Back in 2016, Michelle Chen and Chen Xiao took social media by storm with their grand wedding ceremony. Even now, their wedding kiss is still considered one of the most romantic moments in showbiz. No one expected that this iconic couple from The Romance of the Condor Heroes would eventually part ways in such a bitter manner.

According to “China’s No.1 paparazzo” Zhuo Wei, after requesting a divorce, Chen Xiao packed up all his belongings, left their home, and even blocked all means of contact with Michelle Chen. He reportedly lived separately for a year before finalizing the divorce, and during that time, he did not meet their child even once. Zhuo Wei remarked, “What could make a man become so cold and determined? I don’t even dare to reveal it because it would explode the internet.”

These revelations have sparked intense debate across online forums. Some sources claim that Michelle Chen had a complicated personal life and may have crossed certain boundaries multiple times, which Chen Xiao could not accept leading him to choose divorce even at the cost of leaving everything behind.

Others speculate that differences in lifestyle and Michelle Chen’s strong, controlling personality may have made Chen Xiao feel suffocated. After repeated conflicts, he may have lost all emotional attachment and decided to end the marriage. However, these remain unverified rumors, and the truth is known only to those involved.

In reality, netizens had already noticed cracks in their marriage. As early as 2022, when the couple attended the Golden Eagle Awards, they showed no interaction. After that, they stopped appearing together at events, and their once-sweet shared photos disappeared.

The situation seemed to reach a peak in late 2024 when Michelle Chen’s father passed away, yet Chen Xiao neither attended the funeral nor expressed condolences publicly. This further convinced many that the relationship had already collapsed.

There were also reports that Michelle Chen attempted to save the marriage by visiting Chen Xiao on set in Hengdian. However, he allegedly avoided her by leaving through a back exit. A source claimed that toward the end of their marriage, “there was no light left in Chen Xiao’s eyes,” and he was willing to give up most of his assets just to end the relationship as soon as possible.

According to Sohu, their vastly different personalities may have been the root cause. Chen Xiao, who comes from a modest intellectual family, is described as introverted and stubborn, even having a tendency toward perfectionism. In contrast, Michelle Chen grew up in a wealthy Taiwanese family and is known for her outgoing, independent personality. These differences may have made it difficult for them to find common ground in marriage.

In February 2025, the couple officially announced their divorce, with custody of their child granted to Michelle Chen. Reports suggest that Chen Xiao left behind a valuable property in Beijing and most of his assets, essentially walking away with almost nothing.

After the split, both have taken different paths. Chen Xiao has thrown himself into work, raising concerns among fans after reportedly losing over 10 kg and making several hospital visits. Meanwhile, Michelle Chen has become more radiant and active in the entertainment industry, achieving continued success in her career.

Sources: K14