In Mo Li episode 16—Mo Xiuyao realize he finally stand up, Cheng Lei didn’t react with ecstasy, but with disbelief. His eyes slightly trembled, as if his brain was desperately trying to confirm this fact that had been feel “impossible.” Those few seconds of blankness, allowed Mo Xiuyao to fixed his psychological condition on his own. Then, joy seeped out little by little, uncontrollable, his gaze towards Ye Li is so tender and drip with tears. Immediately afterward, he fell to the ground. This is where his skill truly shines—you can clearly see that he is still thinking, still in the process of “acceptance.” His body slumped, but his consciousness remained immersed in the overwhelming reality. Until he completely sorted out his thoughts, when he looked up, his eyes were already red, filled with the excitement of a long-cherished wish fulfilled, gratitude, and love to Ye Li: “A Li, thank you so much.” And the last tear that slid down was the tangible feeling of finally seeing a glimmer of light after swallowing so much bitterness—like someone who had walked too long in the dark night finally touching the first light on the horizon. It's not forced sentimentality, but a light that naturally seeps from the character's life. That's why I say Cheng Lei is truly one of the few actors in the Chinese entertainment industry who can withstand long takes. When he portrays an emotion, he doesn't just give you a result or a single point, but rather a whole dynamic, flowing process. As an audience, we can see how the emotion arises, struggles, and arrives within him. Some people act like they’re writing a primary school essay: “I cried because I was moved.” Cheng Lei acts like he’s writing a thesis: “Why did I cry? What did this tear go through? Where did it come from? Where did it go? How many turns did it take?” An actor like this deserves for more praises.