The romantic saga of CEO-tycoon Huang Zitao (Z.TAO) and former protégé Xu Yiyang has been one of Chinese entertainment’s most compelling, and often criticized, storylines. Their journey, which culminated in a recent high-profile marriage, was characterized by years of public speculation, persistent denials, and the eventual triumph of a “boss-subordinate” narrative ripped straight from a romance novel.

From SM Trainee to Longtao Muse

Xu Yiyang’s connection to Z.TAO began during her days as a trainee at SM Entertainment, while Z.TAO was still a member of the global K-pop group EXO. Following his departure from SM, Z.TAO established his own agency, L.TAO Entertainment (Longtao Entertainment), where Xu Yiyang eventually returned to China to sign.

Xu Yiyang gained significant domestic recognition after her participation in the 2020 survival show, Produce Camp 2020. Although she did not debut in the final group, her striking visuals and captivating performance skills secured her a devoted fanbase. Her viral, fearless moments of “dissing” her boss, Z.TAO, on the show further endeared her to the public.

With his “CEO” hat on, Z.TAO was publicly supportive, actively promoting Xu Yiyang’s activities. This transparent favoritism fueled the escalating dating rumors between the mentor and his “muse.” Z.TAO, however, repeatedly denied the claims, notably in November 2020, marking the first of many public refutations.

The Desperate Pursuit: “Give TAO a Title”

Despite the official denials, paparazzi relentlessly captured Z.TAO and Xu Yiyang together. Sightings included them shopping together in September 2022 and, perhaps most spectacularly, the rumor in October 2023 that Z.TAO had paid to display the heartfelt message, “I love you, Yiyang,” on an LED screen at a Seoul club.

Casual footage captured by passersby showed Z.TAO constantly trailing Xu Yiyang, undeterred by public scrutiny, often attempting to hold her hand or form a heart gesture, only to be playfully—or firmly—rebuffed by the singer.

It was during this period that netizens became convinced of the romantic connection, believing that Z.TAO was desperately eager to go public but was constrained by Xu Yiyang’s preference for privacy. Commentary shifted to humorous pleas, with common refrains across social media being: “Yiyang, please give him a title,” and “Huang Zitao is dying for a title already.”

Public Fatigue and the Turnaround

By early this year, the couple’s constant presence on the Hot Search lists due to dating speculation began to draw weariness and cynicism from Chinese netizens (C-Net), who suspected the relentless buzz was manufactured. Critics sarcastically labeled Xu Yiyang a “hell for career fans,” pointing out that she had vowed to focus on her work yet was constantly linked to dating rumors.

Xu Yiyang faced criticism that her fame was based more on being Z.TAO’s “rumored girlfriend” than on her professional achievements. Z.TAO also faced backlash for reportedly speaking harshly to fans who referred to him as “husband” in the comments, suggesting his personal life was bleeding negatively into his professional interaction.

The Grand Reveal and the Ultimate Vow

The speculation finally ended on July 14, when both Z.TAO and Xu Yiyang simultaneously confirmed their relationship on Weibo and Douyin. Z.TAO wrote: “Hope we are forever us,” while Xu Yiyang reciprocated: “Exchanging vows under the sunset by the sea.”

The ultimate spectacle unfolded on August 26, when the finale of their reality show, Walk With Me, revealed Z.TAO’s elaborate proposal. He had “dyed an entire area pink” to ask for her hand in marriage. Xu Yiyang tearfully accepted, and the couple shared a sweet kiss amidst the heartfelt wishes of their guests.

Despite lingering negativity, the majority of netizens ultimately expressed amazement and congratulations for the stars. From a public perspective, their story transcended celebrity gossip, becoming the quintessential “CEO-muse love story” plucked straight from a romantic drama. Following the sheer scale of the proposal, fans eagerly anticipated how grand their subsequent wedding would be.