On Saturday (November 8), Chinese actress Zhao Lusi celebrated her 27th birthday with fans where she dazzle with her stage performances and music. Beneath the spectacle, she tearfully opened up about the personal challenges she had faced in recent months, including a period when she feared she might never return to acting.
“I feel like, if I wanna cry, I just cry,” Zhao said tearfully. “’Cause I don’t wanna keep hiding how I feel.”
The actress shared that she has long found it difficult to express her emotions, admitting that she has often kept her feelings buried since childhood. But this year, she said, she wants to change — and if being honest could spread love, she hoped everyone could feel it too.
Zhao’s heartfelt speech comes after a turbulent year. In late 2024, she took a break from work to focus on recovery after experiencing depression, anxiety, and temporary aphasia. Earlier, she made headlines for publicly expressing frustration with her management company Yinhe Kuyu (Galaxy Cool Entertainment), which led to her departure from Weibo.
Despite the challenges, Zhao made a strong comeback. Her latest drama, Love’s Ambition (《许我耀眼》), recorded impressive viewership ratings, while tickets to her birthday fan meeting was snapped in seconds — a testament to her enduring popularity and loyal fanbase.
Reflecting on her eight-year journey in showbiz, Zhao shared,
“When I first entered this field, I never imagined I’d ever become a female lead. Maybe there’s only one person out there who likes me — and I just wanted her to know I’ve been working hard. Because ever since I was little, up till now, this might be the only thing I’ve ever done right.”
She also revealed that just two months ago, she had considered stepping away from acting altogether.
“Being here today, seeing everyone again, makes me feel truly happy,” she said through tears.
“Her tears on stage served as a poignant reminder that behind her success is a woman who has endured struggles — and continues to shine.”
