The mainland Chinese actress Sun Li, known as the “TV Drama Ratings Queen,” often shares her daily life on Weibo. Currently filming a new drama in the scorching summer heat, she revealed on Weibo on the 5th that her face never sweats when she wears makeup, earning her the nickname “chosen worker” on set. However, this statement sparked a debate in the comments section.
In her Weibo post on the 5th, Sun Li shared that despite the high temperatures, they were still wearing autumn clothes on set, and all the actors were sweating profusely, with sweat pouring down faster than tears. She mentioned that when she sees her co-stars filming, they start sweating profusely within 5 seconds of turning the camera on, while she remains sweat-free. Curious crew members asked her, “Aren’t you hot? Why is there no sweat on your face?”
Sun Li explained, “As soon as I put on makeup, my pores know they have to work, so even if I’m drenched, there’s not a drop of sweat on my face.” However, she humorously added that when she doesn’t wear makeup during exercise, even her eyelids and eyebrows sweat, leading her to joke, “Everyone agrees I’m that ‘chosen worker.'”
Originally intending to share her daily filming experiences, Sun Li’s post unexpectedly drew criticism from some netizens: “You earn in a day what ordinary people make in a year, anyone could work without fear of heat.” “These ‘hardships’ don’t need to be publicized.” The topic soon trended on the hot search list.
In recent years, as China’s economy has slowed its recovery from the pandemic, with exports steadily declining and the massive real estate industry still facing challenges, the authorities’ internal circulation policies have led to high youth unemployment rates in China. Those criticizing Sun Li may be affected by the current wave of pay cuts and layoffs sweeping across the mainland, both in their circumstances and emotionally.
However, there are also netizens who hold different opinions on the post: “This isn’t about seeking pity; she’s just highlighting that she doesn’t sweat at work… Although I also dislike high celebrity incomes, there’s no need to judge her for this statement!” “She didn’t say she was suffering, just that her face doesn’t sweat easily, yet you’re making a big deal out of it.” Some defended Sun Li, saying, “Love to see her daily life! Don’t pay attention to the malicious interpretations of some people.”
According to the China Meteorological Administration, a high-temperature yellow warning was issued on the 8th, with temperatures reaching up to 39°C in Shanghai and possibly over 40°C in parts of central Zhejiang. The day prior, the elevated road surface near the Si Ping Road exit in Shanghai began to warp due to prolonged high temperatures, causing vehicles to drive over the bumpy road. The Shanghai Road Transport Development Center staff explained that the road’s steel bars deformed due to the heat.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Sun Li is not considered a prolific actress, often labeled as “lazy.” Even during her high-paying years in the entertainment industry, she only filmed one or two movies a year at most. However, the characters she portrays have left a lasting impression on audiences, with many considering her a “ratings guarantee.”
Sun Li’s Weibo exudes a rare sense of a celebrity’s intimate daily life. Apart from promoting her new dramas, she frequently shares photos with her family, meetings with friends, dishes she cooks, calligraphy she writes, and small drawings she creates.
The reserved Sun Li once mentioned that she used to be less expressive, but her actor husband Deng Chao and her two children, an 11-year-old son named “Deng Deng” and a 9-year-old daughter named “Xiao Hua,” have changed her. In an interview with “NetEase Entertainment,” she jokingly remarked, “Since getting to know these three people, I feel like my expressive abilities have increased by 70%.”