Actress Chen Liping has emerged as a standout star in the recently released series Emerald Hill, which is a spin-off of the beloved 2008 drama The Little Nyonya. In its debut week, the series skyrocketed to the top of the Netflix Singapore charts, captivating audiences far and wide.

Viewers, including those who usually shy away from Singaporean dramas, have been raving about the 30-episode show, with many expressing that it is the first local series in years they have eagerly followed. While actresses Tasha Low and Chantalle Ng have received accolades for their performances as protagonist Zhang Xinniang and antagonist Zhang Ah Na, respectively, it is Chen Liping’s portrayal of Ah Zhu that has struck a profound chord with audiences.

The 59-year-old veteran actress brilliantly embodies Ah Zhu, a streetwise con artist and gambler who plays a pivotal role in raising young Xinniang before she is taken in by the Zhang family. Chen’s chemistry with child actress Ivory Chia, who portrays young Xinniang, has been particularly praised. Their touching scenes have evoked a rollercoaster of emotions, both laughter and tears, from viewers.

Social media has been ablaze with heartfelt compliments, with users expressing, "It’s such a joy to watch you in this new drama! Your acting is absolutely amazing, so natural and captivating." Many are hoping the duo will be recognized during award season for their outstanding performances.

In an interview, Chen shared her appreciation for the overwhelming positive feedback. "I am truly grateful and deeply touched by all the kind words," she disclosed. She even shared that many viewers have reached out to her on social media, sharing how her role reminds them of their childhood TV experiences.

Although Chen chose to keep the identities of her well-wishers private, she emphasized the importance of their acknowledgment. "I feel blessed to have been chosen for the role. I poured a lot of effort and heart into playing Ah Zhu," she stated, highlighting her dedication through extensive script reading and numerous rehearsals with both Ivory and the director.

Alongside Chen, Jesseca Liu has also garnered attention for her portrayal of Liu Shuqin, Xinniang's mother. Although some viewers critiqued her character's calm response to tragedy, including her son’s accidental death and daughter’s disappearance, the consensus remains that Liu's performance, which conveys depth and authenticity, has been exceptional.

"Many say she previously faded into the background, but in this show, I actually look forward to her scenes," noted one viewer. Liu has shared that fans now affectionately call her by her character’s title, Er Shao Nai Nai, illustrating the connection audiences feel with her character.

For Liu, the true mark of success as an actress is engaging the audience's emotions, regardless of whether they view her character positively or negatively. However, when it comes to watching her performances, she remains somewhat detached, having reviewed her own scenes extensively.

As Emerald Hill continues to capture the hearts of viewers, both Chen Liping and Jesseca Liu are poised to leave a lasting impression in the realm of Singaporean television. This series not only highlights their talents but also speaks to the capacity of local dramas to resonate with audiences on a profound level. Don't miss out—join the conversation and see why everyone is talking about Emerald Hill!