likely timed the release of their 5 part interview to the upcoming TVB Anniversary on Dec. 5th. If we know anything about Oriental Daily, their editors are quite shrewd.

        Ah K is busy studying and acing her exams. 🙂

      3. Fox, yeah the 5 part interviews is actually done by many artistes and not just those who will win awards. Wayne, Raymond, Bowie, Bosco all have done these Oriental Daily 5-part interviews – which I admit is more interesting because it makes them talk more. However you’re right that most English sites only translate 1 part of their interviews.

      4. However Jayne might be right in the sense that Kevin’s interview is timed very close to the awards; since every single newspaper and tabloids is screaming that Kevin and Michael are vigorously running for the TBB award – and it makes readers wonder if Oriental Daily has inside scoop on “who will win”. LOL

      5. I guess because it’s lazy to translate the all long 5 parts.

  2. he does look very good in bu bu jing xin as 8th prince. Melted! haha..never found him so good looking before until saw him in bubu jing xin.

    Jayne, he dated linda wong before? you mean linda wong singer?.

    1. Yea, he did date Linda Wong Hing Ping(the singer, daughter of Jimmy Wong). I heard that they dated for like 8 years and then broke up. I heard that Linda’s dad was not happy about her dating Kevin since he felt that Kevin would not be able to support Linda or give her a good life. Linda is now married… I guess they just did not have the fate to end up together.

      1. that’s too bad, they’ll make a good pair. 8 Years are very long time, it will be hard to forget and start another stable relationship i guess. Linda wong got so popular back then with her song bie wen wo si shui..

      2. Yea, 8 years is a long time but if it doesn’t work out then it just doesn’t. Other couples have dated for an even longer time and have moved on so it is normal but still varies from case to case.But Linda is now happily married.. Hope that Kevin can soon find his other half. Yea, Linda got really popular due to her song Bie wen wo shi shei back then…

  3. I think Kevin owes his role as Ba Ah Ke to Mr. Lee Kwok Lap in Bu Bu Jing Xin. He just thought that Kevin would suit that part and there you are! Funn, if and when he wins the TVB award as Best Actor, which I do sincerely hope and perhaps pray he will, he will certainly be in the forefront and more will be written about him.

    1. I have someone telling me when she read the novel she felt Tong Hua was writing about Kevin’s 8th; looks, temperament, etc. Anyway must stop obsessing over BBJX. I hate BBJX! I HATE! Why? Can’t stop loving it!!

    2. No wonder I suddenly saw Kevin act in JSDS back in 1999. I must say that he did a good job for his debut in a series. I did not know that Lee Kwok Lap was the one that produced that series. Glad that Kevin is now successful after years of hard work. He is a good role model to follow…

  4. so, he had 2 years of difficulty…? ONLY TWO YEARS…compared to other artists? I say he’s pretty lucky. remember that Best Actor award for Under the Canopy of Love? joke…

    1. Well some artists do go through more but some are luckier and go through less difficulties. It just varies but regardless of anything, I am glad that he is finally successful as opposed to other artists who continue to work hard for their entire career and still don’t get to the top.

      1. I think he is born with good looks..definitely easier for him

  5. I would like more articles about Kevin. I love Kevin. I love Jayne

    1. Agree. I also want to read Kevin’s news everyday. I see there are a lot of article relating Kevin recently. But I can’t understand chinese language. Love Jayne, too

  6. Good to know that Kevin’s mom supported him throughout his difficult time. They must be pretty close…

  7. Yeah totally agree too.. More articles about kevin, please!! Go kevin!! BBJX was awesome!! Well done kevin!! We love you…

  8. Very happy for Kevin! I love him in BBJX too but too bad the ending is not that great for him..

    Mothers will always be the ones who help their children, no matter what! 🙂 At least in my experience!

  9. Yes, he’s mentioned in the Be My Guest interview that this was the time period where his relationship with Linda Wong started seeing cracks.

  10. 2 years of difficulty is really not that much for people trying to make it in the entertainment industry. Raymond Wong struggled for a little over 10 years before recently becoming popular, Ruco 17 years, Wayne 20+ years, etc. Kevin is one of the luckier ones as people can aimlessly wander the entertainment circle for years without success or recognition. However, his “double hit” is sad. It definitely sounds like Linda’s father didn’t like him because he couldn’t support her, causing them to break up. Hope he finds the right girl soon. Since Ruco his little chance of winning Best Actor this year, I support Kevin. 🙂

    How was his performance in BBJX? Surprised he’s getting so much praise for it, as I felt his past performances in ancient series have been so-so. He looks out of place and uncomfortable in them.

    1. I don’t think so… I have always liked ancient series have always liked Kevin’s performances in ancient series a lot. He did well in BBJX so you should give it a try sometime…

      1. Before BBJX Kevin was awkward and stiff in ancient series, but BBJX proved he can do an ancient series. Give BBJX a try

      2. @lol,
        I really wonder if you like Kevin’s performance or the just the series itself???

    2. I never liked Kevin in anything before – modern or ancient. But LOS really started changing my mind. That said, BTROC was on the other hand, a major set-back. He was basically eye candy there.

      He’s really great in BBJX, nailed the gentle, but scheming prince character. The rest of the cast is really stellar too. Thought Nicky did even better than Kevin since he was able to give his character a tad more complexity and Liu Shi Shi was devastatingly good.

      I actually support Roger Kwok the most because he gave an outstanding performance in WAW, even if the drama itself was bonkers level of bad. But he’s not even if the top 5 (ridiculous) so I can live with Kevin taking the prize better than Michael with his laughingly lazy portrayal of Laughing.

      1. I didn’t think Shi Shi was devastatingly good but from what I read she was awful in the past. I thought Shi Shi was inconsistent in her interpretation, wasn’t bad, it was competent, she can definitely cry but after a while I feel a more experienced actress, albeit older may do the role more justice. I do agree she is not pretty enough but imagination can be used in that sort of setting; that she was in somebody else’s body so we can imagine that somebody else is very pretty.

