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| Pursuit of Jade Star Deng Kai Faces Renewed Focus on Ex Girlfriend Zhu Shengyi. (Credits: Weibo) |
Deng Kai’s rising popularity from Pursuit of Jade (逐玉) has brought renewed attention to his past, with online discussions this week centring on claims about his former relationship with actress Zhu Shengyi.
The topic began trending on 22 March, as viewers revisiting Deng Kai’s earlier career linked him to Zhu Shengyi, prompting a fresh wave of speculation. The timing is notable, arriving just as his performance as Qi Min continues to gain traction among audiences.
In the drama, Deng Kai has drawn attention for a sharply defined role, combining a restrained presence with a morally complex character.
His portrayal, alongside the evolving dynamic with Yu Qianqian, has become one of the series’ main talking points, helping push Pursuit of Jade into wider discussion across social platforms.
As that visibility grows, so too does interest in his off-screen life. Online posts have circulated claims that he and Zhu Shengyi began dating in 2021, pointing to past sightings and shared work projects as indicators of a relationship.
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Neither actor formally confirmed the relationship at the time, but the narrative gained momentum through repeated online discussion.
Zhu Shengyi, recognised for roles in digital romance and costume dramas, has also been pulled back into the spotlight as a result.
Her name trending alongside Deng Kai reflects how quickly past associations can resurface when a project gains new attention.
The relationship became a focal point previously in 2023, during the release of Butterflied Lover, when Deng Kai’s on-screen pairing drew a surge of audience interest.
That attention extended beyond the drama itself, with some viewers directing strong opinions towards his personal life. At the time, Deng Kai publicly responded to comments involving Zhu Shengyi, signalling support amid rising online pressure.
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The situation escalated as reactions intensified, eventually leading to public statements from both sides.
Zhu Shengyi later addressed the backlash directly, acknowledging the strain of sustained online commentary while reiterating her support for Deng Kai’s work. The episode remains one of the more widely discussed moments linked to their rumoured relationship.
By early 2025, Zhu Shengyi stated during a livestream that she was single, which many interpreted as confirmation that the relationship had ended.
However, the absence of a joint statement has left room for continued speculation, with some online users suggesting the possibility of a private arrangement, though no evidence has been presented.
Audience reaction to the resurfaced topic has been mixed. Some viewers see the renewed interest as a predictable result of Deng Kai’s rising profile, where personal history becomes part of broader visibility. Others question the relevance of revisiting past relationships, particularly when neither party has recently addressed the matter.
There is also a noticeable divide between fans focused on his current work and those drawn into off-screen narratives.
For some, the discussion adds context to his public image. For others, it risks overshadowing the performance that brought him into focus in the first place.
What is clear is that Pursuit of Jade has amplified more than just Deng Kai’s career momentum. It has reopened conversations that had largely settled, placing both his professional and personal narratives under renewed attention.
Whether this wave of speculation fades or develops further will likely depend on how both actors choose to respond, if at all. For now, the focus remains split between the drama’s success and the questions surrounding a past that continues to draw interest.
Are viewers more invested in Deng Kai’s on-screen role or the story unfolding beyond it?