Zhao Liying and Chen Xiao Reunite—New Drama Collaboration Shakes the Internet

Zhao Liying has successfully transformed her career with roles in “Wind Blows from Longxi” and “The Legend of Shen Li,” solidifying her status as a leading actress in Chinese drama. She is set to star in the upcoming series “Nine Heavens,” with a cast also including Liu Haoran, Chen Xiao, Ni Ni, Ou Hao, Xin Zhilei, and Zhang Jingyi. Many netizens were stunned to discover that Zhao Liying and Chen Xiao—once rumored to be a couple—would work together again for the first time since 2013’s “Legend of Lu Zhen.” This not only marks the pair’s first collaboration since their breakup, but also Chen Xiao’s first drama with Zhao Liying after divorcing Michelle Chen. On top of that, Ni Ni reportedly once dated Zhao Liying’s ex-husband Feng Shaofeng. With the cast of “Nine Heavens” announced, the internet quickly exploded with excitement!

Zhao Liying and Chen Xiao’s relationship was widely rumored during the filming of “Legend of Lu Zhen,” with even intimate photos like hand-holding surfacing. However, when promoting the drama on programs, Chen Xiao was asked whether they were together; Zhao Liying looked at him, but Chen Xiao only responded, “Let’s keep it a secret for now!” Later, Chen Xiao admitted their relationship was just publicity for the drama, leaving Zhao Liying disappointed. Soon afterward, Chen Xiao married Michelle Chen, while Zhao Liying married Feng Shaofeng. Both are now single again, and many fans continue to hope the two will get together, making their renewed collaboration even more surprising!

However, “Nine Heavens” is structured as a collection of nine independent stories, each entirely separate, with different filming times. Reportedly, Zhao Liying will play the “female head of the Minxi merchant clan” in her unit, a decisive and commanding role, continuing her trend of “powerhouse female leads.” Chen Xiao, on the other hand, will portray a “late imperial examination scholar,” timid and bookish, in a different unit; there will be no overlap between the two’s scenes. It’s also said that the production team has intentionally arranged for them to stay in different hotels to avoid any encounters. Jokingly, some refer to them as “the most distant CP in showbiz.”

“Nine Heavens” is scheduled to begin filming in September, with rumors suggesting Zhao Liying’s costumes will be extremely lavish, costing millions of RMB, while Chen Xiao will wear regular period costumes. Many have pointed out that Chen Xiao once refused to publicly acknowledge his relationship with Zhao Liying, but now can’t keep up with her success; some rumors say Chen Xiao realized after marriage that he still loves Zhao Liying, leading to his divorce from Michelle Chen, further fueling speculation ahead of their on-screen reunion.

Feng Shaofeng Seen Again Vacationing with Young Girlfriend, Criticized as Not Measuring Up to Ex-Wife

Feng Shaofeng and Zhou Linjia (right) strolling and shopping together.In addition, since Zhao Liying’s 2021 divorce from Feng Shaofeng, both of their romantic lives have faced constant public scrutiny, with rumors frequently emerging after being spotted with other members of the opposite sex. Zhao Liying was suspected to be dating Taiwanese director Midi Z, while Feng Shaofeng has repeatedly been seen out with Zhou Linjia, a star 19 years his junior. Recently, gossip blogger “Guatian Han Jie” once again caught the pair shopping together. Both dressed casually, they browsed brand-name shops at a mall; Zhou Linjia left with a large shopping bag of purchases as they headed to the parking lot together, looking every bit like an old married couple.

Although Zhou Linjia previously denied the relationship—stating, “That really isn’t me in the video! I guess I have a very common face!”—most netizens believe she has been spotted with Feng Shaofeng multiple times, with some saying her influencer looks pale in comparison to Zhao Liying and that she’s on a much lower level.