The premiere of actress Zhao Lusi’s new drama, Love’s Ambition, has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding one of its supporting actors, Fan Shiqi, who is facing public scrutiny following the tragic death of singer-actor Alan Yu Menglong.
The series, also known as Xu Wo Yao Yan or Let Me Shine, made a strong debut on September 26, 2025, quickly climbing popularity charts. However, the show’s success is now accompanied by a growing online protest. Fans of the late Alan Yu Menglong are calling for a boycott of the drama because it features Fan Shiqi, an actor who has been linked to online speculation concerning Yu’s untimely passing.
What is ‘Love’s Ambition’ About?
Love’s Ambition is a significant comeback project for Zhao Lusi, who has recently faced health challenges and contract disputes with her agency. In the drama, she plays Xu Yan, a celebrated television host who marries a wealthy businessman, Shen Hao Ming, portrayed by William Chan. The story follows their seemingly perfect relationship as it begins to crumble due to conflicting backgrounds and beliefs. After Xu Yan decides to file for divorce, her husband realizes her importance and attempts to win her back.
The show was released with little advance promotion but immediately captured audience attention. It achieved high ratings and was praised for the chemistry between its lead actors. Notably, Zhao Lusi’s performance marks a departure from her previous “sweet girl” roles, as she takes on a more complex and ambitious character.
The Fan Shiqi Controversy Explained
The controversy stems from the sudden and tragic death of Alan Yu Menglong on September 11, 2024. The actor, who rose to fame through the 2013 Super Boy singing competition, fell from a building. Official reports have described the incident as an accident, with early information suggesting alcohol may have been involved.
However, online speculation has persisted. Unverified theories circulating on social media have implicated others who were present at a gathering Yu attended before his death. A list of attendees from that evening has been shared online, and it includes Fan Shiqi‘s name. Fan, who also got his start on the 2013 Super Boy contest, was a longtime friend of Yu Menglong.
Further fueling public suspicion were viral video and audio clips from that night. Though unverified, these clips led to intense online backlash against Fan Shiqi. In the wake of the tragedy, some of Yu Menglong’s fans have expressed their anger and demanded accountability.
Backlash and Boycott Calls for the Drama
The decision to include Fan Shiqi in Love’s Ambition has drawn direct criticism. Despite his role being a minor one, playing a character named Jiang Liang, his presence has sparked a movement to boycott the series.
On social media platforms like Weibo, fans of Yu Menglong have been vocal about their displeasure. Reactions have included statements like, “Seeing Fan Shiqi makes me furious,” and calls to “not give him traffic.” Some have urged audiences to stop watching the show entirely in protest.
The backlash has had real-world consequences for Fan Shiqi’s career. Reports indicate that his concert tour has suffered, with one stop in Chengdu allegedly selling only a small number of tickets. The professional fallout suggests he has lost significant support from both fans and the industry.
In response to the controversy, it appears that the promotional strategy for Love’s Ambition has been adjusted. While Fan Shiqi still appears in the aired episodes, his presence has reportedly been removed from the drama’s promotional materials.
Zhao Lusi’s Comeback Amid Challenges
The controversy presents an additional challenge for star Zhao Lusi, for whom this drama is a major professional return. In late 2024, she faced a serious health crisis. She was hospitalized, and it was later confirmed that she was suffering from depression and related physical symptoms that affected her ability to speak and walk, requiring a period of intensive treatment and rehabilitation.
Her return to work with Love’s Ambition was seen as a positive step in her recovery. The strong performance of the show was expected to solidify her comeback. However, the situation involving her co-star has cast a shadow over the project’s reception, intertwining its success with an unrelated but deeply emotional issue for many fans.
The production company and the drama’s promoters now face the challenge of navigating the show’s success amidst the calls for a boycott. As of now, Love’s Ambition continues to air with its high ratings, but it remains entangled in the public discussion surrounding Yu Menglong’s death and Fan Shiqi’s alleged involvement.
Also Read: Love’s Ambition Release Guide: How to Watch Zhao Lusi and William Chan’s New Drama
Credits: 8world.com, overseasidol.com
