With high ratings, Yang Mi ("Qingchuan") and Feng Shaofeng ("Prince Eight") have also become popular figures in the entertainment circle. Recently, Feng Shaofeng accepted an exclusive interview with the Yangcheng Evening News and talked about his emotional life for the first time. Regarding his relationship with Yang Mi, his on-screen lover, although Feng Shaofeng denied that they are currently boyfriend and girlfriend, his words were full of tenderness.
Interviewer: Because of playing Prince Eight, netizens have called you a "new generation good man." Are you similar to Prince Eight in real life?
Feng Shaofeng: If I say I am completely different from Prince Eight, then I couldn't have played him. I naturally brought him to life, which shows that it is something within me.
Interviewer: What aspects of Prince Eight attract you?
Feng Shaofeng: Many people say Prince Eight is like Dou Ming Temple from "Meteor Garden," but he not only has dominance, but also deep affection, cleverness, and charm... He can die, fight, or compete for someone he loves, and he is also very strategic, ruthless towards his enemies. This character is particularly three-dimensional, with both advantages and disadvantages, very down-to-earth, and has a large acting space.
Interviewer: How has acting in this drama affected you personally?
Feng Shaofeng: It changed my understanding of the performance style of period dramas. Originally, I thought modern dramas could be performed in a more realistic way. Additionally, it influenced my view on love. Love should have the "cockroach spirit" - never giving up, being persistent. This isn't just limited to love; it applies to everything.
Interviewer: The screenwriter prepared three endings for "Palace." Which ending do you prefer? Netizens have left comments opposing the tragic ending. What's your opinion on this?
Feng Shaofeng: Of course, I hope Qingchuan and I have a happy ending. But I think everyone's reaction doesn't need to be so extreme. It's just a drama. I know everyone has beautiful wishes, and I also hope for a happy ending. Regardless of the ending, with such good ratings and the audience's love, I'm already very satisfied.
Interviewer: After being in the industry for many years, you've always been in popular shows but never gained personal fame. Lately, with "Palace," your popularity has skyrocketed. Has your mindset changed?
Feng Shaofeng: Before, seeing others become overnight sensations, I thought how lucky they were and hoped for a chance to experience that feeling. I never expected to get such an opportunity myself. Now that I have it, I cherish it. After all, I didn't become famous overnight. I started as a small role and didn't rely on anyone. My family didn't help me much either; everything was achieved through my own efforts.
Interviewer: Screenwriter Yu Zheng plans to shoot a movie version of "Palace." If he invites you, will you accept?
Feng Shaofeng: If the schedule fits, of course, I would accept. The opportunity to act in a movie is rare for me, so I must seize it.
Interviewer: You once said that to play Prince Eight well, you had to genuinely fall in love with Yang Mi.
Feng Shaofeng: Since we are lovers in the drama, I hope to be closer in real life so the performance will be more natural. So I tried to get closer to her, like buying snacks to get closer. Later, I found out that Yang Mi is quite cool, doesn't like jokes, and doesn't enjoy chatting. But I still persisted in being nice to her, regardless of how cold she was towards me. When the director shouts action, she can fully immerse herself in the role, looking at me with shining eyes. Later, I consoled myself: she hides her feelings towards me in daily life and fully immerses herself in shooting. Actually, she likes me a lot, she just hides it.
Interviewer: Why do people feel there's such strong chemistry between you and Yang Mi?
Feng Shaofeng: Usually, I maintain a good relationship with the leading actresses I work with. With Yang Mi, it's an exception. We don't talk much in real life, but on-screen, we have great chemistry. And when she gives off her charm, I am completely drawn into it, which feels fresh. If we laughed and joked around all the time, we wouldn't feel this freshness and excitement during actual filming. For example, if she doesn't give me a good face in daily life but suddenly changes her attitude completely once the camera starts rolling, I feel very happy and content.
Interviewer: Lately, you and Yang Mi interact a lot on Weibo. Are you really dating?
Feng Shaofeng: I've answered this question countless times. No, we're just good friends. She's a great girl, not just me, many people around her think highly of her, she's kind and genuine, not hiding anything.
