Exclusive interview with actor Bai Jingting: Embracing new challenges of a new role

After shooting workplace drama Ordinary Glory, actor Bai Jingting, who plays a newcomer to workplace Sun Yiqiu, found it hard to leave the role."Sometimes when I would get up in the morning I'd be in a trance, wondering whether I should go to the office to clock in, but then it would occur to me that our shooting had ended, and I was no longer Sun," Bai says.

The series is now running on Shanghai-based Dragon TV, Zhejiang TV and streaming site Youku. The 41-episode drama features two protagonists, a workplace newcomer played by Bai, and a mid-level manager, played by Mark Chao, who has met many challenges in work. The two characters manage to cooperate and improve their workplace. The series prides itself on a different approach.

Playing Sun also took Bai back to his days when he was a novice in the film and television industry. "I share many similarities with Sun. Although I have never worked in a company, I share Sun's feeling of timidity when entering a new work environment, the lack of confidence when others question his work, and excessive care about other people's opinions," Bai says. But after continuous efforts and increasing confidence and ability, Bai got better and became familiar with his job.

"I believe newcomers should talk with colleagues more to learn from them and make a good plan for their career," he adds.

The series was shot in Shanghai over more than four months. Bai misses the atmosphere of the filming site. "Everyone was working passionately in the same direction. I tried my best to play my role, and my cooperation with others also encouraged me to do better."

Reporter: Wang Ru

Video: Chen Xinyu