Love O2O (TV series) explained

Alt Name:A Smile is Beautiful
One Smile is Very Alluring
Genre:Romance comedy
Based On:A Smile is Beautiful by Gu Man
Country:China
Language:Mandarin
Num Episodes:30
Location:China
Runtime:45 minutes
Company:Gcoo Entertainment
Related:Boss & Me (2014)
Channel:Jiangsu Television, Dragon Television, Youku, Tudou
S:微微一笑很倾城
P:Wēi Wēi Yī Xiào Hěn Qīng Chéng

Love O2O is a 2016 Chinese television series based on the novel of the same name written by Gu Man, starring Yang Yang and Zheng Shuang. It aired on Jiangsu TV and Dragon TV from 22 August to 6 September 2016.[1] This story revolves around the love between Xiao Nai and Bei Weiwei. It was a commercial success in China. It became one of the most-watched Chinese modern dramas, with over 25.2 billion views online.[2]

In August 2021, the show was officially banned by the People's Republic of China's government in the entirety of Mainland China as the female lead role, Zheng Shuang was labelled as "actors with poor conduct" by the regulators due to her involvement in a series of scandals, including tax evasion, which she was ultimately found guilty of committing.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Synopsis

Bei Weiwei (Zheng Shuang) is a computer science university student, who excels in her studies. She aspires to be an online game developer. Her player's name is Luwei Weiwei in the role-playing game, A Chinese Ghost Story. After she is dumped by her online husband Zhenshui Wuxiang, she is approached by the number one player Yixiao Naihe, who suggests they get married so they both can participate in the couples in-game competitions. The newlyweds instantly hit it off and undergo many adventures together in-game.

However, Wei Wei did not expect the real identity of her in-game husband is a college senior, Xiao Nai (Yang Yang) who is both a jock and an academician. After they meet each other, they fall in love. Together, they overcome numerous misunderstandings and obstacles standing in the way of their budding romance.[8]

Cast

Main

Actor Character Introduction
Zheng Shuang[9] Bei Weiwei (贝微微) A 2nd year computer science student. She is bright, intelligent and helpful, and aspires to be a game designer. Her player's name "Luwei Weiwei" in A Chinese Ghost Story, she is the only female player in the Top 10 PK ranking. She catches Xiao Nai's attention when she is playing the game in an internet cafe.
Yang Yang[10] Xiao Nai (肖奈) A 4th year computer science student. He is the CEO of Zhi Yi Technology Company. He is gentle and kind and hides a cunning intellect. His player's name is "Yixiao Naihe", and he is the top player in the game A Chinese Ghost Story. In real life, Xiao Nai is a well-known man in campus, well-versed in arts, music, and sports.

Supporting

People at Qing University

Actor Character Introduction
Mao Xiaotong[11] Zhao Erxi (赵二喜) Wei Wei's best friend and one of Wei Wei's three dormmates. She's bright, cheerful, and stubborn at times. She falls for Cao Guang in the game A Chinese Ghost Story as Cao Guang mistook her web name for Wei Wei's and started to befriend her.
Bai Yu[12] Cao Guang (曹光) A second year foreign studies student. He initially misunderstood Wei Wei, but later develops a friendship with her, and a crush on her. Later, he also forms a friendship and budding romance with Erxi.
Ma Chunrui[13] Meng Yiran (孟逸然) The school's "belle", who placed first in the school's online beauty voting. She has a crush on Xiao Nai, and dislikes Weiwei because of it.
Qin Yu[14] Xiao Ling (晓玲) Wei Wei's dorm mate. Because of her wealthy background, she is often referred to as "Little Rich Woman".
Songxin Jiayi[15] Tian Sisi (田丝丝) Wei Wei's dorm mate.
Zhou Chenjia[16] Nana (安娜) Yiran's roommate. She constantly sucks up to Yiran and encourages her to pursue Xiao Nai. In reality, she dislikes Yiran and only befriends her to capture the attention of her cousin, Shaoxiang.
Zhang Chaoren[17] Da Zhong (大钟) Xiao Ling's boyfriend. Member of the senior class basketball team.
Chen Jie Aixiang Nai'er (爱香奈儿) / Ai Chanel Yiran's friend. A famous online blogger, who posted degrading remarks about Weiwei online.

