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| Keep Running Drama Overblown? Li Chen’s Public Support for Bai Lu Sparks New Debate. (Credits: Weibo) |
The conversation around Bai Lu and Li Chen took another turn on 29 May after the veteran actor publicly promoted Bai Lu's upcoming costume drama The First Jasmine, a move many viewers are interpreting as a quiet but effective answer to weeks of online speculation surrounding their relationship. While social media has spent recent weeks analysing every joke, splash of water and missing promotional post from Keep Running, Li Chen appeared far more interested in talking about Bai Lu’s new series than feeding rumours.
The timing could hardly have been more noticeable. Earlier in the day, producers officially confirmed that The First Jasmine, previously known as Mo Li, will premiere on 9 June 2026 on Tencent Video and WeTV. Not long after the announcement, Li Chen reposted the scheduling update on Weibo and encouraged followers to watch Bai Lu's character, Ye Li.
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Bai Lu later responded with a simple but warm message: "Thank you, Brother Chen."
For most celebrities, a routine promotional repost would barely register. For the Keep Running cast, however, even the smallest interaction has recently been treated by some corners of the internet like a diplomatic summit.
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| Bai Lu Thanks Li Chen After He Publicly Supports The First Jasmine |
Over the past few weeks, old clips from the variety show have resurfaced online and generated heated discussion about Bai Lu's behaviour towards long-time cast members Li Chen and Zheng Kai.
One clip that circulated widely showed Bai Lu jokingly referring to Li Chen and Zheng Kai as "elderly guys with strong team spirit." Another frequently shared moment featured her splashing water towards Li Chen during a game segment, briefly causing him to cough.
Although both incidents originally aired as part of light-hearted variety show challenges, some viewers argued they reflected disrespect towards the programme's veteran members.
The discussion intensified when eagle-eyed fans noticed that neither Li Chen nor Zheng Kai promoted certain recent episodes of Keep Running Season 14 on social media.
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| Did Li Chen Just Shut Down Bai Lu Feud Rumours? |
Since both actors had traditionally shared promotional posts for years, some interpreted their silence as evidence of dissatisfaction with the programme or growing distance from younger cast members.
As often happens online, speculation quickly filled the gap where actual evidence was lacking. Claims that veteran members were being sidelined by production decisions began circulating, while others accused Bai Lu of becoming the face of broader frustrations surrounding the show's changing dynamics.
At the same time, supporters questioned why playful interactions that had previously been viewed as harmless suddenly became controversial.
The latest exchange between Li Chen and Bai Lu has now complicated those narratives. Rather than avoiding her during a period of intense scrutiny, Li Chen became the first member of the Running Man China family to publicly promote her newest project.
For many fans, that gesture carried more weight than dozens of viral clips or anonymous online theories. The situation has also prompted renewed discussion about the pair's long-standing friendship.
Followers pointed out that support between the two is hardly a new development. Over the years, Bai Lu has repeatedly shown support for Li Chen's film projects, including arranging cinema screenings to encourage audiences to watch his releases.
Their latest interaction therefore appears consistent with an established pattern rather than a sudden public relations exercise. Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes images from Keep Running have also resurfaced, showing Li Chen, Bai Lu and Zheng Kai appearing relaxed together during filming.
While such photos rarely end speculation entirely, they have added further fuel to arguments that reports of internal conflict may have been exaggerated. Of course, online reactions remain divided. Some viewers believe Li Chen's public support effectively puts the rumoured feud to rest, arguing that celebrities rarely go out of their way to promote someone they genuinely dislike.
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| The First Jasmine Premieres June 9 on WeTV |
Cnetz remain sceptical, insisting that public interactions do not necessarily reveal what happens behind closed doors. Lost amid the debate is the fact that The First Jasmine itself is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated costume dramas of the summer.
Starring Bai Lu and Ryan Cheng Lei, The First Jasmine follows a politically arranged marriage within a royal court that slowly develops into romance, loyalty and emotional partnership. The drama has attracted considerable attention since production, and its official release date announcement has only increased anticipation among viewers.