Working In Progress

NeufMode x Yu Shuxin & Wang Hedi | Love Between Fairy and Devil

by 阿鱼九号摩登
2022-06-10 13:00

(Note: I’ll be translating only Shuxin’s parts and highlights.)

In recent years, historical fantasy dramas have remained a favorite among viewers—where missed chances at love and lingering regrets can be rewritten by newfound strength. Lavish costumes, intricate sets, and dazzling visual effects turn these romances into dreamlike worlds beyond reality. But this dreamscape isn’t built on illusion alone—it’s anchored in real, visceral emotions: joy and sorrow, love and loss, unforgettable bonds.

Among the most anticipated upcoming dramas is Love Between Fairy and Devil, an oriental fantasy romance produced by iQIYI and Stellar Gravity, starring Yu Shuxin and Dylan Wang Hedi. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Stellar Gravity’s signed author Jiu Lu Fei Xiang, the story follows the Goddess of the Po Xin Tribe (played by Yu Shuxin), whose entire clan is annihilated by the Moon Supreme, Dongfang Qingcang (played by Dylan Wang). Ten thousand years later, she is reborn as a low-level celestial fairy named Xiao Lan Hua in the Heavenly Realm—and unwittingly revives the very man responsible for her tribe’s destruction. What unfolds is a deep entanglement of love and hate between the two. As young actors, Yu Shuxin and Dylan Wang not only had to commit fully to their roles and perform without the benefit of visual effects or practical sets, but also embody characters who span a timeline of ten thousand years—experiencing the conflict between personal affection and greater responsibility for the world.

This early summer, we sat down with the two lead actors to talk about the story behind Love Between Fairy and Devil—exploring love and transformation that transcends ten thousand years, at the crossroads where fantasy meets reality.

Yu Shuxin: “Nothing comes easy, no matter what you do.”

When Yu Shuxin first received the script for Love Between Fairy and Devil, her initial reaction was:
“So… what’s her full name?”

The staff replied simply, “Just Xiao Lan Hua.” Faced with that short answer, Yu Shuxin burst into her signature peal of laughter.

On set, the atmosphere was as bright and upbeat as ever. Yu Shuxin was brimming with energy throughout the day—it’s as if she was born with the ability to light up the room. The moment she walks in, you’re instantly struck by her vibrant presence. When we asked what kind of preparation she did for the role of Xiao Lan Hua before filming began, she lit up and immediately started gesturing enthusiastically. Once she got going, there was no stopping her. “I actually think there are times when Xiao Lan Hua and I are really quite alike,” she said. “Of course, I started by getting really familiar with the script. Then I worked on how to express her mindset at different stages of the story and how to bring that across to the audience. Eventually, it didn’t even feel like I was trying to play a character anymore. When filming began, I just felt like—I am Xiao Lan Hua. This is me carrying out a very special mission.”

This sense of “special mission” carried a deep conviction—almost as if it were destined. As though Xiao Lan Hua, this fictional character, had always been waiting for someone like Yu Shuxin to bring her to life, to give her flesh, spirit, and soul. Of course, the process was anything but easy, and Yu Shuxin didn’t shy away from talking about the challenges she faced. After all, the character’s journey is vast and emotionally layered—far beyond anything she herself, still so young, has personally experienced. “I think the hardest part was figuring out how to respond to different characters in the story,” she said. “And how to express what happens to Xiao Lan Hua—how the outside events affect her, and how to portray all of that in a way that allows the audience to feel those subtle emotional shifts.” She paused for a moment, then added, “The most important thing was to believe in the character. To believe in my own complicated journey.”

That shift in perspective is fascinating—the belief of “I am Xiao Lan Hua” seems deeply rooted in Yu Shuxin’s heart, slipping out naturally in conversation. She often speaks in the first person when referring to the character: “There are lots of big emotional scenes—both joy and sorrow. I hope everyone will come watch me.” “These are all my own.” “It’s my complex journey. I believe in myself.” She doesn’t fall back on rehearsed, formulaic answers or vague generalities. Instead, she speaks with disarming sincerity, expressing her true feelings openly: “There were a lot of challenges, sure. But every actor goes through that. I have no regrets, and I don’t see it as a hardship. Nothing in life comes easy anyway.”

