LayarHijau – Cheng Lei, a rising young actor, frequently draws public attention not only for his acting skills but also for his private life, especially rumors surrounding his love life. In the Chinese entertainment industry, strong promotional strategies often include building on-screen and off-screen chemistry between co-stars to market a drama. This frequently blurs the line between real romance and calculated publicity. This article takes a closer look at the women who have been rumored to share a special relationship with Cheng Lei, based on both their on-screen interactions and off-screen moments.
Lu Yuxiao
Cheng Lei’s rumored relationship with Lu Yuxiao became one of the most widely discussed topics among fans. The two starred together in My Journey to You (云之羽) and developed strong chemistry that fans dubbed the “Night Color Shallow” CP. Their off-screen interactions, including couple photoshoots and birthday celebrations, further fueled speculation about a possible romantic relationship.
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However, over time, the intensity of their interactions reportedly decreased. Some sources suggested that their closeness was largely part of a marketing strategy for the drama, especially in connection with a planned second collaboration titled Pool of Things (池中物). When that project did not proceed as expected and Cheng Lei secured a new drama, the CP pairing was gradually toned down to avoid negatively affecting the promotion of his upcoming work. Currently, both Cheng Lei and Lu Yuxiao are said to be focusing on their respective careers.
Zhou Ye
Cheng Lei and Zhou Ye became the center of attention after collaborating in the historical romance drama Legend of the Female General (锦月如歌). In the series, Cheng Lei played a general who deeply cherished and protected Zhou Ye’s character, creating an emotional storyline that resonated strongly with viewers. Their compelling on-screen chemistry sparked widespread speculation among fans.
Off-screen, promotional events and interviews further intensified the rumors. Fans pointed to moments such as reenacting nose-touching scenes during promotions and Cheng Lei’s comment in an interview, “Zhou Ye is someone I like,” as evidence of a deeper connection. Nevertheless, many observers believe these interactions were part of a deliberate promotional strategy designed to boost audience engagement with the drama.
Song Yi
Rumors linking Cheng Lei and Song Yi surfaced after they worked together in the drama Shadow Love (与晋长安). Their sweet off-screen interactions led to speculation that they had developed feelings for each other during filming. Several key incidents fueled the rumors:
Cream Cake Incident (July 2025): The two were filmed playfully smearing cake cream on each other’s noses during a dinner with the drama crew after recording the variety show Hello, Saturday. Although the production team stated that it was merely friendly banter among colleagues, many netizens felt the interaction went beyond ordinary friendship.
Sweet Live Broadcast Moment (August 2025): During the promotion of Shadow Love, Song Yi playfully said to Cheng Lei, “Jin An, you haven’t seen me all day.” Cheng Lei responded with a blushing face, “General, your subordinate obeys.” Fans described the spontaneous exchange as a “romance lesson.”
Weibo Background Clue (February 2026): Song Yi changed her Weibo background image to a cartoon illustration titled “Yi Er Bu Bu” showing the characters dining together. “Yi Er Bu Bu” is a symbolic creation by fans representing Jin An and Li Shuang from Shadow Love, and many interpreted it as an “indirect announcement.”
Despite the sweet interactions, many believe these moments were part of a carefully planned marketing strategy. Some reports claimed the cake-smearing incident was intentionally arranged and recorded to promote Shadow Love. The situation also caused division among fans, especially since Song Yi had previously been linked to actor Bai Jingting.
Xu Ruohan
Rumors involving Cheng Lei and Xu Ruohan emerged while they were filming the Republican-era drama The Lament of Autumn (玉簟秋). Behind-the-scenes photos showed intimate scenes, including bridal carry moments and kissing scenes, which sparked speculation about their strong chemistry off-screen. Although there was tension among fans due to the intensity of certain scenes, circulating “intimate photos” online further strengthened rumors of a possible relationship, even though neither party has officially confirmed anything.
Cheng Lei’s Ideal Type
Cheng Lei has stated that he does not have specific physical criteria for his ideal partner. Instead, he places greater importance on emotional connection and inner qualities. He often uses the word “cute” to describe his ideal type, but by “cute,” he does not mean merely sweet in appearance. Rather, he refers to qualities that feel sincere, emotionally resonant, and genuinely attractive to him.
On several occasions, he mentioned actress Tang Wei as someone who represents his ideal type. He has admired Tang Wei since childhood, not because of her filmography, but because of her aura and character, which he described as “like someone stepping out of a painting.” This reflects his appreciation for natural elegance and distinctive personality rather than conventional beauty standards.
He has also shared that he finds charm in subtle details, such as when someone unconsciously mimics his tone, gestures, or even drinking habits after spending a long time together. He appreciates women who openly express appreciation and are brave enough to communicate their feelings. At the same time, he dislikes overly deliberate physical contact or actions that feel staged, such as holding onto someone’s arm while crossing the street or leaning in excessively in a cutesy manner.
When asked about his ideal type, Cheng Lei often emphasizes that it is difficult to categorize people into fixed “types,” as each individual is unique. This perspective has led many to praise him as mature and respectful.
Conclusion
The dating rumors surrounding Cheng Lei and Lu Yuxiao, Zhou Ye, Song Yi, and Xu Ruohan largely stem from strong on-screen chemistry and off-screen interactions that are often tied to drama promotions. While certain moments have fueled speculation, none of these rumors have been officially confirmed. Cheng Lei’s stated ideal type highlights emotional connection and inner qualities over physical attributes. In the fast-paced world of entertainment, only time will reveal the truth behind these ongoing rumors.
