LayarHijau – This year marks a pivotal moment for Xiao Zhan, who not only reached new career heights with Legend of Zang Hai (藏海傳) but also celebrated the end of his 10-year contract. Initially, Xiao Zhan and Li Qin—his Joy of Life (慶餘年) co-star—were rumored to reunite in the upcoming drama Small Town Doctor (小城良方, formerly titled Dr. Liu Returns Home / 劉醫生返鄉記). However, the lead female role eventually went to Jiang Yan from Always on the Move (南來北往).
Over the years, Xiao Zhan and Li Qin have become one of the most talked-about on-screen pairs, having collaborated several times and often been the subject of dating rumors. Many speculated that their decision not to co-star this time was a conscious move to avoid unnecessary gossip. Yet recently, Xiao Zhan publicly supported Li Qin’s new drama Fated Hearts (一笑隨歌), marking their first public interaction since When Dreams Begin (夢中的那片海) in 2023. Fans quickly dubbed the moment an “ice-breaking interaction,” interpreting it as a sign of their enduring closeness.
From 2017 to 2023, Xiao Zhan and Li Qin have worked together in five major projects: The Wolf (狼殿下), Fights Break Spheres (斗破蒼穹), Joy of Life (慶餘年), Jade Dynasty (誅仙), and When Dreams Begin (夢中的那片海). Their on-screen chemistry has always been undeniable. During the filming of Jade Dynasty, Xiao Zhan once made a slip of the tongue that annoyed Li Qin; he then wrapped his arm around her neck and apologized, saying, “Qin jie, I was wrong!” Realizing the cameras were rolling, Li Qin joked, “Careful, that’ll turn into gossip,” prompting Xiao Zhan to instantly let go. Ironically, that playful moment only fueled more speculation among fans, Upmedia reported.
While several of Li Qin’s colleagues promoted her new series, Xiao Zhan initially did not—leading some to assume he was keeping his distance. But on the morning of October 7, just after celebrating his 34th birthday, Xiao Zhan reposted a Fated Hearts video with the caption: “Supporting General Yi Xiao!” Li Qin warmly replied, “Thank you, Zhan ge—can’t wait for Shao Bai!” The post stunned fans, revealing that Li Qin affectionately calls Xiao Zhan “Zhan ge” (Brother Zhan) in private—a detail that thrilled those who adore their long-standing chemistry.
Interestingly, Li Qin is known for calling fellow actors by their previous drama character names in casual interactions. For instance, she once referred to Joseph Zeng as “Zhan Bai” from Snowy Night: Timeless Love (七夜雪). This time, however, when Xiao Zhan promoted Fated Hearts, Li Qin chose a personal touch, calling him “Zhan ge” while simultaneously promoting Xiao Zhan’s latest project Spying (諜報上不封頂), in which he plays Ren Shao Bai. The gesture showed not only her support but also her awareness of his ongoing work.
Fans praised their friendship as genuine and rare in the entertainment world. In a past interview, Xiao Zhan remarked that the industry often feels “strange,” as even actors with close relationships tend to avoid public displays of warmth to prevent misunderstandings. Since founding his own company, Bamboo Media (竹報), however, Xiao Zhan’s attitude appears to have shifted. His open show of support for Li Qin now serves as proof that their bond is built on sincere friendship.