Yu Shuxin doesn’t treat “hardship” as a reason to retreat or escape—it’s simply part of the path one has to take. To many people, Yu Shuxin often seems like a perpetual engine of joy and energy—radiant, cheerful, and full of life. But even someone like her has moments of exhaustion. She’s been asked about this many times, and eventually, she took it upon herself to dig deeper and find an answer. What she arrived at was learning to be at peace with herself. “The definition I found online,” she said with a thoughtful tone, “basically says that self-consistency means you can logically explain your actions in a way that proves you’re not being contradictory or wrong. For me, it’s like—whatever happens, I can usually figure out why it happened. That makes it easier to accept.” She paused, then added earnestly, “But of course, that doesn’t mean I blindly believe I’m always right. If I’ve made a mistake, I’ll admit it and just tell myself not to do the same next time. That’s enough.”

Though she plays a little orchid in the drama, Yu Shuxin feels that in real life, she’s more like a “gem flower.” “A plant that can grow in many places, and I believe it can bloom anywhere,” she says. “Gem flower” is a general name for certain types of succulents—known for their resilience, simple upkeep, and elegant forms. They’re often called “flowers that never wither.” In terms of life force and vitality, the comparison feels fitting. Yu Shuxin is able to endure hardship, adapt to different environments, and remain vibrant all the while. Ever since she stepped into the public eye, her fresh energy and emotional openness have left a lasting impression—so much so that they’ve become part of her personal brand. But in this conversation, she shares a shift in how she now sees herself: “That whole ‘little sun with endless energy’ thing—that was a few years ago,” she says. “Now, I see myself more as a mature woman. Honestly, I don’t even talk that much when I’m at home. People probably formed that impression of me early on, maybe because I was always good at sensing the emotions of those around me. But to be honest, I zone out a lot too.”

People don’t stay the same forever. With time and experience, Yu Shuxin has come to embrace a more balanced, self-affirming way of living. While she’s still attuned to the emotions of those around her, she’s also learned to care for herself more mindfully. She draws a clear line between the sensitivity required of her as an actress and how she approaches everyday life—honest and to the point: “I’m not overly sensitive. It’s usually the subtle, lingering details that move me, not surface-level emotions,” she says candidly. “And when I do decide to observe something, I can be really sharp. But I also zone out very easily and tend to overlook things that don’t immediately catch my attention.”

Maybe that’s one of her secrets to preserving energy in a world that’s constantly flashing with noise and color—Yu Shuxin stands firm in her decisions and bravely pursues what first inspired her. Looking back, she reflects: if she hadn’t become an actress, “Well, I definitely wouldn’t have been idle either,” she says with a laugh. A life that isn’t filled with meaningful pursuits—even if it’s comfortable—is simply not a path she would have chosen. “Nothing comes easy, no matter what you do,” she says—so for her, hardship is never the real issue. The only question is: is it worth it? And as long as it’s something her heart truly desires, then the struggle doesn’t matter at all.

CREDITS:

Executive Producers: 龙梓嘉 刘珂
Supervising Producer: 朱小哼Tracy
Photography: 彦俊
Visual Planning/Editor: 凯中
Yu Shuxin Styling: 珍珠
Yu Shuxin Hair & Makeup: 穆建明
Producer: 刘玥
Production Coordinator: 王兔兔
Design: Ruyi
Interview & Copywriting: 阿鱼
New Media Editor: CW

LANVIN 22-6-22 12:00

Fully embracing the carefree vibes of midsummer, Yu Shuxin wears a blue daisy-print ensemble from the LANVIN Spring/Summer 2022 Collection. The classic daisy motif bursts with color and charm, blooming in full romantic flair.

1. NeufMode x Yu Shuxin | Love Between Fairy and Devil: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/KDAGtMMhypNgXD6XqrVqew ; https://weibo.com/ttarticle/p/show?id=2309404778795981996514
   NOTE: The English-translated sections include only Shuxin’s highlights and general descriptions from the magazine article. Please click the link to read the full article.
2. NeufMode九号摩登 Weibo: https://weibo.com/u/6503687233
3. LANVIN 22-6-22 12:00 – https://weibo.com/6980257751/LySzPfOMn