Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, one of the most popular post-95 stars, has turned personal struggles into a symbol of resilience. Born in Chengdu in 1998, she rose to fame with hit dramas like The Romance of Tiger and Rose, Hidden Love, and Love Like the Galaxy. She has also been a global brand ambassador for Versace.

Battling Industry Pressure

In early 2025, Zhao revealed shocking mistreatment by her talent agency, including verbal abuse, financial exploitation, and even being subjected to an exorcism when seeking treatment for depression. She admitted to years of battling anxiety and health issues, sparking a wave of public support.

Her fans launched the “Justice for Zhao Lusi” campaign, demanding accountability from her agency. When her drama Almost Lover was cut from 24 to 14 episodes amid the dispute, the movement only grew stronger.

The “Noodle Shop” Spirit

In a candid livestream, Zhao appeared without makeup and told fans: “If everything fails, I’ll just open a noodle shop.” The comment resonated deeply. Soon after, a small noodle shop she casually visited became a fan destination, drawing visitors from across China.

Zhao’s words highlight a universal truth: the dignity of honest, simple work. Her “noodle shop” metaphor has become a powerful reminder that resilience sometimes means finding strength in the everyday.