      2. @ Funn

        When I say she was devastatingly good, I actually mean it in reference to the ending. I thought she performed very well, but didn’t think she was outstanding either, the way I thought of Nicky. But I was seriously devastated in the end. Mostly because of Nicky, but it wouldn’t have worked if she hadn’t been up to par too.

        Reg. her beauty. I think LSS looks much better irl than in BBJX so the show wasn’t really “fair” to her beauty. But that’s also partly why I love the show though. Even though Shi Shi wasn’t the prettiest girl (Annie was), it was her lively personality they all fell in love with. Likewise, Nicky looks absolutely horrendous with a half bald head (he also need the hair for height), but damn the man has presence!

      3. Hehe, Liu Shi Shi is the shining factor of BBJX to me :P. Honesty, I notice Nicky and Yuan Hong in it more than Kevin :P.

      4. But Ruoxi is supposed to be a beauty though.

        Eh Nicky was rather good looking! I don’t know why the complaints. He looks good, especially that first scene with him riding that horse and giving that deadly stare. I tell you, I became 4th woman the moment I saw that scene. However he does shrink a bit towards the end which is suitable since as we see more of 4th and his pettiness I do feel he is becoming less commanding. But yes Nicky Wu, I love you. And he does give 4th sex appeal, a surprise for me when Ruoxi did not rip off his clothes in that bed scene. SHe looks like a boring lover.

      5. @ Funn

        We have to disagree. I thought Nicky looked worst of all the princes while Kevin looked the best. But I loved 4th and tolerated 8th, LOL. I think Nicky is ridiculously sexy as 4th – bald head and all – but it was due to his screen presence and eyes.

        LMAO yes, I was so annoyed that 4RX didn’t even got a proper love scene after how freely she kissed that damn 8 ye. (Especially since Nicky is one of seemingly few actors who can REALLY KISS, hehe.)

        The bromances were hot too, LOL. 4th/13th and 8th/14th.

      6. I think Liu Shi Shi was great. I don’t know any TVB actress her age who can be as good as her in BBJX.

      7. @lol: If Liu Shi Shi or Yang Mi is in TVB, they will have to wait until they are in their 30s or look old to have the roles like this :P.

      8. @Advo,
        I really wonder if was it is BBJX that you like or the actual performance of the cast??? I have seen most of the cast from BBJX in other series before and liked most of them all… They all have high potential to be pretty good actors and actresses. Have you seen LSS in other series? I personally did not think that she looked that great in BBJX.It was more of the way she acted that made people like her rather than her looks. I think she looked a lot prettier in Xian Jian 3 and Shao Nian Yang Jia Jiang. However, her performance was pretty good…

        About Nicky, not everyone looks great with their hair half bad like that… I personally think one of the few that actually looked good like that was Qiu Xin Zhi in my opinion.

      9. @ HeTieShou

        I’m afraid I don’t understand your question. Or rather, I don’t understand the point of it?

        I love BBJX and I love it because of the cast’s performance together with a good script and beautiful direction.

        I haven’t watched LSS in anything else – and as much as I enjoyed her RX, I haven’t felt the desire to see her in anything else either. Like I stated in a previous comment, I think LSS is much prettier irl than in BBJX though I do not find her stunningly beautiful. I also stated (previously) that it was her personality that the princes fell in love with so we are not actually disagreeing…

        I know not everyone looks good with a half bald head. In fact whoever came up with it must have hated men, because it’s positively one of the worst hairstyles for men ever. That said, Kevin pulled off the bald look the best imo. It just proves looks aren’t everything. I still love 4th the best of all the princes and he and 13th were the only men I thought were sexy.

      10. @Advo,
        Well, hope you are not mad. I was just kind of confused since you said that you didn’t like Kevin in anything else before so I was just wondering if you just like the series of BBJX or his performance. I was also wondering if people would still like Kevin’s performance if BBJX did not become so popular. There are many series where the cast performs well and has a good storyline and all but they never get noticed or become popular since the series itself did not become popular. You know what I mean???

        I saw LSS quite a few times before BBJX and really enjoyed her performances. I also don’t think she is stunningly beautiful but she does look better in other series that I have seen. I hope that you will see other series of her as well…

        I agree that the Qing dynasty hairstyle for the guys are so ugly. My family likes watching Qing dynasty series but hates the hairstyle…

      11. @ HeTieShou

        I’m not mad. I think we just got out wires crossed. I really liked Kevin’s performance in BBJX and the show would not have worked so well without especially, the trio doing a good job. The supporting cast was also terrific which just adds to why the show was so great.

        As for Kevin, my favourite role with him is still in LOS. He really stood out there, outshining even Roger Kwok. Though Roger’s character was pretty poorly written so it wasn’t exactly a fair fight.

      12. @Advo,
        Glad to know you aren’t mad. I know what you mean but I still think that the plot/storyline is still the most important thing in any series. I have tried to watch a series with a good cast but a bad storyline and just could not finish the series. Which series is LOS??? Is it a TVB series?? IS it a modern or ancient series? I would like to see how Kevin did in there.

      13. @ HeTieShou

        If you’re a fan of Kevin, you should definitely watch Last One Standing. It’s modern with Kevin, Roger and Yoyo (Mung) and very good.

      14. @Advo,
        Is that the one where they are against each other and Kevin went to jail and stuff?? If so, then I have seen it already… I just forgot the English name. Kevin did do a good job in there…

      15. @ HeToeShou

        Yes, that’s the show. Thought Kevin’s acting was gritty and intense, his best acting to date imo.

