Christopher Lee Called Zong Zijie’s Acting Style “Narcissistic” When The Latter Asked Him For Advice

The guests on the latest episode of Dishing With Chris Lee are none other than the Zheng family from the 2022 hit Mediacorp drama Your World In Mine.

Christopher Lee was joined by Huang Biren, Yao Wenlong, Hong Ling, and Zong Zijie at his kelong, where they braved stormy weather to whip up a fish head steamboat feast.

According to the cast, Tiancai aka Richie Koh was “busy earning money” and could not attend the shoot that day.

While preparing the ingredients for the steamboat, the guests were asked to share more about their showbiz journeys. It was then Chris said: “I’ve actually met Zijie before. We went to karaoke after attending Bonnie Loo’s concert. I boldly spoke to him about some things.”

Zijie revealed: “I asked Chris for some advice on acting, like how to improve myself and all that. It was then that he told me something that really hit the bullseye.”

Mimicking Chris’ demeanor, Zijie recalled the Ah Ge's words to him: “Actually, I’ve watched your shows. I think [you] were okay, but the way you perform is a bit narcissistic.”

The young actor then burst into laughter, while Chris could also be heard chortling in the background.

“He could tell you’re narcissistic?” exclaimed Hong Ling, while Wenlong said: “He could tell from watching TV?”

Chris then chimed in: “Do you guys think so as well?”

“I don’t think his acting is narcissistic but..." said Hong Ling before she was interrupted by Wenlong who shared: “There is indeed this weird feeling [when Zijie acts], but now that you mention it… you’re right.”

“I never felt that way myself, until Chris mentioned it that day. I thought 'It really seems like that’s the case',” added Zijie.

Chris would go on to explain the reason for his straightforward comment, saying that Zijie is a handsome actor with a nice voice, and there are “few young actors like him” in the industry.

He said what he said with the hopes that Zijie would overcome the “hurdle” to become an even more outstanding actor.

Chris elaborated in a b-roll interview: “As an actor, it’s most important to be aware of your shortcomings. You can then improve yourself based on these shortcomings and turn them into your strengths, so you can properly take up any roles that come your way.”

“Did you get angry that day [when I said that to you]?” Chris asked Zijie.

Zijie coolly said he wasn’t offended at all. He earned praise from Chris, who gave him a thumbs up and replied: “I’m very happy that you shared this, it shows you’re easygoing. That’s great.”

The two then exchanged a hearty handshake.

Reflecting on the conversation with Chris, Zijie said: “I’m grateful that there’s a senior in the industry who is willing to point me in the right direction. [As young actors], we’re most afraid of people telling us “everything’s okay, everything’s good”. That way, you never have room for improvement.”

Photos: mewatch

Watch the full episode of Dishing With Chris Lee on mewatch, or catch it below.