The name Zhou Jie might not be a household name.

But many would recognise him from his role as Erkang in classic Chinese period drama My Fair Princess called Erkang, who ended up with the emperor's daughter, Ziwei (acted by Ruby Lin).

It's been 21 years but the classic still lives on through memes:

https://giphy.com/gifs/singles-dan-shen-gou-guang-gun-jie-xUNd9Ldy5OReJqINQ4

https://giphy.com/gifs/singles-dan-shen-gou-guang-gun-jie-xT1Ra5pBfUcG2mXAQg

Despite the drama's popularity, the 49-year-old's acting career has not been smooth-sailing since then, he was accused of "forcing his kiss" on Lin as well as scandals such as a hit-and-run accident and hitting an elderly, according to Chinese media.

Venture into organic farming

While Zhou has not been as active in the showbiz as the other My Fair Princess cast, he has carved out a rather successful career through organic farming free of chemicals.

Sohu reported that Zhou now earns hundreds of millions and owns a thousand acres of farmland with a luxury house as well as five companies and a winery.

He has started his own brand, Zhou Xian Sheng (Mr Zhou), selling organic products such as flour, vinegar, and Camellia oil.

Despite some wealth, Zhou is reported to remain frugal and wears the same clothing for eight years.

What about acting?

According to his Weibo, Zhou wrote that he started to act because that was his passion back then and now that he started this organic produce business is also out of his own interest.

In a post on Oct. 20, He added that he had not been acting in dramas for a long time because he could not find an appropriate opportunity,

"I've not been acting for a while, it's either they don't find me worthy or I don't find them worthy. We can't force such thing and it is important to have mutual appreciation." 

He also said that actors, just like other types of labourers, should do their best and be grounded. He appreciates how each time people tell him that they like his acting but that, to him, is simply the role and responsibility of an actor.

"Every time someone tells me he/she likes a character I played, I feel very touched. That's the impact that an actor can bring about but it also means a form of responsibility that the occupation has. There are people who excel in different occupations, besides earning a living, your value lies in your responsibility. If you only want to earn money, then you will have no value (to society). If you can do something for the others, or even influence their lives, then you are worthy of respect. Money does not determine you. Your success is not determined by how much you earn but how much you worth."

Top photo collage from screengrabs of Giphy & Zhou Jie/Weibo

Content that keeps Mothership.sg going

??
This event teaches you how to be your own farmer in the comfort of your own home.

???
Jio all your friends to see the northern lights in this city in Norway!

?⚓
A hipster's dream Europe itinerary that excludes the big major cities.

??
Did you know these are the most happening places in Singapore?