      16. Advo, I remember Last One Standing and I remember he was shouting himself hoarse and I remember thinking he was such a bad actor next to.. was it roger there? Yes roger… who was masterful. That’s why kevin should not take angtsy role. he should go for the casual sort of character, so I can imagine him being rather good in GJ which will show next monday!!! YEAH!!!

      17. @ Funn

        NO WAY, LOL.

        I stand by my opinion that Kevin was great there. I loved how he shed his gentleman image and “got his hands dirty”. I didn’t like Roger’s performance at all, because I thought the character was terribly developed. Roger was SO good in WAW however (among other things. He’s a pro after all). He almost made me forget about how crappy the rest of the show was with his performance alone.

      18. @Advo,
        Oh so that’s the one… Yea, Kevin did do a great job in there. Also, if you were curious about how LSS looks in other series, you can just go on youtube and look up some MVs for Xian Jian 3 and you can see how she looks in there if you want. I think she looked prettier in there and other series rather than BBJX. I guess the Qing dynasty does not fit everyone…

  11. I think Kevin is saying that 1-2 year period was the lowest point in his life, and that he had other bad times too but not as low as that. I remember he had struggles with his old manager although I can’t remember the exact details.

  12. Love Kevin Cheng, he is a good actor. also good looking one. met him few years ago in NZ…he was awesome and very friendly.
    anyone know what is English title for BBJX? would like to watch this series but I can’t read chinese.

    1. The Eng title for BBJX is Startling By Each Step. Go to Viki.com and search for it, they have it Eng subbed.

      1. Also Startling Surprises At Every Step. In fact the Eng title is non existent. Just type Bu Bu Jing Xing may help even more. Or copy and paste 步步惊心

  13. Better Kevin to win than Michael Tse. Michael didn’t do anything outstanding in LOO.

  14. BBJX is amazing. It’s Kevin’s best work and I think everyone is so well casted. Every actors and actresses in the series are doing great.

    TVB can never do something like this. In every TVB series there will always be bad acting moments.

      1. It is a love story and it is about prince fighting, not concubines. The story is a I think 25 year old modern girl in Beijing who was arguing with her BF got hit by a car and electrocuted and woke up in Qing, before the start of the battle for the throne by the 9 princes (in this case lesser number). She was in the body of 16 year old manchurian girl who is the sister of 8th prince’s 2nd wife, and she met each prince (10, 9, 8, 13, 14 and 4), falling for 8, leaving him and eventually gave her heart to 4. She knew the history and as she lived there for 20 years or so they became real people to her and she couldn’t help but get involved with the struggle.

        HOWEVER she is not involved in the fight directly. A bit on some jealous wives but apart from that, you can say this series is at one hand a 100% devastatingly heart breaking love story and at another a very intelligent sort of power struggle between the men (up until ep 25 where ep 25 where Kangxi dies and how 4th got the throne was to be the reason that almost broke this series).

        For the real power struggle series, watch YZWC. For the romanticised (and much hotter) version, BBJX is the one.

        That being said the costumes in BBJX is amazing, the best I’ve seen. A pity most voices were dubbed.

      2. Thanks for the Info, Funn. The story somehow resembles a tvb series where Louis Koo plays the police cop who travelled back to ancient and help LF to become the emperor and Louis Koo knew everything about the history which eventually helped him to solve many probs and there were Sonija, Jessica, SArah and Joyce Tang falling for Louis Koo.

        Maybe I’m not a sentimental person so I think I’ll bypass this BBJX series hehe.

      3. I love BBJX. I got the collector’s box, and the OST is very good. Spent quite a sum on that box, but no regrets. You can always download the series, all HD version (oh beautiful!!) but get prepared with 2 things; tiger balm or similar (to rub to your head when you see so much crying) and tissue paper (when you also end up crying). I swear after some time I wanted to stop watching, too depressing, too much tears (not by me) too morose but I kept going and in the end like Ruoxi I just gave up and just let my tears flow. D-a-m-n you BBJX!! And yes, fans of Kevin will love him in here.

      4. I can see why you like BBJX, u like the casts, costume, pretty background, good storyplot and most of all KEVIN!

        But when you said there will be alot of crying scenes in BBJX just made me pulsed for a moment lol since I hate watching any crying movies and series..really hate them cuz I hate wasting my tears although many said crying can prevent eyes cancer.

      5. “Thanks for the Info, Funn. The story somehow resembles a tvb series where Louis Koo plays the police cop who travelled back to ancient and help LF to become the emperor and Louis Koo knew everything about the history which eventually helped him to solve many probs and there were Sonija, Jessica, SArah and Joyce Tang falling for Louis Koo.”

        No no Veejay, different story. She doesn’t help him, he goes about his own way. What I like about BBJX is she doesn;t get involved in the struggle itself, they all do what they want and know what they all want to do, and she just went about as an observer although she did say something that started the real struggle.

      6. BBJX is a 言情 novel, just its type show us that it’s about many men fight for a girl and of course, the man she chose has a bunch of girls follow but she is the only one, can’t compete. The guy is in the top, most famous, most handsome, most caring. The girl is normally normal, or pretty but crazy and seem not care for the guy. However in the end, they are a happy couple. It’s girls’ dream. The type of novel for the teenagers to dream, to put themselves in the pink castle.

        Different to it, the series you mentioned is adapted from Xun Qin Ji, which is a scientist wuxia novel. It’s about men’ fights to conquer and many girls love the guy because he is strong and he went to them at first mostly for his sex demand :P. This kind of novel is different to 言情 novel that it targets the boys who like the fights, kills and conquer stories.

        I’m not talking about the series as BBJX is a correct adaption of BBJX novel while A step into the past is an adaption with tons of changes (so TVB) of XQJ.

