On July 30, both Liu Yuning and Zhu Xudan took to Weibo to directly deny the circulating dating rumors. Liu posted, “We’re all good friends. Don’t make a fuss,” while Zhu echoed with, “Just friends, don’t spread nonsense.” Their consistent and straightforward responses quickly shut down what had become a surprising and sudden scandal.
The Source: An Unverified “Big Fan” Sparks the Rumor
The rumor started on July 29 when a netizen named “Chigua Sisters,” claiming to be a major fan of Zhu Xudan, dropped a bombshell in a fan group chat: that Zhu and Liu had allegedly been dating in secret for two years.
This “leak” included a so-called timeline of their relationship:
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In 2022, Liu Yuning reportedly topped Zhu Xudan’s birthday livestream rankings.
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In 2023, Zhu “accidentally followed” Liu Yuning’s studio on social media.
However, the post lacked any hard evidence—no photos, no chat logs, nothing beyond vague coincidences. Under increasing scrutiny, the account was quickly deleted, leaving behind only speculation and confusion.
Netizen Reaction: Fans and Bystanders Aren’t Buying It
Most fans and casual onlookers remained skeptical.
Some pointed out that Liu and Zhu had minimal interaction even while working on the drama Book of Dreams (书卷一梦), with some interpreting their distance as a deliberate attempt to avoid rumors. Others clarified that their relationship was purely professional, with no signs of closeness outside the script.
Though a few “CP fans” (fans who like to imagine celebrities as couples) were enthusiastic due to the romantic tension between their characters—who played a brother-in-law and sister-in-law in the drama—the majority saw this as harmless fantasy, not real-life proof.
A Rumor With No Legs: Why It Faded So Fast
From the moment it appeared to the moment it was denied, this dating rumor lasted barely a day—an unusually short life for celebrity gossip. Yet it reflected a common pattern in today’s entertainment scene:
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Baseless claims gain traction with minimal context or proof.
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Fandoms get polarized—some defending, others attacking.
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Hype accounts fan the flames, eager for clicks and engagement, regardless of accuracy.
In the end, it takes direct, public statements from the involved celebrities to put out the fire. Often, the public doesn’t care whether it’s true or false—they just want a “juicy story” to follow.
Celebrities’ Response: Cut It Clean, Cut It Fast
What stood out this time was how both Liu and Zhu handled the situation. No lengthy explanations, no drama—just short, clear, and calm replies.
This “keep it cool” strategy is increasingly common among celebrities today. Rather than letting rumors build momentum, a quick and honest denial often earns more respect—and helps end speculation before it snowballs.
Final Thoughts:
This was a baseless scandal with no real substance—just another example of how fast gossip can spread and fade.
It also raises the question of how much “fan imagination” and “shipping culture” can distort reality. At the end of the day, as Liu Yuning and Zhu Xudan made clear:
“Just friends. Don’t overthink it.”
Some friendships are just that—simple, clear, and sincere. And some rumors? Best left ignored.
