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Zoey Zhang

A man in the United States shared old photos of himself with Chinese actress Song Zuer on RedNote, sparking speculation of a romance between the pair that was later denied by her studio.
The 26-year-old actress and singer has 16 million followers on a popular mainland social media platform and is celebrated for her sweet looks and warm personality.
Song made her debut as a child actress in the TV series The Sea and Sky Boundless.
She gained fame in 2009 for playing a legendary anti-authority figure Nezha in the mythological drama The Prelude of Lotus Lantern.
On January 17, an American man, who used the name Brett Keefe online, posted on RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, about his “wonderful memories” with Song and his wish to meet her again.

He shared photos from years ago showing Song with him and his family, including one where she smiles and hugs him.
The post sparked rumours of a past romance, with one netizen asking: “Were you in a relationship?”
Keefe denied it, saying that Song was like family.
“She is like a sister to me. She loves us, and we love her,” he said.
Earlier, TikTok had been temporarily suspended in the US for several hours, leaving many users unable to access the app and calling themselves “TikTok refugees”.
US netizens have flocked to RedNote, where users from both China and overseas share information and experiences.
Keefe’s post searching for the Chinese actress went viral on mainland social media, with the related topics racking up more than 150 million views.
One online observer suggested Keefe was using the TikTok refugee trend to gain traffic: “Why wait 10 years? If she is that important, you should have reached out sooner.”
Keefe replied, saying US social media did not offer a good way to contact her.
“I do not want her money,” he added.
The same day, Song’s studio denied the romance rumours.
Her agent told Sina Entertainment the man was actually her host family’s younger brother during her time studying abroad, not an ex-boyfriend.
The agent also shared several photos of Song with the host family, showing a happy, harmonious atmosphere.
A search on RedNote by the Post revealed that Brett Keefe’s account had been deleted, and his post about searching for Song was gone. It is unclear if they have reconnected.
Many mainland netizens expressed regret over the man’s disappearance from the platform.

One wrote: “This American boy just wanted to reconnect with the Chinese sister he had so much fun with, but some rude users hurt his feelings.”
“We are really sorry! We hope you continue to trust Chinese social media. You are always welcome here,” said another.
A third person suggested that people who spread malicious rumours should face legal consequences.


US man shares old photos with China actress Song Zuer on RedNote, sparks romance speculation

China influencer calls on male friends to wear Adam’s apple ‘bras’ to champion rights of women

Overseas RedNote users impress by cooking ‘new world-famous’ Chinese steamed eggs

China netizens help US RedNote user find long-lost Chinese classmate in 22 hours

Trending in China

Rumours of a romance between a man in the United States and Chinese actress Song Zuer have been denied after the former posted photos of them together on RedNote. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo

One of the photos of actress Song Zuer and the young man that was posted on RedNote. Photo: RedNote

Song’s agent posted this photo of his client with the man and his family in a bid to scotch the rumours. Photo: RedNote

An online influencer in China has called on her   male friends to wear Adam’s apple ‘bras’ to champion women’s rights, gaining widespread support.
Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

The Adam’s apple chokers come made of different materials and in different colours. Photo: qq.com

The online influencer believes her “bras” can help empower women. Photo: Shutterstock 

China is facing an ongoing gender imbalance problem. The country has millions more men than women. Photo: Shutterstock

Kindergarten kids in China who played husband and wife at school tie knot 20 years later

A couple in China who played husband and wife at kindergarten have tied the knot for real 20 years later. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Young love: The couple are pictured together in their kindergarten days. Photo: Douyin

Real deal: The young lovers get married and spread happiness across social media. Photo: Douyin

Taiwan teacher sues for emotional distress after rival sends funeral wreaths to her at new job

A teacher in Taiwan has sued a rival educator for emotional distress after she was sent funeral wreaths at her new place of work. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/ettoday.net

The wreaths were lined up outside the school where the “distressed” teacher was starting a new job. Photo: social media

A court in Taiwan ruled that funeral flower arrangements were not illegal. Photo: social media

China live-streamer calls woman ‘mum’, uses emotional content to scam her out of US$76,000

A live-streamer in China has conned an elderly woman out of US$76,000 by convincing her he was like a real son to her. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock

The live-streamer convinced the woman to hand over cash by playing on her emotions. Photo: CCTV

The conman was eventually caught and handed down a heavy punishment by the courts. Photo: CCTV

Wealthy top China KOL rebuked for linking massive deposits to daughter’s job at bank

A top Chinese education influencer has come under fire for saying he will smooth his daughter’s career path by depositing his millions in the bank where she gets a job. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo/Sohu

Zhang Xuefeng has faced online criticism for his controversial comments. Photo:  Weibo 

Zhang says he is worth more than US$100 million and runs two companies. Photo: Weibo

Zhang is well known for denegrating the arts and humanties while boosting careers in finance and banking. Photo: Shutterstock

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People & Culture

China Personalities

Denials flow after rumours of romantic affair flood mainland social media following posting of pictures showing actress during study trip abroad


Denials flow after rumours of romantic affair flood mainland social media following posting of pictures showing actress during study trip abroad.


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