LayarHijau.com — For the past two days, Zhao Liying has dominated Weibo's hot search list due to new romance rumors. Recently, a paparazzi spotted director Midi Z (international name of Zhao Deyin) taking Zhao Liying’s son, Xiangxiang, out to play. With several details—such as his frequent visits to Zhao Liying’s residential area and holding an access card—many suspect their relationship is quite close.
Zhao Deyin has also been seen with Zhao Liying in several private moments. He was even introduced to Zhao Liying’s cousin and went shopping with her in France. Based on circulating information, many believe that Midi Z is the actress’s new boyfriend. If the rumors are true, Midi Z would be Zhao Liying’s first publicly known boyfriend since her divorce.
However, according to a report by China.com, Zhao Liying has yet to make an official statement regarding Midi Z’s status. On the other hand, some netizens have voiced their dissatisfaction, openly expressing that they prefer Lin Gengxin or Wang Yibo to be Zhao Liying’s partner. As a result, Lin Gengxin’s social media comment section was immediately flooded with humorous and serious messages from netizens urging him to “win Zhao Liying back.”
Some comments on the actor’s Weibo account read, “Why aren’t you the male lead in today’s trending topic?” and “If Midi Z can do it, why not Lin Gengxin?” The overall tone in the comments section became a blend of hope, jokes, and confusion.
Amidst all the gossip, some netizens pointed out that love should be mutual. Some encouraged Lin Gengxin to be more daring, while others wanted Zhao Liying to “change partners” quickly. As of now, there has been no clarification from any party involved. Both Zhao Deyin and Lin Gengxin remain rumored figures linked to Zhao Liying.
This kind of situation isn’t new. Other “85 Flowers” actresses like Yang Mi and Liu Shishi have faced similar public scrutiny. Yang Mi was once criticized for continuing to work during pregnancy and has been frequently discussed since her divorce. Liu Shishi, who married Nicky Wu Qilong—significantly older than her—has also faced harsh comments, and she is now dealing with divorce rumors herself.
Zhao Liying was previously married to William Feng Shaofeng and has one child. After giving birth, she returned to the screen in Legend of Fei with Wang Yibo. However, her performance at that time was seen as not fully back to form after motherhood. Thanks to her later projects, she gradually regained her professional rhythm. Her latest collaboration with Lin Gengxin in The Legend of Shen Li was especially praised for their strong on-screen chemistry.
Even though Zhao Liying has repeatedly stated that she and Lin Gengxin are just friends, the public continues to ship them as an ideal couple. In fact, when the rumors about Zhao Liying and Midi Z began circulating, Lin Gengxin was the first to get bombarded by netizens.
Meanwhile, concerns have begun to arise about whether this personal relationship could influence Zhao Liying’s project choices. Considering Zhao Deyin directed The Unseen Sister, a film starring Zhao Liying that only received a 5.3 rating on Douban, some worry she might agree to low-quality productions in the name of love.
Although such intense public attention may seem excessive, it also reflects the immense interest in China’s generation of '85 actresses—from fans and the general public alike. Every aspect of their lives, from career to personal matters, remains under constant watch.