Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

Mentioned this two months ago, and have been compiling stills since then, so this will be image-heavy (when are they not? hehe). I originally thought we were gonna get a healthy dose of sisterhood (so lacking in Cdramas and everywhere else!) from this workplace drama, but from the stills, bromance is also in the game. This is icing on the cake because everything looks promising even if we might get one or more love triangles. Everyone is talented in their craft so I’m excited for what is to come! Finally, a modern drama that I’m eagerly anticipating!

Stills:

(I’m just gonna copy what I wrote in my last post (with added details) for the character descriptions!)

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Liu Tao (Nirvana in Fire) plays a 31-years old successful business woman returning to her homeland after studying in New York. She’s beautiful but has a cold temperament. Independent and very meticulous in every gesture and word, always impressing those around her. But deep down, she’s very sensitive to failures because of work pressure and hence does not socialize with others as much. She returns to China in hopes of finding her younger brother but accidentally harvests affection from more than one men (Zu Feng and Jin Dong).

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With Zu Feng.

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Wang Zi Wen (The Young Doctor) plays a 25-years old woman who owns a small business. She’s described as an honest person with an interesting personality. She’s paired up with Nick Wang. Sassy meets Arrogance. He has two personalities – a work persona (strict, careful, meticulous) and a after-work persona (frequent bars visitor, likes to dance, uses slangs.)

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Being an interesting couple with Nick.

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I don’t see any cut on that raw thigh!! XD

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Aren’t you ladies jelly? hehehe. In an interview, Zi Wen admitted they have the many kissing scenes and is the most touchy-touchy couple in the drama. Ha. In their first kissing scene, Nick didn’t open his lips and she had to advise him otherwise because she wanted everything to look real. LOL! Nick said he was embarrassed.

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Jiang Xin (The Journey of Flower) plays a 30-years old woman, born from poverty and is known as Princess of the Streets (Alley Princess) and works many years under an international company. She looks so sad and lonely… 🙁

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Andy Yang Zi (Perfect Wedding) as a 20-years old girl. A regular employee who came from a small city. Her character has average looks, low EQ and IQ, stubborn, lack awareness of others’ feelings. In general, she starts out pretty unlikable and the script writer hopes viewers can relate with Ying Ying on the small screen because she is a good person. She’s paired up with IT guy played by new actor Wu Bing. He’s described as hard-working, determined, and traditional. Most girls find him boring but she finds him the ideal husband of all. Awwww. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder at the end of the day. They are from the same city and he likes her genuine and honest personality. Their sweet romance leads to a stormy climax.

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With ex-boyfriend.

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Lol. Not sure where to look in this image.

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Bridgette Qiao Xin (The Distance of Love) plays a 20-years old girl from an academic family. A quiet and introvert person who lives life as planned by her parents. Entering the workplace and meeting with new people makes her question her identity and what kind of life she wants for herself.

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The girlfriends together. ♥♥♥♥♥

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Babies of the group. =)

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More pictures of the guys! First up is Zu Feng (Graduation Song). A business man who is cautious and on guard with those around him. He’s drawn to Liu Tao’s intelligence and beauty.

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Nick Wang (Love Me If You Dare) as our arrogant and flirty doctor.

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Nick’s face! Bromance moment!

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Jin Dong (Nirvana In Fire) plays Liu Tao’s boss, who is also her classmate. She sees him as a reliable friend. Ruh roh!

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Zhang Lu (All Quiet in Peking) as a friend of Jiang Xin’s character. He’s hard-working and honest and carries a torch for her for many years.

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Yang Shuo (Love Without A Trace). Second-generation son, vice president.

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Wu Bing. Yang Zi’s love interest. Not a lot of pictures of him yet.

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Based on the novel of the same name, Ode to Joy is directed by Sheng Kong (Nirvana in Fire, All Quiet in Peking) and Jian Chuan He (The Distance of Love), and edited by Yuan Zi Dan (National Anthem). It has 30 episodes and is still filming.

