46-year-old actor Feng Shaofeng was recently spotted late at night walking through the streets of Shanghai with a much younger woman. The woman, revealed to be Zhou Linjia, a Central Academy of Drama graduate, is 19 years his junior. What sparked further discussion was her striking resemblance to Feng’s ex-wife, actress Zhao Liying—prompting speculation: is this a sincere romance or an emotional “replacement”?
Eight months ago, Zhou had denied being involved in any rumor, saying on Weibo, “That person in the video really isn’t me. Guess I have a generic face.” Her words carried a tone of helplessness, and the public largely believed her at the time. But now, with clear street photos and no further denial from her, the sudden shift in stance has fueled curiosity and doubt.
From a psychological perspective, there’s a concept called “replacement attachment,” where individuals unconsciously seek partners who resemble their former significant others. Data supports this: 67% of people tend to choose partners with similar traits to their exes. Feng’s pattern fits. Zhao Liying is 10 years younger than him, while Zhou is 19 years younger—possibly a search for renewed innocence or familiarity?
There’s also a pattern in his dating history: he rarely makes official announcements, yet often appears in street photos with rumored partners. From Ni Ni and Lin Yun to Zhao Liying, Feng has often dated beautiful actresses, leading netizens to joke he “changes girlfriends with each project.” This time, Zhou Linjia, though less famous, may have been chosen for being more low-profile or easier to manage.
Others believe this is about regaining attention. Zhao Liying is thriving in her career, while Feng has been relatively inactive. A new romance with a woman resembling his ex certainly puts him back in headlines. In today’s entertainment world, any buzz equals visibility and opportunity.
Whether it’s true love or a calculated move, this relationship shows how complex celebrity relationships can be. Is Feng still dwelling on the past, or ready for a new beginning? We may never know. For now, the public continues to watch and wonder what comes next.
