Cast & Character List
Wang Zixuan as Han Yijing
Meet Han Yijing (Wang Zixuan) in "Wanna Be": The Comeback Queen Who’s Equal Parts Ice and Fire
Let’s talk about the human paradox strutting through Wanna Be like she owns the runway (because, well, she kinda does). Han Yijing, played by the magnetic Wang Zixuan, isn’t your average "smize-and-wave" supermodel. This woman’s got more layers than a designer winter collection.
Once the undisputed queen of catwalks, Yijing vanished three years ago after a career-derailing car crash. Now she’s back—but so are the tremors in her hands and the industry’s raised eyebrows. Imagine trying to serve "effortless chic" while your body’s playing Jenga with nerve damage. Spoiler: She still slays.
Here’s the tea: Yijing walks into rooms like a tornado in stilettos—all sharp cheekbones and glacial stares that could freeze a paparazzi’s camera lens. But catch her off-duty? She’s the girl who cries at dog adoption commercials and folds origami cranes when stressed. (Yes, really. The show’s makeup team deserves awards for making puffy post-cry eyes look haute couture.)
Wang Zixuan brings delicious nuance to this role—watch her nail a haute couture strut in one scene, then fumble awkwardly with a coffee order in the next. It’s like watching a snow leopard try to be a golden retriever… and somehow pulling it off.
The real drama? Yijing’s not just battling Instagram-ready newbies half her age. She’s racing against her own healing timeline while the fashion world whispers, "Does she still have it?" (Spoiler again: The answer involves a show-stopping comeback walk that’ll give you chills.)
Who says supermodels can’t have layers? Han Yijing serves vulnerability in a sequined glove, and we’re all here for it. Tune in to see how this queen rebuilds her throne—one imperfect step at a time.
Tang Xiaotian as Jia Fan
Meet Jia Fan: The Fish Market Prince Turned Runway Sensation
Let’s talk about the most unlikely hero to hit fashion TV since a pumpkin turned into a carriage. Played by the effortlessly charming Tang Xiaotian, Jia Fan in Wanna Be is the definition of a modern Cinderella story — except instead of glass slippers, this guy rocks fish scales and runway sequins with equal swagger.
From Fish Guts to Catwalk Glutes
Our boy Fan starts his days knee-deep in ice buckets at a bustling wet market, scaling fish faster than you can say "sushi-grade." But fate (and a missing model) throws him into a luxury fashion show where he struts like he was born in tailored suits. The twist? He’s literally wearing borrowed shoes and a "deer in headlights" expression that somehow reads high fashion. Enter Han Yijing, the industry’s most feared mentor-slash-taskmaster, who spots his raw potential beneath the fishmonger apron.
When Sunshine Meets Bootcamp
Jia Fan’s journey from market stall to Milan runways isn’t all Insta-worthy moments. Han Yijing’s training regimen makes Marine bootcamp look like spa day — think midnight photoshoots, walking in heels on cobblestones, and memorizing fabric types while filleting mackerel. But here’s the magic: Fan’s golden retriever energy never fades. He cracks dad jokes during fittings, high-fives stressed designers, and turns panic sweats into viral "glow" moments.
The Realness Factor
What makes Jia Fan more than just a pretty face? The guy’s fighting battles that don’t involve runway rivalries. His family’s struggling shop could collapse any minute, and a genetic eye condition means lights could literally fade to black mid-catwalk. But Fan’s secret weapon? Treating life like a thrift-store find — he knows how to spot the hidden fabulousness in any mess.
Enemies-to-Soulmates Alert!
The spice? His love-hate tango with mentor Han Yijing. These two argue about hemlines like it’s an Olympic sport, but their chemistry could power a fashion week afterparty. Watch them evolve from "I’d rather eat raw squid than work with you" to "We’re serving vulnerability-realness couture" partners. It’s the slowest of slow burns, folks — like waiting for a rare handbag restock, but oh-so-worth-it.
Why we Will Stan
Jia Fan isn’t just another underdog. He’s the guy who’ll teach you to walk through life like it’s a runway — chin up, shoulders back, and ready to turn every "Oops" into "Oh yes, I meant to do that." Wanna Be proves that sometimes, the most iconic stories don’t start in penthouses… but in places that smell like yesterday’s catch.
Jin Ze as Xing Mo
Meet Xing Mo: The Leather Jacket-Wearing Paradox You'll Obsess Over
Hold onto your lattes, drama lovers—Wanna Be just introduced TV's most deliciously complicated heartthrob. Played by actor Jin Ze (who absolutely nails that "I woke up like this" smolder), Xing Mo is what happens if Mr. Darcy traded his cravat for a motorcycle and a corporate boardroom.
