Fact Check: Are Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan friends?

Are Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan Friends?

The claim regarding the friendship between Chinese actors Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan has garnered attention, particularly following their collaboration in the 2023 television drama "Hidden Love." Reports suggest that the two share a strong rapport, both on and off-screen, leading to speculation about the nature of their relationship. However, the evidence surrounding their friendship is mixed and requires careful examination.

What We Know

Collaboration in "Hidden Love": Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan starred together in the popular drama "Hidden Love," which aired from June 20 to July 6, 2023, on Youku and Netflix. The show is based on a novel by Zhu Yi and has been well-received by audiences, contributing to the actors' rising popularity 1.
Reported Off-Screen Relationship: According to a report from CPOP Home, Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan are described as having a harmonious relationship off-screen, often joking and taking care of each other during filming. This portrayal suggests a friendship that extends beyond their professional interactions 2.
Upcoming Projects Together: The two actors are set to collaborate again in an upcoming drama titled "Four Marriages," indicating that their professional relationship remains strong and that they are likely to continue their friendship 3.
Social Media Interactions: Various sources report that Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan have shared photos together on social media, which fans interpret as evidence of their close friendship 7. However, the context of these interactions is often not detailed, leaving room for interpretation.
Public Speculation: There are numerous rumors and discussions among fans about the nature of their relationship, with some sources suggesting they may be more than just friends 6 9. However, these claims often lack substantial evidence and rely heavily on speculation.

Analysis

The evidence regarding Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan's friendship is predominantly anecdotal and comes from a mix of entertainment news outlets and fan speculation.

Source Reliability:
- Wikipedia is generally a reliable starting point for information but should be corroborated with primary sources or more specialized articles 1.
- CPOP Home provides a narrative that aligns with popular fan sentiment but may be biased towards portraying a positive image of the actors' relationship 2.
- YouTube videos discussing their relationship often rely on sensationalism and may not provide verified information, making them less reliable 5 6 8.
- Entertainment news articles like those from Sohu and Media Referee tend to focus on the actors' public personas and may not reflect their private lives accurately 7 9.
Methodology Concerns: Many claims about their friendship are based on interpretations of social media posts and public appearances, which can be misleading. The lack of direct quotes or statements from Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan about their relationship adds to the ambiguity.
Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have a vested interest in promoting the actors' image, especially given their rising fame. This could lead to exaggerated claims about their friendship to attract more viewers or readers.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan are friends is partially true based on the evidence available. Their collaboration in "Hidden Love" and reported off-screen interactions suggest a friendly rapport. However, the evidence is largely anecdotal and comes from sources that may not be entirely reliable. While they appear to have a positive relationship, the lack of direct confirmation from the actors themselves and the prevalence of speculation means that the nature of their friendship remains somewhat ambiguous.

It is important to recognize that the information surrounding celebrity relationships can often be exaggerated or misinterpreted. The evidence supporting their friendship is not definitive, and much of it relies on fan speculation and media narratives that may not accurately reflect their private lives.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the limitations of the sources when forming their own conclusions about the relationship between Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan.