Annabel Yao, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, is drawing attention for her role as a physician in the Tang dynasty-set drama “Unveil: Jadewind.”
Annabel Yao, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, in a still from the period drama “Unveil: Jadewind.” Photo from the film’s Weibo |
The production team on Wednesday released character posters featuring Yao as Pei Yu, a pivotal figure in a court investigation. The series centers on a string of suspenseful and mysterious cases unfolding within the imperial palace. Yao appears in a supporting role alongside lead actors Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue.
The project marks Yao’s first foray into period drama. Her character posters quickly gained traction on Chinese social media platform Weibo, where many users said her styling suited the role. Commenters noted that she projected the intelligence and composure associated with a gifted court physician, in line with the character’s profile.
The drama premiered on Feb. 5 and has been widely praised for its tightly woven plot, unexpected twists and sustained suspense. Performances by the main cast have also received positive reviews.
Yao, 28, has built a steady presence in film and television in recent years. Before “Unveil: Jadewind,” she appeared in titles including “Meet Yourself,” “Dark Night and Dawn” and “The Hunter.” She is also a regular at fashion events and major film award ceremonies.
As Ren’s youngest daughter, Yao is frequently dubbed the “Huawei Princess” by Chinese media. She entered the entertainment industry in early 2021 after graduating from Harvard University with a degree in computer science. She has since released several music videos, though her singing and dancing have received mixed to lukewarm responses from critics and audiences.
In a previous interview with Harper’s BazaarYao acknowledged that her family background has drawn heightened public scrutiny compared with other newcomers, describing it as both an advantage and a burden. She said she works to overcome preconceived notions and views skepticism as motivation to improve, choosing to pursue a career aligned with her own aspirations.
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