Rumors are swirling once again around Angelababy and Li Chen after the actor publicly wished the actress a happy 37th birthday on February 28—marking the second consecutive year he has done so.
According to Chinese outlet 163, Li Chen was the only A-list celebrity in C-entertainment to openly congratulate Angelababy this year. His move quickly ignited speculation online, especially given Angelababy’s current situation in the industry.
Since facing an alleged “soft ban” in 2023 following controversy over attending a performance in Paris, Angelababy’s status in mainland China has reportedly declined. Many brands and entertainment projects distanced themselves from the actress, and she has rarely received public support from industry peers. In that context, Li Chen’s birthday message stood out even more.
On Chinese social media, netizens began questioning whether their long-standing friendship had evolved into something more. Some speculated that the birthday post was a subtle way of acknowledging a relationship that has allegedly been kept private for nearly two years. Dating rumors between the two first surfaced in April 2024 when entertainment bloggers claimed they were secretly seeing each other. Neither party has addressed the speculation.
However, others believe the interaction reflects nothing more than a decade-long friendship. Angelababy and Li Chen have worked together for over 10 years as cast members of the hit variety show Keep Running. Throughout the program, their close bond was evident, yet they were never romantically linked—especially during Angelababy’s marriage.
Li Chen once openly stated that Angelababy was his “ideal type,” while the actress described him as one of the most reliable colleagues in the industry. Their mutual praise has resurfaced amid the renewed speculation.
Li Chen, born in 1978, has appeared in dramas and films such as The Empress of China and Aftershock. However, his career has struggled to regain momentum following his 2019 breakup with actress Fan Bingbing. Public opinion toward him also shifted negatively after past controversies, including criticism over his handling of previous relationships. He even lost a defamation lawsuit filed against a man who publicly accused him of being manipulative and unfaithful—an outcome that further damaged his reputation. In recent years, Li Chen has frequently appeared on lists of the most disliked male celebrities in Cbiz.
As for Angelababy, she officially divorced Huang Xiaoming in 2022. Since then, she has been attempting to rebuild her career amid reduced opportunities in mainland China. Chinese media have described her comeback journey as an uphill battle, with reports stating she has attended auditions and taken on lower-profile endorsement deals.
Whether Li Chen’s birthday message signals romance or simply loyalty remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that the timing of his public gesture—during a period when Angelababy receives limited industry support—has intensified public curiosity.
For now, both stars remain silent, leaving fans to debate whether this is a rekindled friendship or the quiet confirmation of a new chapter.
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