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A relationship between Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing, 74, and her former boyfriend, 38 years her junior, has turned into a dramatic public dispute, as the latter recently took to livestreaming to demand unpaid compensation of 5.04 million RMB.
During his livestream, Liu’s ex-boyfriend, Gu Ke, shared his side of the story. “She said we were just work partners, but I believed it was true love,” he lamented, removing his cap to reveal his bald head. “I’ve lost all my hair over these 10 years together.”
Their relationship began in 2012 when Gu, then a young and optimistic photographer, met Liu, an iconic actress known as the “ageless goddess.” Gu described their bond as a “collision of souls,” but Liu consistently referred to him publicly as her “work partner,” downplaying the nature of their connection.
From 2015, Gu officially joined Liu’s team as her personal photographer and assistant. However, he now claims his role was less glamorous than it appeared. “Her mansion was huge, and she had me cleaning it every day,” he said. “I was like cheap labor, earning only 10,000 RMB a month without social insurance.”
Gu expressed frustrations over the relationship’s power imbalance. While Liu enjoyed public adoration and mingled closely with other male colleagues, Gu said he often felt jealous and sidelined. “She would say, ‘They’re just friends; don’t overthink it,’” he recalled.
In 2019, Gu suggested helping Liu build a personal social media account to attract sponsorships. Though he secured numerous business deals for her, Liu reportedly turned them down, further straining their relationship. The mounting stress eventually led to Gu’s depression and significant hair loss.
The relationship ended in 2021, with Liu allegedly promising Gu a compensation package for his years of work and emotional investment. However, Gu claims that two years later, the payment remains unfulfilled. “She could sell just one jade bracelet and repay me,” he said during the livestream.
Meanwhile, Liu appears unaffected by the controversy. As Gu aired grievances online, Liu was filming a new variety show overseas, alongside other veteran celebrities. Known for her energy and refusal to “age gracefully,” Liu’s dynamic presence on set drew admiration from fans. “She’s truly an ageless goddess,” one netizen remarked.
Despite Gu’s accusations and growing online buzz, Liu has maintained a composed silence. Her social media posts remain focused on promoting her latest projects, and she has yet to directly address the allegations.
The livestream has sparked mixed reactions among netizens. Some sympathized with Gu’s situation, suggesting he was exploited in an unequal relationship. “Maybe he just wants compensation for his wasted youth,” one commenter noted.
Others criticized him, labeling his livestream as a publicity stunt or accusing him of “living off” Liu. “You were in it for love or money - pick one,” another wrote.
This high-profile dispute has also reignited discussions about the commodification of love in the entertainment industry. “In showbiz, relationships often come with a price tag,” a netizen quipped.
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