Actor-host Wang Zulan and actress Li Yinan will share intimate details of their romance on TVB’s talk show One Week Stars this Tuesday, revealing a journey from secret dating and breakup to marriage that features a dramatic 40-day fast and advice from close friends. The couple appeared to promote their travel series Blue Friend, Travel Friend, but offered viewers far more: never-before-discussed accounts of how career pressures, personal sacrifices, and the guidance of trusted confidants shaped their path.
Friends Play Pivotal Roles
The couple traced the foundation of their relationship to advice from actress Zhang Chaoran and veteran performer Huang Kaixin. Wang recalled that Zhang suggested a blunt ultimatum: either commit to a romantic relationship or end their friendship completely. “She told me to say, ‘If we’re not going to date, we can’t even be friends anymore,’” Wang explained, adding that Zhang never used the phrase “retreat to advance,” but the message was clear.
Li admitted the ultimatum left her deeply conflicted. “I couldn’t bear to lose her, but I wasn’t sure about the relationship,” she said. She turned to Huang Kaixin, who became a trusted mentor during that uncertain period, helping her navigate the emotional decision of whether to pursue a romance with Wang.
A Radical Gesture
Determined to win Li over, Wang undertook an extraordinary act: he completely abstained from food for 40 days. “I didn’t eat anything—just water—for 40 days,” Wang recalled. “On the final day, she agreed to meet me and give me her answer. I was at my thinnest while filming a music video for TVB’s Fantasy Journey. That night was the beginning of our relationship.”
Li confirmed the timeline, noting that Wang’s extreme commitment played a role in her decision to finally commit.
Secrecy and Separation
During the early years, the couple kept their relationship hidden due to career considerations. Their first trip together was to Lugano, Switzerland, chosen specifically because the city had few Chinese tourists, ensuring they could date without public scrutiny. “We wanted to enjoy ourselves freely without worrying about being recognized,” Wang said.
In 2006, the pair agreed to a three-year hiatus from the relationship, during which they would remain strictly platonic while focusing on their careers. Wang confessed this period was difficult, especially when he encountered media reports about Li’s apparent romantic interests. “I would call her immediately to check if the rumors were true,” he admitted. Li added that friends, including singer Peggy Hu, arranged blind dates for her during that time, but none resulted in serious relationships.
A Story of Persistence
The couple’s candid discussion underscores the unique pressures of maintaining a relationship in the entertainment industry. Their narrative of patience, trust, and mutual support offers a humanizing look at celebrity life, showing how personal growth and the wisdom of others can help partners navigate challenges.
The full interview airs March 27 on TVB. For more on Wang and Li’s life together, audiences can tune into Blue Friend, Travel Friend, a travel series that follows the couple on global adventures, blending their personal and professional worlds.
