Cast & Character List
Li Yitong as Song Yimeng
Song Yimeng is the new identity of Song Xiaoyu, a struggling actress who finds herself unexpectedly transported into the world of a script. With a lively, playful, and quirky personality, her mind is a whirlwind of unconventional ideas.
Initially, she believes she has hit the jackpot—a chance to leave her old life behind and enjoy one of luxury and ease. However, this dream quickly turns into a nightmare when she discovers her role: a hopelessly romantic protagonist destined to be used, discarded, and ultimately tormented to death by the villainous male lead, Nan Heng.
Faced with the grim reality that she cannot escape the script's plot, Song Yimeng's survival instincts kick in. She sheds her passive attitude and begins to actively plot against her predetermined fate. Her journey is one of transformation, from a carefree girl into a determined warrior fighting for her life. Through this struggle against destiny, she gradually grows, learning to seize control and rewrite her own story.
Liu Yuning as Nan Hang
Nan Heng leads a life of dual identities. On the surface, he is the seventh prince of the Qi Kingdom, a man known for his cold, ruthless demeanor and decisive, swift actions. Often overlooked by the Emperor, he is fiercely determined to win the battle for the throne, earning him the moniker "God of Death."
Beneath this formidable royal exterior, he is Li Shiliu, the enigmatic and masked leader of the martial arts organization "Can Jiang Yue" (Fading Moon Over the River). Nan Heng is defined by his chilling presence, which keeps others at a distance, and by the impossibly high standards he sets for himself, making him a relentless overachiever.
His world begins to shift through his repeated encounters with Song Yimeng across different timelines. Initially, the cold-hearted prince is intent on eliminating her to fulfill the script's tragic destiny. However, as their paths continue to cross, his complex inner world is gradually revealed. He transforms from a calculating royal, solely focused on his ambitions, into a devoted protector, his attention and affections increasingly centered on Song Yimeng, showcasing a surprising and tender vulnerability.
Zhu Xudan as Song Yiting
Song Yiting is the second daughter of the Song family and the paternal half-sister of Song Yimeng. Initially, her relationship with Shangguan He, the second-in-command of the "Can Jiang Yue" sect, is one of mutual exploitation. However, this dynamic eventually blossoms into genuine love. Driven by her devotion to Shangguan He, she defies an imperial decree and her mother's command to marry the 18th Prince.
Wang Yilun as Shangguan He
In the television series A Dream within a Dream, the role of Shangguan He is portrayed by actor Wang Yilun.
Shangguan He is the best friend of Nan Heng and serves as the second-in-command of the Can Jiang Yue organization; in reality, however, he is its de facto leader. He possesses a free-spirited and easygoing personality, with a deep dislike for being constrained. In an effort to aid Can Jiang Yue, he feigns a romantic confession to Song Yiting, a pretense that unexpectedly blossoms into a genuine romance.
Wang Youshuo as Chu Guihong
As the son of the King of Qianyu, Chu Guihong was originally the fiancé of the female lead, Song Yimeng. He begins the story as a naive and somewhat pedantic young man, having been deceived by his own family for many years. Viewing the male lead, Nan Heng, as his adversary, Chu Guihong eventually undergoes a dark transformation. He becomes a ruthless man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
