Zhao Lusi’s Drama Comeback Faces Setback, Protests Connected To Alleged Real-Life Murder Plot

In December 2024, a bombshell post accused Chinese actress Zhao Lusi‘s company of physical and mental abuse after the actress’s health took a sharp and alarming decline. Since then, she has made great strides in her recovery, returning to promotional activities and even her reality show.

Her progress has continued despite her agency’s attempts to prevent her activities, and on September 26, her latest acting project premiered. Love’s Ambition stars the actress as a successful TV host, who decides to divorce her husband after conflicts behind closed doors.

Xu Yan (Zhao Lusi) has spent nearly a decade building up her career as a celebrated television host, transforming herself from a small-town girl into a young woman in the big city through a carefully-crafted public persona. To complete her “perfect” life, she marries wealthy businessman Shen Hao Ming (William Chan). While the two are admired as a well-matched couple, they struggle behind closed doors due to their different backgrounds and beliefs. After a fight, Xu Yan decides she’s had enough of Hao Ming’s controlling nature and divorces him. Shocked, Hao Ming realizes how much Xu Yan truly meant to him, and decides to win her back. Will they finally allow themselves to be vulnerable with each other and find true connection?

— Viki Synopsis

Her return has been long-awaited; however, the drama has already suffered a setback involving another member of the cast.

Actor and singer Fan Shiqi appears in Love’s Ambition in a minor role, having also appeared in several scenes alongside Zhao Lusi.

The star, once popular, has seen a change in public opinion due to his being connected to the death of actor Yu Menglong. Yu Menglong’s death from falling out of a window was declared an accident but a massive movement has demanded further investigation.

Yu Menglong hosted a small get-together the night of his passing, and those in attendance, allegedly including Fan Shiqi, have been accused of playing a part in his death.

Proof Of Actor Yu Menglong’s Alleged Abuse Gains Attention Amid “Murder Plot” Suspicions

As a result, Fan Shiqi’s appearance in the drama has been protested, with his appearance being removed from promotional images of the drama.

Fan Shiqi’s screen time is expected to have an impact on the drama, which has been recording high ratings since its initial episodes.