u/EasygoingEnigma

Badass Xiao Jue

I've been wanting to write about how Cheng Lei inspires me, and I've spent the past few days thinking about how to share it without sounding unhinged. But it's no use; it's probably going to sound crazy no matter how I put it.

I first came across Cheng Lei in The Legend of the Female General early this year. I was instantly smitten, and it made me want to watch his other dramas. As the weeks went by, I found myself falling deeper and deeper until it came to the point where he established himself as the center of my entire C-drama universe. My feelings for Cheng Lei are unprecedented in the history of me, and I was wondering how this came to be.

Sure, he's undoubtedly good looking. But so are many others in Chinese entertainment. (For the record, I think he's drop-dead gorgeous.) He's an excellent actor, but again, there are others who are arguably better. I think what ultimately cemented my connection to him is this: the man inspires me like no other.

Before Cheng Lei (BCL™), there were many days when the world around me looked like a dreary gray and it took nearly all of my willpower just to climb out of bed. I'm not saying that Cheng Lei stopped this entirely, but I think he's part of the reason why color has re-entered my life. In one interview, he talked about struggling early on in his career, getting rejected at auditions multiple times, lacking financial resources, and almost calling it quits. But he persevered.

He may not have the vocal chops of Liu Yuning or Xiao Zhan, but he sings anyway.

Got the moves like Jagger, or Hou Ming Hao or Tan Jian Ci? Nope! But our man don't care. He dances anyway.

Them hips don't lie.

How can this NOT make you smile?

Time and again, he's stepped out of his comfort zone to do something that clearly isn't his forte. His hard work, his perseverance, his willingness to look silly and not give any fucks are all inspiring to me. In the months BCL™, I was kinda just drifting along. But now it isn't as difficult as it was before to act on things that are important to me.

For example, physical fitness. I'd say I'm as fit as a potato, but that would be an insult to potatoes everywhere. Let's just say I'm moving a lot more. And while having delicious bulky biceps and shoulders like Cheng Lei's isn't part of my goals, I'm hoping I can do what he's doing here by the end of the year.

I. CAN. DO. THIS!

As hard as he drives himself (just look at all that back-to-back drama filming and variety shows and promotions), he also knows how to be kind to himself. I can't find where I read or watched this, but he mentioned giving himself breathing space whether in front of the camera or in daily life. And this comes up in my mind when I'm being overly self-critical.

I feel it's also important to note that while I'm crazy about Cheng Lei, I'm not crazy crazy. Putting any celebrity on a pedestal is foolish, and even if I admire him, I know that he's human and has feet of clay like all of us. For all I know, he might be some sort of maniac who follows the sock-shoe-sock-shoe method when putting on his footwear. I love him anyway.

I'm also pretty sure that my appreciation for Cheng Lei isn't toxic. I'm not gatekeeping him, I don't feel entitled to him, and I certainly am NOT expecting a personal or romantic relationship with him. I learned that this type of behavior is not unheard of among toxic fans. But me, I'm enamored and inspired. NOT delusional.

Finally, I'd like to give a big, resounding xiè xie to our mods for creating and maintaining this warm, welcoming corner of Reddit. As Cheng Lei becomes more popular, the sub will probably grow by leaps and bounds, and I wish r/ChengLei_ stays the safe and friendly space that it is now.

Wishing everyone who's watching Mo Li/The First Jasmine tomorrow an enjoyable experience!

Image credits:

1. MDL

2. YT

3. YT

4. Cheng Lei's Weibo

I started a brisk walking regimen a few months ago; 45 minutes early in the morning and another 45 minutes after dinner. I live in a busy, crowded city but there's a small park nearby with lots of trees and flowers.

Lots of people go there too, to walk, jog, to run. In the mornings, I usually see elderly people, some in groups doing gentle calisthenics, some jogging slowly, some walking. Pet owners walking their dogs.

In the evenings, the demographic shifts backward several decades. Parents running with pre-teen kids. A man, obviously not a local, chattering away on his phone in a language I don't understand while he's walking. A couple who looks to be in their mid to late twenties, always strolling hand in hand.

There's hardly any interaction with these people aside from half smiles and brief nods when we encounter each other on paths. We just give each other the space to go our own ways.

Yesterday I bumped into the hand-strolling couple at the supermarket. Recognition in their eyes. Full smiles all around. And, for the first time, hellos were exchanged. I felt seen. It felt nice.

I haven't seen the foreigner dude in more than a week, though. Maybe he's gone back home. I kinda miss hearing his voice, melodious in his language.