Interviewer: Have you worked with many female actors, why do people think this time you two are most likely to develop real feelings?
Feng Shaofeng: Among the actresses I've worked with, many are very good friends of mine, like An Yixuan, etc., we often gather together.
Interviewer: Is there a possibility that you and Yang Mi could be lovers in real life?
Feng Shaofeng: We are good friends, and I don't know what will happen in the future. You could say we are soulmates. In acting, our views align a lot, and we often find common ground in discussions. Maybe our energies match well.
Interviewer: Are you too good-tempered? Yang Mi says you're easy to bully.
Feng Shaofeng: I have a bit of a slow temper. I think people should try not to get angry, it's bad for health. I truly can't get angry with girls. If they joke with me, it means they like me, and if they don't like me, they'll ignore me, right? So I just let them be. I'm a man, and as long as they're happy, that's fine.
Interviewer: As a bachelor with a good temperament and a billion-dollar family background, are there many girls chasing you?
Feng Shaofeng: If that were true, would I still be single? People like me might make them feel unchallenging. Nowadays, girls prefer those with strong personalities.
Interviewer: Have you thought about changing and showing others your tough side?
Feng Shaofeng: That depends on the situation. I actually have strong opinions inside. Although I ask others for advice on many things and sincerely accept their suggestions, if it goes against my principles or is unreasonable, I won't comply. Small matters can be decided by women, but big decisions are made by myself.
Interviewer: Relationships among celebrities seem hard to last.
Feng Shaofeng: I think if two people are in the same field, they shouldn't interfere with each other's work and must respect each other. Sometimes you may want to share your successful experiences with your partner, but it may not necessarily suit them. Everyone has their own way. So maintaining independence in work is important. And relationships are personal matters, not public ones. Like drinking water, only the drinker knows its warmth or coolness. Public exposure shouldn't be too high. If everyone pays attention to you and gives you advice, it becomes troublesome.
Interviewer: I heard you were reluctant to give interviews before because of your family's ten-billion-dollar background?
Feng Shaofeng: I'm willing to communicate with others, but I don't like talking much about my family. My family members are ordinary people, not in the entertainment industry, and I worry that excessive attention might affect their normal lives.
Interviewer: There are reports saying you agreed with your family to leave the entertainment industry after a few years and return to take over the family business?
Feng Shaofeng: I haven't thought that far ahead. I have limited abilities, and I focus on one thing at a time. I want to do my best in whatever I choose and don't want to be distracted by other things.
Interviewer: Besides acting, what else do you like?
Feng Shaofeng: Traveling, playing ball, hanging out with friends, watching movies, playing games. I really like extreme sports, bungee jumping, and motorbike racing. I even trained with the Shanghai team.
Interviewer: Isn't that dangerous?
Feng Shaofeng: Yes, once I drove my motorcycle under a truck. That day, the speed wasn't very fast, but there was oil on the ground, and I fell sideways. A truck came by, and I fell under its front wheel, while the back wheel crushed my race car. I crawled out from under the truck, fortunately without injury. Later, my father canceled my motorcycle license.
Interviewer: You have a big heart.
Feng Shaofeng: When I crawled out, I was quite calm. I squatted down, checked my body, and sang a song quietly to ensure my mind was okay. But after that, I had another car accident. The car was wrecked, and I was hospitalized, which changed my perspective on many things.
Interviewer: That incident impacted you greatly?
Feng Shaofeng: From then on, I stopped driving fast. Later, friends said I drive too slowly. Once, at a gathering, I drove a friend's Porsche, and they teased me, "Can you drive it with some spirit? Don't let us surpass you in any car." Yang Mi always says, "Feng Shaofeng, why do you drive so slowly!" I tell her there are more important things than driving fast, and she gradually accepted it.
Interviewer: If a director asks you to film an extreme scene, would you dare to accept?
Feng Shaofeng: I wouldn't take unnecessary risks. Although work is important, there are more important things to accomplish. My parents are getting older, and I must be responsible for my family and myself. I won't easily attempt dangerous things.