A decades-long friendship between Chinese superstar Liu Yifei and singer Yico Zeng (Zeng Yike) has suddenly resurfaced in online discussions, reigniting rumors about the nature of their relationship. On November 19, Chinese media outlet 163 reported that speculation about the couple’s connection was trending again on Weibo, amassing over 32 million reads in a single day.
Liu Yifei and Yico Zeng met for the first time on the set of 2010 Love in disguise. At the time, Zeng had recently risen to fame through Hunan TV’s Super Girl talent competition in 2009 and was known for her androgynous and tomboyish image, an intriguing contrast to Liu’s ethereal and graceful personality.
Soon after meeting, the two were often spotted together in public. They reportedly went on midnight bike rides, attended concerts and shared similar interests. Liu Yifei once took his mother to Yico Zeng’s concert and even wished her a happy birthday on stage. The two were also seen returning to the same apartment building.
In 2012, Zeng made headlines for saying she wanted to “run away” with Liu Yifei. A song he released later included lyrics that echoed that sentiment, leading fans to believe it was dedicated to Liu Yifei.
However, their relationship gradually faded from public view and the two stopped appearing together. In 2015, following Liu Yifei’s breakup with Korean actor Song Seung-heon, Zeng cryptically posted on social media: “Let’s start over.” Despite constant online speculation about a romantic relationship between the two women, Liu’s management team has never explicitly denied the rumors.
Since then the two have had divergent paths. Liu Yifei is now a top-notch actress with global recognition, while Yico Zeng’s popularity has declined. Recently, Zeng was embroiled in a workplace bullying scandal, which some believe prompted the revival of her alleged romance with Liu, perhaps as a distraction tactic.
Insiders suggest that Liu Yifei’s silence regarding the rumors may simply be a gesture of courtesy and respect for a former colleague, rather than confirmation or denial of any past relationship.
Regardless of the truth, the public remains fascinated by this once-close bond, and the mystery surrounding it continues to spark curiosity on the Internet.
Sources: Znews
