Esther Yu: Sweetheart with a Strategy—I Can Be Pretty Cool Too

by 世界时装之苑ELLE 2019年08月10日 17:06

Yu Shuxin has delicate, finely shaped features, and when she smiles, it’s as if the whole world lights up. She instantly stirs a sense of protectiveness in those around her. Just based on appearance alone, she’s the definition of a sweetheart—through and through.

But Yu Shuxin—dubbed “Miss Mudslide” by actor Chen Jianbin—quickly shattered people’s stereotypes about her. Often called a walking meme machine, she’s unafraid to speak her mind and act boldly on screen. Her lively and lovely personality has attracted many fans. So yes, she may be a sweetheart—but she’s clearly a quirky, mischievous sweetheart.

When it comes to fashion, Yu Shuxin—blessed with enviably long legs—knows exactly how to highlight her best features. Her style, however, is anything but predictable. It’s ever-changing, shifting with her mood, making every day a brand-new version of herself—which is exactly what makes it so exciting. Yet amidst the variety, there’s always a subtle, unmistakable thread of what we call the “Yu-style rulebook” running through it all.

Lately, Yu Shuxin has taken on a new role—as a well-loved vlog creator. In her videos, she openly shares the little moments of her daily life, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the joys, struggles, and emotions of a girl in her twenties. And it’s precisely this honesty and vulnerability that resonates so deeply with her audience.

Though naturally carefree and easygoing, Yu Shuxin also has a deeply sensitive side—in fact, one might say all actors possess this sensitivity. When speaking about her passion for acting, Yu Shuxin immediately grows serious. She explains that in creating a character, once she accurately understands and grasps the role, she sometimes employs expressive techniques to highlight the character’s uniqueness. Yet, these techniques are ultimately an artistic refinement drawn from real life. Many viewers say that Yu Shuxin’s portrayal of Chen Chenchen in Youth moved them because she embodied the essence of an ordinary girl, making it easy to relate and empathize. She succeeded in going beyond surface appearances to capture the deeper emotional currents beneath.

Speaking of the role that won her countless fans—Tian Jingzhi in My Amazing Boyfriend 2—Yu Shuxin admits that the character is about 80% similar to herself, and it can be said that she played it in her true colors. Her new drama, Find Yourself, is set to air soon, and filming has already begun for I’ve Fallen For You. Through her nuanced and detailed acting, it’s perhaps that remaining 20% of difference and artistic refinement that allows us to see Yu Shuxin not just as a reflection of life, but as an actress who elevates it.

Yu Shuxin’s accurate interpretation and perception of performing arts is due to her study experience at Lasalle University of the Arts in Singapore. Pursuing art has been a steadfast goal for her since childhood. She seems to always have a clear sense of what she wants and the kind of person she aspires to be. This determination reveals a strong, resilient core beneath her delicate and sweet exterior. The sweetheart girl? She’s actually pretty cool too.

Yu Shuxin believes that art has had a profound impact on both the development of her personality and the way she expresses herself in acting. When it comes to fashion, she has a particular fondness for pieces that incorporate artistic elements. The combination of pop art graffiti and knitwear has the beauty of color splicing, which is both retro and avant-garde, telling a fun story that is completely different from the lonely winter.

CREDITS:

Photography: 卢彦夫（LUMI FACULTY）
Hair & Makeup: 牛犇
Planning / Editor: Silver
Wardrobe: All by iBLUES

ELLE 19-8-10 12:30

“Miss Mudslide,” Yu Shuxin is a girl with a signature sweet smile. Having studied the arts from a young age, she possesses a natural eye for beauty—something that gives her both precision and resilience in her acting. Beyond that iconic smile, it’s the memorable characters she brings to life that truly move people. With her new drama Find Yourself about to premiere and I’ve Fallen For You already in production, we can’t wait to see what surprises Esther Yu has in store this time!

1. Esther Yu: Sweetheart with a Strategy—I Can Be Pretty Cool Too: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/22FRXKD8czofeq8wfwN1BQ
2. ELLE Weibo: https://weibo.com/ellechina
3. ELLE 19-8-10 12:30 – https://weibo.com/1273610165/I1yH8EOoK
4. The nickname “泥石流小姐” (literally “Miss Mudslide”) a slang used for someone who has unpredictable charm and a refreshingly unfiltered personality—like a force of nature.