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In a surprising turn of events that has captivated Chinese social media, 74-year-old veteran actress Liu Xiaoqing finds herself at the center of a scandal that has unexpectedly transformed into a celebration of female vitality and independence. The controversy erupted when a former lover, 20 years her junior, released private messages from when Liu was 65, attempting to shame her but instead sparking a nationwide conversation about aging, femininity, and societal expectations.
The leaked communications, intended to embarrass the actress, have instead resonated with many Chinese women who admire Liu's unapologetic embrace of life, love, and sexuality well into her senior years. "Your ammunition should be saved for when we meet," Liu was heard saying in one of the released messages, displaying a passionate vitality that many found inspiring rather than scandalous.
Liu's philosophy about aging has long been clear. A decade ago, she wrote on Weibo: "Chinese women give up on themselves too early. After 25, they stop talking about youth; after 30, they stop mentioning being young; after 40, they no longer discuss beauty." She criticized the traditional mindset that women should fade into invisibility with age, arguing that women have a responsibility to showcase life's beauty as part of their inherent dignity.
Now at 74, Liu continues to exemplify this philosophy, declaring, "While America has 78-year-old presidential candidates and France has 78-year-olds falling in love, I'm still in my prime." Her vibrant approach to life has garnered widespread support, particularly among younger women who see in her a model of aging that defies conventional expectations.
Liu's life story reads like a novel: she has weathered four marriages, seven romances, and even a period of imprisonment. She once ranked 45th on Forbes China's Rich List in 1999, becoming the first female writer to earn over a million in royalties. Her career has seen spectacular highs and devastating lows, including a stint as an extra in Hengdian World Studios for just 50 yuan per day during her comeback.
The public response to this latest controversy has been notably different from typical celebrity scandals. While some criticize her moral character, many admire her indomitable spirit. As one social media user noted, "This isn't about moral decay - it's about challenging the double standard where such behavior is typically only accepted from men."
What makes Liu's story particularly compelling is her refusal to conform to societal expectations of elderly women. At an age when many retreat from public life, she maintains an active social media presence, sharing fashion photos, nostalgic videos, and empowering messages. Her mantra seems to be that life should be lived fully, regardless of age.
"If you ask me what kind of life I want to live," one supporter wrote, "I'd say I want to live like Liu Xiaoqing - fiery, passionate, and unapologetic until the end."