      7. Fox, I am sure you must have watched BBJX because what you described may be what the others or naysayers think but eventually is not what BBJX is. I am told her novel is beautifully written with lots of subtext; I can’t comment since I don’t know how to read but if the series is faithful, yes the first 2 or 3 episodes may give that sort of feel but it moves away from that quite quickly.And who she eventually ended up with doesn’t even remotely resemble what you wrote so for all people who may not like such a story as described by Fox, let me assure you BBJX is a much better, intelligent (somewhat, if you can ignore that darn throne usurpation thing) and in the end a very tragic romantic sort of storyline. I for one do not wish to have such a love. Too difficult.

      8. I loved A Step Into The Past but it honestly had a lot of flaws.

        BBJX seems more realistic (aside from the time travel aspect) and historical backdrop seems more important. I also think that’s what sets it apart from the usual men fighting over one girl clichéd dramas. That and the fact that the cast had so great chemistry, it transcended into RX and her relationships platonic or romantic seemed so real.

        *okay, I’m just going to go back to my corner and cry again which is basically my reaction to everytime the show is mentioned. I have not been affected this much by a show since like forever.*

        @ Funn

        Where did you get the Collector’s Boxset from? I really want it, but I’m still hoping for it to be released with English subtitles in the future.

      9. I’m mentioning of the novel BBJX more in the first paragraph. You may not feel this but I really think BBJX belongs to 言情 novel type as it really is. It’s kinda better than the girl’s dream like Twilight (for tragedy parts) but maybe I read too much 言情 novels, I think BBJX is still that, lacks the depth and the experiences. I guess Dong Wah is still young so her ability reached to this part is actually good enough. If you read, like Gu Long or Huang Yi’s novels, you will feel the differences in the words.

        Or I guess I’m not suitable with 言情 novel? I agree that the love of the main chacs are complicated, tragic and beautiful, but it lacks the depths, lacks the feeling that it’s a love that can make ppl die in tears like Dong Wah tried to make. She put in words too much that “hurt, painful” but don’t let the audiences can really feel how hurt and painful themselves. The same writing type happened to Ming Xiao Xi. If you read/watch the Summer Bubbles (Taiwanese series) you will feel the same thing. The person I think can push the love to extreme without saying how hurt it is among 言情 novel authors is Cao Ting. Even that her novels are quite nonsense, she can really push the love to this extreme without saying “I’m so hurt, why he hurt me that much, etc.”

      10. @ Funn

        What issues do you have about the throne usurpation?

        I had hoped they would have portrayed it with more ambiguity since it is in the novel and because historians deny it.

      11. @ Fox

        Are you talking about the novel or the drama? Because I’ve read that it was very faithful to the novel, and I think RX and 4 ye had A LOT of depth in their relationship in the drama already. Can’t read Chinese, so haven’t read the novel. Imo, the shallow relationship is between RX and 8 ye and that’s why it didn’t work out for them.

      12. Fox, I agree on the type but I disagree on the sweeping statement because it may turn off people from actually watching BBJX when it is beyond the Twilight sort of nonsense.

        Advo, I bought the boxset through an agent in China, the worst is the postage price so the price in the end is almost 100% more than the retail price but compared to the prices you see on Yesasia, it is actually cheaper in the end and it is packed with good stuff. However I haven’t seen the DVDs, and the danger is like what I bought with YZWC in China, 2 discs was badly damaged. You can never know, it is a risk but the collector’s box I have is so far looking good. If you can download, just download. But if you really want the box, and if you’re not in CHina,

        find an agent/deputy (I used agencytaobao.com which isn’t the cheapest but they answered my emails promptly and sent my items promptly) and go to taobao and check out the items. The cheaper one is at dangdang.com

        http://product.dangdang.com/product.aspx?product_id=22506854

        BUT the agents don’t buy from dangdang.com and if you can understand chinese and register yourself I think dangdang.com entertains international order and since I can’t and so darn complicated, I asked the agent and they referred me to taobao which has many listings but the cheapest thus far is

        http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=13437536997&ali_refid=a3_420434_1006:1102585753:6:%B2%BD%B2%BD%BE%AA%D0%C4+dvd:00e671e8f40bb4e81783699628600d0f&ali_trackid=1_00e671e8f40bb4e81783699628600d0f

        where the agent is reputable from all the comments and did send my items to the deputy promptly. If you have a friend in China, get them to buy for you but if not get the agent.

        The box may arrived a bit squased though but it is a hard box so items inside are from surface in good condition. This is the new tangren set released. The yesasia one is an older release and not worth the price.

      13. @ Advo: You can blame A step into the past but can’t blame Xun Qin Ji :P. Xun Qin Ji’s plot is very tight, very match the real history and reasonable to put the appearance of a model guy in it. Its characters are well made and logic with the history. Huang Yi is master in putting unexisted ppl to the real history but still can make it in order. Like how he pulls Siu Long to Qin dynasty or the existence of Kau Chung and Tsui Tsi Lin in Tong dynasty. Very logic, even the fights with their appearances but they dun exist :P. BBJX can’t do half of that good, no, not even 1/3.

      14. Advo,

        “What issues do you have about the throne usurpation?”

        My issue is as highlighted by you. Ambiguity will be good. I feel by showing him usurping it and in such a childishly portrayed manner, I feel it took away the legitimacy of the story; it was so intelligent and wonderfully written and then came that usurpation. For once I like Gong in that respect. I don’t want to see usurpation; no ambiguity, I want 4th inheriting the throne legitimately BUT everyone doubting everything he did and said. YZWC in that respect was magnificent; one scene was where I realise Safe Guard ripped off directly but Safe Guard was amazing so no comment.

      15. @funn,

        I thought you bought your DVD BOXSET from local dvd shops in KL, there are many of these dvd shops that sell mainland series in boxset.

      16. @Advo: Novel. And series is kinda the same to the novel. It dun really have differences between both. Gong is also an adaption of this novel BBJX but Yu Zheng changed a lot in it and denied the existence of the novel, hehe, caused to a scandal.

