LayarHijau.com — After their successful collaboration in Princess Agents, popular actress Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin reunited in last year’s drama The Legend of Shen Li, which was also warmly received. Zhao Liying is known for her strong screen presence and has starred in various hit series such as The Story of Minglan, The Journey of Flower, and The Legend of Mi Yue. Recently, she has begun transitioning into the film industry with works like Article 20, The Unseen Sister, and We Girls.
Following her divorce from William Feng Shaofeng, Zhao Liying was rumored to have developed romantic relationships with her co-stars, including Wang Yibo and Lin Gengxin. However, Chinese paparazzi recently revealed that she is allegedly dating Taiwanese director Zhao Deyin (also known as Midi Z), who directed The Unseen Sister. Netizens even believe they have uncovered evidence that the two have been in a relationship for a year and a half, which surprised many.
In 2023, Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin starred together in the hit drama The Legend of Shen Li. They were frequently seen together off set, and Zhao Liying even introduced Lin Gengxin to her close friends during Chinese New Year, sparking rumors of a romantic relationship. However, more recently, paparazzi known as “Melon-eating Girl Zhang Xiaohan” photographed Midi Z spending time with Zhao Liying’s child at a park and watching a light show on April 28. Zhao Deyin was also seen entering Zhao Liying’s residence multiple times using an access card. According to Upmedia, netizens are convinced the two are in a close relationship and possibly dating.
Some netizens speculate that Zhao Liying and Zhao Deyin have been together for about a year and a half. In February last year, fans spotted Zhao Liying shopping in Paris with a man wearing a plaid shirt, whose face closely resembled Zhao Deyin. Zhao Liying even posted a photo of herself wearing that same shirt on social media as a sign of affection. Many believe their relationship began while filming The Unseen Sister (November 2023 – January 2024). They were later seen together in Paris in February 2024, and Zhao Deyin was spotted entering and leaving Zhao Liying’s home in April 2025. Nevertheless, neither party has made any official statement regarding the rumors.
On a different note, Lin Gengxin is reportedly signing a contract with actress Yang Mi’s company, Tianyi Entertainment. Zhao Liying and Yang Mi have long been seen as strong rivals among the post-1985 generation of Chinese actresses. For instance, in the film She’s Got No Name, which also starred Zhang Ziyi, fans of Zhao Liying and Yang Mi clashed fiercely over the lead actress rankings. Lin Gengxin joining Yang Mi’s company is seen by some as a move that could intensify competition with Zhao Liying.
Tianyi Entertainment is a new company founded by Yang Mi in 2023 after her departure from Jaywalk Media. The company operates in several areas including film and television production, artist management, and commercial resource operations. It is run by Yang Mi’s mother and agent, with her mother holding over 50% of the shares and having controlling interest. Currently, Tianyi Entertainment manages artists such as Zheng He Huizi and Wang Youshuo, and holds commercial contracts with Tian Jiarui and Guo Junchen. Despite the growing media buzz, neither Lin Gengxin nor Tianyi Entertainment has confirmed the news.