People in Zhi Yi Technology

Actor Character Introduction
Niu Junfeng[18] Yu Banshan (于半珊) Known by the web name "Yugong Pashan". He often misuses idioms due to a childhood trauma. Member of the senior class basketball team. He is also Xiao Nai's dorm-mate, and also an employee at Zhi Yi.
Cui Hang[19] Qiu Yonghou (丘永侯) Known by the web name "Houzi Jiu". Member of the senior class basketball team. He is also Xiao Nai's dorm-mate, and also an employee at Zhi Yi.
Zheng Yecheng[20] Hao Mei (郝眉) Known by the web name "Mo Zha Ta". He is also Xiao Nai's dorm-mate, and also an employee at Zhi Yi. One of the top 3 experts in Zhi Yi. He has a baby face, and is often called "Mr. Gorgeous", "Mr. Girly" or “Mr. Beauty”.
Vin Zhang[21] K.O. A top hacker and one of the top 3 experts in Zhi Yi. He used to work in the cafeteria inside the campus. He shares a twisted fate with Hao Mei, whom he previously met in a game.
Hu Haobo[22] Ah Shuang (阿爽) One of the top 3 experts in Zhi Yi. He supposedly, has a phobia of women, but really has a distrust of women in IT. He later betrayed Zhi Yi by revealing company secrets to Zhen Yi, and left the company.

Characters in A Chinese Ghost Story

Actor Character Introduction
Zhang He[23] Zhen Shaoxiang Known by the web name "Zhenshui Wuxiang". He was Wei Wei's virtual ex-husband. He is Yiran's elder cousin and the heir of Zhen Yi technology. He judges people by appearance and he dumps Wei Wei thinking she is ugly and marries "Xiaoyu Yaoyao", but later regrets it when he sees Wei Wei in real life.
Liu Yinglun[24] Yu Yao (雨瑶) Known by the web name "Xiaoyu Yaoyao", leader of the Xiao Yu clan. She is regarded as the number one beauty of the game's server, after placing first in a photo competition. Zhenshui Wuxiang's virtual life and real-life partner. A hypocritical and attention-seeking person.
Lu Yunxuan[25] Leishen Nini (雷神妮妮) Wei Wei's guild mate. She loves to gossip.
Liu Yujin[26] Diemeng Weixing (蝶梦未醒) Ex-leader of the "Jade Seas Rising Tide" guild and Zhan Tianxia's virtual wife and real-life partner. She hates the Xiaoyu gang as they caused her relationship with Zhan Tianxia to deteriorate, and she makes use of Weiwei's friendship with her to spite them in real life.
Zhang Shou[27] Zhan Tianxia (战天下) Current leader of the "Jade Seas Rising Tide" guild and Diemeng Weixing's virtual husband and real-life partner. He has an ambiguous relationship with Xiaoyu Qingqing.
Yang Xueying[28] Xiaoyu Qingqing (小雨青青) One of Xiaoyu Yaoyao's followers. She likes to flirt with male players, especially with Zhan Tianxia.
Song Yuqing Xiaoyu Feifei (小雨霏霏) One of Xiaoyu Yaoyao's followers.
Liu Qianyu Xiaoyu Mianmian (小雨绵绵) One of Xiaoyu Yaoyao's followers.
Xiao Xiaobai[29] Youming Guilao / "Underworld Granny" A "boss" in the "underworld cave" dungeon, in the game, who likes to capture male players and make them her slaves (or toys).
Zhang Haoyu[30] Tianxia Dayi

Others

Actor Character Introduction
Cai Gang Professor Xiao An archaeologist professor, and Xiao Nai's father, at Qing university.
Gu Kelly Professor Lin A history professor, and Xiao Nai's mother, at Qing university
Fu Jun Old Bei Bei Weiwei's father
Yang Manqin Chen Fang Bei Weiwei's mother
Bian Cheng Xiao Yang Wei Wei's 12 year old student, that she tutors, and introduces Cao Guang to, to tutor in English.
Cheng Gong Mr. ZhenCEO of Zhen Yi technology. Shaoxiang's father and Yiran's uncle. He uses underhanded means to try to steal Xiao Nai's game creation.
Leng Haiming[31] Mr. Li Head of the gaming department at Zhen Yi technology.
Denny Huang Feng Teng President of Feng Teng Organization.
Liu Guhao Mr. Wang Feng Teng's employee.
Yang Yucheng Professor Li Cheng An economics professor, and Xiao Nai's uncle, at Qing university.