        You might think BBJX is realistic to the history but it’s easy to do such thing because it mostly focus on the internal fights, not the big fights or the fights with large effect like in the time travel wuxia novels (as Xun Qin Ji as example, and ASITP is an adaption of Xun Qin Ji). So it’s easy to convince the ppl for the existence of a nonexisted girl in it (also that girls are not really mentioned in the history unless she is too powerful), not like a guy.

        I still keep my opinion that BBJX can’t do the 1/3 realistic and logic of putting nonexisted ppl in history like XQJ.

        @Funn: I said, it’s kinda higher than the girl’s dream Twilight.

      17. @ Funn,

        Thanks for the info. It’s as I feared. I did look into taobao and getting agents, but it seemed awfully complicated. I have the DVD downloads, but I want DVDs. Don’t even mind YESASIA prices, I just want all the bonus stuff, LOL. Dangdang.com doesn’t ship internationally though, already checked. Might have to resort to taobao after all then.

        @ Fox

        Perhaps novel vs. novel, BBJX doesn’t come out on top, but drama vs. drama then it does over ASITP and I really liked that show too.

      18. I’m talking about the novels :P.

        Talking about series, I put them equal, lol. Both can’t give me the extreme (good) feeling or can move me to tears. They are good series, watchable, enough for entertaining. All.

        Lol, maybe I’m the only one who watched BBJX but not crazy about it.

      19. @ Fox

        Well, BBJX is not a documentary so it can never be really true to history even if you take away the time travel part. I know that they didn’t show all the scheming and struggles that took place, and when I refer to realism I’m basically talking about the tone of the show and the characters’ way of behaving. Also not pooping too much on history. I couldn’t be bothered with Gong exactly because of how UN-realistic it is.

        Again, I haven’t read all the books you’re referring to so I can only compare shows. ASITP was more Gong than BBJX in tone imo, and why I don’t find it as “realistic” as BBJX. But if like you said, the show was vastly different from the book then you’re probably right when you say that the book is better than book BBJX.

      20. It sort of reminds me of other Qing dynasty series where the princes fight for the throne….

      21. @Funn,
        Where did you get the collector’s box? I was looking for it but I guess maybe it is only available in asian based countries. They actually have an OST for it?? I was looking for it too since I love the songs…Did you buy that separately??

      22. Funn,
        Did you visit Beijing and tour the museums for historical interest after watching BBJX?

        Will you be submitting a review for BBJX? You have written enough thoughtful analysis on the series to fill a thesis paper. Haha you are welcome to submit a thesis paper on BBJX. JayneStars will publish it! 🙂

      23. HeTieShou, I bought online through an agent in China. I explained in detail a few posts above. Great thing about the DVD is they’re region free so buy and watch on your DVD.

        Jayne, I DID! Not museum, but the actual places like forbidden palace, yonghegong (former residence of 4th prince), most memorable as Yonghegong. It just struck me as immensely huge and yet not vulgar. It was just classy place and I loved it! I can quite imagine 4th prince input in that place and my feeling is he had good taste.

        I also went to temple of heaven, gorgeous park. If I were in Beijing I will park myself at the park every single day (except summer time).

        As for the review, I am trying but just can’t articulate well so I sorta give up. Did I write so much?!?!?

      24. Funn,
        I enjoyed Beijing while there. My favorite was the Great Wall though, since I enjoy nature. Scurrying up those steps at the Great Wall tired me out, while I saw native Chinese grandmas in better shape than me!

        The Forbidden Palace was too crowded. It didn’t help that I went with a tour and the guide was rushing us from place to place. I felt as if we were walking through court after court. Temple of Heaven was beautiful….

        I am interested in going to the scenic misty mountains, such as Huangshan. Don’t know when I will get a chance to go again.

        “I am trying but just can’t articulate well so I sorta give up”

        Just write from the heart…it doesn’t need to be perfect. You are naturally eloquent. Maybe in your thesis, you can write on why Nicky Wu is so hot and your rediscovered love for Kevin. 🙂 Those thoughts should come naturally enough.

      25. But it wasn;t because of BBJX I visited those places. Have been very interested to check them out; but the yonghegong was a surprise. I thought it was much older, just a lama temple, you should have seen my face when I read right there that it was 4th prince’s residence. I thought I hit jackpot. A pity they don’t allow us to go to second floor. What a beautiful place.

      26. HeTieShou, forgot to reply that the OST is included in the box. It is different from the ones found online at fan sites, shorter but for me great enough. 20 songs and instrumental. Also included are play cards, mousepad, poster, stickers, bookmarks. Petty stuff but for a huge fan, a must buy. DVD itself not sure of quality since haven’t really watched.

      27. Advo, I saw the pics but not at that site! Yes very beautiful calligraphy. The yongzheng one was amazing. I was tempted to buy the book, very expensive so I didn’t. The real 4th prince’s calligraphy shows he was a man with flair and yet consistency; he must have practised everyday so it shows he was consistent, patient.

      28. Jayne,

        You know what I saw when I was at great wall? no more than 6 feet in sight. Too foggy! Jayne next time you’re there do go to yonghegong. Not many tourist since tours don’t cover that place and you can see the buildings at your own pace. Much like Prince Gong’s Mansion. Nobody to disturb.

        Yes gu gong was jam packed but as I walked further in through the small doors, lesser and lesser people. Funny is how everyone asks me “Did you see ghosts?” and I was like “it was bright and too many people, even ghosts are afraid to come out”.

        “Just write from the heart…it doesn’t need to be perfect. You are naturally eloquent. Maybe in your thesis, you can write on why Nicky Wu is so hot and your rediscovered love for Kevin. Those thoughts should come naturally enough.’

