I think the practical distinction for me is this:

If someone said they didn’t like historical dramas & asked me for a good modern drama, I’d maybe suggest #TheEarlySpring, #TheFirstFrost, #Agency or #LoveScout - I wouldn’t suggest #ThisThrivingLand or #ArsenalMilitaryAcademy ☺️

I think it makes more sense if you’ve seen him in his peak Xu Kai era - for example, his loveable rascal character in #ArsenalMilitaryAcademy (where he is perfectly cast opposite Bai Lu’s more sober cross-dressing soldier character)

I agree he’s great in dramas where he can exhibit a comic touch - eg #ArsenalMilitaryAcademy, & to a degree in #WonderlandOfLove (where he portrays a mixture of seriousness and impish light-heartedness)

He’s definitely in a more serious mode here so far, but with a touch of scheming impishness 🙂

the #cdrama #ArsenalMilitaryAcademy soundtrack remains my favorite

It's been years since I watched the show (I really need to find the time for a rewatch) but I still listen to the songs all the time