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The camera follows the interviewer up a sleek lobby. Crystal chandeliers illuminate the entryway, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floor. A thick, luxurious carpet stretches along the path, leading all the way to the elevators. Exactly how they had practiced.
All of them can't help but feel a bit nervous; it was sudden, really. The email had come in from his team, and it had been a while since the request had surfaced. But it seemed as though one day, Xiao Zhan had woken up and decided to let the public into his world. This was going to be their first look at it. What better way to do it than to allow them into his space, see it for themselves, and ask rapid-fire questions in quick succession before heading to the editing room to publish it for the world to see?
They angled the camera all the way from the lobby and into the elevator, capturing stunning angles of the building's architecture. It was truly beautiful; it made sense why he lived here—luxurious, private, and quiet. It embodied Xiao Zhan well. They made their way to the top floor until they reached the apartment number listed in the email. Taking a deep breath, the interviewer knocked tenaciously on the door.
Xiao Zhan opened the door himself, dressed in fitted black pants and a soft, black long-sleeve shirt. He flashed a warm, inviting smile that instantly put the interviewer at ease. His hair was shorter now, still swooped over one side of his forehead, styled slightly in preparation for the camera. He exuded a domestic calmness, with kind eyes and a gentle presence.
“Xiao Zhan! So good to see you,” the interviewer said.
He smiled. “Hi! Likewise, come on in.”
The space was as inviting as he was—clean, warm, and cozy. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the tasteful decor. Soft hues and subtle textures created a comfortable atmosphere that felt both stylish and lived-in.
“I can't believe we're doing this in your home. Thank you for having us. It's been long awaited.”
Xiao Zhan was leading them in, grinning. “Thank you for having me.”
“Are you ready for 73 questions?”
Xiao Zhan laughed. His chuckle was deep and throaty, carrying throughout the entryway. “I think so. But if you ask anything too difficult, I might just close the door on you.”
“No guarantees. Let’s start easy. What are you working on these days?”
“A new drama. I can’t say much yet, but I think people will really enjoy it.”
They were walking deeper into his apartment now.
“How would you describe your acting journey in three words?”
Xiao Zhan made a thinking face. “Unexpected. Challenging. Fulfilling.”
The camera followed him into the living room. “What’s the most memorable role you’ve played?”
Xiao Zhan didn't hesitate before answering. It came to him like muscle memory. “It has to be Wei Wuxian from The Untamed. That role changed everything for me.”
“What kind of role do you want to play next?”
Xiao Zhan paused by the cream-coloured couch. “Something completely different. Maybe a villain. I really want to do a thriller drama. So, that kind of role.”
The interviewer laughed. “That sounds intense. You also sing. Do you prefer acting or music?”
Xiao Zhan gave him a lazy grin. “That’s like choosing between breathing and eating. I love them both too much.”
They were perusing around the living room. There was a gorgeous coffee table in the centre of the room. A stack of books sat in the middle of it; it had been carefully arranged, likely by Vogue in coordination with Xiao Zhan's team. There was also a smaller bookshelf near the windows of the apartment, filled with books of all kinds—books on film, writing, poetry, photography, and design.
The interviewer couldn't help but comment.“You read a lot, it seems. That's an impressive collection.”
Xiao Zhan walked over to the shelf, running his hand over some of their spines. “Yeah, these are all mine. I don't nearly get as much time to read now, but these are some of my favourites,” he paused, pointing at one of them. “I've had this one since college.”
The interviewer nodded. “Makes sense. You're so busy. What’s your favourite part about being on set?”
“The energy. Everyone working together to bring a story to life. You get really into it, you know? Becoming someone else for a while. It feels fun and exhilarating.”
“And the hardest part?”
Xiao Zhan huffed, giving a playful roll of his eyes. “Waking up early. I am not a morning person. It takes me at least two hours, minimum, before I'm ready to start talking in the morning.”
They were walking along the window now. It was a large space, and there was a gorgeous view of the Beijing skyline. “What’s a dream collaboration for you?”