        Shhhhhhh… got reputation to maintain. Cannot admit love so freely for Kevin. Aiyahhhh… I always said I like Kevin but not his acting. He is a good looking man. Why Nicky Wu is hot is something I don’t need to even explain. Too many said the same thing. Frankly I find him hottest when he is standing there with the brush, fully clothed. You did mention you like intelligent guys? Nerdy guys? something like that? A good looking scholarly guy is also my type.

      29. @ Funn

        I find Nicky insanely attractive clothed, holding a brush, half naked showing off his abs or being adorkable cute and awesome at charades. Or speaking Mandonese. And singing. Ugh never mind, let’s just say I find Nicky insanely attractive no matter what, LOL.

      30. @Funn,
        Thanks for all of the info.. SOme of the sites are kind of complicated but I will try… Thanks again!

      31. @Funn,
        Thanks so much for replying.. WOW, the collectors box sounds live heaven for big fans of the series…. Let me try to see if I can get it… How much did it cost you?? Just curious…

      32. @Funn,
        Did you see the photo album of BBJX?? I actually saw photos of it on another site. I am shocked that it is so hard to find.

    1. Whilst I agree in part, I like to point out yes TVB can never do something like this but they do better at modern series than China can come up with, that much I can say. Anyway as I watched BBJX more, the more I realise the writer was probably very much influenced by Yong Zheng Wang Chao, there were parrarel in the storyline although it is a case of Adrian Mole/Pride & Prejudice and Bridget Jones’ Diary. I can never recommend enough for anyone who likes to see another side of the 4th prince must watch YZWC, probably the best Kangxi I have seen onscreen. Yes not even Damien Lau came close and if you watch you will know what I mean.

      1. Huh? 4th prince dun become Kangxi but Yong Cheng, Funn! Kangxi is his father. Kangxi dun have any competition for his crown but Yong Cheng has a bunch of princes to fight (Kangxi has 70++ sons).

        YZWC is a good series and Tang Guo Qiang has an awesome performance with Yong Cheng. However, I don’t see any feel of BBJX’s acting or filming set or plot related or any close to YZWC. Damien lacks the “rich smell” that Tang Guo Qiang given in his performance, the king feel.

      2. Fox, read my post carefully, I said YZWC has the best kangxi onscreen. And if you watch even more carefully, there is obvious reference, the author I am convinced became a fan of YZWC, she even referenced it in one scene but didn’t say the title. Damien is kingly, I am very impressed with his performance but he is not the kangxi I imagine, until I saw YZWC.

      3. Damien always gives me the feeling that he is a loyal general of the king more than the king himself.

      4. Aside from that fact TVB could never do a really grand production like BBJX, their shows are also steadily declining in quality across the whole board. But I do think C-dramas still have a while to go as well. Shows like Schemes of a Beauty and BBJX are the exceptions and not the rule – yet. Like you, I’m also quite meh about modern C-dramas.

        Probably because I haven’t watched YZWC so I loved Damian’s Kangxi. Disliked the character but enjoyed the acting.

      5. People complained about Power Chan crossing his legs in Sentinel and claimed that Emperors never crossed their legs (How did they know? Did they travel back in time to check?)

        But, I noticed that Damien also crossed his legs in some scenes in BBJX and Funn said the Emperor Kangxi inn YZHC also did so. So, Power wasn’t wrong in crossing his legs.

      6. Oh Sentinel. I was actually watching it before BBJX but I just kinda… forgot all about once I started watching BBJX, lol. Don’t know if I can be bothered to finish.

      7. Kidd, he wasn’t wrong to cross his leg but it wasn’t right. The kangxi I saw are older, more experienced, they earned the right to be so casual as to cross their legs. Power was playing a much younger kangxi, he has yet to learn the ropes, he has yet to earn to be so casual so I do understand the criticisms.

      8. Kangxi has been Emperor for a long time already by the time of Sentinel. Fook Chuen’s son in the series was born on the 21st year of Kangxi’s rule. So, Kangxi should be around 29 years old. Kangxi already started ruling after he defeated Obai at 15 years of age. So, he has been ruling for quite some time liao.

      9. But still young as he would have been surrounded by much older officials. Kidd you must watch YZWC’s kangxi to know what I mean. That guy never sits straight. and I love him for that!

      10. I don’t think that CHina only has BBJX and Schemes of Beauty(which I personally did not like) as the best grand productions. I think that even way back it the days when China hardly made any series that they already had the potential to produce good series. I still don’t think many series can match up to the old JTTW made by China in the 80s. TVB made nice grand productions back then, but nowadays… I still wonder if they can or not.

        I agree that the modern series from China are not good but then again, I am not into modern series anyways. TVB surely beats China in that area.

  15. Talking about BBJX I like everything about it, watched it twice through, and am now zooming in my favourite episodes, the first 13,28,31 and the last. I love all the princes,esp. 4th,8th,10th and 14th but 8th the most. His life turned out to be the worst of the lot. He had a really, really bad deal and died lonely and bereft of everything he owned but I was touched when he still had the graciousness to thank Ruoxi for giving him the poison. Kevin did such a good job of convincing the adudience and I suppose that was how he became so popular. I wonder, can there really exist a woman like Ruolan who seems to have a heart of stone and unforgiveness? One can truly hate her for it.

    1. Or you can say Ruolan loves her dead lover too much, given her heart away and couldn’t get it back. How 2 sisters ended up dying of heart break. But I hate Ruoxi more.

      Anyway yes 8th has got a bad deal. I will say this much; BBJX has helped to give such a great image to 8th, you almost hate 4th for being so petty. Almost. But 8th wasn’t lonely. He made his peace. I like his last request to 13th.

      1. Bwah, I don’t think 4th was particular petty. He did what he had to do – and what 8th would have done had he won instead.

