5 Shocking Reasons Why 'Deadly Affection' (Zhi Ming Pian Ai) Is The Chinese Short Drama Everyone Is Binge-Watching Now

The Chinese drama landscape has been completely redefined by the rise of the short-form series, and no title exemplifies this shift quite like *Deadly Affection* (also known as *Deadly Favoritism* or *Zhi Ming Pian Ai*). This intense, revenge-driven micro-drama, which first premiered on December 19, 2023, has become a viral sensation, captivating audiences with its breakneck pace and relentlessly dark plot. It is a quintessential example of the "mini-drama" phenomenon, delivering high-stakes melodrama in bite-sized, addictive episodes perfect for modern, fragmented viewing habits. The series, consisting of 100 short episodes, has garnered significant attention for its complex portrayal of toxic family dynamics, ultimate betrayal, and a chilling quest for vengeance that leaves no character unscathed. As of the current date, December 17, 2025, the drama remains a highly searched topic, proving its long-lasting impact far beyond its initial release. This deep dive will reveal the main cast, the shocking plot, and the cultural reasons behind its massive, ongoing popularity.

The Main Cast: Ai Hong Chen and Wu Jiao's Full Biography Profile

The success of a short drama like *Deadly Affection* hinges entirely on the chemistry and intensity of its lead actors. The drama’s central, toxic relationship is brought to life by two prominent figures in the Chinese short drama scene, Ai Hong Chen and Wu Jiao. Their compelling performances are a key reason the series, originally titled *Zhi Ming Pian Ai* (致命偏爱), resonated so deeply with a global audience.

Ai Hong Chen (艾泓辰) - Male Lead

Ai Hong Chen is a rapidly rising Chinese actor known primarily for his leading roles in the popular wave of micro-dramas. His on-screen persona often involves playing the charismatic yet deeply flawed male lead, a trope he executes with compelling intensity in *Deadly Affection*.

• Native Name: 艾泓辰
• Profession: Actor
• Nationality: Chinese
• Born: April 21, 2001
• Age: 24 (as of 2025)
• Star Sign: Taurus
• Notable Roles: *Zhi Ming Pian Ai* (Deadly Affection, 2023), *Rong Yao Zhi Xia* (2024), *Hear Your Heartbeat* (2023), and the upcoming *Just Kiss Me* (2025).

Wu Jiao (伍姣 / Jiao Wu) - Female Lead

Wu Jiao, also known by her English name Jiao Wu, is the powerful female lead of the drama, carrying the weight of the story’s revenge narrative. Her background in formal acting training provides the depth required for the complex emotional demands of the role.

• Native Name: 伍姣 (Simplified: 吴娇)
• Profession: Actress
• Nationality: Chinese
• Born: June 23, 1995
• Birthplace: Guizhou, China
• Education: Graduated from the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy.
• Notable Roles: *Zhi Ming Pian Ai* (Deadly Affection, 2023) alongside Ai Hong Chen. She is a prominent figure in the short drama genre.

The Shocking Plot: A Dark Tale of Revenge and Fake Affection

*Deadly Affection* is a masterclass in high-octane melodrama, distilling complex emotional turmoil into a highly bingeable format. The plot, which is also known as *When The Heart Breaks Twice*, centers on an intricate and ultimately tragic web of betrayal and vengeance within a wealthy family. The core narrative revolves around a main character who suffers a devastating loss—often implied to be a son or a loved one—due to the machinations of a close family member, frequently the mother or a step-mother figure. This loss triggers a chilling, methodical quest for revenge. The "Deadly Affection" referenced in the title is the facade of love and devotion used by the main character to manipulate those around her, including the male lead, in order to execute her plans. The drama subverts the typical romance C-drama tropes by focusing on a love that is entirely conditional and transactional, built on a foundation of lies and manipulation. The most shocking element, as discussed by viewers, is the tragic and unsettling ending, where the main character's revenge leads to more death, revealing that the so-called "fake affection" ultimately destroyed everyone involved, including herself. This dark, no-holds-barred approach to storytelling is what sets the series apart from more conventional dramas.

The Short Drama Phenomenon: Why 'Deadly Affection' Went Viral

The global success of *Deadly Affection* is not just about its plot; it's a reflection of the massive shift towards Chinese short dramas, or mini-dramas, a format that has exploded in popularity since 2023. These series are specifically designed to cater to modern attention spans and consumption habits.

1. The Power of Fragmented Viewing

In today's fast-paced world, viewers are increasingly seeking entertainment that fits into "fragmented time"—short breaks, commutes, or waiting periods. With episodes lasting only about two minutes, *Deadly Affection* is perfectly tailored for this demand, offering a complete narrative arc in the time it takes to watch a long trailer. This format encourages rapid binge-watching, making the 100-episode count feel manageable and highly addictive.

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2. High-Stakes, Immediate Melodrama

Mini-dramas are known for their "shuangwen" (爽文) style—a fast-paced, satisfying, and often exaggerated narrative that cuts straight to the conflict. *Deadly Affection* wastes no time on setup, immediately plunging the audience into the revenge plot, betrayal, and intense emotional confrontations. Every two-minute segment ends on a cliffhanger, a narrative technique designed to be impossible to stop watching.

3. Dark and Taboo Themes

While mainstream C-dramas often adhere to strict censorship, the short drama format provides a space for darker, more mature, and often taboo themes. *Deadly Affection*'s exploration of deadly favoritism, manipulation, and the fake affection that masks deep-seated hatred taps into a desire for more gritty, less sanitized storytelling. The focus on revenge and the tragic ending is a breath of fresh air for viewers tired of predictable happy endings.

4. Accessibility and Global Reach

The series is widely available across various online platforms, often with English subtitles, under its different titles like *Deadly Favoritism* and *When The Heart Breaks Twice*. This accessibility, coupled with the shareability of short, intense clips on social media, has turned the drama into a global phenomenon, bridging the gap between Chinese domestic content and international audiences. The viral nature of the content is its own best marketing tool.

Deadly Affection: A Must-Watch for the Thrill Seeker

For those who enjoy intense psychological thrillers and dark romance, *Deadly Affection* is a mandatory watch. It is a prime example of how the Chinese entertainment industry is innovating to meet the demands of a new generation of viewers. The drama’s success confirms that audiences crave immediate action, compelling characters, and a plot that is unafraid to explore the darker side of human nature. The phenomenal performances by Ai Hong Chen and Wu Jiao solidify the series as a benchmark for future short-form content. It’s a fast, furious, and ultimately unforgettable viewing experience.