Recently, Chinese actress Ni Ni made an appearance at the Shanghai International Film Festival red carpet with the cast of the film “Eastern Island.” Standing between Zhu Yilong and Wu Lei, she was asked by the host “who is the most manly,” to which she humorously replied, “I am the manliest,” sparking laughter on the red carpet.
Based on a true story of Chinese fishermen rescuing British soldiers during World War II, “Eastern Island” is directed by Guan Hu. Guan Hu, along with actors Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei, Ni Ni, Yang Haoyu, and Ni Dahong, recently appeared at the Shanghai International Film Festival.
On the red carpet, the cast members revealed details about the film and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Zhu Yilong couldn’t resist “spoiling” that the film will feature a lot of underwater shots. Wu Lei excitedly shared that he has seen parts of the visual effects footage and expressed that “Eastern Island” is a big-screen industrial blockbuster.
Ni Ni mentioned that the film is visually appealing due to the heroism of the island’s fishermen and the healthy beauty achieved by the actors through fitness training. Standing between Zhu Yilong and Wu Lei, she was directly asked by the host, “Between Zhu Yilong and Wu Lei, who do you think is more manly?”
Instantly, the atmosphere became tense. In the entertainment industry, a “pick one” question can easily lead to controversy, making everyone nervous for Ni Ni. The focus shifted to Ni Ni’s beautiful and composed face, and many viewers must have been on edge, thinking, “Uh-oh, how will she answer? Praising either of them could be tricky, as it may offend someone or start a feud. The host really dug a deep pit with this question!”
Zhu Yilong and Wu Lei, one known for his steady acting and reserved demeanor, and the other for his sunny personality and vitality as a rising star, made it difficult for Ni Ni to compare them. But she remained calm and almost effortlessly, in her unique magnetic voice, with a hint of pride and a touch of assertiveness, confidently declared, “I am the manliest!”
Immediately, the venue erupted in laughter and applause, breaking the tension and awkwardness that filled the air moments ago.
Netizens praised Ni Ni’s response, saying, “Brilliant! Simply brilliant!”; “Bold, genuine, with a powerful presence.” “She skillfully avoided the ‘A or B’ ‘death choice question’!”; “Defused a sharp problem in the most relaxing and unexpected way, with a touch of humor.” “Turning a tense atmosphere into a relaxed and joyful one.” Viewers enjoyed the moment, sparking discussions without offending either side, displaying an exceptional level of emotional intelligence.
Ni Ni rose to fame for her role as “Yu Mo” in the film “The Flowers of War” directed by Zhang Yimou. Known for her cool temperament, she has been exploring various styles throughout her career and has become a darling of the fashion industry in recent years. She was once selected by the British fashion magazine “I-Magazine” as the “Most Fashionable Face in Asia.” Just like her acting, her fashion editorials have explored fresh, charming, and stylish looks, revealing her diverse range of styles to the fashion world.