Short Drama *“Summer of Fendra”* Surpasses 3 Billion Views! Lead Actors Moved to Tears at Fan Event as Producer Yu Zheng Reveals He Stayed Up All Night Watching

On October 8, the breakout short drama “Summer of Fendra” officially surpassed 3 billion views, marking another milestone in the rise of high-quality microdramas. During a recent fan event, both the lead actor and actress were moved to tears as they revisited some of the show’s most emotional scenes — a testament to the series’ deep resonance with audiences.

Since its release, “Summer of Fendra” has taken streaming platforms by storm. On its first day alone, it broke 100 million in both “Red Fruit” heat index and on-platform views, and went on to shatter the platform’s record for peak popularity three days in a row.

Unlike the typical fast-paced, revenge-driven plots that dominate the short drama scene, “Summer of Fendra” takes a subtler, more cinematic approach — weaving emotion through light, shadow, and the delicate metaphor of a rose in three stages of bloom. The series has been hailed as a “refined grain” production — symbolizing the industry’s steady move toward aesthetic depth and narrative sophistication.

Recently, a spokesperson from the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) emphasized continued efforts to foster the healthy growth of short dramas, focusing on quality, mass appeal, and global reach. The agency also highlighted plans to curb exaggerated tropes such as over-the-top “CEO” personas and sensational titles — signaling that the era of refined, meaningful storytelling in short dramas has truly begun.

Indeed, the shift toward elevated storytelling has been clear throughout 2025, with standout productions like “Inside and Out the Home”, “Moon of a Lost Era”, and “Mountains and Seas of Lion City” redefining what short dramas can be. Yet, among them all, “Summer of Fendra” stands out for its transformative artistry and emotional authenticity — a work that feels reborn from within.

Renowned producer Yu Zheng even admitted that he stayed up all night watching the series, praising the male lead’s performance as “truly outstanding.”

“Summer of Fendra” is more than a viral hit — it’s a sign that China’s short drama industry is entering a new golden summer of creativity and quality.