 |
| Ma Li gets emotional during The Dumpling Queen film promo: “I haven’t seen my child in ages” |
At a recent stop on The Dumpling Queen roadshow in Changsha, actress Ma Li couldn't hold back the tears.
While speaking to fans, she revealed just how exhausting the non-stop promotions have been – not just physically, but emotionally too.
“We’ve been on the road for a really, really long time,” she said, visibly shaken.
“And I haven’t seen my child in ages. I miss him terribly.”
Ma Li poured her heart out, saying the cast and crew were giving it their all, not for clout or numbers, but out of pure sincerity.
“Honestly, the film market right now isn’t great,” she admitted.
“Not every film is perfect, but I believe – under our director’s guidance – all of us have poured our love and professionalism into this.”
She also addressed the toxic side of internet culture, pointing out how harsh online criticism can sink a film before it even has a chance.
 |
| Ma Li speaks out on cyberbullying and privacy concerns during "The Dumpling Queen" roadshow |
“Do you know how terrifying cyberbullying is for a movie?” she said.
“People who haven’t even watched it are leaving extreme, horrible comments during a holiday period when everyone’s meant to be enjoying themselves. That kind of negativity keeps real audiences away. It’s devastating.”
Then came the bigger bombshell – Ma Li finally addressed the long-running obsession some netizens have had with shipping her and actor Shen Teng as a “CP” (couple pairing).
And it’s gone way beyond light-hearted fun.
“Ever since Goodbye Mr Loser, there’s been a group of people who have seriously crossed the line. They’ve attacked Shen Teng’s wife, my own husband, made it impossible for us to even go out with our families. We’re just ordinary people with normal families, and the abuse has been relentless for over ten years.”
With emotion rising in her voice, she publicly thanked Shen Teng’s wife and her own husband for standing by them all these years.
“Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to complete so many projects together. We owe them so much.”
Before leaving the stage, Ma Li made one heartfelt request:
“Please, just love the work. Love the films. Don’t interfere in our private lives. We’re under a huge amount of pressure. If this continues, the worst-case scenario is that we stop working together. I don’t want that, but I won’t let our families suffer anymore. Protect them, and we’ll keep creating together – not just for 10 years, but 20, 80! I’ve said before, I want to act until I’m 80. But to keep going, we need your positive encouragement, your empathy. Please think about how we feel too. Thank you."