Nazha

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Nazha (那扎); introduced as Gulinazha 105
Species/Race	Human; Uyghur 19
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Tangren Film and Television; Beijing Film Academy 82 105
Occupation/Role	Actress, model, and Zhang Yang's temporary assistant/mentee 26 231
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 19

Background / History

Nazha had previously missed her college entrance examination because of family circumstances and planned to retake it while applying to an arts school. Before entering university, she was already scheduled to join Xuanyuan Sword; she later enrolled at Beijing Film Academy as a freshman. 19 82

Her father suffered from heart problems, prompting Nazha to take modeling work when she was meant to sit the entrance examinations. Zhang Yang later urged her family to seek a follow-up examination in the Imperial Capital, where her father's condition was discovered and treated through heart-bypass surgery; Zhang Yang lent the family 300,000 yuan for the operation. 106

Cai Yinong initially intended for Nazha to study under Hu Ge, with Tang Yan assigned to look after her during Xuanyuan Sword. After Jiang Jinfu requested Hu Ge as his own mentor, Cai instead sent Nazha to Hengdian to learn from Zhang Yang. 22 24 26

While serving as Zhang Yang's temporary assistant, Nazha learned to observe set politics, listen carefully, and understand the industry beyond simply acting. Zhang Yang secured her a supporting role as Zhao Jingniang in The Legend of Dugu, providing her with an early on-set acting opportunity before her planned third-female-lead role in Xuanyuan Sword. 27 32 33

Nazha played Xiao Xue in Xuanyuan Sword: Scar of Heaven. Her character was positioned as an ambiguous love interest of Zhang Yang's amnesiac Yuwen Tuo, placing Xiao Xue in narrative rivalry with Liu Shishi's Dugu Ningke. 65 185

Following the completion of Xuanyuan Sword, Nazha and Zhang Yang became a couple. They agreed to conceal their relationship within the industry while she pursued her career. 85 247

As her profile rose, Nazha pursued both acting and fashion work. She received a direct recommendation for a European fashion show, later became suitable for a magazine cover through her fashion-circle influence and celebrity status, and worked toward becoming a top-tier actress rather than relying solely on her appearance. 231 386

Appearance

Nazha is repeatedly noted for her exceptionally striking appearance, fair complexion, and ability to stand out immediately in a crowd. Her appearance is considered adaptable between an exotic beauty and a mixed-race look. 22 33 120

• Fair, glowing skin and a face described as full of collagen 22
• Long black hair, bright eyes, and a swan-like neck 35 65
• Tall, long-legged figure with a strong fashion-model presence 80 231
• Particularly suited to historical costume; as Xiao Xue, she wore a white gown that emphasized her refined appearance 65
• Her beauty initially made Lin Ziwei wary that Zhao Jingniang might overshadow the lead actress 33

Personality

Nazha is ambitious and career-conscious. When told that Tangren intended to groom her into a top star, she chose to prioritize her acting future over a relationship. Later, Liu Shishi's rise to A-list status motivated Nazha to aim even higher. 20 85

Early in her career, she is inexperienced, direct, and sometimes unaware of her own limitations. She does not initially recognize that she is tone-deaf, struggles to understand why set politics matter, and receives harsh feedback at school for relying too heavily on her looks. 24 30 94

Despite this naïveté, Nazha is observant when she applies herself. She absorbs Zhang Yang's advice about watching and thinking before acting, begins to recognize the value of industry knowledge, and gradually becomes more strategic about contracts, resources, and public conflict. 27 30 190 279

Nazha can be playful, proud, and openly affectionate with people she trusts. She is competitive toward Reba and other actresses, but her rivalry does not prevent her from maintaining friendships or acknowledging others' strengths. 106 231

Abilities & Skills

Acting

Nazha begins as a novice performer but demonstrates strong emotional presence when properly guided. Her early performances benefit heavily from Zhang Yang's instruction and Dream Entry-assisted experiential preparation rather than independent technique. 36 94

• Played Zhao Jingniang in The Legend of Dugu, a small but significant supporting role 32 33
• Played Xiao Xue in Xuanyuan Sword: Scar of Heaven 65
• Her first scene with Zhang Yang was praised for its emotional depth 36
• Later drew praise from Tang Yan for her eye acting and her performance as Xun Fang 362
• Initially lacked confidence after being compared unfavorably with Zhou Dongyu in class 94

Industry Awareness

Nazha develops practical knowledge of entertainment-industry dynamics through Zhang Yang's mentorship.

