Online drama bonds two women in conspiracy

The upcoming online drama Where Colors Dream, a three-episode series set in early 20th-century Shanghai, held a preview screening in Beijing on Saturday, bringing together lead actresses Dai Luwa and Tang Shiyi to share behind-the-scenes stories.

The drama follows Xu Yanzhen, a gifted painter portrayed by Dai, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Jiang Xinyu, played by Tang, the chief accountant of a major bank who becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy.

After being framed, Jiang is forced to take a desperate gamble and form an uneasy alliance with Xu. Their fates become intertwined when the bank plans to sell a renowned painting by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) to foreign buyers. To protect the treasured artwork, Xu uses her extraordinary painting skills to forge a copy and orchestrate a daring switch. As competing interests close in, the two women navigate a web of schemes and power struggles, relying on each other’s strengths to survive.

To convincingly portray a talented painter, Dai said she spent time studying traditional Chinese painting techniques, including how to hold a brush and mount paintings on silk.

Tang recalled repeatedly practicing one of her character’s signature gestures — spinning a coin. Though seemingly simple, the action becomes a symbolic motif throughout the story, influencing a key decision that alters the lives of both protagonists. In addition, while filming a scene in which her character had to dash into flames to protect a painting, her hands were accidentally burned. Yet she endured the pain and managed to complete the shot.

Also attending the event were chief producer Wu Yao and screenwriter Zhang Min, who discussed the creative vision behind the project.

Speaking about the drama’s central theme, they described it as a story about fate, trust and companionship. Rather than focusing solely on suspense and intrigue, the series explores the bond between two women who become mirrors of one another, gradually discovering parts of themselves through their shared journey.