In a video posted to her personal account on Sept. 2, Xu said the two had been serious with their relationship and had even discussed marriage. Recently, however, they clashed: Xu explained that she loves acting and cannot refuse kiss scenes required by a script, viewing them strictly as work that should not affect their private life. Despite her repeated explanations, Li “couldn’t accept it,” she said, according to Swamp.

Li, who previously acted in short films before switching careers, said he often received mocking comments when Xu appeared in romantic scenes. Citing their differences, he chose to end the relationship amicably and remain friends.

News of their breakup trended on Weibo, drawing tens of thousands of comments about the tension between professional obligations and personal life. Some users also argued the episode highlights how short dramas on Douyin overuse kissing scenes to chase views and engagement.

Xu, 29, is a graduate of the Shanghai Theatre Academy and has acted since 2018 in projects such as “Sentences and Murders,” “Crocodile Island,” and “Kun Lun Jing.” She is also active in short-form productions, with several videos going viral on Douyin.