“Too many to name. I got to work with Tsui Hark on Legends of the Condor Heroes. I was so grateful for that opportunity,” he paused now, trying to think a bit more. It was endearing, really, how much effort he seemed to be putting into his answers. “Other than that, I think working with Tony Leung would be amazing.”
The interviewer smiled. “Oh, he's a legend.”
Xiao Zhan grinned. “Exactly. One day, maybe.”
“You're getting good experience. It will definitely happen one day,” the interviewer reassured him. He earned a gentle laugh from Xiao Zhan as they walked towards the kitchen. “You’ve been in the industry for years now. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring actors?”
Xiao Zhan leaned against the granite countertop. His posture was relaxed. Shockingly, for a private person, he didn't seem nervous at all. It made the team feel a bit strange, even, following him around his space and seeing that he looked... comfortable? Had he prepared himself? Talked himself through it? His team hadn't even sent a list of questions to avoid, so nothing was off the table. Granted, things could be edited. But his energy was different. As if he wanted them to ask so he could finally give answers.
“Don’t doubt yourself so much. When I was starting out, I felt more comfortable just trying everything and being open to any opportunities. When you're young, you put yourself out there without doubt or fear. You feel freer. Now, I get nervous and doubt myself more. But I try to remind myself that I got to this position by being bold—by stepping into big rooms and talking to people who scare me. So just enjoy the ride.”
It was such a sincere response. The cameraman even grinned.
“That’s incredible advice,” the interviewer said affirmatively. “I think people would love to know more about you, even beyond work. What’s something people don’t know about you?”
Xiao Zhan let out an embarrassed laugh. “I talk to myself when I’m thinking through a problem. Full conversations.”
“What’s a habit you’re trying to break?”
“Buying too many candles," Xiao Zhan said, shaking his head. “I have trouble sleeping. It's hard when you're filming because call times can be at odd hours, so I do a lot of aromatherapy. The house smells like a different season in every room.”
The team was laughing back now. “What’s a habit you love about yourself?”
Xiao Zhan smiled. It was small, but it still reached his eyes. “I always remember names. Even for people I've met only once or twice.”
The kitchen was gorgeous, and they lingered there, taking it all in. Beautiful, wide countertops and a granite island sat in the center, complemented by a stainless steel fridge against the wall. The countertops were clear of clutter, so shiny that they looked brand new. A coffee machine rested beside the fridge, accompanied by a bowl holding assorted fruit. In one corner, a bag of sourdough bread was perched next to a dish that appeared to contain butter.
"This is an incredible kitchen," the interviewer commented. "Very spacious and inviting. You've talked about liking cooking. Do you cook often?"
Xiao Zhan's eyes lit up now. He nodded vigorously. “Absolutely. I love it. I try my best to cook often. I like going out, but I prefer to make something. Even when I'm stressed, or if I had a bad day at work, my friends will tell me to order something or go out for dinner, and I'll be like, ‘No, I need to chop onions.’ It's great for de-stressing.”
The interviewer shook his head, laughing. This man was so endearing. It was no wonder they had asked him for an interview so many times. It was refreshing to be in his presence. “What's your favourite thing to cook?”
Xiao Zhan hummed. “I love making homemade dumplings. Or hotpot at home,” he paused, and there was a twinkle in his eye. “I visited my parents during the holidays and learned how to make Xiao Mian. It's a traditional Chongqing recipe. It's basically just noodles with meat like pork or beef in a spicy sauce with different vegetables like bok choy or spinach. The broth is really rich and delicious. I loved it so much, I had to learn how to make it at home.”
“That sounds absolutely delicious!”
