Michelle Topham 
Chinese Title: 轧戏 (Yǎ Xì / Ga Xi)
English Title: Love Between Lines
Also Known As: Ya Xi, Ga Xi
Genre: Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Drama
Episodes: 28
Director: Mao De Shu (Cattree)
Plot Synopsis
Love Between Lines is a 2026 Chinese romantic drama with a twist: it blends a modern love story with an immersive, Republic of China-era murder mystery game.
After a personal setback, Hu Xiu (Lu Yu Xiao) is encouraged by friends to join a themed jubensha (murder mystery role-playing game) club to lift her spirits. Within the game’s vintage world, she meets Qin Xiao Yi (Chen Xing Xu), a captivating character wrapped in enigmatic charm.
When she later encounters him in the real world as Xiao Zhi Yu, the distinction between scripted fantasy and actual life begins to blur. Together, the pair navigate shifting identities, emotional walls, and the challenge of finding genuine connection across two worlds.
Main Cast & Characters
- Chen Xing Xu as Xiao Zhi Yu / Qin Xiao Yi
- Lu Yu Xiao as Hu Xiu
- Dai Xu as Pei Zhen
- Kido Ma as Gong Huai Cong
- Li Ting Ting as Zhao Xiao Rou
- Wang Ting as Zhou Yan
- Ren You Lun as Wang Guang
- Wu Qi as Xu Fang
- Wang Zhi Fei as Pei Kang Hua
Production Details
Adaptation & Writing: The drama is based on the web novel Ya Xi (轧戏) by Zhang Zu Le, adapted for television with a focus on layered identity and psychological nuance.
Director: Mao De Shu (When I Fly Towards You/A Little Romance)
Filming took place in Shanghai, China, beginning in early 2025 and wrapping mid-year.
Episodes & Airing
- Total Episodes: 28
- Episode Length: 45 minutes each
- First Aired: January 9, 2026
- Final Episode: Completed run by January 20–25th, 2026 depending on region/platform listings.
Where to Watch
- China: Dragon TV (prime-time broadcast), iQIYI (streaming)
International Platforms:
- Viki is carrying Love Between Lines with English subtitles, and the first 23 episodes free-to-watch.
Why It’s Worth Watching
- Unique Structure: The drama interweaves two settings — a fictional murder mystery game and real-world romance — challenging what it means to “play a role” in life and love.
- Strong Lead Pairing: Both Chen Xing Xu and Lu Yu Xiao have been widely praised for chemistry and layered performances in this and in previous dramas.
- Mystery & Heart: Beyond its romantic core, Love Between Lines incorporates suspense and psychological depth, keeping viewers engaged.
Articles About Love Between Lines
Chen Xing Xu and Lu Yu Xiao’s Love Between Lines gets Jan 9th premiere – drops posters
Love Between Lines billboards up in Beijing and Shanghai to promote historical C-drama
About the Author
