Chinese entertainer Liu Yuning, 35, known for his breakout roles in dramas like The Prisoner of Beauty, is facing intense scrutiny — not for his acting, but due to growing rumors about his personal life.
Recently, speculation erupted claiming Liu has been in a private relationship with actress Zhu Xudan, 33, his co-lead in A Dream Within A Dream. The dating buzz quickly ignited social media, dominating Weibo’s trending charts and triggering a storm of fan theories.
In response, both stars took to their respective platforms to deny the rumors, asserting that their relationship is purely platonic. They asked the public to respect their privacy and not jump to conclusions. The claims originated from a netizen identifying as a devoted Zhu Xudan supporter, who alleged that the two began dating during the filming of their drama in 2024. To support this theory, the fan shared a so-called “timeline,” referencing appearances the pair made together as early as 2022, and exchanges on live streams where they sent each other virtual gifts.
Digging deeper, the fan also pointed out that Zhu followed Liu’s studio account and even saved paparazzi shots of the two. Others latched onto the idea that Liu’s recent dog-related posts somehow linked back to Zhu, who reportedly started caring for a dog herself — a supposed hint at shared domestic habits.
While many found the timeline suspiciously detailed, others noted how much of it relied on circumstantial evidence. For example, both had previously appeared briefly in the same 2022 drama Cicada Girl, and once interacted during an online game stream. At a drama wrap party in July, Liu was seen placing his jacket over Zhu’s shoulders — a gesture some fans interpreted romantically.
Despite all this, nothing concrete has surfaced: no candid photos, affectionate messages, or actual admissions to back up the dating narrative. Both Liu and Zhu’s agencies released nearly identical statements reaffirming that the two remain only colleagues. They first met on the Shrouding the Heavens set in 2021 and have only maintained a professional rapport since.
This isn’t Liu Yuning’s first brush with gossip about his love life. Prior to his rise to fame, he was briefly married, a fact he has never denied. When his former marriage was exposed by paparazzi, he confirmed the news and criticized the invasion of privacy, especially toward his ex-wife and her child. That marriage reportedly ended in 2013 after around 18 months.
