Zhong Mohan

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Zhong Mohan (钟墨寒)
Alias(es)	Best Actor Zhong; Movie Emperor Zhong; Mr. Zhong
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Zhong Household; entertainment industry; Phoenix Dynasty variety-show production
Occupation/Role	Head of the Zhong Household; internationally acclaimed actor; variety-show producer
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Zhong Mohan debuted as an actor in his teens and became the entertainment industry's “uncrowned king” before turning thirty. He has won international Best Actor awards and maintains an unshakable standing in the industry despite working through an independent studio. 1 10 24

At a Zhong Household banquet, Old Master Zhong formally appoints him as the family’s new head. The announcement draws immediate attention from allies, rivals, and families seeking marriage alliances, while Zhong Mohan’s presence intimidates even veteran business figures. 10

A scheme at the banquet drugs both Zhong Mohan and Wen Chengze, with Wen later realizing that they were likely targeted together. Zhong Mohan’s investigation confirms that Wen was deliberately implicated; he subsequently treats the incident as an opportunity to secure cooperation with the Wen Household. 12 14 17

As head, Zhong Mohan faces a divided Zhong Household: internal contenders covet his position, while outside families seek independence or a share of the clan’s power. He forms a direct partnership with the Wen Household, considering them a valuable ally amid this instability. 17 20 21

He later becomes involved in the production of Wen Chengze’s variety show as its producer. His visible attention toward Wen, including asking Kong Feimiao to look after the trainee, fuels speculation about favoritism. 37 41 42

Appearance

Zhong Mohan is exceptionally handsome, with a refined, aristocratic bearing that contrasts with the intimidating pressure he projects when unsmiling. His face has been ranked the world’s number-one most beautiful, and his smile is described as especially captivating. 14 28 31 47

• Tall and well-built, with notably strong arms. 14 46
• Has a “perfect,” almost unreal face; an unsmiling look can feel aggressive and predatory. 28
• Usually dresses with understated elegance, including dark clothing, suits, bathrobes, sweaters, trench coats, and silver jewelry. 1 15 31 46
• Often wears a mask and cap when going out to avoid recognition. 1 46
• His every gesture carries the polished bearing associated with the Zhong Household. 15 31

Personality

Zhong Mohan is calm, calculating, and highly controlling in both business and social situations. He gathers information before acting, recognizes political threats quickly, and can use pressure or implied threats to force negotiations forward. 10 14 15 21

In public, he is distant and difficult to approach. His reputation and authority make peers in business and entertainment wary of him, while his friends recognize that romance is profoundly out of character for him. 10 24 32

Around Wen Chengze, however, Zhong Mohan becomes teasing, awkward, and unexpectedly attentive. He struggles to articulate his feelings at first, but increasingly chooses patience, restraint, and direct care over manipulation. 29 31 40 47 48

Abilities & Skills

Acting

Zhong Mohan is an internationally recognized Best Actor whose work earned him his reputation through merit rather than family influence. His breakout film remains popular enough to receive cinema rereleases years later. 1 10 28 39

• Debuted during his teenage years. 10
• Won international Best Actor awards before the age of thirty. 1 10
• Is regarded by trainees as an industry-leading performer in both appearance and professional ability. 41
• Speaks foreign languages with an impeccable accent and polished pronunciation. 50

Business and Political Strategy

As the Zhong Household’s new head, Zhong Mohan navigates internal succession conflicts, external pressure, and powerful family alliances. 10 21

• Maintains detailed intelligence on rival families and potential allies. 10 32
• Identifies the banquet drugging as a deliberate attack and recognizes Wen Chengze as another target. 14
• Uses negotiations, leverage, and threats when dealing with Father Wen over assets tied to the Zhong Household’s foundation. 15
• Secures the Wen Household as a direct partner despite the risks surrounding his position. 17 20 21
• Uses a business dinner to expose unsuitable partners and dismiss them through Wen Chengze’s sharp responses. 20

Culinary and Domestic Skills

Despite his imposing public image, Zhong Mohan cooks for Wen Chengze and pays close attention to his preferences. 46 47 50

• Personally shops for ingredients and prepares meals. 46
• Learns Wen Chengze’s food preferences, including his standards for sweetness, soup, seafood, and aversion to fishy smells. 47 50
• Prepares Wen Chengze’s favorite dishes as a tangible expression of affection. 47
• Teaches Wen Chengze games despite not being especially interested in gaming himself. 49 50

Equipment / Items

• Private apartments — Keeps at least one simple, elegant residence and a top-floor city-center apartment. 31 46
• Extensive bookshelf — Contains books on ancient texts, science, performing arts, finance, computers, medicine, and other advanced subjects; many bear his notes. 50
• Custom-made clothing for Wen Chengze — Has his team prepare numerous high-quality outfits for Wen. 49
• Two-player horror escape-room game — Chosen as an activity to share with Wen Chengze. 49

Relationships

• Wen Chengze — Business ally turned romantic interest. Zhong Mohan initially regards Wen as a useful connection and “plaything,” but develops genuine feelings, confesses, and pursues him with increasing patience and respect. 17 33 47 48
• Old Master Zhong — Grandfather and predecessor as head of the Zhong Household; formally announces Zhong Mohan’s succession. 10
• Zhong Sirui — Cousin. Zhong Sirui is shocked and jealous when Zhong Mohan openly prioritizes Wen Chengze. 45 48 49
• Lu Wen — Close friend who identifies Zhong Mohan’s feelings for Wen and challenges his sudden possessiveness. 32 33 38
• Kong Feimiao — Respected senior actor and mentor whom Zhong Mohan entrusts with the variety show’s trainees; Zhong Mohan implicitly asks him to look after Wen. 41 42
• Qiao Siyu — Entertainment-industry acquaintance whose attacks on Wen Chengze prompt Zhong Mohan to warn her and distance himself from her. 42
• Zhong Mohan’s assistant — Loyal subordinate who investigates the banquet scheme and understands Zhong Mohan’s intentions unusually well. 13 14 17

Story Role / Major Arcs

Zhong Household Succession

Zhong Mohan is introduced to the public as a globally celebrated actor before being revealed as Old Master Zhong’s chosen successor. His accession makes him the central figure in the Zhong Household’s looming power struggle. 1 10

Banquet Scheme and Wen Household Alliance

After he and Wen Chengze are drugged at the Zhong banquet, Zhong Mohan investigates the incident, visits the recovering Wen, and establishes a partnership with the Wen Household. 14 15 17 20

Entertainment-Industry Involvement

Zhong Mohan works with Phoenix Dynasty and serves as producer for Wen Chengze’s variety show. He visits the trainees, supports Wen’s development, and acts against threats directed at him. 23 37 40 41 42

Pursuit of Wen Chengze

After admitting his feelings to Lu Wen, Zhong Mohan gradually becomes more open in his treatment of Wen. He confesses that he wants a relationship beyond physical intimacy, promises that his love will not burden Wen, and refuses to take advantage of Wen’s vulnerability. 33 47 48

Notable Quotes

“Do you think love has anything to do with me?” 32

“All you need to do is enjoy being loved. You don't need to think about anything else. Being good to you is my choice. My love should not be a burden to you.” 47

“Right now, I'm the one pursuing you. If you need help, I can help you, but you don't need to help me. That would be disrespectful to you.” 48

Trivia

• Zhong Mohan’s friends and industry peers often treat his interest in Wen Chengze as unprecedented because he previously ignored people who openly offered themselves to him. 14 49
• He keeps photographs of Wen Chengze password-protected on his phone. 38
• Although he is famous enough to attract crowds at airports, he claims he is not often recognized in everyday public settings. 1 46