Xiao Zhan offered to show the inside of his fridge. It wasn't filled with carefully arranged ingredients; rather, it seemed authentic and humble. There was a fresh pack of garlic, a jar of pickled carrots, a carton of eggs, and stacked Tupperware that looked as though it was filled with leftovers—noodles, rice, and vegetables. There was green inside one of them, and it looked like steamed broccoli. There was a drawer filled with fruit—oranges, apples, and pears. The other side had packets of protein—some kind of white fish and chicken breast. The sides were packed with sauces—spicy mayonnaise, soy sauce, other marinades, vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and fermented bean paste. He also had a drawer of drinks—wine, some beer cans, and water—both still and sparkling. It was perfect, messy, and refreshing to see.
They began some rapid-fire questions.
“What’s your ideal way to spend a day off?”
“At home, doing absolutely nothing. Reading. Sleeping.”
“What’s your go-to comfort food?”
“Hot pot. A very spicy, Sichuan hot pot.”
“What’s your favourite place to travel?”
“Japan. The culture, the food, the scenery—everything is beautiful,” Xiao Zhan turned to add more. “Although I've been traveling outside of Asia more often lately, sometimes it's for leisure, and other times for work. I've really loved seeing more of Europe. I loved Switzerland and Spain.”
“What have you been watching lately?”
“I've been enjoying science fiction shows lately. I liked Three Body Problem. I also watched an American show called Constellation, as well as another series called Dark Matter. All of them are really good. It's all about space and parallel universes—mind-bending and deep, but so fascinating. It’s about how every time you make a decision, it creates a different parallel timeline. Honestly, I think this could be real. It’s really intriguing.”
“What’s something you've always wanted to do?”
“I've said it before and I'll say it again because I still have yet to do it,” he grinned cheekily. “Skydiving.”
“What's the best advice you've gotten?”
He smiled. “From my parents. 'Happiness is more important than anything. It's not a big deal; otherwise, just come home.' They give the best advice.”
“Cats or dogs?”
“I love both, but I'm more of a cat guy.” He showed them pictures of his munchkin cat, Jianguo, who resided in Chongqing with his parents.
“What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?”
“Any time a colleague or a director says that they want to work with me again, it’s the greatest compliment. I like to leave projects on a good note, so that feedback is always nice.”
“Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?”
“I definitely prefer sunsets.”
“How do you like to stay active?”
“I do a bunch of things now,” Xiao Zhan says, naming them on his fingers. “I love running. I do weightlifting now too. And of course, some martial arts training for my job. It helps me stay fit.”
It was more than obvious too, with the way his muscles were peeking out; flexing against the fabric of his shirt. His back appeared firm, waist and abdomen toned. He looked healthy, well-rested, and more than health-conscious. It was good to see him taking such care of himself.
“What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?”
“To stay true to myself. In this industry, it’s easy to get caught up in what others expect, but I’ve realized that authenticity resonates more with people.”
“What’s one thing you can’t live without?”
Xiao Zhan gave a toothy grin, flashing that smile that has the world losing its mind. “My loved ones. My phone. Music. But that's more than one thing, I guess.”
The interviewer lets it go, smiling back at him. “What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long day?”
“When I get back home or back to my hotel if I'm filming, I shower, change, and eat something delicious. It's important for me to wind down, or else I get too burnt out.”
“If you weren’t in the entertainment industry, what would you be doing?”
“I used to be in graphic design, so maybe something in that field,” he nodded to himself. “I also love baking. Maybe I'd open a bakery too.”
The interviewer let out a laugh. “A graphic designer by night and a baker by day?”
Xiao Zhan grinned in response. “That's right. There aren't many of them, so less competition for me.”
“Are you usually calm, or do you ever get angry?”
“I’d say I’m usually calm, but I do get angry at times, like anyone else. I try to channel that energy into something productive rather than letting it consume me. But for sure, I have a short temper and can get angry,” he pointed gently at the camera. “I'm from Chongqing; we're not for the faint of heart.”
“What’s your favourite sport to watch?”
“I've been loving tennis lately. I play as well.”
It continued like that for a while, asking about his favourites, hobbies he's been enjoying, and stories from his recent trips and childhood. Xiao Zhan is more than pleasant; his energy is open and he feels safe to be around. He's answering with enthusiasm and giving all sorts of anecdotes about his experiences.
