BL Acting Calls for Clashing Head-On!

December 2025

Ruan: Doubao, Doubao, acting in a BL drama is supposed to be about competing for the other guy, right? But what do I do if I end up falling for him for real?

Reply: Haha, getting too immersed in a role is very common. It happens when you get so deep into character that you apply the characters' relationship dynamics to real life.

July 2026

Ruan: Doubao, Doubao, according to what you said last time, if a totally straight guy finishes acting in a BL drama and thinks he's turned gay, is that just being too immersed in the role? Will it go away once he gets out of character?

Reply: That's a very classic situation, but you can't sum it all up with a simple "you'll be fine once you get out of character." You have to break it down into two possibilities.

The first: it's empathy with the character and getting swept up in the atmosphere, not a real change in sexual orientation.

The second: acting has awakened an orientation that was already there.

Here's a very important misconception:

Acting can't forcibly turn a completely straight man gay.

Since you're an award-winning actor and still haven't gotten out of character after a year, it sounds like the second possibility.

Ruan: What are you talking about? You're the one who was born gay! Your whole family was born gay!

Ruan Xiaoci angrily uninstalled Doubao, Douyin, and Toutiao. He wanted to scream in despair, but the setting wouldn't allow it. He couldn't even let his expression slip.

Because he was at a live-streamed film awards ceremony, waiting backstage. He was about to go up with the rest of the cast to accept the Best Picture award.

His assistant took his phone. Ji Xingzhuo, dressed to the nines in a suit, came to stand beside him.

Ji Xingzhuo looked annoyingly handsome today. Ruan Xiaoci couldn't help sneaking a couple of extra glances at him.

Ji Xingzhuo held out his hand, offering to hold hands.

Ruan Xiaoci stiffly took it, and the CP fans below erupted in cheers.

"Are you nervous?" Ji Xingzhuo asked.

"I'm not," Ruan Xiaoci denied.

"Your heart is beating fast."

Ruan Xiaoci's heart skipped a beat. In his panic, he blurted out, "It's so noisy. If you can still hear my heartbeat, does that mean I'm about to die?"

Ji Xingzhuo smiled and raised their joined hands, pressing their wrists together. "Your pulse is racing."

Ruan Xiaoci looked away. "I have an irregular heartbeat."

He couldn't exactly admit he was nervous because he was holding Ji Xingzhuo's hand in public.

"We suffer from the same thing. But you're the reason I have it."

Ruan Xiaoci turned to him, looking a little dazed.

"That's so cheesy."

Ji Xingzhuo continued without changing expression. "Senior, I hope you..."

Right then, fireworks went off onstage. The tremendous roar meant Ruan Xiaoci could only see Ji Xingzhuo's lips moving, but couldn't hear what he was saying.

"What did you say?"

Ji Xingzhuo repeated himself, but Ruan Xiaoci still couldn't hear him. It was obvious, though, that he was saying something different this time.

Because Ruan Xiaoci could read his lips.

He was saying, "Senior, I love you."

September 2026

Ruan: Doubao, Doubao, long time no see. I think I've really turned gay, and the other person seems to like me too. What should I do?

Reply: There's no need to worry. Same-sex relationships are legal in your region. I'll list the procedures and documents required for same-sex marriage. Would you like me to also help plan the wedding and choose a honeymoon destination?

Ruan: Aren't you taking this a bit far?!!!

Ten minutes later

Ruan: Doubao, I've thought about it. Could you make an Excel spreadsheet of what you just said? Thanks...

Reply: Of course. I'll generate the Excel spreadsheet right away. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Ruan: ...He hasn't even proposed yet.

After ten minutes of frantic imagining.

Ruan: Still, thanks... You can sit at the head table when we get married.

Theme: Love conquers all.