Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei's 'Starlight Everbright' Comes Third! Top 10 List of C-Drama 'Second Collaboration' Couples Who Are Even More Addictive, with Number One Being Them: Chemistry Explodes, Even Previous Works Praised

Some C-drama couples leave a lasting impression after their first collaboration, only to generate even stronger chemistry when reuniting years later—sometimes even making up for past regrets! From Yu Shuxin and Ding Yuxi in 'Evernight River,' Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin in 'Dance of the Phoenix,' to Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei in 'Starlight Everbright,' many actors have reignited fan passion through second pairings, with some becoming the year's hottest on-screen couples. This article compiles a TOP 10 list based on Weibo's CP rankings, Douban discussions, and Chinese netizen reviews, ranking couples by breakout popularity after their second collaboration, character chemistry, and the volume of 'better than the first time' discussions. Let's see which couple captivated audiences the most.

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #10: Tang Yan and Luo Jin in 'X Female Agent' Tang Yan and Luo Jin first worked together in 'Beauty in the Warring States,' then reunited in 'X Female Agent.' Tang Yan plays Zhong Li, a straightforward woman undergoing secret agent training, while Luo Jin portrays He Junfeng, an elite agent. Their relationship evolves from confrontation to romance, with the 'female trainee × cold-faced instructor' setup and numerous joint mission scenes intensifying their emotional sparks compared to their first collaboration.

Years later, fans still revisit this drama. One netizen recalled being 'obsessed with their pairing,' while others lamented, 'Tang Yan and Luo Jin are simply the most compatible.' Unlike the tragic romance in 'Beauty in the Warring States,' 'X Female Agent' features more bickering, testing, and teamwork, making their chemistry more memorable.

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #9: Wu Jinyan and Xu Kai in 'Imperial Cuisine' Wu Jinyan and Xu Kai played Wei Yingluo and Fu Heng in 'Story of Yanxi Palace,' a star-crossed romance that left many viewers heartbroken. In their second collaboration, 'Imperial Cuisine,' they shift to a new era: Wu Jinyan plays Yao Zijin, a palace maid in the Imperial Kitchen, while Xu Kai plays Zhu Zhanji, the imperial grandson. This time, their familiar faces finally get a love story with a happy ending—offering a deeply satisfying redemption for 'Fu-Ying CP' fans.

Netizens described their reunion as 'the pinnacle of Chinese drama CP after-sales service,' noting that while 'Story of Yanxi Palace' left fans with regrets, 'Imperial Cuisine' gave the characters a 'happy ending too.' The emotional resonance is amplified by carrying forward memories from the previous work—seeing two actors who once missed each other now fall in love anew makes it easier for audiences to immerse themselves.

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #8: Yang Zi and Cheng Yi in 'Fragrance of沉香' Yang Zi and Cheng Yi first collaborated in 'The Legend of Chusen,' playing Lu Xueqi and Lin Jingyu—characters not romantically linked. Years later, in 'Fragrance of沉香,' they finally become the lead couple. Yang Zi plays Yan Dan, a lotus spirit, while Cheng Yi plays dual roles as Ying Yuan and Tang Zhou. Their restrained celestial romance evolves into a passionate earthly reunion, with intense emotional scenes showcasing both actors' strengths.

After the show aired, netizens dubbed them a 'double powerhouse,' praising their chemistry as 'truly addictive.' Some viewers who weren't initially drawn to Cheng Yi became fans after this drama. Unlike their first collaboration with almost no romantic plot, 'Fragrance of沉香' places their interactions, tearful scenes, and tragic tension at the heart of the story, firmly establishing their on-screen couple identity.

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #7: Wallace Chung and Li Xiaoran in 'Love for Life' Wallace Chung and Li Xiaoran starred in 2010's 'Love Me If You Dare,' playing Murong Feng and Yin Jingwan in a passionate Republican-era tragedy still remembered today. Twelve years later, they reunited in 'Love for Life,' with Wallace as Nie Yusheng, a heart surgeon, and Li as Tan Jing, a single mother raising her son. Their relationship shifts from youthful passion and conflict to two adults reconnecting with emotional baggage, their on-screen chemistry maturing with their real ages.

After the reunion, fans praised them as 'especially addictive,' with some saying, 'The director knows exactly how to shoot them,' commending the acting, pacing, and cinematography. The most captivating aspect is the sense of time—over a decade later, audiences still believe in the unresolved feelings between the characters. Some even revisited the original drama after watching 'Love for Life.'

