Once atop the popularity charts, Zhu Xudan’s rise in China’s volatile entertainment industry proved fleeting. Today, his career tells a cautionary tale: more than 600 days without a single movie invitation and a reputation defined less by memorable works than by repeat turn your face controversies with colleagues. What caused the strong cooling after the brief success of Love game in oriental fantasyand why did a once noticed star fall so hard?
Despite enjoying a boost in visibility, Zhu Xudan’s momentum evaporated within a year. Commentators point out not only the missed opportunities – choosing paid variety shows rather than joining film crews – but also the damaging scandals. Dubbed incidents Accidental likesloud congratulatory messages mocked desperate grabs for interactionand the industry whispers labeling it two-faced it has steadily eroded its image. Some insiders openly expressed disappointment, claiming that it was unpleasant off camera. The market, it seems, has turned its back.
According to 163, Yang Mi once pulled Zhu Xudan under his wing with a single line:“Jay Walk never owed anyone debt”– offer resources, visibility and sisterly treatment. Yang Mi personally chose her, promoted her and ensured her visibility on the red carpet. However, when Yang Mi later faced difficulties, the support was not reciprocated. After the arrival of fame, Zhu Xudan’s calculations appeared transparent, while Yang Mi remained sober and kind in hindsight.
Before Yang Mi’s help, Zhu Xudan was virtually unknown. From his debut to his early years, his career could be summed up in one word: flop. She performed steadily for four years with minimal impact until Yang Mi, then a key Jay Walk partner with signing authority, noticed her and brought her forward. Nothing was hidden: projects, sponsorships, media exposure. Yang Mi also personally guided Zhu Xudan to the set Eternal lovecasting her as Xuan Nü, the most iconic role of her career, preparing emotional one-on-one scenes and sharing hard-earned techniques in front of the camera.
That role made Zhu Xudan known to the public. When he later took command as Zhou Zhiruo Heavenly sword and dragon slaying saberYang Mi even sent a message of encouragement to ease her pressure. Birthdays were celebrated publicly year after year. Yang Mi acted beyond a boss, more like an older sister.
Then came the breakup. When Yang Mi’s relationship with Jay Walk sours and she leaves to start her own company, many Eternal love the cast members said goodbye, except Zhu Xudan. Fans later claimed that on set, Zhu Xudan addressed Yang Mi by name without basic respect. Birthday posts have stopped. It seemed to many loyalty had an expiration date.
During Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red Moon Pactboth actresses were part of the same troupe. Zhu Xudan posted a group photo for promotions, excluding Yang Mi. Fans’ explanations rang hollow. Some speculated that Zhu Xudan thought Yang Mi was “past its prime.” Ironically, when that project later attracted online ridicule toward Yang Mi, observers noted Zhu Xudan’s comfortable distance.
After This flourishing land helped Yang Mi recover and regain top-star status, Zhu Xudan’s sudden return with a birthday post on September 12, 2025—“Happy Birthday, Sister Mi; May All Your Wishes Come True”– sparked a negative reaction. Netizens pointed out that she had posted every year from 2016 to 2022, remained silent during Yang Mi’s crisis in 2023-2024, and then reemerged once Yang Mi was “heat” Still. The model seemed opportunistic. Yang Mi, for her part, maintained restraint and did not respond publicly.
THE “follow those who are hot” label attached. On Xiaohongshu, Zhu Xudan’s verified account liked a compilation criticizing Yu Shuxin’s behavior on the show, causing an uproar given their close friendship after Love game in oriental fantasy. Make the “receipt,” Zhu Xudan apologized repeatedly on Weibo, joked about wanting to do so “cut off her hand”, he denied malice and urged netizens not to overinterpret, promising to use a secondary account in the future.
Previously, Guan Yue also shared a lighthearted backstage story: Zhu Xudan’s backpack looked nice and light, but she had stuffed all the heavy equipment – power banks, cameras – into her bag, while hers contained snacks and plush toys. Fans defended it as a friendly joke between close colleagues.
However, years of acting without a signature job invite reflection. As the saying goes, “Learn to be a person before learning a trade.” If you fail at the first, how can the second truly shine?
Sources: kenh14
