The fantasy drama Fanren Xiuxian Zhuan (《凡人修仙传》) has been generating significant buzz since its release. Jin Chen (金晨), who plays the role of Nangong Wan (南宫婉), has been widely praised for her elegant appearance in traditional costume. Viewers have especially noted the strong “chemistry” in scenes where she appears alongside Yang Yang (杨洋), calling it “next-level CP vibes.”
However, fans noticed that during the show’s recent promotional events, Jin Chen was notably absent. Instead of the expected “male lead and female lead” pairing, two supporting actresses represented the cast. This led many netizens to question: “Isn’t Jin Chen the female lead? Why didn’t she show up?”
Reports suggest her absence is partly due to scheduling conflicts — she’s currently committed to a variety show recording. But there’s also speculation that she may have intentionally opted out of the spotlight. Since the show’s premiere, her character has drawn mixed reactions, with a wave of online criticism directed at her portrayal of Nangong Wan.
In contrast, the character Zhao Qing (赵晴) has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many praising the actress’s perfect alignment with the role. Some viewers even claimed Zhao Qing “stole the spotlight” and was the “true standout female character.”
In such a context, it’s unclear whether Jin Chen chose to distance herself from the promotions to avoid unfavorable comparisons. But in the highly competitive world of xianxia dramas — where audience commentary is fast-paced and deeply involved — every appearance or absence by a lead actor can quickly become a topic of public debate.
