A decade-old rumor about actress Liu Yifei and singer Zeng Yike has unexpectedly resurfaced, becoming a trending topic on Weibo with over 32 million reads as of November 19.
Chinese media outlet 163.com reported that discussions about the nature of the relationship between the former co-stars have reignited, with many netizens speculating that their bond may have been more intimate than a typical friendship.
The speculation dates back to 2010, when the two met while filming Love alert. At the time, Zeng Yike was enjoying a surge in popularity after her talent show debut Super girl (Hunan TV, 2009), known for her characteristic tomboy image, in stark contrast to Liu Yifei’s traditionally feminine beauty.
Fans often noticed the couple spending time together: late-night bike rides, going out to concerts, and even Liu Yifei taking her mother to Zeng Yike’s shows. During a concert, Liu publicly wished Zeng a happy birthday on stage. The two also reportedly lived in the same neighborhood.
In 2012, Zeng Yike made a cryptic statement about wanting to “run away” featuring Liu Yifei. Fans later pointed out that a song she released contained lyrics alluding to this desire, further fueling the belief that the track was dedicated to Liu.
Despite close interactions, their relationship gradually faded from public view. In 2015, following Liu Yifei’s breakup with Korean actor Song Seung Heon, Zeng posted a cryptic message: “Let’s start again.“
Although rumors of a same-sex romance between the two have persisted for years, Liu Yifei’s agency has never publicly denied the claims, instead opting for silence – a move that industry insiders interpret as “a polite and respectful gesture” towards his former co-star.
Today their lives have taken very different paths. Liu Yifei remains a top-notch actress in China and around the world, while Zeng Yike’s popularity has declined. Recently, Zeng has faced backlash over allegations of mistreatment of his staff, which some speculate has prompted a resurgence of rumors about Liu Yifei as “diversionary tactic“.
Whether the rumors are true or not, one thing is clear: The public’s fascination with the private lives of stars – especially enigmatic ones like Liu Yifei – remains as intense as ever.
Sources: Znews
