Also earning praise is Jesseca Liu, 46, who plays the kind-hearted Liu Shuqin and Xinniang’s mother.
Though some criticised her character’s composed reaction to tragedy (her son was accidentally killed and her daughter’s disappearance), most agree this stems more from the show’s pacing than from Liu’s acting ability, which “shows depth”.
One netizen noted: “She previously seemed to melt into the background. But in this show, I look forward to her scenes. Great job, Jesseca!”
Another wrote: “Her acting was captivating, and she carried herself with remarkable poise – perfectly fitting for this show. She brought depth and authenticity to her role, making every moment compelling.”
Speaking to 8days.sg, Liu revealed that fans have begun affectionately calling her by her character’s title, Er Shao Nai Nai (second young mistress).
“As an actress, the best reward is when the show sparks discussion, whether they like the character or not,” she said.
Despite the positive feedback about her performance, Liu admitted that she is not particularly moved when she watches her scenes.
“My assistant helped film my shots for me to review at home, so I’ve grown very familiar with how Shuqin looks on screen,” she explained.
This story was originally published in 8Days.