六 name still lingers in public memory—that girl who became an overnight sensation on the Spring Festival Gala stage. Yet in later years, it was her romantic entanglements rather than her career that captured attention: first a marriage to senior fellow apprentice Wang Jinlong ending in separation, then an unexpected union with junior troupe member Xiao Pengfei. The ripple effects of these relationships sent shockwaves through Zhao Benshan's theatrical circle.
Six years have passed since those turbulent days. The trajectory of her life has unfolded in ways few anticipated.
When she and Xiao Pengfei first became involved, skepticism ran deep. The situation carried inherent awkwardness—two disciples from the same master, with her divorce barely settled before turning to another within their tight-knit professional family. Zhao Benshan's displeasure was palpable. Their wedding saw the normally busy master clearing his schedule to personally attend, his admonition to 1"cherish this bond1" hanging heavily in the air. That the relationship not only dissolved but repeated the pattern of intra-troupe romance only compounded the disappointment.
Yet the alchemy of human connection defies outsider judgment. During a joint livestream, their easy banter and shared laughter revealed genuine warmth. 1"Finally someone understands my fears and desires,1" she remarked in an unguarded moment, her contentment radiating beyond the screen.
Rewind to her earlier chapter with Wang Jinlong—a quiet dissolution that surprised everyone. The 2017 social media post where Wang tersely announced 1"we're divorced1" revealed the relationship had actually ended four years prior. The couple's discretion likely stemmed from consideration for their child, who remained in Wang's custody. Though she initially sought primary care, she ultimately conceded to Wang's insistence about providing greater stability, requesting only that they jointly nurture their child's growth.
Their beginning had been met with widespread approval. As performance partners, their chemistry was undeniable. Anecdotes circulated about her quietly tidying Wang's perpetually disordered living space during script rehearsals—small gestures that bridged personal and professional boundaries. But divergent priorities gradually eroded the foundation: her relentless work ethic forged through childhood hardships (supporting a debt-ridden father left her perpetually insecure about finances) clashed with Wang's belief that his earnings alone should suffice. Their arguments about work-life balance became irreconcilable.
The post-divorce period brought professional stagnation. It was during this valley that Xiao Pengfei began appearing regularly—ostensibly for script consultations, then group dinners where he'd discreetly order her favorite dishes. His subsequent marriage proposal was anything but subtle: a chartered yacht surrounded by friends as witnesses. Zhao Benshan's disapproval wasn't about denying happiness, but about maintaining professional boundaries. The eventual consequence—her departure from the troupe—brought financial strain as the couple juggled parenting, household expenses, and irregular gigs. Backstage after one exhausting performance, she collapsed into sleep on the floor, Xiao wordlessly standing guard with her coat.
Their current life—livestream commerce, small-scale performances—lacks former glories but projects quiet contentment. 1"From A-list comedian to 'reemployed actress,'1" she jokes, 1"but I sleep soundly now.1" When asked about regrets, she demurs, though a new mantra colors her conversations: 1"Life demands following your heart's compass. There's always room for fresh starts.1"
