In the early hours of August 22, a sudden romance rumor set social media ablaze. Actress Xu Lisha was rumored to be dating rising star Xu Kai after a suspected alternate account under the name “Kind Little Handsome Guy” released multiple screenshots of alleged evidence: a transfer of 5,200 yuan from Xu Kai (later refunded), along with intimate chats such as “I’ll cook for you” and “Going public will affect my family.”
Sharp-eyed netizens also noticed that a dress photo posted on the alternate account matched outfits Xu Lisha had shared on her main account. Adding fuel to speculation, Xu Lisha’s main account had recently liked posts promoting Xu Kai’s new drama Moonlit Reunion (子夜归) and even shared the song I Love You So, with “So” widely interpreted as a nod to Xu Kai’s nickname “Soso.” These coincidences led many to say, “This evidence seems pretty solid.”
However, as discussion spread, well-known producer Yu Zheng quickly intervened. First, he firmly denied the rumor in a comment, saying: “Fake news. The police have been notified.” He later issued a formal studio statement, making three points clear: Xu Kai is currently single; the two only had brief contact while filming in 2021 and have had no interaction since; and the circulated chat logs were fabricated, with legal action already underway.
This rebuttal pushed the controversy into “Rashomon” territory. While Yu Zheng insisted the two lost contact after 2021, Xu Lisha claimed they broke up at the end of 2022 due to a third party, creating a timeline discrepancy. If the chat logs are indeed fake, Xu Lisha could face serious defamation charges; but if her claims are true, it would not only raise questions about Xu Kai’s personal conduct but also suggest the studio’s statement was misleading.
At present, both sides assert they hold evidence. Yu Zheng’s team has involved the police, while Xu Lisha hinted she will continue to release information. As of now, however, no third-party confirmation has emerged. Netizens, meanwhile, sighed, “C-entertainment scandals are always this messy,” while waiting for “the next big reveal.”
Beyond the drama of celebrity relationships, this incident also highlights the crisis-management playbook in the entertainment industry: swift denial, legal threats, and narrative control. Yet, when one party suddenly “self-exposes,” the script often collapses.
Whatever the truth, this back-and-forth has no clear winner. If Yu Zheng’s “fake news” defense is proven false, public trust will be badly shaken; if Xu Lisha’s allegations cannot be substantiated, she may face legal consequences. As one netizen aptly put it: “The best PR is honesty, and the most reliable fame comes from the work itself.”