This sharp-witted advertising mogul struts through Beijing's high-stakes biz world like he owns it—which, let's be real, he kinda does. But here's the twist: beneath that "too-cool-for-rules" leather jacket beats the heart of a workaholic perfectionist. Think Suits meets The Bold Type, with a love triangle that'll make you yell at your screen.
Xing Mo's got two modes:
1) Professional Zen Master mentoring ex-flame Han Yijing (his "I will literally rewrite this pitch deck at 2 AM for you" energy).
2) Silent Pining Machine hiding decade-old feelings for her behind sarcastic banter and perfectly timed eye rolls.
Oh, and did we mention Jia Fan? The hotshot newbie who’s equal parts protégé and rival? Watching Xing Mo side-eye this rising star while low-key wanting to adopt him is like witnessing a grumpy cat tolerate a golden retriever. Messy. Hilarious. Chef's kiss.
Feng Yunzhi as Han Jialing
Meet the Dragon Lady Who Actually Breathes Fire (But Secretly Loves Knitting)
Let’s talk about Han Jialing (played by the gloriously sharp Feng Yunzhi), the human hurricane at the center of Wanna Be. Imagine Anna Wintour’s wardrobe colliding with a military strategist, and you’ve got this fashion powerhouse. As CEO of a top modeling agency, she doesn’t just set trends—she dropkicks them into existence. Her motto? "Runway or highway, darling."
Jialing’s the career fairy godmother you’d both thank and side-eye. She plucks Jia Fan from obscurity like she’s picking ripe guava at the market, yet somehow makes interns cry just by blinking too loudly. But here’s the twist: This storm-chasing fashion queen hides a secret stash of vulnerability. Her complicated aunt-niece relationship with rising star Han Yijing turns boardroom battles into family drama. One minute she’s shredding a photoshoot concept with surgical precision, the next she’s awkwardly trying to bond over bubble tea like someone who just Googled "how to aunt."
Feng’s performance? A masterclass in power shoulders and hidden heartstrings. You’ll hate-love her, then love-love her, then wonder if you should send her a therapy gift card. Pro tip: Don’t miss episode 5 where she schools a designer using only a silk scarf and three Mandarin idioms. Iconic.
Zhang Haoyue as You Ning
Meet Wanna Be's Fiercest Rivalry Duo - You Ning vs. Han Yijing (And Why We're Lowkey Obsessed)
Let's talk about Wanna Be's most electrifying catwalk showdown – and nope, we're not just talking about runway lights and couture. At the center of this modeling world drama stands You Ning (played by the magnetic Zhang Haoyue), a silver-spoon heiress who turns haute couture into full-contact sports.
Born with a trust fund thicker than Vogue's September issue, You Ning glides through fashion events like a Chanel-clad hurricane. But beneath that perfect winged eyeliner? A simmering cocktail of ambition and insecurity. Her rivalry with industry queen bee Han Yijing isn't just about who nails the next Versace campaign – it's a messy, glorious war of claw-sharp manicures and calculated Instagram smirks. Office politics? Please. These two weaponize paparazzi shots and fashion week front rows.
Meanwhile, Han Yijing (exquisitely portrayed by [Note: Chinese text didn't specify Han's actor - omit if strict adherence) serves as You Ning's ultimate frenemy blueprint – the self-made "it girl" who clawed her way up without billionaire parents. Their tension? Equal parts professional jealousy and "Wait...do I wanna BE her or DATE her?" vibes.
But wait – why should you care?
Because You Ning breaks the rich-girl villain mold. Zhang Haoyue layers her performance with vulnerability – those split-second microexpressions when her designer heels click on empty penthouse floors? Chef's kiss. This isn't just Pretty Woman 2.0; it's Gossip Girl meets The Devil Wears Prada... if Blair Waldorf ran a Fortune 500 company between runway shows.
Zhou Xiaochuan as Jia Fan's father
This guy isn’t sipping lattes or giving TED Talks on parenting. Nope. Jia Fan's father is the type who communicates love through actions, not speeches. Picture this: a single dad working backbreaking blue-collar jobs by day, fixing leaky faucets by night, and still finding time to sneak an extra dumpling onto his son Jia Fan’s plate. His superpower? Turning ramen noodles into life lessons and rusty old tools into symbols of grit.
Zhou Xiaochuan brings raw authenticity to this role, making you wanna hug Jia Fan's father and hand him a cold beer. The character’s no martyr — you’ll catch his weary sighs and that "I’m-too-old-for-this" eye-roll when life throws another curveball. But here’s the kicker: he always gets back up. Whether it’s swallowing pride for his kid’s future or quietly patching up their crumbling apartment, Jia Fan's father is the human equivalent of duct tape — holding things together when everything’s falling apart.
