Recently, old photos of Zhang Zifeng, Zhao Jinmai, and Hu Xianxu from their 2016 collaboration in the television series A Love for Separation have resurfaced online. Alongside these images, netizens have taken renewed interest in the actors’ shared journey from childhood to adulthood and the enduring support they have offered one another over the years.
During the filming of the series, the young actors created a WeChat group humorously named “Finish Your Homework Before Chatting.” Rather than fading away after their school years, the group has remained active for eight consecutive years, gradually shifting from a space for academic discussions into a platform for professional encouragement within the entertainment industry.
When Hu Xianxu once needed help preparing for a late-night audition, Zhang Zifeng sent reference videos on handling emotional crying scenes, while Zhao Jinmai contributed a written character analysis. Guest actor Guo Junchen also joined in, practicing lines with him until dawn. Such moments have been widely shared as examples of genuine peer support.
During Zhao Jinmai’s art examination period, the group temporarily changed its name to “Mai Mai Will Win,” with Hu Xianxu sending daily reminder memes encouraging her to study. Key academic and career milestones have consistently become shared priorities within the group.
Over time, the chat has also developed its own unspoken rules. Members who receive awards are expected to share the joy by sending red envelopes, while in moments of public criticism, the others step forward to respond first before offering private comfort. Observers note that this level of coordination reflects years of trust and understanding.
From their early collaboration as child actors to their individual careers today, the longevity of this group chat has come to symbolize not only personal growth but also a rare sense of companionship and mutual support in a highly competitive industry.
