Jeremy Jones Xu (徐正溪)

Jeremy Xu Zhengxi is the quintessential definition of a “late bloomer“ in China’s entertainment industry. A former supermodel champion who endured nine years of obscurity, he finally captured the public‘s attention with his breakout role in 2014. However, it was his 2018 performance as the ruthless yet hopelessly devoted regent Yuwen Hu in The Legend of Dugu that cemented his stardom. Dubbed the “Wolf-Style Boyfriend” by fans for his intense on-screen charisma, Xu has become synonymous with the tortured, morally complex anti-hero. His career took an unexpected turn in 2024 when he announced his retirement from acting to care for his ill father, only to make a triumphant return to the screen in 2026.

Breakthrough Role While Xu’s first taste of fame came with the historical drama The Virtuous Queen of Han (2014), where he played the heroine‘s devoted childhood friend, his true breakout and most iconic role to date is Yuwen Hu in The Legend of Dugu (2018). As the formidable Grand Tutor of the Northern Zhou dynasty—a man who deposed three emperors yet remained utterly powerless before the woman he loved—Xu delivered a performance of striking duality. His portrayal of the outwardly ruthless, inwardly vulnerable regent captivated audiences and sparked a wave of popularity, turning a supporting character into one of the drama‘s most unforgettable highlights. This role is widely credited with redefining his career trajectory and remains the performance that fans most associate with him.

Public Perception Xu Zhengxi occupies a uniquely respected position in the Chinese entertainment industry, built on a reputation for resilience, dedication, and unwavering filial piety. His sudden 2024 retirement announcement—later revealed to be motivated by his father’s rapidly deteriorating health—earned him widespread public sympathy and admiration for prioritizing family over fame. After a period away from the spotlight, he made a powerful return in 2026 with the period drama The Blooming Kill (Bai Hua Sha), where his performance as the scheming Fifth Prince Xiao Changqing immediately topped popularity charts. Critics praised his “bone structure beauty” and his ability to convey a character‘s “crazy, obsessive” nature through subtle emotional shifts, reaffirming his status as a compelling screen presence. Today, audiences view Xu not just as a talented actor, but as a deeply principled individual—a rare figure in the industry who walked away at the height of his career for the sake of family, and returned on his own terms, earning him immense goodwill and solidifying his place as one of C-ent’s most respected leading men.