Viral Weibo Frenzy Erupts After Actress’s Ex‑Boyfriend Follows Fellow Star】
A seemingly low‑key click on a Chinese micro‑blog has sparked a wave of amusement, speculation and “gossip‑eating” across Weibo, as users pick up on the fact that Mao Feilian – known online as the ex‑boyfriend of actress Zhao Qing – has followed the social‑media profile of Xu Lisha. The development, which surfaced in the past few days, quickly became a talking point among netizens both inside and outside China, turning a routine follow into a mini‑drama that some have jokingly dubbed “抓马” – a colloquial blend of “drama” and “grab”.
23 August 2025
Mao Feilian, currently in Romania to attend the World Youth Swimming Championships, apparently pressed the “follow” button on Xu Lisha’s Weibo account while abroad. The act was spotted by a handful of users who then posted screenshots and comments that read, in translation, “Zhao Qing’s ex‑boyfriend Mao Feilian followed Xu Lisha.” The simple phrasing quickly spawned a cascade of reactions ranging from outright hilarity – “哈哈哈哈哈哈我不行了哥” (“hahaha I can’t handle it, bro”) – to playful speculation about the two new “connections” in the entertainment sphere.
A recurring theme in the chatter is the irony of the situation. Many commenters note that even those living overseas are “吃瓜” – a slang expression meaning “to eat melon,” or more loosely, “to enjoy watching the gossip unfold.” One user quipped that the “world is still too magical” to have a swimming‑team athlete in Romania tangled up in domestic infotainment gossip.
Beyond the surface laughs, a strand of the conversation treats the follow as a sign of potential compatibility. Some netizens point out that both Mao and Xu have reportedly experienced “遇人不淑” – a colloquial way of saying they “met the wrong person” – and have “been outed” in public break‑ups. The shared narrative, they argue, gives them “common talk topics” and makes them “很般配” – “a good match.” A tongue‑in‑cheek “援军” (reinforcement) meme even suggested that Xu Lisha now has a “beauty” to “save” her, implying a supportive role for Mao in her social‑media life.
The speculation does not stop at the two individuals. Some users have projected the ripple effect onto other entertainment figures, notably Yu Zheng, a high‑profile producer. In a flippant forecast, commenters surmised that Yu Zheng might be “气到输液” – “so angry he’d need an IV.” While clearly hyperbolic, the suggestion underscores how quickly the story was woven into broader narratives about the Chinese entertainment industry.
The buzz has also dovetailed with other “hot” storylines, such as live‑streamer He Shengming’s recent broadcast, which some users referenced to paint a picture of a “more lively” entertainment scene. Yet despite the mounting chatter, no official statement from Mao, Xu, or Zhao has emerged, and the episode remains purely in the realm of social‑media speculation.
In short, a single follow has turned into a viral vignette that mirrors the ever‑present appetite for celebrity gossip on Chinese platforms. It illustrates how a mundane online action – even one taken from a sports‑capped city in Europe – can ignite a cascade of humor, curiosity and dramatic embellishment among a highly engaged online audience. The episode is a reminder that, in the age of instant connectivity, the line between personal life and public spectacle is often just a click away.
