I Will Never Let You Go currently airing starring Ariel Lin and Vin Zhang

I Will Never Let You Go 小女花不弃 is a 51-episode Chinese drama series adapted from the novel Xiaonv Hua Buqi.  Although the announcement of its release was very low key and sudden, it looks to be a promising series... mainly because of Ariel Lin who has finally returned to doing period dramas again after 5 years. (Already in her mid-thirties, she hasn't aged at all!)  

Ariel Lin, remembered for roles in period and modern dramas alike such will top bill this one along with Vin Zhang Binbin. His career has steadily risen since Three Lives Three Worlds, incidentally, he is younger than Ariel by 11 years.  

The story revolves around a young wanderer with an extraordinary business sense and the masked hero who saves her which ultimately results in them falling in love. When the wanderer is revealed to be the Divine Maiden who will obtain a legendary treasure, various enemies hunt her down. She then lives life on the run and meets her savior who turns out to be the ambitious prince that wants to take the throne. 

It includes Austin Lin (Unexpected), Kris Sun (Ever Night), Huang Xindi, Zhang Yan, Xing En (Romantic Detectives), Xiao Xiangfei, Lin Ziqing, Song Wenzuo, Peng Bo, Bao Yanxi, Viann Zhang (Untouchable Lovers) and Huang Meng (Fei Ge Zhan Dui). 

Aside from the leads, the remaining cast was only introduced this week, many of which are new faces. Viann Zhang who has top billed a number of historical dramas is surprisingly part of the supporting cast. She plays a woman troubled by love. 

Release Date: January 8, 2019 Zhejiang TV (two episodes every Tuesday - Thursday 10pm), Tencent, iQIYI, Youku

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Hua Buqi aka I Will Never Let You Go surprises with a January premiere

With virtually no promotion and a lot of secrecy surrounding filming, I was skeptical about the supposed January premiere even though a cam quality trailer had been leaked to the internet.  

On New Year's Day, the show finally showed signs of life and dropped its very first poster of Ariel Lin and Vin Zhang, hinting at an announcement to be made 10:18am the next day. 

The time has come and lo and behold, we have our first big costume drama of the year! Starting on January 8, 2019, Legend of Hua Buqi 小女花不弃 (official English title I Will Never Let You Go) will air two episodes from Tuesday to Thursday at 9:55pm. It airs on Zhejiang TV, Tencent, iQiYi and Youku. 

Originally based on a time travel novel, I won't be surprised if that aspect of the story is completely removed. This is Ariel Lin's return to historical dramas after Lan Ling Wang five years ago and The Legend of the Condor Heroes in 2008. Interestingly, her new drama feels like a mixture of the two. 

Ariel Lin recreates the beggar look from her days as Huang Rong and the regal look from her days as Yang Xuewu. She plays a quick-witted young woman from the streets when she meets Vin Zhang's character. Plot-wise, she's a 'sacred maiden' who is the key to a substantial treasure. 

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