Rumors of a possible Chinese entertainment golden couple, Nicky Wu and Liu Shishi, fueling a marriage on the horizon, surged this past week, as Nicky was spotted filming a variety show and appeared to have a ring on his right ring finger when the show was filmed on June 5.
The sighting has reignited debate over whether the two are still married or have secretly divorced. "Is he already dating someone new?" one commenter wrote on Weibo.
Another added, "Men change their hearts too quickly!"
Others viewed the ring as a sign that the couple may still be together.
"If he's still wearing the ring, maybe they never split," one fan suggested, echoing the confusion now dominating Chinese social media platforms.
The couple, known for co-starring in the hit drama Scarlet Heart, have faced recurring divorce rumors in recent years.
On May 21, the speculation reached a peak after Sohu, a popular entertainment outlet, cited a blogger with a history of breaking major celebrity news — including the 2018 divorce of Yang Mi and Hawick Lau — who claimed Nicky Wu and Liu Shishi had "gone their separate ways" and signed a private divorce agreement.
According to that report, the two allegedly agreed to divide 800 million Chinese yuan (approximately $110 million USD) in shared assets. Both parties have remained silent amid the controversy, further fueling public interest.
Adding to the speculation, Liu Shishi reportedly transferred 5% of her shares in Jiangsu Xizi Investment Co., Ltd. — a company she co-founded with Wu — on Feb. 20.
The business, valued at 42 million yuan, was established in March 2024, but rumors quickly emerged that the move was part of a quiet asset division.
Fans also pointed to the couple's lack of public interaction in recent years.
Wu and Liu have not exchanged messages or posts on social media since 2019, and during the most recent Lunar New Year holiday, the two did not reunite — Wu was seen in Taiwan celebrating with their child, while Liu remained at work filming.
Complicating matters further, blogger Wang Daifa reported in 2024 that the couple had been struggling with family and financial tensions.
Allegations included disagreements over childcare and money, as well as conflict between Liu Shishi and Wu's family.
The couple reportedly suffered business losses of 7 billion yuan (about $1 billion USD), with Strawbear Entertainment — their once-thriving entertainment company — closing its doors amid financial decline.
Wu has since dissolved most of his other business holdings.
Once valued at $4 billion, Strawbear Entertainment's market cap has dropped significantly to 402 million yuan (roughly $55 million USD).
Liu Shishi has taken on more acting projects in recent months, reportedly to support the family's finances.
With no public statement from either party, fans remain divided over whether the couple is still together. "Did I miss a big update on his life?" one fan wrote. Others are urging patience and privacy.
For now, Nicky Wu's ring has raised more questions than answers — and the truth behind one of C-drama's most beloved couples remains uncertain.
