Shining for One Thing

Shining for One Thing (Chinese: 一闪一闪亮星星; pinyin: Yī shǎn yī shǎn liàng xīngxīng) is a 2022 Chinese television series blending time travel, mystery, and romance. The show stars Qu Chuxiao and Zhang Jianing, and premiered on January 26, 2022, via the streaming platform IQIYI.

The story follows Lin Beixing, a woman nearing thirty whose life unravels after her boyfriend Zhan Yu ends their relationship, leaving her career and personal life in disarray. Suddenly, she finds herself transported back to age eighteen, reliving her final year of high school. Determined to avoid Zhan Yu and retake the college entrance exam, she plans a fresh start. However, her plans are disrupted by a boy named Zhang Wansen. An accidental encounter with him after the exam triggers the collapse of her time-travel journey. Lin Beixing then investigates the cause of Zhang Wansen’s death and works to save him. Her high school days become a fleeting, romantic period, during which she rediscovers overlooked joys. By summer, she realizes she has not only rescued Zhang Wansen but also uncovered his deep, long-standing love for her.

The main cast includes Qu Chuxiao as Zhang Wansen and Zhang Jianing as Lin Beixing. Supporting roles feature Caesar Wu as Zhan Yu, Fu Jing as Gao Ge, Luo Mingjie as Yang Chao Yang, Jiang Yun Lin as Mai Zi, Xu Ziyin as Han Teng Teng, Cui Yi as Lin Beixing’s mother, Yan Chang as Lei Ge, Sun Tian Yu as Liu Ga, and Hou Wei Tao as Lin Dahai.

Filming took place in Xiamen, China, from December 2020 to February 2021. On January 12, 2022, the drama released its “Nanchuan Sky” character poster and pilot trailer, followed by character trailers on January 17.

A film adaptation of the same name was announced on July 10, 2023, with the original cast returning. A “Reunion” trailer was released on August 22, 2023.