33-year-old Chinese actor Xiao Zhan debuted in 2016 as the main vocalist of 'X玖少年团' (X Nine Youth Group). For a long time, his Weibo name was “X玖少年团肖战DAYTOY”, but on the 18th, he changed it to simply “肖战” (Xiao Zhan). This move is seen as a complete break from his boy group identity. At the same time, his bio was updated to “actor, singer,” and his representative works were narrowed down to only three: '藏海传' (Hidden Sea Story), '梦中的那片海' (The Sea in My Dreams), and '陈情令' (The Untamed). Coincidentally, an industry insider recently dug up photos from nine years ago when Xiao Zhan filmed his first TV drama, '超星星学园' (Super Star Academy). Back then, he still had baby fat, and fans affectionately called him “Round Zhan.” The striking contrast with his chiseled features today led fans to joke, based on his character “Fang Tianze” in the drama, that 'Chubby Fang' has evolved into a top-tier visual.'
The industry insider who posted the photo said that after watching '藏海传' (Hidden Sea Story), she couldn't resist finding an old photo taken with Xiao Zhan. Back then, when she saw the photographer taking a picture with Xiao Zhan, she bravely asked if he could take one with her as well. Xiao Zhan happily agreed and even thanked her. She praised Xiao Zhan for being humble, gentle, and approachable on set, with no airs, always friendly to everyone from outsiders to staff. Fans were also swept up in nostalgia: “So beautiful and fresh-faced, Round Zhan,” “Round Zhan is so cute,” “Who would have thought he’d get even more handsome from age 20 to 30.”
Source: 壹苹新闻网