One of China’s most talked-about on-screen couples of 2026 has reunited at a public event, delighting fans with their stunning appearances and undeniable chemistry. Jing Boran and Sun Qian looked as though they had stepped straight out of their hit office romance drama, with their characters Luan Nian and Shang Zhi Tao seemingly attending a corporate meeting together.
The Early Spring has emerged as one of the biggest Chinese television sensations of 2026. The workplace romance drama has captivated audiences not only in China but also in Korea and across the Americas. According to reported Netflix rankings, the series spent three consecutive weeks at No. 2 on the platform’s global non-English television chart. It also reportedly reached No. 1 on the weekly rankings in eight countries, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, while entering the Top 10 in 54 countries and territories. The drama’s remarkable popularity has significantly boosted the profiles of its leading stars, Jing Boran, who plays Luan Nian, and Sun Qian, who portrays Shang Zhi Tao.
On the morning of October 15, Jing Boran and Sun Qian reunited at a special discussion event in Beijing, China, celebrating the success of The Early Spring. Both actors arrived in stylish outfits that immediately reminded viewers of their sophisticated office romance characters. Unedited photographs taken at the event quickly attracted attention online, with fans praising their natural appearances. Jing Boran impressed with his cool, fashionable look, perfectly embodying the image of a charismatic corporate executive. Meanwhile, Sun Qian captivated viewers with her elegant, feminine style and radiant beauty. However, the moment that sparked the most discussion was Sun Qian’s amusing facial expression as she appeared to look Jing Boran up and down with a seemingly judgmental gaze. Her expressive reaction, which some fans jokingly described as a “face with built-in subtitles,” immediately became a source of entertainment online. Many netizens humorously speculated that she was silently questioning why Jing Boran had dressed so extravagantly for what was supposed to be a drama discussion event.
Although the success of The Early Spring has brought Jing Boran and Sun Qian greater recognition, it has also created unexpected challenges. In recent weeks, Jing Boran has reportedly faced intense criticism and boycott calls from a particularly vocal section of the drama’s fandom. Some viewers accused the actor and his real-life girlfriend, model Liu Wen, of taking advantage of the series’ popularity to promote their public image and relationship. The backlash escalated when certain fans circulated a list of what they described as “18 offenses” allegedly committed by Jing Boran. Some also began demanding refunds from streaming platforms as a form of protest against the actor. More extreme reactions reportedly included calls for Jing Boran to break up with Liu Wen.
Sources: kenh14