The drama 《小城大事》-Small Town Stories is currently on air, and while it may not develop into a full-scale hit, it has firmly established itself as a widely watched series. As the show progresses, attention has begun shifting to Zhao Liying’s next move, with reports suggesting that she is set to join the cast of a new project titled Nine Heavens. The news drew even more attention when it emerged that Dilraba Dilmurat would also be part of the production, triggering online debate over her role and appearance.
When Small Town Stories was first announced, expectations were high due to Zhao Liying’s leading role. The drama enjoyed strong initial ratings, though viewership later fluctuated as episodes continued to air. According to official figures, the series achieved an average rating of 1.54%, with a peak single-episode rating of 2.23%, marking it as a solid performer rather than a breakout success.
Industry sources indicate that Small Town Stories may be Zhao Liying’s last released project for a period, following a relatively long break from filming. She is now rumored to be joining Nine Heavens, a unit-style drama featuring multiple storylines. Early cast lists circulating online include names such as Liu Haoran, Ni Ni, Oho Ou, Vengo Gao, Zhou Yutong, Xin Zhilei, and Yu Shi, forming what many describe as an all-star lineup. Despite the production keeping a low profile, signs suggest filming is already underway.
Dilraba’s involvement quickly became a trending topic. In 2025, she has already appeared in Sharp Blade: Rose and Qingrang Rising, and recently joined another new project, continuing her exploration of varied genres. While her willingness to experiment has been widely acknowledged, some viewers believe she would benefit more from large-scale productions, drawing comparisons with Zhao Liying’s recent career choices.
In Nine Heavens, Dilraba is set to take on a Republican-era suspense role for the first time, co-starring with actor Yin Fang. Known for his performances in I Am Nobody: Battle of Biyou Village and To the Wonder, Yin Fang has earned recognition for his acting range. The production has aimed to maintain secrecy, yet the scale of the cast has made complete discretion difficult.
What sparked the most discussion was Dilraba’s short-hair look in leaked on-set photos. Typically associated with long-haired styles, her new appearance stood out and led some netizens to compare it with Yang Zi’s short-haired role in Life Tree. However, the two characters differ significantly in tone and design, and short hairstyles have become increasingly common among leading actresses seeking to refresh their screen image.
Following the release of these behind-the-scenes glimpses, anticipation for Nine Heavens has continued to grow. As a unit drama with a strong ensemble cast, the series is expected to offer multiple narrative highlights. With experienced performers across its segments, many viewers believe the project has strong potential to deliver both quality and variety.