• Learns to observe, listen, and think before speaking on set 27
• Understands that an actor must recognize industry practices to avoid being manipulated 30
• Begins considering resource exchanges and negotiations through Tangren before asking Zhang Yang to intervene 190
• Uses Zhang Yang's principles of risk management and status to confront Zhou Huangya without a direct public quarrel 279

Fashion and Modeling

Nazha's looks, figure, and adaptable image give her notable fashion potential.

• Took modeling work to support her family before university 106
• Received a direct recommendation for a European fashion show 231
• Her influence in fashion and entertainment helped secure a magazine-cover opportunity 386
• Her exotic or mixed-race styling is considered suitable for a broad range of visual concepts 120

Limitations

• Nazha is tone-deaf and musically challenged, though she was initially unaware of it 24 26
• Her early acting success is partly attributed to intensive guidance rather than fully developed independent skill 94
• She has been criticized for being valued mainly for her appearance, a criticism that motivates her to improve 94

Relationships

• Zhang Yang — Mentor, career advocate, and first official boyfriend. Nazha initially worked as his temporary assistant, later began a secret relationship with him after Xuanyuan Sword, and remains committed despite learning of his relationships with Liu Shishi and Liu Yifei. 26 85 190 247
• Reba — Classmate and close friend from Xinjiang. The two reunite frequently, share personal concerns, and display a mixture of camaraderie and competitive tension after Reba joins Zhang Yang's company. 26 106 231
• Cai Yinong — Tangren executive who manages Nazha's early career arrangements, including her mentorship and work schedule. 24 26 82
• Liu Shishi — Fellow Xuanyuan Sword actress and initial romantic rival through their characters. Nazha later becomes Liu Shishi's informal source of information about Zhang Yang. 185 190
• Liu Yifei — Friend and colleague. Nazha initially keeps her relationship with Zhang Yang hidden from Liu Yifei to avoid affecting their work together. 152
• Zhao Liying — Actress in Zhang Yang's circle. Nazha is initially wary of Zhao Liying's status but later interacts with her as part of their wider friend group. 105 167
• Zhou Huangya — Schoolmate and antagonist who harasses or provokes Nazha and Zhang Yang through public remarks; Nazha confronts her directly. 278 279

Story Role / Major Arcs

Tangren Newcomer and Mentorship

Nazha enters Tangren as a highly promising newcomer preparing for Xuanyuan Sword. Cai Yinong's reassignment sends her to Hengdian with Zhang Yang, where she begins learning the realities of filming, industry hierarchy, and career strategy. 22 26 27

Zhao Jingniang and the Past-Life Connection

Zhang Yang arranges for Nazha to play Zhao Jingniang in The Legend of Dugu. While preparing for the role, Nazha experiences a vivid dream in which she identifies with Gulina Nazha/Zhao Jingniang and becomes convinced that Zhang Yang resembles Zhao Kuangyin from her memories. 32 35 36

*Xuanyuan Sword* and Relationship with Zhang Yang

Nazha plays Xiao Xue in Xuanyuan Sword: Scar of Heaven while continuing to work closely with Zhang Yang. Their mutual attraction develops into a relationship after filming concludes, though they keep it private to protect her career. 65 85 247

Acting Self-Doubt and Growth

At Beijing Film Academy, Nazha is shaken by criticism that she depends on her looks rather than ability. Zhang Yang encourages her to work harder, acknowledge her weaknesses, and build genuine acting skill. 94

Reba's Signing and Career Competition

Nazha reunites with Reba when Zhang Yang recruits Reba for his company. Nazha is grateful for Zhang Yang's help with her family but also recognizes Reba as a serious competitor for attention and resources. 105 106

Relationship Revelation

Nazha learns that Zhang Yang is involved with Liu Shishi and later chooses not to challenge him, prioritizing her own relationship with him. When Liu Shishi and Liu Yifei discover that Nazha was Zhang Yang's first official girlfriend, Nazha openly confirms the relationship and advises them to consider their own interests. 190 247

Assertiveness Against Zhou Huangya

Nazha confronts Zhou Huangya over remarks targeting Zhang Yang and related industry controversy. Rather than arguing on equal terms, she frames herself as above the conflict and uses Zhou Huangya's insecurity and scandals against her. 278 279

Notable Quotes

“A precious diamond [doesn't] clash head-on with a stinking rock.” 279

“All this time, I haven't reacted to your bullying behavior… It's not because I'm afraid of you, but because I listen to Brother Yang.” 279

“As long as I'm good with you, that's all that matters.” 190

Trivia

• Nazha is a fan of Xie Tingfeng and can readily recall details from The Little Fish and His Flowers. 30
• Her ringtone is Zhang Yang's rendition of “Forget Time.” 44
• She initially believed she might still be “developing” vocally before accepting that she was tone-deaf. 26
• Zhang Yang repeatedly calls her “Na Bao.” 190