The new Chinese drama Love’s Ambition is quickly becoming a fan favorite after its release on September 26, 2025. Starring Zhao Lusi and William Chan, the show offers a sophisticated take on modern romance, focusing on the complex relationship between a ambitious TV host and a calculating business elite. Available for international audiences on platforms like Viki and WeTV, the drama has captivated viewers with its unique story and strong performances.
A Story Built on Lies and Ambition
At its heart, Love’s Ambition is not a simple Cinderella story. It follows Xu Yan, played by Zhao Lusi, a small-town girl who has worked tirelessly to become a celebrated television host. To achieve her dreams and secure a life with the elite Shen Haoming, she constructs an elaborate web of lies about her family and background.
The popular anchor Xu Yan and urban elite Shen Haoming are a couple envied by everyone. Despite their seemingly perfect match, their different backgrounds prevent them from fully integrating into each otherโs social circles.
Xu Yan, leveraging her glamorous career as a host and her meticulously crafted backstory, smoothly enters into marriage with Shen Haoming.
However, the drama reveals that Shen Haoming is not an innocent victim of her deception. He is a shrewd businessman who has been aware of her lies from the beginning and allows them to continue, seemingly for his own purposes. This sets the stage for a power dynamic where both leads are manipulating each other, leading to inevitable conflict. When their marriage falls apart, Xu Yan walks away, forcing Shen Haoming to confront his real feelings and sparking a journey of self-discovery for both of them.
Complex and Layered Characters
One of the biggest strengths of Love’s Ambition is its commitment to character complexity. Xu Yan is not merely a social climber; her actions are driven by a deeply emotional backstory involving parental abandonment and a fierce desire to be loved and recognized. Her ambition is portrayed with a underlying vulnerability that makes her relatable.
On the other hand, William Chan’s character, Shen Haoming, is far from a perfect romantic hero. He is introduced as a business elite who is gentle on the outside but cold and calculating on the inside. His own growth throughout the series involves learning to shed his controlling nature and understand what it means to truly love someone.
Being born with a silver spoon hasnโt stopped him from being ambitious and aiming to get even more power. That doesnโt make him someone evil, but having grown up in a place where everyone is trying to get a piece of you does mess up his perspective on people.
Explosive On-Screen Chemistry
The pairing of Zhao Lusi and William Chan has been widely praised by viewers. Their ability to portray a couple who are both deeply connected and fundamentally at odds with each other adds a compelling tension to the drama. They seamlessly transition from sweet, romantic moments to scenes filled with cold indifference and heartbreaking conflict.
They can pull off the lovey-dovey scenes naturally, create a spiking tension, make you laugh with their crazy banter, and even showcase a cold and heartbreaking indifference with each other.
This dynamic allows the show to explore various romance tropes, including enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance, all within one story. Their chemistry is considered a major driving force behind the show’s appeal.
A Drama with High Production Value
Beyond the story and acting, Love’s Ambition is a visual treat. The drama features beautiful cinematography that captures the contrast between the tranquil settings of Xu Yan’s past and the lavish, high-energy world of the Shen family. The styling and sets are meticulously crafted to reflect the personalities of the characters and the mood of the story. A fun fact noted by fans is that Zhao Lusi took care of her own wardrobe and makeup for the drama, adding a personal touch to her character’s glamorous image.
What Fans Are Saying
The drama has resonated strongly with audiences, particularly for its emotional depth and Zhao Lusi’s powerful performance. One reviewer highlighted the impact of her acting in a scene where her character confronts her painful past, stating, “Zhao Lusi doesn’t just shed a few tears, she sobs, hiccups, and can barely catch her breath trying to get her point across. This was such a phenomenal performance.”
Another fan appreciated the show’s pacing and unpredictability, noting, “There are twists and turns, just like life. There is an element of unpredictability that keeps you guessing on what’s going to happen next.” The drama successfully blends serious emotional situations with moments of humor, creating a well-balanced and engaging viewing experience.
Love’s Ambition is more than just a romance; it is a character study about ambition, family, and the masks people wear to survive in a competitive world. With its intriguing plot, complex characters, and stellar production, it has solidified its place as a must-watch C-drama of 2025.
Also Read: Loveโs Ambition Release Guide: How to Watch Zhao Lusi and William Chanโs New Drama