Production

The series was filmed at Shanghai Songjiang University Town, East China University of Political Science and Law and Shanghai Commercial Plaza from September to December 2015.[32]

The fictional game in the universe uses the content provided by A Chinese Ghost Story, a popular MMORPG game in China.

Reception

The series ranked first in television ratings and became the number one most searched and discussed topic online during its broadcast.[33] The drama is also well-received internationally.

The drama was praised for following the details of the novel faithfully, as well as its refreshing and unique plot. Unlike most dramas, Love O2O does not succumb to overused cliches and plot devices, making it stand out from dramas with similar themes.[34]

Ratings

China Dragon TV / Jiangsu TV premiere ratings (CSM50)
EpisodesBroadcast dateDragon TVJiangsu TV
Ratings (%)Audience share (%)RankingsRatings (%)Audience share (%)Rankings
1-22016.08.220.745-40.737-5
3-42016.08.230.716-60.73-5
5-62016.08.240.82-50.919-3
7-82016.08.250.774-50.873-4
9-102016.08.260.864-40.935-2
112016.08.270.927-31.151-2
12-132016.08.280.845-51.042-3
14-152016.08.290.912-50.998-3
16-172016.08.301-30.971-4
18-192016.08.310.927-40.904-5
20-212016.09.010.845-50.878-4
22-232016.09.021.105-21.065-3
242016.09.031.197-31.255-2
25-262016.09.040.992-41.121-2
27-282016.09.051.073-21.015-3
29-302016.09.060.967-30.999-2
Average ratings0.9100.965
red; lowest ratings are marked in blue.

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultRef.
20172nd China Quality Television Drama CeremonyPopular Quality ActorYang Yang[36]
Innovative Themed Drama of the YearLove O2O