Via: 01

  1. 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

    I haven’t seen this yet but I know I’m gonna be rooting for Jiang Xin already LOL 🙂 She’s an awesome actress and so damn beautiful to boot! (*_*)

    Bloody hell Jin Dong is oozing the sexiness in spades OMG! I know he’s married and everything but Goddamn he is just so attractive (*_*) If I was Liu Tao’s character I’d go for JD in a heartbeat but it seems from your summary JD’s character may be friend-zoned…

    Haha the BTS about Nick and the kiss scenes – Ziwen is probably doing what most women would do under the circumstances hahaha. Nick’s reaction is quite funny too because he seems to be more into the bromance stuff than romantic stuff (I think he has way more sparks/chemistry with his male co-stars than female co-stars) … probably explains why he tends to take on roles with more bromance than romance.

    I don’t even like this type of story/drama but I may have to check it out for Jiang Xin, Liu Tao, Jin Dong, and Nick Wang 🙂

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      Jiang Xin looks beautiful when she’s brooding. Looks like her character has a lot of sadness growing up.

      Jin Dong is married?! That lady is fast and lucky! =D I’m waiting to see Nick’s romantic side because from glimpses of what I saw in Nirvana, he always looked very stern from my scene checks.

      I’m looking forward to the whole cast! ^_^

      • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

        I’m looking forward to being wowed by Jiang Xin – her awesome yet tragic Song Ning in Huaxuyin made me wanna cry. And made me wanna bash Yuan Hong’s Shen An. Her talent was wasted in Hua Qiangu so hopefully it will be put to good use here (since it’s Shanying and all).

        LOL Jin Dong dotes on his wife and son – totally a low-key serious actor / family man! According to some interviews, as a “big brother”, JD’s advised Hu Ge to find a lady and start a family and not devote all his focus into career (LOL).

        From all the BTS and interviews, etc. Nick seems to be quite a fun guy. His character in Nirvana and Disguiser are stern types but Nick himself is actually quite funny/goofy, and apparently can’t hold his laughter when filming scenes with Hu Ge. One of the Nirvana directors revealed that there was a scene that Hu Ge, Nick, and Chen Long were in and they messed up 6 times in a row cuz of laughing, and only when the main director sternly announced that the next person to laugh will be penalized $100 did they manage to film that scene successfully LOL.

        HG is apparently a very funny person and likes to pull pranks and mess around on set (but brings lots of laughter to those around him while being very professional so HG’s always very popular and well-liked).

        • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

          Thanks for the titbits Shimo! He has a wife and son. Awww.

          That director is a genius for coming up with that plan. =D It’s always nice to know that the cast gets along and enjoy each other’s company.

  2. 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

    Oh yes yes yes. Ode to Joy sounds like a drama that most women will be able to relate to. The character descriptions sound so fresh and interesting as they are familiar amongst all of us. I love how they are just human beings with shortcomings who are living in the city. The friendships and sisterhood and the interesting format of having 5 main female leads is luring me even more into this drama. I cannot wait for this to be released.

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      Yes, it’s very nice to see us ladies as the central points of a drama without all the hate and jealousy going on. Liu Tao seems to be a capable leader!

      • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

        IKR? Remember when we were complaining about the lack of sisterhood in dramas and there being way too many bitchfights a while back? It’s almost like the drama gods heard us and good ol’ Shanying decides to give us some ladies-centered drama … but most likely in response to audiences saying that Shanying isn’t good at doing female-centered stories LOL (it’s like they’re trying to prove something haha)

  3. 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

    Is there any description of why the five women are friends? Interesting to see they span different ages, so wondering what the plot ploy is to get them together in a sisterhood…since it’s Shandong, I assume it will be a believable one!

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      I didn’t read any description about how and why they are friends, but my guess is they might be working at the same company / living in close proximity? Do you wanna read the novel Zlidia? hehe I only manage to find this link: Yuedu. I don’t have the capability to read Chinese novels so no clue on where to find them.

  4. 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

    I was originally rooting for Nick Wang and Liu Tao to be together… I think their characters would contrast each other in a good way, and I also think they look good together… But that’s okay! I think the other two guys look nice with her, too. I can’t wait for this to air!!!

