In recent times, both Chen Xiao and Michelle Chen have had new dramas airing, prompting the public to draw comparisons between the couple who divorced less than a year ago. Among the two, Chen Xiao’s return to the screen post-divorce drew significant attention.
At a recent film promotion event, Chen Xiao shocked audiences with his drastically altered appearance – dark eye bags, a visibly fatigued expression, and a painfully thin frame evoked deep concern. Netizens also noticed that he spoke as if he were out of breath, occasionally needing to lean on something to maintain his balance and alertness.
This sparked widespread worry over the condition of the Romance of the Condor Heroes actor, especially after it was revealed he lost 9kg for the role. Many speculated that Chen was not only burdened by intense work pressure but also still emotionally wounded from the failed marriage.
As early as the beginning of this year, Chen Xiao had shown signs of weight loss. Paparazzi following him captured a photo of his medical document bearing a shocking note: “Malnourished. Requires more rest.” In September, he had to rush to the hospital at dawn due to extreme exhaustion.
At public events, his outfit was so loose that paper clips were used to hold it together, and assistants had to help support him. Months have passed, yet the health of Michelle Chen’s ex-husband seems to have worsened significantly, leaving fans deeply concerned.
According to Chinese outlet 163, Chen Xiao has repeatedly worried fans for neglecting his health. In the past, he lost 15kg in just three months for a role, resulting in a fainting episode on set that halted filming for two hours. The actor reportedly suffers from a serious chronic stomach condition dating back to his university years and was once hospitalized due to low blood pressure during a shoot.
While his dedication to his craft is admirable, his physical condition is now at what some are calling a “red alert” level. Sources revealed that Chen Xiao recently lost a lead role in a top-tier period drama because investors feared he wasn’t fit enough to film. Standing at 1.78 meters but weighing only 50kg, doctors warned that a BMI below 18.5 could pose a serious risk to his life..
In stark contrast to Chen Xiao’s frailty, his ex-wife Michelle Chen appears to be thriving. Since the divorce, she has looked increasingly radiant, drawing praise for her glowing, refreshed appearance. Outlet 163 even noted that the former “Little Dragon Girl” seems far more mentally at ease, with a brighter smile and more positive energy than before completely opposite to Chen Xiao’s gloomy and tired demeanor.
After the marriage ended, Michelle threw herself into work, frequently appearing on TV shows, in films, and at events. Notably, she partnered with Daniel Zhou, a male actor 19 years her junior, in an upcoming drama. The trailer left fans pleasantly surprised as the two convincingly played lovers with no visible age gap on screen.
Michelle has also prioritized self-care. She often shares photos on social media of yoga sessions, hangouts with friends, or fangirl moments chasing her favorite idols – content that netizens find charming. Many believe this is her secret to looking as if time has forgotten her.
Additionally, 163 reported that Michelle unfollowed Chen Xiao’s nutritionist possibly because she disagreed with his extreme diet, which may be harming his health.
The love story of Chen Xiao and Michelle Chen began with the 2014 drama The Romance of the Condor Heroes. They married in 2016 and held a wedding ceremony in Beijing, becoming a fairy-tale couple admired by many.
However, their happy times were shorter than the prolonged rumors of discord and eventual divorce. In February this year, Chen Xiao and Michelle officially announced their separation, ending a nine-year marriage. According to Chinese media, the couple’s relationship had been tense for the past two years. Chen Xiao allegedly stopped coming home and avoided seeing his wife and son for a full year. He reportedly blocked Michelle’s number and did not reach out even when her father passed away.
While Chen Xiao faced criticism for being cold and emotionally distant, Michelle Chen was also embroiled in rumors about a complex past love life. Despite her angelic appearance, some accused her of being a wild party-goer. She was also rumored to have cheated during the marriage, with some questioning whether their son, Xiao Xingxing, was really Chen Xiao’s biological child. However, no evidence has ever surfaced, and neither party has publicly addressed the rumors.
No one truly knows what happened inside their marriage, but public sentiment has clearly shifted in favor of Michelle Chen after the controversial breakup.
Sources: K14
You must be logged in to post a comment.