Chen Duling, often nicknamed \"Little Ear,\" bears a striking resemblance to Zhang Zetian yet leads a completely different life—one married into a wealthy family, the other navigating the stormy waters of the entertainment industry.
Back when Chen was a sophomore at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a simple ID photo unexpectedly earned her the title of the most beautiful campus flower. Around the same time, director Su Youpeng was searching nationwide for the perfect actress to star in The Left Ear. The novel’s author, Rao Xueman, was also tirelessly looking for someone who could embody the unique and radiant heroine she had written.
It was then that one of Rao’s fans sent a photo of Chen Duling to her. Su Youpeng immediately noticed Chen’s natural, unpolished beauty and saw potential in her. When Chen first received the call, she mistook it for a scam and didn’t take it seriously. However, Su Youpeng persisted, extending multiple invitations, until Chen finally agreed to audition for the role of Li Er.
In 2015, The Left Ear was released to widespread acclaim. Chen’s performance, though somewhat inexperienced, felt authentic and earned her a surge in popularity. But despite the success, Chen did not fall in love with acting; instead, the experience was emotionally taxing.
During one particularly difficult crying scene, no matter how hard she tried, Chen couldn’t shed tears and even ended up with a nosebleed, shocking everyone on set. Later, when appearing on a popular variety show alongside director Su Youpeng, she bluntly admitted, “The tears I’m shedding now are because I was foolish to take this role in the first place.”
At the time of filming, Chen was still a junior, prioritizing her studies and hesitant to dive into the entertainment world. Media outlets often misinterpreted her stance, prematurely declaring she wouldn’t pursue acting, which led to harsh criticism every time she accepted new roles—many accusing her of having a pretty face but poor acting skills.
Rather than giving up, Chen recognized her weaknesses and dedicated herself to improvement. She stopped limiting herself to lead roles and was willing to explore any character that intrigued her.
Her first notable transformation came in 2017 with the TV drama Proposal Daisakusen, where she played Ji Tiantian, a lively and straightforward character—an interesting contrast to her quieter \"Little Ear\" persona. That same year, she starred in Detective Note as Xia Zao’an, a math genius whose personality drastically changes after a heart transplant, presenting Chen with the challenge of portraying two distinct sides of the same character.
By 2018, Chen ventured into period dramas—a move that marked a true turning point. Her breakthrough came with the widely praised historical series Ever Night, where she played three complex villainous roles. Despite sharing the screen with major stars like Bai Lu, Chen’s performances stood out, her white-clad antagonists evoking genuine disdain from viewers.
Additionally, her role as a geisha in The Tang Detective was widely admired for its captivating portrayal.
Over a decade, Chen Duling evolved from an unknown actress into a leading lady. Fans and critics alike marveled at how quickly she honed her craft. But behind her rise was countless hours of quiet, relentless effort. Even in small supporting roles, Chen brought her unique style, proving her dedication.
Chen’s success has always been rooted in steady, earnest acting rather than shortcuts. When faced with unfair treatment in the entertainment industry, she remained steadfast in her principles.
At a recent high-profile luxury brand event, when a powerful figure tried to put an arm around her during a group photo, Chen maintained a neutral expression but subtly pushed his hand away. The man reportedly rolled his eyes afterward, and Chen was placed at the edge during the final group shot. This was not the first time she kept a safe distance from such influential individuals. Unlike many celebrities who flatter to gain favor, Chen stays true to herself.
Her confidence stems from a well-rounded foundation. As a child, while others played with dolls, Chen was already fascinated by model airplanes. She excelled in music, calligraphy, and painting, eventually getting accepted into her dream university. Had it not been for that unexpected acting opportunity, Chen might have become an accomplished aeronautical engineer.
In the industry, Chen is also known as the \"interview ceiling,\" a testament to how education and intellect complement her acting career. When asked about misunderstandings and rumors, she calmly responded that being misunderstood is a fate for those who express themselves, emphasizing respect for all opinions but never fearing to speak her truth.
This stands in stark contrast to many celebrities who struggle with basic literacy or stumble during interviews. In a time when “despairing illiterates” became a viral phrase exposing the poor education of some stars, Chen’s thoughtful reflections renewed people’s respect for her.
When questioned about her achievements, she humbly credited consistent effort and learning from scratch rather than innate talent, showcasing a rare blend of humility and determination.
Compared with other actors, Chen’s emotional intelligence shines as one of her most understated strengths.
As another college entrance exam season arrives, universities compete fiercely for new students. Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics proudly showcases Chen Duling’s inspiring journey through promotional videos and photos, celebrating her as a shining example of the school’s excellence.