They didn't go into his bedroom. Instead, they followed Xiao Zhan to the balcony. It was a beautiful day—sunny, fresh, and pleasant. There were plants, green and lush. There was also a small set of tables and chairs, a mini barbecue, and a grill. The walls were high, providing privacy.
“It's gorgeous up here,” the interviewer complimented. The cameraman gave an approved angle of the view. It was bright and calming. “What a view.”
Xiao Zhan nodded. “It was one of the reasons why we chose this place. I always come out here when the weather is nice. When it rains, I stare out from the window inside. It's calming and perfect.”
“It must be perfect to come out here after work,” he said. “Aside from this view, what’s one thing that instantly makes you happy?”
Now, there was a blush on Xiao Zhan's face. His demeanour shifted. He was still open, calm, and relaxed, but it was as though he anticipated this—the next wave of questions. It had been discussed already, at the office, through private emails. It was approved too. Still, it felt wrong to ask. They were in his home, getting all the angles and all these private details; it felt like an intrusion. Yet, the world wanted to know. The team did too; who wasn't curious? If they said they weren't, they were lying.
“A text from someone I love.”
The interviewer hesitated for a moment. There was an awkward pause between the answer and the next question. Hopefully, they could edit this to make it appear more seamless. But it was what it was. Xiao Zhan seemed happy, at ease. There should be no harm. At least, he hoped.
He went for it, taking the plunge. “Who is your favourite person to talk to at the end of a long day at work?”
Xiao Zhan leaned against the edge of the balcony. He smiled his warm smile, looking down at his feet briefly before letting out charming laugh. “My boyfriend.”
Ah, there it was. The interviewer felt relief, knowing that he didn't get immediately shut down and for actually getting a direct answer. Xiao Zhan seemed relieved too, happy to let it out. It was a known open secret in the industry that had been circulating for years now. Should they bring it up directly? Call his boyfriend out by his name? After all, they had worked together, and they were both in the same industry.
Would it offend Xiao Zhan to give him even a bit of confirmation that everyone knew? Surely, he knew that everyone knew. It was like a certain someone had said: It's not a secret. It's just that nobody knows. Between the curated posts, the coincidences, and the hours spent backstage with each other at award shows, it was more than obvious. But still, saying the words out loud must feel amazing, especially for Xiao Zhan, as quiet and subtle as he always was.
He pressed on. “How did you two meet?”
“He remembers it more clearly than I do since his brain is younger than mine,” Xiao Zhan chuckled. “But we met for the first time on TTXS about eight years ago.”
“Wow. It's been that long, huh? Who made the first move?”
Xiao Zhan grinned. “He did. Very smooth. Very confident. Asked for my number from someone on set. I was impressed.”
The whole crew was smiling now. “What’s something he does that makes you smile?”
“Whenever he's doing something he loves,” Xiao Zhan commented, grinning from ear to ear. It’s clear he’s been waiting to share all the details and talk about him openly. “And Yibo has so many fun hobbies. He's a great dancer. He's good at singing too. Sports. He also races! A man of many passions.”
This was the first time Xiao Zhan had said his name aloud in the interview—and the first time he'd mentioned him publicly in years. The views on this were bound to be record-breaking.
“What’s your favourite thing about him?”
Xiao Zhan pushed off the balcony and started walking back inside. The crew followed, filming from the side and back now; his shoulder framed firmly, flexing with his gentle pace.
“Hm. I can't just pick one. I love his drive. His commitment to doing what he loves and never giving up. He also feels like home to me, so I guess those are just a couple of my favourite things about him,” Xiao Zhan replied, winking shyly at the camera. “But he's also handsome and tall, so those too.”
They followed him back into his home. Or their home. They didn't push on that. But there were subtle things that made it obvious. Avoiding the bedroom, the sour, vinegary condiments in the kitchen, the set of two distinct mugs on the cooling rack, the different shoes by the door when they had first entered, and the occasional use of we instead of I every once and a while. This was a joint home, one they had been sharing for some time. Another open secret was that they lived together, supported by the subtle evidence that whenever they were in the same city, they vanished from public view until one of them had a work engagement.
