Lai Chien-ho Reveals 'Special Constitution' Mirrors Script; Helping Others Left Her 'Covered in Wounds'

Lai Chien-ho's return to the popular eight o'clock drama slot on MinTV with "Tofu Mama" marks a significant career moment, especially with a role that resonates so deeply with her personal life. The character's "special constitution," allowing her to sense others' states, is a concept Lai finds remarkably similar to her own past experiences, where her well-intentioned advice often led to her own suffering. This uncanny parallel, which she thought had vanished a decade ago, reappearing in her acting career, feels like destiny.

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It's too much like me!

However, the transition back to the intense filming environment was not without its challenges. Despite a friend's advice not to memorize the script rigidly, Lai found the director's rapid-fire script revisions and improvisations on set incredibly demanding. She described the experience as akin to a "dictation test," struggling to keep up with the pace and furiously taking notes. Witnessing veteran actors fully immersed and diligently recording changes, she felt compelled to push through, humorously lamenting her childhood study habits.

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Every time I finished speaking, it was I who was in pain; I was the one suffering.

The demanding schedule also brought unexpected clarity. Lai finally understood why her friend, Su Yen-pei, would disappear during filming periods – the sheer exhaustion leaves one wanting only to rest and avoid social interaction. More surprisingly, Lai, who had been suffering from long-term insomnia and was considering medical treatment, found herself falling asleep instantly after filming due to the extreme physical and mental exertion. She jokingly concluded she wasn't suffering from insomnia but rather a lack of exhaustion.

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It's like taking a dictation test.

Despite the high-pressure environment, Lai expresses enthusiasm and gratitude for being back in a familiar setting and working with the cast and crew. She promises a performance that goes beyond the unique character setup, delving into new levels of emotional depth and pacing, urging audiences to watch closely.

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I wasn't suffering from insomnia, I was just not tired enough!