Once ranked high on popularity charts, Zhu Xudan’s rise in the volatile Chinese entertainment industry proved fleeting. Today, her career tells a cautionary tale: more than 600 days without a single film invitation, and a reputation defined less by memorable works than by repeated face‑turning controversies with colleagues. What caused the sharp cooldown after the brief success of Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, and why did a once‑noticed star fall so hard?
Despite enjoying a surge in visibility, Zhu Xudan’s momentum evaporated within a year. Commentators point not only to missed opportunities—choosing quick‑pay variety shows over entering film crews—but also to damaging scandals. Incidents dubbed accidental likes, noisy congratulatory messages mocked as desperate grabs for interaction, and industry whispers labeling her two‑faced steadily eroded her image. Some insiders openly expressed disappointment, alleging she was unpleasant off‑camera. The market, it seemed, turned its back.
According to 163, Yang Mi once pulled Zhu Xudan under her wing with a single line—“Jay Walk never owed anyone”—offering resources, exposure, and sister‑like treatment. Yang Mi personally cast her, promoted her, and ensured red‑carpet visibility. Yet when Yang Mi later faced difficulties, support was not returned. After fame arrived, Zhu Xudan’s calculations appeared transparent, while Yang Mi remained restrained and gracious in hindsight.
Before Yang Mi’s help, Zhu Xudan was virtually unknown. From debut to early years, her career could be summed up in one word: flop. She acted steadily for four years with little impact until Yang Mi—then a key partner at Jay Walk with signing authority—noticed her and brought her on. Nothing was withheld: projects, endorsements, media exposure. Yang Mi even personally guided Zhu Xudan on set for Eternal Love, assigning her the role of Xuan Nü—the most iconic role of her career—coaching emotional scenes one‑on‑one and sharing hard‑earned on‑camera techniques.
That role made Zhu Xudan known to the public. When she later shouldered a lead as Zhou Zhiruo in Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre, Yang Mi even texted encouragement to ease her pressure. Birthdays were publicly celebrated year after year. Yang Mi acted beyond a boss—more like an elder sister.
Then came the rupture. When Yang Mi’s relationship with Jay Walk soured and she left to start her own company, many Eternal Love cast members posted farewells—except Zhu Xudan. Fans later claimed that on set Zhu Xudan addressed Yang Mi by name without basic respect. Birthday posts stopped. To many, it looked like loyalty had an expiration date.
During Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact, both actresses were on the same crew. Zhu Xudan posted a group photo for promotions—excluding Yang Mi. Fans’ explanations rang hollow. Some speculated Zhu Xudan thought Yang Mi was “past her prime.” Ironically, when that project later drew online ridicule toward Yang Mi, observers noted Zhu Xudan’s convenient distance.
After This Thriving Land helped Yang Mi rebound and reclaim top‑star status, Zhu Xudan’s sudden return with a birthday post on September 12, 2025—“Happy birthday, Sister Mi; may all your wishes come true”—sparked backlash. Netizens pointed out she had posted every year from 2016 to 2022, went silent during Yang Mi’s slump in 2023–2024, then resurfaced once Yang Mi was “hot” again. The pattern felt opportunistic. Yang Mi, for her part, maintained restraint and did not respond publicly.
The “follow whoever is hot” label stuck. On Xiaohongshu, Zhu Xudan’s verified account liked a compilation criticizing Yu Shuxin’s on‑show behavior, causing an uproar given their close friendship after Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. Realizing the “slip,” Zhu Xudan apologized repeatedly on Weibo, joked about wanting to “chop off her hand,” denied malice, and urged netizens not to overinterpret—promising to use a secondary account going forward.
Earlier, Guan Yue had also shared a lighthearted backstage story: Zhu Xudan’s backpack looked cute and light, but she’d stuffed all the heavy gear—power banks, cameras—into his bag, while hers held snacks and plush toys. Fans defended it as friendly teasing between close colleagues.
Still, years of acting without a signature work invite reflection. As the saying goes, “Learn to be a person before learning a craft.” If one fails at the former, how can the latter truly shine?
Sources: kenh14