“Who’s more romantic?”
“I'd love to say me, and I am,” Xiao Zhan continued. “But he can be very romantic. Very sweet. Sends flowers with notes when we're apart. Food to our door if he's going to be late because of filming. Sending me photos of things that remind him of us. Don't tell him I told you though.”
The interviewer grinned. “It will be the world's most public secret. What’s a perfect date night for you two?”
“Cooking together. I'll put on good music and a movie we won’t actually finish because we’ll be too busy talking.”
“Who’s the better cook?”
Xiao Zhan snorted now. “Me. Please don't ever ask him to cook.”
That reply was expected. Yibo had done a segment on the variety show Day Day Up, trying very hard to cook a chicken and failing miserably. He had done well on presentation though, from what appeared to be true from memory. But he had admitted several times that cooking wasn't his strong suit or his favourite—preferring to order food whenever he could.
“But I cook for us. For him. I love it. He’s easy-going and never picky, plus he’s great at cleaning—something I can’t stand doing. So it’s still a team effort.”
“What’s the best thing he's ever done for you?”
Xiao Zhan gave them a look now. It was more emotional, a little guarded. “We were attending the same event together one year. Seated apart, of course. His seat number was 227,” he grimaced a bit now at the memory. The 227 incident wasn't off the table. They could ask about it. But they wouldn't pry too much.
“Long story short, he refused to sit there and switched his seat but stayed backstage. I snuck off to talk to him. He’s very protective and firm in his beliefs, so he didn’t come out until they announced his award, and then he left. It was the most loving thing anyone has ever done for me.”
The interviewer felt a pang in his chest. He remembers the rumours from that Weibo night. It seems they were true. “That's... so kind. I bet you were moved.”
Xiao Zhan smiles now. “Very moved. Yibo is like that, though. Unwavering. Blunt. But very loving and thoughtful.”
Xiao Zhan looked as though he was about to say more but stopped himself. The interviewer took it as a chance to move on. “I won't ask much about it. But how did it feel returning back to the industry after that incident?”
Xiao Zhan paused. He took his time to think about it, standing near his dining room table now. “It was hard. Painful, even. I thought about retiring, to be honest. It took a bit of a toll on me mentally,” he admitted. “Yibo, along with my friends, colleagues, and parents, convinced me to stick it out. I let myself be open to any and all opportunities and to work hard to get back to where I used to be. I reminded myself that it was just a passing phase. Thankfully, it all worked out, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone’s support, including the fans who stood by my side.”
It was a polished and well-thought-out answer. It was also sincere, from the cadence of his voice to the words he chose. “Last one about Yibo—what’s your favourite memory together?”
The atmosphere changed to something lighter again. There was a soft blush on Xiao Zhan's cheeks. “Way too many. He visited me while I was filming once. In Inner Mongolia. It was the best surprise. I'll leave it at that.”
The interviewer was preening now. “That’s really sweet. Alright, let’s finish strong. What’s something you want to achieve in the next five years?”
“More good projects. More personal growth. More happiness.”
“And what’s one thing you hope people remember about you?”
“That I gave my best. Always.”
The interviewer grinned, trying to sneak in an indirect question. “No plans to focus on making more money, I see.”
They stood by the door now, nearly finished. Xiao Zhan let out another warm chuckle, shaking his head. “Not at all. That’s not my priority. I’ll continue doing what I enjoy. Overall, I’m really happy right now. I just want to protect that happiness, do what I love, be with the one I love, and enjoy life.”
It ended on the perfect note. “Xiao Zhan, thank you for letting us in today.”
Xiao Zhan smiled softly at him, opening the front door. He nodded at the interviewer, the cameraman, and the rest of the lingering crew. “Thank you. It was a pleasure. Do I get a prize for finishing all 73?”
