Xu Kai’s Relationship Rumors Spark Social‑Media Frenzy as “Zi Ye Gui” Premieres】

According to Xu Lisha, the couple exchanged intimate messages and even a modest transfer of 5,200 yuan, evidence she posted online on August 22, 2025. Her allegations quickly prompted a vehement response from Xu Kai’s representative, veteran producer Yu Zheng (于正). In an initial statement, Yu denied any recent contact between the actor and Xu Lisha, insisting that the two had not spoken since 2021 and threatening legal action. Within hours, the tone shifted to a more dismissive one, with Yu suggesting that Xu Lisha was seeking attention and “piggy” on the star’s fame.

The timing of the disclosures has amplified the uproar. Zi Ye Gui, a high‑profile drama co‑starring actress Tian Xiwei (田曦薇), began airing just days before the allegations surfaced. Fans, already invested in the on‑screen pairing of Xu Kai and Tian, took to Weibo to question whether the scandal was a calculated move to divert attention from the series or sabotage its promotion. Some pointed out that Tian has previously been paired with male leads whose personal lives erupted into public scandals mid‑run—Bai Jingting, Hu Yitian, and now Xu Kai—fueling concerns that repeated “relationship drama” could damage the show's ratings and the actress’s own profile.

The netizen reaction is a blend of skepticism, frustration and a yearning for concrete proof. Many users highlighted inconsistencies in the timeline Xu Lisha presented, arguing that the chat logs appear fabricated and that the 5,200‑yuan transfer is too trivial to serve as a definitive “smoking gun.” One comment summed up the prevailing mood: “这瓜真的太劲爆了!” (“This melon is really explosive!”), while another asked for “实锤” – unmistakable evidence – before taking sides.

Beyond the immediacy of the gossip, the episode underscores the precarious balance Chinese idols must strike between a carefully curated public image and their private lives. In China’s entertainment market, a “single” persona is often weaponised to maximise fan devotion and broaden casting opportunities, especially in romantic series. When a relationship becomes public, particularly one that ignites conflict, fans can feel personally betrayed, treating their favourite stars as boyfriends or husbands. This possessiveness was evident in comments lamenting that Xu Kai’s alleged “return to the kitchen” for a former lover was “too clean” and accusing the gossip of being a calculated “melon drop” at a moment when the actor’s career is on the rise.

Industry analysts note that the pattern of relationship revelations coinciding with drama premieres suggests either a heightened media focus during peak promotional cycles or, more cynically, the possibility of strategic leaks designed to generate buzz. Yu Zheng’s rapid denial and threat of police involvement reflect a now‑standard crisis‑management playbook: deny, deflect, and attempt to discredit the source. Yet the proliferation of screenshots, chat logs and personal testimonies on platforms like Weibo makes it increasingly difficult for agencies to contain narratives once they breach the digital gate.

The controversy also spotlights broader cultural dynamics at play. Shipping culture—fans’ devotion to fictional pairings—means that real‑world romances can feel like a betrayal of a beloved fantasy, prompting fierce backlash. Simultaneously, the discussion around Xu Lisha’s motives—whether driven by genuine hurt, a desire for fame, or an attempt to destabilise Xu Kai’s career—reveals lingering gendered double standards. Female accusers in China’s celebrity sphere often face accusations of “attention‑seeking” or “malicious intent,” underscoring the delicate line women must walk when confronting powerful male figures.

While no legal proceedings have yet materialised, the episode has already left an imprint on the ongoing broadcast of Zi Ye Gui. Social‑media chatter about the drama’s storyline is now interwoven with speculation about the actors’ off‑screen lives, a trend that may affect viewership numbers and advertisers’ confidence. Should the drama’s ratings dip, industry insiders might call for tighter contractual clauses governing artists’ public conduct, or for guidelines that separate personal disclosures from promotional activities.

At its core, the “Xu Kai romance” saga—a phrase that translates neatly as “Xu Kai’s relationship” or “Xu Kai’s romance”—offers a window into the high‑stakes world of Chinese entertainment, where personal relationships are not merely private affairs but commodities that can sway public perception, alter a show’s fortunes, and reshape an actor’s trajectory. As the debate continues, fans and commentators alike await what they hope will be a definitive piece of evidence, or at the very least, a clear statement from the parties involved that can settle the matter beyond the realm of speculation.