Gong Fangni as Dong Xiaoru
Meet Dong Xiaoru - The Snack-Loving Oracle of the Wet Market
Hold up your bok choy and make way for Wanna Be's secret MVP! Played by the effortlessly charming Gong Fangni, Dong Xiaoru isn’t strutting down runways or hashtagging #modelvibes—she’s too busy being the human GPS for her childhood BFF Jia Fan’s chaotic life.
These two grew up elbow-deep in the same fish stalls at the local wet market, where Xiaoru mastered two skills: haggling over scallions and reading Jia Fan’s moods like a pro. While he’s out chasing modeling dreams in sky-high heels, she’s the grounded queen of reality checks. Got a career crisis? Xiaoru’ll hit you with wisdom sharper than her grandma’s cleaver. Feeling lost? She’s got a thermos of pork rib soup and zero tolerance for pity parties.
Their chemistry? Fans call it the "What If" pairing—a slow-burn dynamic that’s equal parts steamed buns and emotional bandaids. Xiaoru doesn’t do glittery pep talks; her superpower is serving truth nuggets with a side of sarcasm. Catch her roasting Jia Fan’s questionable life choices one minute, then fiercely defending him to judgmental aunties the next.
In a world obsessed with filters and fame, Dong Xiaoru is that ride-or-die friend we all wish we had—the human-sized teddy bear who remembers your middle school embarrassing moments and still chooses to love you. Gong Fangni brings hilarious grit and quiet warmth to this role, proving you don’t need a runway to steal the show… just a sticky rice cake and a bestie to share it with.
Sun Zihang as Li Haoran
As Xing Mo’s (the show’s protagonist) OG BFF, this seasoned modeling industry pro isn’t just here to serve cheekbones and side-eye. The two share a bond so iconic fans dubbed them the "Xing-Li CP" – a genius pun blending their names with "行李" (luggage), symbolizing how they’ve literally carried each other through career meltdowns and existential crises.
But wait, there’s more! Haoran isn’t just Xing Mo’s emotional support hype man. When rookie model Jia Fan hits rock bottom, guess who swoops in like a tailored-suit-wearing fairy godmother? Yep, our man Haoran casually drops wisdom bombs while looking like he stepped off a Milan runway.
Sun Zihang plays this role with the perfect mix of dry humor and "I’ve-seen-it-all" swagger. You’ll want to hate him for being effortlessly cool… until he fixes everyone’s problems while sipping espresso. Basically, he’s every overworked millennial’s fantasy work spouse.
Bu Fan as Ding Chen
Let’s talk about Wanna Be’s most chaotic sunshine boy – Ding Chen (played by rising star Bu Fan), the human embodiment of "fake it till you make it" with a side of glorious awkwardness. This baby-faced model-in-training starts his journey as Xing Mo’s wide-eyed disciple (and let’s be real – full-time fanboy). Picture Bambi learning to walk in stilettos, except replace Bambi with a 6-foot-something rookie tripping over his own swagger.
His origin story? A classic case of "enemies-to-who-even-knows" with ice-cold supermodel Jia Fan. Their first meeting? Let’s just say sparks flew – the kind that happens when a golden retriever puppy accidentally knocks over a $10,000 couture gown. Their forced "pretend couple" gig (courtesy of the fashion gods’ twisted sense of humor) is less The Notebook and more Hunger Games: Catwalk Edition.
But here’s the tea – beneath the runway rivalry and death glares sharper than winged eyeliner, Ding Chen’s secretly absorbing life lessons from mentor Xing Mo like a designer sponge. Watch him evolve from "accidentally wearing pajamas to Fashion Week" energy to someone who might just understand what "professionalism" means (spoiler: it involves not photobombing your nemesis’ Vogue cover shoot).
Wang Qing as Dong Yao
Let’s talk about the woman who runs both a snack stall and the emotional support hotline for Wanna Be’s chaotic teens: Dong Yao, played by the effortlessly charismatic Wang Qing.
This street-smart queen isn’t just frying dumplings at her hole-in-the-wall shop — she’s frying bigger fish. As mom to protagonist Dong Xiaoru and a longtime friend of the Jia family, she’s got the kind of earthy wisdom that makes you think she’s got a Ph.D. in Life Hacks. Need advice on negotiating with landlords? She’ll teach you while wrapping pork buns. Caught in a teenage love triangle? She’ll diagnose your drama faster than you can say “extra chili oil.”
But don’t let her no-nonsense apron fool you. When Jia Fan (Xiaoru’s BFF/crush/eternal-slow-burn-project) starts spiraling over college apps or family drama, Auntie Yao becomes his unofficial life coach. Her advice? Equal parts tough love and homemade pickled vegetables. Pro tip: Never refuse her tea — it’s basically liquid therapy with a side of jasmine.
Wang Qing nails this role with the perfect blend of warmth and “I’ve-seen-it-all” sass. Dong Yao isn’t just a mom character; she’s the neighborhood glue holding these dreamers’ messy lives together… one steamed bun at a time.
