A wealthy Chinese investor funded a television miniseries to force actor Zhong Yufei into more than 60 kissing scenes during production, according to Meng Xing.
The details emerged following the commercial failure of the custom-made series and allegations of workplace harassment on set. Production company Meng Xing revealed that the wealthy sponsor commissioned a custom story of over 50 episodes specifically tailored to her personal desires.
Zhong Yufei, an emerging actor hired to co-star in the project, alleged that the investor crossed all professional boundaries during filming. He reported that although he explicitly asked her not to use her tongue during takes, she ignored his objections and subjected him to persistent physical advances.
According to Meng Xing, the production crew tolerated the conduct due to fears of economic retaliation from the sponsor. Meanwhile, Zhong Yufei avoided speaking out publicly during production out of concern that complaints from a newcomer would draw industry criticism.
Harassment Allegations and Production Cuts
Conflict escalated during post-production when video editors trimmed more than 20 intimate sequences before releasing the show on streaming platforms. Editors deemed the scenes excessive, but removing them disrupted the continuity of the storyline and angered the investor.
When the series premiered, it suffered a complete commercial failure and received widespread negative reviews from viewers. In response to the poor reception, the financial sponsor refused to pay the remaining 30,000 yuan owed under the production agreement.
Commercial Failure and Payment Disputes
Following public rumors blaming the production house and editing team for the failed show, Meng Xing broke silence to address the controversy publicly. The producer stated that the investor's excessive demands and an intimidating work environment had undermined the entire project.
The story was initially reported by news outlet RT before being reported by international media organizations including Argentina's Clarín. The incident highlights ongoing scrutiny over working conditions and financial influence within small-scale television productions.
Background on Chinese Short-Form Dramas
Short-form television miniseries have experienced rapid growth in China, where micro-dramas often consist of dozens of brief episodes designed primarily for mobile streaming apps. Independent investors frequently fund these niche productions, operating with varying levels of professional oversight compared to traditional broadcast studios.
The unpaid balance of 30,000 Chinese yuan represents a typical remaining installment in budget video production agreements. Meng Xing maintained that the editing decisions were necessary for broadcast viability despite the sponsor withholding final settlement.
