Light Beyond the Reed hits 22,000 on heat index – Cdrama features superb, if not uncomfortable, performances by Vin Zhang and Mao Xiao Tong
Michelle Topham 
The 18-episode psychological thriller Light Beyond the Reed premiered yesterday and has just climbed past 22,000 on Tencent Video’s heat index in China.
22,000 on Tencent’s heat index, by the way, shows Light Beyond the Reed is a moderate success on the platform. It would take passing 28,000 for it to be deemed a decent success, while hitting 30,000 would show it is one of Tencent’s most popular dramas this year.
And, just in case you’re not aware, this is a look at how Tencent calculates its heat index.
Tencent visually celebrates Light Beyond the Reed‘s success
Tencent also released two visuals featuring leads Vin Zhang and Mao Xiao Tong — one as the C-drama exceeded 20,000 on the index, and soon after as it passed 22,000.
Along with the two visuals, Tencent also gave viewers a heads up as to where the plot is going, saying:
#LightBeyondTheReed has surpassed 22,000 views on Tencent#
Qin Nan (aka Vin Zhang) embraces the vulnerable Ye Si Bei (Mao Xiao Tong), and the two of them warm each other, no longer fearing the long road ahead.
Light Beyond the Reed details
Light Beyond the Reed is a just 18-episode drama, which premiered yesterday, October 16th, and ends its short run on October 22nd.
Along with the two leads, the C-drama also features Shi Yun Peng, Yang Yu Xi, Ma Ya Shu and Lu Zhong in its cast. The Chinese drama is directed by Li Mu Ge, director of Fireworks of My Heart.
Its a drama that is often hard to watch as it follows the relationship of a husband and wife after the wife is sexually assaulted but, if you can get through some of the incredibly uncomfortable scenes, it is a gripping and, I would argue, necessary watch.
Not just for the well-written script that deals with real life issues, but also the performances of Vin Zhang as the husband who, at first wants a divorce when he finds out what happened to his wife, and Mao Xiao Tong as the wife who, is drowning in intense pressure and guilt, until she eventually starts to fight away from being blamed.
Update – October 22nd: Light Beyond the Reed is streaming internationally on WeTV, with all 18 episodes out today (although the last five are still subjected to Tencent’s ‘Express payment’ for the next few days).
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