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| Yan Qingyu Speaks Out on 43-Year Friendship with Liu Xiaoqing as Jinxiu Anran Debate Heats Up. (Image via: Sina) |
Chinese veteran actress Yan Qingyu has drawn attention after publicly opening up about her 43-year friendship with Liu Xiaoqing, right as online debate around the microdrama Jinxiu Anran continues to snowball. In a video shared on 27 February, Yan spoke candidly about their decades-long bond, cutting through the noise with a deeply personal perspective.
Yan described Liu Xiaoqing as “family chosen by destiny”, revealing that the two first met when Yan was just 14 years old, at a time when Liu was already a household name in Chinese cinema.
According to Yan Qingyu, Liu’s support during her teenage years left a lasting impact, shaping not only her career path but also her personal growth.
Reflecting on their 43 years of friendship, Yan Qingyu praised Liu Xiaoqing’s generosity and attentiveness, saying she has consistently been someone who looks after people quietly rather than loudly.
Yan Qingyu also expressed her hope that the public might see a more genuine side of Liu Xiaoqing, especially those who only know her through headlines or online clips.
Their close relationship dates back to their collaboration in the classic film Burning of the Old Summer Palace, a project that cemented their connection both on and off screen.
Meanwhile, Yan Qingyu herself remains widely recognised for her role as “Golden Flower Granny” in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, a character that made her a familiar face across generations of viewers.
While Yan Qingyu’s video struck a warm and nostalgic tone, Liu Xiaoqing has recently found herself back at the centre of online discussion due to Jinxiu Anran.
The microdrama went viral after a kissing scene sparked mixed reactions, with opinions ranging from bold storytelling to awkward execution.
The situation escalated when a social media account named “Actor Gu Yanxiu” liked a comment labelling the scene a “work accident”, leading many netizens to assume the account belonged to one of the drama’s cast members. That assumption quickly spread across platforms, adding fuel to the debate.
On 26 February, Jinxiu Anran’s production team, Xiaomogu Studio, issued an official clarification. They confirmed that the account in question has no connection to the production or its cast.
The studio also stated that the account had reposted promotional material without permission and contributed to misleading public opinion through its comment interactions.
Fan and netizen reactions have been sharply divided. Some praised Yan Qingyu for speaking up and offering a calmer, more human angle amid the chaos, calling her words “timely” and “grounding”. Others felt her message highlighted how easily long-standing careers can be overshadowed by short-form viral moments.
Meanwhile, a separate group argued that Jinxiu Anran is being judged too harshly, pointing out that microdramas often rely on exaggerated scenes to grab attention.
As discussions continue to unfold, Yan Qingyu’s message stands out for its focus on loyalty, time, and shared history rather than trending controversies. What do you think matters more in moments like this, decades of character or a single viral scene?