        Only thing 4th couldn’t have predicted was Ming Hui killing herself. In fact, it probably screwed up his plans since he would have preferred for her to live on in pain over the divorce. Although I pity MH and 8th for being forced to divorce, I don’t feel that 4th wasn’t a little “justified” since he lost his child and any future children with RX. And he almost lost her too.

        8th was kinda pitiful but his misfortunes were half self-made, since the reason why he could never win either RX or the throne due to one word: Trust.

        He lacked trust in himself and in others. He didn’t trust himself enough and let other people sway his actions. His lack of trust in other people – e.g. RX and 14th was another detrimental factor. Because he could never be totally honest and trusting of RX, she could not either. So she never opened herself to him. Also, had he trusted her completely, and backed of the throne his ending would not have been so tragic.

        As for his lack of trust in other people, which became obvious when 4th set him up with the dead bird, that is why he could not win the throne. 4th gained it by employing and trusting select men. 8th gained many supporters, but they hindered him since it made Kangxi more suspicious. He could also not trust them or control their behaviour. Why did he choose to surround himself with more people instead of being more careful? Because he did not trust even the people he was close to. 14th had grown up with him, supported him over his own full-blooded brother, yet he suspects him the moment something goes wrong.

        Another aspect is how he is so distrusting of 4th even though, he has done nothing. He is suspicious of 4th’s motives e.g. when he becomes the “substitute-emperor”, yet 4th never had any bad intentions behind it. Upon RX’s warning, he decided to act first and frame 4th, again even before 4th has done anything bad or suspicious. And this action, was what made 4th hate him so much and especially severe on 8th later on.

      2. Don’t you just wish they all have table talk?

        I blame kangxi. Made a mess of everything. But he was kinda petty; wanna fight also don’t involve the womenfolk, something which 8th was gentlemanly enough not to do. BUT i understand 4th was pissed off. I would have too. Like I said too many misunderstanding. Need table talk.

      3. @ Funn

        I most definitely blame Kangxi! He was a rotten father and I know historically he was a pretty good emperor. But I wasn’t too impressed with how soft he was on corruption. Also, how he allowed his personal bias dictate who should be his heir was horrible both for the country and the royal family.

        But how could 4th not involve women when it was Ming Hui who “caused” RX’s miscarriage? I don’t know how it would be less petty of him to have 8th take all the punishment, even though he did it when 9th and 10th rebelled. Whenever 9th and 10th did something, it affected him so he would just punish 8th. But what MH did hurt RX.

        *sighs* Talking would definitely have been a necessity but that’s not in 4th’s personality due to his horrible b*tch mother. 8th is no better. On the surface, he’s a nice gentleman, but he is no less ruthless than 4th as evidenced by how he set up 4th just as a precaution. 14th too is a schemer and had not problems with setting up his full-blooded brother. Afterwards, he had the nerve to be outraged by 4th “cruel behaviour”, the hypocrite! No one in the show was really good, including RX, except 13 and Lu Wu.

  16. Did any of you guys watch Gong?? How do you guys think it compares to BBJX???Just curious about what you guys all think??

    1. Gong is for teenagers more :P. But the outfits in Gong is prettier than BBJX. In my opinion, Yang Mi is prettier than Liu Shi Shi. FSF is handsome, but can’t really act :P. Yuan Hong is a better actor. Mickey He is worse than Nicky Wu but better than Kevin 😛 :P. Overall, I like BBJX than Gong.

      1. I read the costumes were quite cheap-looking in Gong?

        I don’t care for either FSF or MH so there’s no male appeal for me in Gong. I enjoyed Yang Mi in Schemes of a Beauty but otherwise have no experience with her. As for her beauty, I feel like it’s more unique than classical beauty while LSS is pretty/a plain beauty. However, more importantly, who is the better actress?

        Meh, I don’t think MH is a good actor at all and Kevin did well in BBJX. It was more his character I disliked.

      2. I only saw some photos of the costumes in Gong and they did look nice. Many Qing dynasty series have really nice costumes. It is important to act well and not just look good…

      3. Fox, sigh….

        Gong’s dress are ill fitting. BBJX has the best costume I have seen, more for the guys than the girls but the girls are subtle gorgeous. The threads just jump out from the screen. Gong is… bad for china production. Worst is that cursed series. No colour coordination.

        But ahhh BBJX… love the costumes!!

        As for contents, Gong is fluff. First it screws over with history 10 times over. Not that it is not ok to screw over history but the way they did it is a slap on the face of any good historical fiction writer. The characters are not likeable, some do follow what I feel appropriate historical contents but at the end of the day not enough to save the series from humiliating itself. It reminds me of Twilight; it has its fans, famous for its own reasons, doesn’t mean I like it. I hated it. Yang Mi is prettier but I don’t like her lips. FSF is not more handsome. I find Nicky Wu having more character. In fact I find BBJX men generally well cast. Kevin is well suited for his role, it was as if 8th was written with him in mind therefore he is a perfect fit even if frankly acting wise I feel a better actor would have given 8th more.. I suppose depth but for truth be told, Kevin is 8th. They blended and I can’t think of anyone else.

      4. @ Funn,

        I think the casting for the guys in BBJX was seriously spot on – and I say that without having read the book, LOL.

        I definitely agree that the costumes in BBJX were stunning. Unfortunately, LSS’s weren’t very flattering to her. She looked the best at 10th’s Bday party. She was beautiful in red.

        *giggle* because I just thought about 4th grape purple outfit, LOL

        If people find FSF more attractive than Nicky, they should compare their bodies. FSF has dangling bits ;P

      5. Oh yes I heard about dangling beads. We all know nicky in real life is rather gentle and playful but on screen, very manegtic, powerful presence, almost look 6 feet tall when minus hair is minus I think 3 feet!!

        Anyway LSS dress is nice. Subtle, subdue. But my favourite is nicky’s lavender coloured one and lss’s white coloured one (the one after kangxi death). Beautiful! Must watch in HD to fully appreciate.

