KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 — China’s Dear You continues to captivate Malaysian audiences, drawing an increasingly strong fanbase nationwide.

Director Lan Hongchun, together with cast members Wang Yantong and Li Sitong, met fans yesterday during a meet-and-greet session at the main entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Hundreds turned up for a chance to see the stars, with some beginning to queue as early as 3pm. Many arrived in official film T-shirts, while others brought merchandise purchased in China.

Malay Mail spoke to several attendees, many of whom said the film’s emotional storytelling and themes of love, friendship and family resonated deeply with them.

Among them was online entrepreneur Sunny Ooi, who has already watched the film twice and plans to see it another two times.

“I even brought my mother to watch the film at the cinema,” she said, adding that she had repeatedly commented on the Malaysian distributor’s social media pages in hopes of bringing the cast and director to Malaysia.

Fresh graduate Nicole Chong, who arrived with friends, was among the first in line. She said the film’s heartwarming story and themes of love and friendship left a lasting impression after she recently watched it.

Many others echoed similar sentiments, saying its emotional narrative was what drew them to the film.

Cast charms fans with Malay phrases and playful stage moments

At about 6.05pm, Lan and the cast appeared on stage to loud cheers from the crowd.

Li, who plays young Xie Nanzhi, delighted fans by sharing a Malay phrase she had learned while getting her makeup done: “Saya cinta padamu!” (“I love you!”).

Wang, who plays Zheng Musheng, playfully responded by pretending to be jealous, saying: “I did my own makeup today, so I missed out!”

The crowd then responded in unison with “Aku cinta padamu!”

Throughout the session, the cast interacted with fans, answered questions and expressed gratitude for the strong support the film has received in Malaysia.

The event ended with a group photo before the cast headed off for special screening appearances at selected cinemas across the Klang Valley.

Hard work pays off, with a novel on the horizon

Earlier, at a press conference at Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Crescent Ballroom, Lan reflected on the emotional response the film has received since its release.

“The filmmakers created one part of the story, while audiences completed another part through their own emotional responses,” he said.

Lan said the team had been on a promotional roadshow for nearly two months, beginning with Shantou on April 17.

He also recalled quietly attending a screening during the Singapore leg of the tour.

“I cried even more than I did while editing the film.

“Watching it together with audiences felt like watching it with family, making the emotions even stronger,” he said.

Li said interacting with audiences throughout the tour had made her more excited to see how viewers interpret the film.

“I hope the character can inspire audiences to face life with courage.

“I am deeply touched by all the positive feedback.

“I never expected so many people to love the character so much,” she said.

Wang said he was happy audiences connected with his character’s resilience and positivity.

Lan also revealed that he had adapted the screenplay into a novel, currently in planning for publication.

“It is currently being planned.

“I hope it can be released this year.

“I also hope to give the book an attractive, well-designed layout before releasing it,” he said.

Dear You is currently screening in Malaysian cinemas and continues to receive an overwhelmingly positive response, with its popularity also growing internationally.