Sean Xiao’s pure, innocent love for Bai Baihe for the past 10 years is accompanied by a sweet confession of ‘I hope you have me in your journey of life’ in Sunshine By My Side.
Everyone’s favorite mainland heartthrob Sean Xiao (肖战) makes his return in modern romance drama Sunshine By My Side (骄阳伴我), following his recent historical drama The Longest Promise (玉骨遥). Portraying the character of a rookie in the workplace, he stars alongside well-known actress, Bai Baihe (白百何).
In the drama, Xiao’s character has held a torch for his workplace “older sister” Bai Baihe for a decade. In the early part of the series, he candidly expresses to her that he hopes to be a part of her life, causing viewers to swoon over such a sweet confession, exclaiming that it will be difficult not to be moved.
Sunshine by My Side tells the story of a workplace rookie named Sheng Yang (played by Sean Xiao), who has been idolizing his advertising director, Jian Bing (played by Bai Baihe) as his goddess for many years. He follows in her footsteps in entering the advertising industry, and while they cross paths, a romantic journey of love and personal growth begins.
After the drama Sunshine by My Side premieres, Sean Xiao’s natural and vivid portrayal of a novice in the workplace has received widespread praise and support from the audience.
After he is taken advantage of by his team leader, his portrayal of the typical reactions of an office worker when promises are broken, and his frustration at interns getting ahead through connections reflected relatable scenes that resonated with viewers from the working class.
Audiences have praised him for his unique and relatable performance, with comments such as “He really captures the essence of it” and “It is no wonder he used to be in the same position before his debut.”
Xiao then left a message on Weibo, saying that the difference between Sheng Yang and the roles he previously played is that this is a character that is closer to reality, with simple and ordinary joys as well as unforeseeable challenges.
Just like anyone and everyone else, he does encounter problems in his daily life and is working towards his ideal self. He added, “I really like this young man, who is constantly striving alongside everyone in another universe, dedicated and staying true to what he loves.”
On the other hand, Bai Baihe portrays Jian Bing, who becomes a renowned advertising director in the industry with the help of Xue Yiming (played by Tian Yu (田雨)), who is both her husband and business partner. Though she is seen as a life winner, she has endured her husband’s extramarital affairs for years, to the point where she even witnesses him joyfully crossing the street with a young model while waiting at a red light.
Moreover, she has been labeled by many in the industry as someone whose success relies on her husband’s connections, which further drives her decision to divorce him.
After a dispute with her husband, she goes out for a drink and coincidentally meets Sean Xiao. Concerned for her safety, Sean Xiao quietly follows her. When she discovers him, she initiates conversation and even leans on his shoulder, suggesting they go to a karaoke.
This surprises him, and he quickly pulls away but for her to misinterpret his actions, thinking that he finds her too old. Seeing her drunk, he eventually takes her to a hotel to rest, marking the beginning of their fateful encounter.
In the upcoming episodes, Sean Xiao’s character in the drama actively pursues Bai Baihe, after she is officially divorced. Whether it is his confident confession scene where he confesses, saying, “I have only one goal, and that’s to be with you until the end, followed by a kiss, or his cute and tender side when he was drunk, saying, “I’ve been a fast runner since I was a kid, so don’t worry about me being unable to catch up with you“, it all makes Bai Baihe’s heart flutter.
Having gone through a failed marriage, she emotionally expresses that she is very grateful for his appearance in her life. Sean Xiao then hugs Bai Baihe tightly and coquettishly says, “Let me recharge for a moment.”
The evident growth between both characters in the workplace, mutual pursuit, and strong chemistry make the audience feel their connection through the screen.
However, despite their mutual healing and attraction for each other in the drama, the couple will face real-world obstacles.
Bai Baihe’s friends and family are skeptical of their relationship with a big age gap, questioning her, “You already had one failed marriage, do you want to go through
another one again?”
Sean Xiao’s mother also goes to great lengths to make the situation even more awkward by insisting her son address Bai Baihe as “Auntie,” leading to some uncomfortable moments. Stay tuned on how they will overcome these challenges, including societal judgments and workplace gossip behind their backs, adding to your anticipation of their journey.
Sunshine by My Side is exclusively streaming on iQIYI International Version APP and iQ.com.
Sean Xiao and Bai Baihe Take The Lead In Modern Workplace Drama “Sunshine By My Side”
*Press Release