      6. @ Funn

        I love 4th’s purple outfit because of what it reminds me off. Love the scene where they play 20 questions 😉

        Dangling bits aside, I don’t even find FSF’s face attractive though I wouldn’t call him ugly either.

      7. I think Gong’s outfits (for girls) are better.

        @advo: FSF is handsome but his handsome type is forgetable. You look at him, oh good look, then forget how he looks like.

      8. I am attracted at the ensemble of costumes in BBJX and the breathtaking scenes and cinematography that I saw from screencaps and reviews, but I’m waiting until I get my hands on the DVD. (I’m also attracted to the fact that all the princes are eye candies..yummy)

        My boyfriend however tried skimming through a couple of episodes and decided that the drama is not his cup of tea – and dropped it.

      9. Fox, there are many instances where I hear others saying that FSF resembles Daniel Wu. It’s strange that I do not feel it, hehe..and while Daniel is among my favorites, I’m indifferent for FSF.

      10. Chubbier version of Daniel Wu? I don’t think they look alike though. I thought at first glance FSF sorta look like a slimmer younger version of Qiu Xinzhi (the king in the new HZGG). I am happy to see he upgraded his body; sorta flabby before. Anyway don’t like his 8th, he is from what I can observe a competent actor. Daniel Wu… zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

        Sorry to all his fans. Decent fella but zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

      11. Funn, haha I already knew that our taste and perception are miles apart in difference 😛

      12. I’m indifferent to Daniel Wu but FSF’s characters always annoy me. I can’t tell if his acting (choices) or his roles. Both in Drive of Life and Schemes of a Beauty, I found his characters annoyingly self-righteous.

      13. Oh, so u guys were referring to FSF’s body being flabby. The phrase “dangling bits” leaves a lot for the imagination. 😮

        @advo:

        Did myolie being paired w/ FSF in both DOL and SoaB, add to his annoying charcter?

      14. @ josie

        LMAO, yes we were just referring to him being flabby and not the other dangling bit.

        I don’t believe so not. I actually think him pairing up with Myolie was quite good in SoaB. I don’t get the obsessive praise for Myolie in it though, since I thought her character was a blink-and-you-miss her but her characters was pretty likable and made him more likable. I didn’t care much about them in DOL though, since I thought her character there was REALLY annoying. Judgy like hell.

      15. @Masaharu: I don’t find any common factors between FSF and Daniel Wu. FSF even looks like Wang Lee Hom or Huang Xiao Ming more than Daiel Wu. Or even his good friend LF has some similar points with him in face. For the body, FSF and Daniel Wu, the resembles? Hmm…

      16. Josie,
        “Oh, so u guys were referring to FSF’s body being flabby. The phrase “dangling bits” leaves a lot for the imagination”

        What dangling bits would be present on camera? I was thinking of flabby man boobs….

      17. Yeah. Hehe it seems that I’m not the only one not feeling the resemblance now. Perhaps need to ask whomever initiated the “resemblance” in the first place, perhaps some reporters and tabloid out there?

      18. Yes, moobs. We were talking about moobs. I swear his is even bigger than Yang Mi. But he seems very proud of his moobs. Not sure if it was dangling but definitely bouncy-ish.

        Let me forget that image and concentrate on nicky’s more toned ermm.. chest. You know what I rather not thing anyone’s at all.

      19. See, can’t even type right. I meant THINK.

        Jayne, oh Jayne, EDIT BUTTON!! EDIT BUTTONNNNNNNN!!!!

      20. @jayne:

        That’s why I was confused and really wanted to know what was “dangling” off of him.

  17. @HetieShou:

    You asked:” Which series is LOS??? Is it a TVB series?? IS it a modern or ancient series? I would like to see how Kevin did in there”
    LOS is Last One Standing. It is TVB series and a modern film. Kevin acted well in this role

    1. @Mimi,
      Thanks but advo told me already. I think have seen it already. Kevin did do well in there…

    1. Kidd,
      “Learning how to cook is not idling.”

      For many years, I felt that Kevin lacked a certain ambition to push himself harder, or rather he didn’t know how to go about achieving greater success.

      All that free time in Taiwan, Kevin should have taken some acting classes; this was during the early 2000s when many singers crossed over to acting already. He never considered becoming an actor until The Legendary Siblings.

      He could have taken acting classes, promoted himself more, and learned cooking on the side.

      1. Some singers are like this. They want to be singers only and don’t want to step into other fields. That’s why Kevin resisted the idea. Nylon Chen who played Cao Cao in KO3anguo (a Taiwanese idol drama) also had this apprehension. Luckily, he accepted the role. This role brought him a lot of popularity which in turn help boost his music career. He was so serious in his acting. There one one behind the scene clip that showed him playing the piano until his finger bleed and he still continued playing.

      2. @ Kidd

        Kevin’s not a very good singer though. There’s something very… detached about the way he sings. Imo, if you aren’t very good at something you should at least consider other options. Ofc, the first step is admitting you aren’t good.

      3. I think Kevin has a nice voice. Although kinda soft so can be perceived as boring. But w/ his popularity now, I can see him putting out a new album. He could sell love songs much like Leon did.

      4. I guess Kevin isn’t with Gold Label anymore, so he must have a music company first before recording an album. As last time only 8k copies of album sold by Kevin, I think he will have a shadow for this and might choose to focus on acting field, quit the singing field.

    2. @ Josie

      It’s absurd to say soft voices are boring.The problem is not in the voice, but in the manner he sings. It’s completely deadpan.

  18. Hi friends! I have just finished watching the BBJX movie translated in Vietnamese. There was one part in the series I don’t understand. Before the girl died in the movie, she wrote a letter to the King (Prince 14). Oh I wish I can read and understand Chinese. Since I can not read Chinese, can someone please tell what that letter say??? Pretty please! Thank you!

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