A rising star from China’s entertainment scene, Yang Chaoyue, has recently garnered significant attention for her compelling performance as a struggling college student in the new drama series “Today is Sunny Rain,” which debuted in November. Her portrayal of the character Zheng Yu, a young woman facing great personal and financial hardships, has resonated with a wide audience, leading to trending discussions online, including phrases like “Yang Chaoyue stands strong.”
The series, available on Mango TV and Netflix, depicts the life of Zheng Yu, a determined biology major who is forced into multiple part-time jobs after the death of her father, her mother’s condition leaving her unable to care for the family, and her younger brother’s hearing impairment. In an attempt to pay off debts and support her family, Zheng Yu strives for the highest scholarship grants available.
Unexpectedly, her former classmate Chen Yanzhou, played by Dong Sicheng, returns to school as her greatest competitor for the scholarships after taking a year off from studies. As their paths intertwine through academic rivalry, the two begin to understand each other’s pain and gradually transition from mutual disdain to a supportive relationship, leading to a romantic story infused with youthful excitement and reciprocal healing.
The narrative goes beyond merely showcasing young love; it intricately explores themes of economic struggles, interpersonal relationships, and the pains of growing up. The raw and relatable storyline evokes a strong emotional response from viewers, making it a significant topic of conversation.
Yang Chaoyue, now 28 years old, hails from a rural background in Yancheng, Jiangsu province. After her parents separated when she was just 12, she and her father began to rely on each other. Faced with dire economic circumstances, she left school before completing middle school to work various jobs, including seamstress and restaurant server, at a young age.
In 2018, Yang rose to fame after participating in the talent show “Produce 101,” where she secured a third-place finish and debuted as a member of the girl group “Rocket Girls 101.” During this time, her memorable remark, “I am the hope of my entire village,” earned her the affectionate nickname “Village Flower” from Huang Zitao, bringing laughter to audiences. Chinese media highlighted her remarkable rise from humble beginnings to a leading figure in the industry.
Since her debut, Yang Chaoyue has been in the spotlight, attracting constant media attention. Reports indicated that in 2019 alone, she made headlines on Weibo’s trending topics 55 times, with at least ten of those instances landing her in the top spot.
After the disbandment of “Rocket Girls 101” on June 23, 2020, Yang quickly updated her Weibo profile to reflect her status as a “singer and actress,” changing her username from “Rocket Girls 101_Yang Chaoyue” to simply “Yang Chaoyue,” and establishing her own management team.
Given her own lack of university experience, many viewers believe that director “Cat’s Tree” allowed Yang to experience college life through her role in “Today is Sunny Rain,” converting her past feelings of exhaustion into the essence of her character Zheng Yu.
Markedly distinct from previous criticisms of her acting being stiff, Yang’s current performance has been lauded for its authenticity and relatability, representing the most significant turnaround in her acting reputation to date.
For example, she has shifted away from exaggerated expressions and loud crying, instead opting for a more nuanced portrayal, like crouching in a corner, stifling sobs, and allowing tears to well up in her eyes while suppressing her emotions. This subtle yet powerful acting style conveys a sense of helplessness that resonates deeper than loud wailing.
Furthermore, “Today is Sunny Rain” employs no dubbing; instead, it features original voice performances. Yang consciously lowers her naturally bright voice to reflect a hoarse and worn-out tone, aligning perfectly with her character’s perpetual exhaustion and struggles.
Audiences have noted how Yang portrays the harsh reality of poverty through small but impactful actions, like cleaning an old pair of shoes, counting coins, eating expired rice balls from convenience stores, and taking measures to protect a package from being damaged in the rain, emphasizing that poverty is not just a theme but a lived experience.
According to “Sina Entertainment,” Yang’s life experiences closely match those of her character, while her background in theater with the production “Hello, Crazy!” has equipped her with the skills to effectively convey emotions and maintain camera rhythm in “Today is Sunny Rain.”
Despite her fame, Yang Chaoyue has never felt inferior due to her rural roots; her genuine personality has attracted a significant fanbase. After earning her first substantial income, she returned home to share her joy with her family, taking them on experiences they had never encountered before, earning her praise from netizens. She once humorously reflected on her father’s 60th birthday celebration in a rural setting, stating, “I was more nervous about the feast than walking the red carpet.”
In recent years, Yang has remained active in both variety shows and dramas, despite facing criticism from internet trolls who claim her background dictates her taste. Unfazed by such harsh jabs, she responded gracefully, saying, “I quite admire you!” cleverly turning the insult back on its source and amusing audiences by criticizing the critics themselves. Many netizens have praised her sharp wit, noting that she has a “growing humor” and a superior intelligence in handling such comments, while others defended her, arguing that the critics were being excessively harsh.
Yang Chaoyue’s journey, from her humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated figure in the entertainment field, continues to captivate fans and reflects a compelling narrative of resilience and triumph over adversity.