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      Liu Tao has enough men fighting for her in this series. Lol. Let Nick have some wild fun with Miss Wang who seems like a social butterfly and a riot! X)

  5. 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

    While I’m excited for the whole cast, I’m most excited about Yang Zi. She showed great potential in Battle of Changsha. She’s lucky to work with Shandong early in her career.

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      She has chosen her projects well! 😉 The writer did say her character is the most challenging/interesting since she’s very unlikable.

  6. 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

    Hope that’s not the official poster at the top. It looks like the typical run-of-the-mill design used for just about every chinese series/movie.

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      Don’t worry, it’s a fanmade poster.

  7. 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

    Can’t wait… Here becoz of yang zi. Love her so much in battle of changsha. Such young age but her acting get approved by big director. But too bad she’s not couple with nick wang. But i think since its shandong n yang zi already have 2 drama with them then they have possibility act as pairing. Since yangzi always coupling with the actor far of her age. Gossip said she will be lead women of lyf ancient drama. Hope it will be true…can’t wait till the media said will be true then next year will be her year since her 2 drama will airing next year.

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      She looks pretty in the costume Jade Dynasty. I hope they confirm someone soon!

  8. 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

    i got tantrum when i read “In their first kissing scene, Nick didn’t open his lips and she had to advise him otherwise because she wanted everything to look real. LOL! Nick said he was embarrassed.” Man, i want him even more now, lols… he looks so yummy on those photos… help meh!!! haha

    this one seems so good and promising… i hope this one will get subbed… ah pleaseeeeeee…. ^^

    borrow hoju’s word : It’s definitely a Wang Kai season! haha can’t agree more!! 😀

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      With such a stellar cast, subs should be available!

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      LOL I’m always here for more Wang Kai on my screen 🙂 🙂 🙂

      • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

        Me, too.

        By the way, he mentioned about being offered a role in a Jackie Chan film. If that goes through, we’ll see him on the big screen too! 🙂

        • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

          Sweet! 🙂

          What movie is this?

        • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

          Me three, hehe…

          what movie??? ah.. even with my poor mandarin, im gonna watch it. just like i did to NIF and LMIYD (when the raw came first) 🙂

        • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

          He didn’t mention any details. Guessing they’re still negotiating so he can’t reveal any details. This was published in a recent magazine interview.

          And now that he has confirmed himself that he will be working with Joe, we can be guaranteed that he is going to be super busy next year!

  9. 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

    The drama is on my to-watch list, at #1 currently (unless Chang Ge Xin has definite air time next year). Like many others, the drawing point for me is the friendship between the females. (And of course the attractive male cast, LOL). No catfights over men, please. We are much more dignified than most dramas portray us. It also doesn’t correlate with the fact that in China men outnumber women by 33 millions — the ladies have the upper hand here!

    I like the pairings, though I’m wishing for the Jiang Xin- Nick Wang pairing, just so I can imagine that Jiang Xin experiences some kind of deja vu in romantic scenes with Nick :D.

    • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

      Totally agree! I don’t like how Cdramas always have the ladies being bitches to each other and fight over men all day long. It’s so unrealistic! Show us some good ol’ sisterhood please! 😀

      LOL I was thinking along the same lines for Jiang Xin too – is this because Nick bears such a strong resemblance to Yuan Hong? Jiang Xin totally slayed in Huaxuyin cuz she was JUST THAT AWESOME, but Goddamn her character was so tragic it made me wanna cry buckets.

      • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

        >>>> LOL I was thinking along the same lines for Jiang Xin too – is this because Nick bears such a strong resemblance to Yuan Hong?

        Yeap! They both also came from the same area (Wuhan?), and were born in the same year. One may wonder if they were separated at birth, LOL.

        • 28 thoughts on “Sparkling cast chemistry in new stills for Liu Tao’s Ode to Joy

          LOL and apparently Nick and Yuan Hong’s birthdays only differ by a few days! Hmmm…

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