International broadcast

ChannelLocationBroadcast start dateNote
Jiangsu TV, Dragon TVPeople's Republic of China (the Mainland.)22 August 2016Monday to Sunday 19:30 - 21:00 (two eps)
DramaFeverU.S., Canada and Latin America23 August 2016Monday to Saturday (two eps)
Anhui TVPeople's Republic of China (the Mainland)24 August 2016Daily 09:00 am
Astro HDMalaysia25 August 2016Monday to Friday 18:00 - 19:00
Shenzhen TVPeople's Republic of China(the Mainland.)29 September 2016Every day 19:30 (two eps)
Zing TV
CHOCO TVThe Republic of China(Taiwan.)1 October 2016
TVB J2Hong Kong S.A.R.10 January 2017Monday to Friday 19:00 - 20:00
Jiangxi TVPeople's Republic of China (the Mainland.)28 January 2017
Home Drama15 March 2017Aired with title Cinderella is Online at 1:15
PPCTV 6 Cambodia25 August 2017Monday to Friday at 12:00 and 20:00
CTV 8 HDJanuary 2019Saturday to Sunday
iMBC19 September 2017
Channel 33 March 2018Every Saturday and Sunday at 16:30 - 18:00
GMA NetworkPhilippinesSeptember 10, 2018 to October 19, 2018January 16, 2019 to March 12, 2019 Rerun on GMA News TV every Monday to Friday at 23:00-00:00
MX PlayerIndiaMarch 2021 - April 2021 Every Friday March 2021 start aired 4 Episodes on MX Player and weekly episodes aired on every friday to April 2021.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: TV version of 'Love O2O' to air on Dragon TV. Shanghai Daily. August 16, 2016.
  2. Web site: 《微微一笑很倾城》30集全—大陆—电视剧—优酷网,视频高清在线观看—又名:《A Smile Is Beautiful》《微微一笑很倾城电视剧版》. Youku. 2016-12-04.
  3. Web site: 2021-08-27 . 《微微一笑很倾城》等作品遭下架 郑爽"微博超话"被关闭 娱乐 . 2022-08-02 . 東方網 馬來西亞東方日報 . zh-Hans.
  4. Web site: 网易 . 2021-01-22 . 《微微一笑很倾城》爆下架!郑爽遭广电封杀 20部剧综艺没得看 . 2022-08-02 . www.163.com.
  5. Web site: ETtoday新聞雲 . 《微微一笑很傾城》慘遭下架!鄭爽作品全消失…粉絲超話被關閉 ETtoday星光雲 ETtoday新聞雲 . 2022-08-02 . star.ettoday.net . 26 August 2021 . zh-Hant.
  6. Web site: 新京报 - 好新闻,无止境 . 2022-08-02 . www.bjnews.com.cn.
  7. Web site: 今日头条 . 2022-08-02 . www.toutiao.com.
  8. Web site: 电视剧拍摄制作备案公示表. SARFT. 2016-11-30. 2018-08-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20180805021705/http://dsj.sarft.gov.cn/tims/site/views/applications/note/noteTable.shanty?id=014c9dc3d6f621fb4028e4a14c7375c1. dead.
  9. Web site: 郑爽参演《微微》 为弥补学生时代遗憾. September 24, 2016. Sina. zh.
  10. Web site: 杨洋《微微》海报曝光 高颜值还原肖奈. September 17, 2017. Sina. zh.
  11. Web site: 《微微》毛晓彤中二少女人设获好评. August 29, 2016. Sina. zh.
  12. Web site: 白宇《微微一笑》被心疼 错爱郑爽室友. August 29, 2016. Sina. zh.
  13. Web site: 《微微》马春瑞变迷妹一心一意暗恋杨洋. August 29, 2016. Sina. zh.
  14. Web site: 《微微》秦语人设讨喜 走心诠释室友情. September 21, 2016. Sina. zh.
  15. Web site: 宋欣佳怡加盟《微微一笑》成郑爽室友. November 18, 2015. Sina. zh.
  16. Web site: 《微微》周宸佳为接近心上人帮校花追男神. September 1, 2016. Sina. zh.
  17. Web site: 张超人:《微微一笑很倾城》大钟饰演者崭露头角. September 20, 2016. Sohu. zh.
  18. Web site: 《微微一笑》牛骏峰变萌帅技术控展反差萌. September 1, 2016. Sina. zh.
  19. Web site: 《微微一笑很倾城》猴子酒崔航引关注. September 6, 2016. Sina. zh.
  20. Web site: 郑业成将进《微微》 演人气角色"美人师兄". September 18, 2015. Netease. zh.
  21. Web site: 《微微》张彬彬变黑客 与杨洋上演大PK. August 29, 2016. Sina. zh.
  22. Web site: 《微微一笑很倾城》热播 胡浩博呆萌上线陷间谍疑云. August 31, 2016. People's Daily. zh.
  23. Web site: 张赫《微微一笑很倾城》与杨洋争夺郑爽. November 26, 2015. Sina. zh.
  24. Web site: 刘颖伦《微微一笑》初尝反派演绎不同人生. August 29, 2016. Sina. zh.
  25. Web site: 《微微一笑》陆妍淇与郑爽游戏世界并肩打怪. August 23, 2016. Sohu. zh.
  26. Web site: 《微微一笑很倾城》热播刘钰瑾演绎忧郁帮主. August 22, 2016. Netease. zh.
  27. Web site: 《微微》章涛二次元扮相亮相 霸气十足. August 31, 2016. Sina. zh.
  28. Web site: 杨雪莹亮相《微微一笑很倾城》变身小雨青青. September 26, 2017. Netease. zh.
  29. Web site: 微微一笑很倾城13集 知名Coser小小白演黑山老妖. August 29, 2016. Sina. zh.
  30. Web site: 张皓宇《微微一笑很倾城》精分饰两角. August 24, 2016. Sina. zh.
  31. Web site: 《微微一笑很倾城》 冷海铭"叫板"肖奈大神. July 14, 2017. Netease. zh.
  32. Web site: 《微微一笑很倾城》探班 杨洋郑爽扮相曝光. September 2, 2015. Phoenix Television. zh.
  33. Web site: 郑爽杨洋《微微一笑很倾城》甜虐众人 收视率全网第一. August 30, 2016. Xinhua News Agency. zh. May 11, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203240/http://www.jx.xinhuanet.com/yltt/20160830/3413024_c.html. May 29, 2018. dead.
  34. Web site: 《微微一笑很倾城》热播 被评最清新的校园爱情剧. Phoenix Television. August 26, 2016. zh.
  35. Web site: China Population (2020) - Worldometer. 2020-11-21. www.worldometers.info. en.
  36. Web site: 品质盛典:孙俪着戏装现身 胡歌现场致敬老艺术家. NetEase. March 3, 2017. April 29, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170413224801/http://news.163.com/17/0303/00/CEIGH58P000187VG.html. April 13, 2017. dead.