The current performance of Small Town, Big Stories has been relatively solid since its release. While the drama carries elements of a mission-oriented, reality-driven narrative, it has managed to maintain a balance between viewership and word of mouth. Rather than generating explosive buzz, it is settling into a stable rhythm that feels measured and sustainable.
Much of the discussion surrounding the series centers on Zhao Liying’s role. At this stage, her character has fewer standout moments than some viewers expected, functioning more as part of the broader narrative framework than as a constantly spotlighted lead. This has led to hopes that later episodes will give her character more room to grow and shine. That said, the drama’s restrained opening has drawn comparisons to the early broadcast phase of The Story of Minglan, which also built momentum gradually rather than relying on immediate impact.
If the story continues to deepen its character arcs, Small Town, Big Stories may well become a slow-burn success—one that gains appreciation over time. For Zhao Liying, this type of project feels less like a high-pressure comeback and more like a comfortable, long-term engagement with the audience. Some viewers have even described it as a potential “comfort drama” in her filmography, one driven by consistency rather than spectacle.
Off-screen, Zhao Liying’s commercial presence remains steady. A collaboration with the brand Ren Yang Yi Tou Niu is already in its warm-up phase, while a Givenchy fragrance partnership is reportedly on the way. Anticipation is also building for her appearance on ELLE’s February issue cover, adding another highlight to her current lineup.
In many ways, both Small Town, Big Stories and Zhao Liying’s present trajectory reflect a similar mindset: unhurried, grounded, and confident in letting time do its work. Rather than chasing constant peaks, this phase seems defined by quiet assurance—and that, too, has its own appeal.