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #6: Cai Wenjing and Peng Guanying in 'Unexpected Arrival' Cai Wenjing and Peng Guanying first worked together in 'Under the Sun,' playing Ke Ying and Feng Xiaosheng—characters in a relationship filled with threat, control, and conflict, far from a healthy romance. In 'Unexpected Arrival,' Cai plays Ruan Zhenzhen, a woman facing her husband's death and massive debt, while Peng plays Gao Jun, a man with secrets who draws near her. Their relationship evolves from suspicion to trust.

When their reunion was announced, fans said, 'Their chemistry is about to overflow!' and joyfully exclaimed, 'They're collaborating again!' Some viewers see 'Unexpected Arrival' as a new world that makes up for the regrets of the previous work—watching the same two faces shift from extreme opposition to a healthy emotional bond creates the most addictive contrast.

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #5: Yang Zi and Li Xian in 'National Beauty and Elegance' Yang Zi and Li Xian played Tong Nian and Han Shangyan in 'My Dear,' a modern sweet romance that made 'Tongyan Couple' extremely popular. In 'National Beauty and Elegance,' Yang Zi plays He Weifang, a woman who takes control of her life through peonies, while Li Xian plays Jiang Changyang, a man who appears carefree but hides sharp edges. Their dynamic shifts from direct sweetness to mutual testing, admiration, and support.

Interestingly, before the show aired, not all netizens were confident in their chemistry. Some thought their pairing had limited appeal, but after watching, many admitted, 'I was wrong,' describing the romance as 'surprisingly addictive'—a slow-burning, tender bond. Having already had a hit couple, their ability to portray a different kind of love story makes this reunion especially convincing.

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #4: Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui in 'Nine Layers of Purple' Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui first appeared together in 'West Out of Jade Gate,' but had separate storylines. In 'Nine Layers of Purple,' they finally become the lead couple. Meng plays Dou Zhao, reborn with a second chance to control her fate, while Li plays Song Mo, burdened with family secrets and revenge. They start as allies using each other, but grow into partners who can trust each other completely. The 'Zhaozhao Momomo' pairing sparked massive online discussions.

Interestingly, fans later dug up their minimal interactions from their first collaboration, describing them as 'barely any interaction, yet strangely sweet.' In 'Nine Layers of Purple,' that subtle chemistry was fully amplified, with discussions expanding from 'Zhaozhao Momomo' to the actors' real-life pairing 'Yunqian Mengrao.' After watching, some fans declared their chemistry 'absolutely perfect.'

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #3: Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei in 'Starlight Everbright' Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei first shared the screen in 'The Long Ballad,' with Zhao playing Li Leyan and Wu playing Ashile Su, each on separate romantic paths. In 'Starlight Everbright,' they finally become the lead couple. Zhao plays Cheng Shaoshang, a stubborn girl deprived of parental love, while Wu plays Ling Buyi, a general burdened with blood vengeance. Their journey from cautious testing to deep love pushed their chemistry to the forefront.

Some viewers said they started watching just to see the two reunite, later praising 'the lead couple's chemistry is explosive.' Others summarized it as: 'The first time, we just noticed their faces looked good together; the second time, when they were cast as lovers, we realized how strong the chemistry really was.' The pairing name 'Wu Lu Ke Tao' became highly prominent during 'Starlight Everbright's' broadcast.

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #2: Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin in 'Dance of the Phoenix' Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin played Chu Qiao and Yuwen Yue in 2017's 'Princess Agents,' ending with Yuwen Yue falling into an icy lake—leading fans to joke for years, 'When will Yuwen Yue be pulled out?' Seven years later, they reunite in 'Dance of the Phoenix.' Zhao plays Shen Li, the碧蒼 King of the spirit realm, while Lin plays Xing Zhi, the last ancient god. Their dynamic shifts from master-servant and allies to a powerful queen meeting a seemingly carefree but deeply devoted god.

Fans said their 'CP magnetic field hasn't weakened—it's even stronger,' calling the romance in 'Dance of the Phoenix' so beautiful that even with a happy ending, they 'couldn't move on' after the finale. Seven years have matured their acting styles—less youthful, more relaxed and trusting between adults—making this reunion feel like a different kind of closure for 'Princess Agents' fans.

C-Drama 'More Addictive on Second Collaboration' CP #1: Yu Shuxin and Ding Yuxi in 'Evernight River'