Zhao Lusi’s C-drama Almost Lover cut from 24 to 14 episodes after Hidden Love star exposed financial exploitation by agency

Zhao Lusi's upcoming Chinese drama,Almost Lover, also starring Peng Guanying, has been shortened from 24 episodes to 14 and officially submitted for review. Filming was previously halted due to Zhao Lusi’s health issues, a situation that unfolded amid her ongoing feud with her management company. The actress has accused the agency of financial exploitation and overwork, which she says caused significant mental distress. Back in December, Zhao, who is globally known for her role in the hit C-drama Hidden Love, revealed she had been hospitalised from exhaustion after nonstop filming and was later diagnosed with depression, further exposing the mistreatment she faced under her current management.


On Sunday, after months of waiting, Zhao Lusi’s company, YinheKuyu Media (KU), finally submitted her modern romance C-drama Almost Lover for review to Chinese streaming platform Youku—but with major changes. The drama, originally planned for 24 episodes, has now been cut down to just 14. The show had already sparked concern among fans after missing its expected June release. With Zhao's ongoing conflict with her management company still unresolved, the sudden episode cut has only added to the frustration of theHidden Love star’s fans.



Earlier today, Lusi, known as Rosy among her fans, slammed her management company after the agency denied allegations of contract breach. On Saturday night, Zhao posted a lengthy message on Sina Weibo, accusing the company of financial misconduct and poor communication. She claimed KU deducted 2.05 million yuan (approximately $284,700) from her studio account following a cancelled endorsement during her treatment period. Zhao also referenced failed negotiations over studio control and said the agency had repeatedly failed to uphold its promises. “You don’t need to blacklist me; I quit,” she wrote, encouraging others in similar situations to take action. “Call the police immediately!”



In response, YinheKuyu Media issued a statement on Sunday expressing "shock" at Zhao’s post. They denied any illegal behaviour or contractual violations and insisted they had always respected her wishes, especially during her illness. The agency urged Zhao to stop posting “ambiguous content” online that might lead to public misunderstandings. They also affirmed their intention to continue fulfilling their contractual responsibilities and working with Zhao to resolve the matter. However, the actress swiftly retweeted their post and left a direct reply in the comments, asking, “What exactly are you shocked about? Where were you when I was taking medicine and inhaling oxygen more than a week ago?”


Zhao’s allegations and her agency’s response have ignited widespread discussion across Chinese social media platforms. This isn’t the first time Zhao has spoken out about her mental health. In a January 1 post earlier this year, she revealed she had been battling depression since 2019. She also described experiencing severe physical symptoms, including frequent vomiting, dizziness, and weight loss, saying her weight had dropped to around 37kg at one point. Fans have since rallied in support of the Hidden Love actress, with many calling for better protections for artists in the entertainment industry.



Amid her ongoing dispute with her agency, Dating in the Kitchen actress Zhao Lusi took to livestream to ease growing concerns about her health. In an unplanned broadcast, she assured fans that she’s doing well, following a wave of support after she publicly shared her medical records. The documents revealed she is currently battling anxiety, prompting many to worry about her condition. “I’m feeling great now; I’m going to eat noodles for lunch today!” She explained that the reason she went live was to reassure everyone: “I turned on live today to let you guys see that I’m not crazy and that I’m feeling great, so don’t worry about me.” Addressing the situation with her agency, she added firmly, “I’ve just had enough, and I’m not going to tolerate it anymore. What’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong.”




The upcoming Chinese dramaAlmost Loverfollows the story of Ruan Yu and Teng Yi, who fall in love on the eve of their high school graduation. However, their budding romance is soon tested by personal struggles—Ruan Yu faces a sudden family crisis, while Teng Yi is desperate to break free from his family's control. Circumstances force them apart, and the two go their separate ways. Years later, they reunite as adults, each focused on their careers, and slowly rediscover the bond they once shared. After eight years of separation, they find their way back to each other and begin a second chance at love.

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