They all laughed. “Bragging rights. See you next time!”
The editing begins. The camera pans out as Xiao Zhan waves goodbye at the end, that same infectious smile still on his face. He looks younger, even for being in his thirties; he’s relaxed, confident, charming, and gentle. The crew at the office raves about his incredible presence, talking about how grateful they were to be let in to that degree. All the questions were answered with genuineness, and he opened up about Wang Yibo—his now confirmed boyfriend—so openly and endearingly.
They had briefly talked after filming, ensuring he felt good about his answers. The crew loved his presence so much that they offered a second take if needed. Xiao Zhan shook his head, grateful for everyone’s time and flexibility, mentioning that he had catered food to the office in appreciation for their hard work. The interviewer had nudged him before leaving, thankful for his openness in answering the questions. Xiao Zhan knew what he meant—he was referring to the questions about Yibo.
So, the interviewer had asked. Off the record. “Everyone knows you two were together. But this... this is a huge confirmation. What made you want to say it out loud?”
Xiao Zhan smiled softly as he reminisced about their early days. They had worked together on set and instantly clicked. Yibo’s way of expressing his love had always been clear and direct; he went after what he wanted. In contrast, Xiao Zhan admits to being more subtle and quiet—loud in private but reserved in public. Over the years, they had both changed, learning a lot and gaining more experiences.
“I felt like I was ready to share it,” he said, eyes soft and smile gentle. “And I'm really happy. Everyone deserves to know how much I love him. That we don’t hate each other. That we don’t ignore each other. That we didn’t hurt each other and cut ties after filming. He’s the love of my life. My whole heart. How could I let my heart go?”
He continued, his voice steady. “I thought about it one day and realized how unapologetically open Yibo is as a person. It made me reflect on how, when you’re younger, you’re more lively and courageous. I’m more confident in my role in the industry now. If people leave, so what? If I lose endorsements, so what? I’m not that naive, helpless boy anymore.”
Xiao Zhan—ever serious and private—continues to not hold back the words or the details. He spoke about how he and Yibo had quite literally grown together, fought together, and clawed their way back to each other through all sorts of industry pressure. How Yibo fought for him, waited for him even when he ran off to Japan after filming The Untamed, trying to avoid his feelings and grappling with a bit of a character bleed. He recounted how Yibo had supported him following the industry fallout and how he was fine with being secretive and private as long as Xiao Zhan was his and he was Yibo's. Their families knew about them, as did their friends and close circle of industry colleagues, all of whom had supported their relationship.
He paused, reflecting on their time together. “When we filmed, we were just ourselves—touching, kissing, teasing each other. We were young and free, completely in love, even if we didn’t admit it back then. It took us a while to come to terms with our feelings.”
And the fans. They knew. Deep down, they knew. Xiao Zhan admitted that they weren’t subtle. There were no coincidences. “It’s always deliberate,” Xiao Zhan said. “We don’t wear similar clothes, post about similar things, or let small details slip for no reason. I know it. He knows it. I got tired of not sharing it. Not sharing how much we care for one another.”
Xiao Zhan's gaze grew intense now, filled with determination. “I wanted to be a bit daring too. I wanted to say it out loud—with pride and with all the love in my heart. This man is mine. He’s been mine for a while now. What are you going to do about it?”
“What about after the interview goes live? When you see the comments, will you care then? Will it change your mind?”
Xiao Zhan held firm, both in words and gaze. “We’ve loved each other for years. Nothing will change my mind.”
Vogue Magazine posts the interview, and it goes viral, of course. It trends on all social media platforms. While there are some hate comments from each of their fans, a wave of support floods in as well. Kind comments from people who are grateful for the transparency and fans of the couple who can finally relish in their thoughts being confirmed. In the end, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. It's the two of them in their own world.
If there’s anything that came out of that interview, it’s that Xiao Zhan is very happy—and in love. He’s in love with the same man he met eight years ago, and they have been dating for a little over five years now.
And isn’t that something?
