Nowadays, most people are open to different sexual orientations. It isn’t uncommon to know people who are gay, lesbian, pan or even bi-sexual. However, most are still wary of coming out to those around them. It’s even worse when you’re an idol! Take “Produce Camp 2021 (创造营2021)” participant Liu Cong (刘聪) for instance.
Liu Cong has recently taken the internet by storm. He had been live streaming with his friend, Chen Lu (陈律) when he was seen acting intimately with Chen Lu. It left fans wondering if they were together, and the duo later confirmed they once had a relationship, inadvertently confirming Liu Cong’s sexuality as well.
Chen Lu is apparently a well-known gay celebrity on Douyin. On 5th September, Chen Lu invited a few friends, including Liu Cong, to his house to celebrate his birthday. Chen Lu then started a live stream with his friends and decided to have fun interacting with fans.
It was apparently immediately obvious to fans that there was something between Chen Lu and Liu Cong. The duo seemed very close which prompted fans to ask if they were together. Chen Lu initially seemed reluctant to answer and gave vague responses like “Not together yet,” and “(Will) talk to him again… and we’ll see! We’ll see“.
However, Liu Cong apparently did not have the same reservations. He gifted Chen Lu white roses while live on stream, and told him, “I hope our love is as pure as white roses.” Additionally, the roses came with a little card that read: “Little fool, happy birthday“. The icing on the cake however was when Liu Cong bent down to press a kiss to Chen Lu’s cheek.
Chen Lu later admitted that the duo had dated before. However, at that time, Liu Cong had only recently discovered he liked boys. As such, their relationship wasn’t exactly smooth. However, although they lost contact with each other for a bit, they eventually decided to try and get along with each other again. “Now, I’m still stubborn, but we aren’t together!” he told fans. “Just pursuing.”
Unfortunately, the reveal of Liu Cong’s sexuality hit the internet hard. Chen Lu later admitted he didn’t think it would be such a big controversy. “The only way of love is the way to the heart,” he stated on his Weibo. “We have been in contact for a while, and no one knows how he is better than me.” Chen Lu also requested netizens to not critic or read too much into their relationship.
Liu Cong too added his own thoughts on the matter. “When things are out of control, it will make us panic,” he said. “Today (6th September) is his birthday and yesterday was just a (celebration) with him. I hope he can be happy (today on) his birthday, same with everyone else. (Hope) everyone is happy everyday and can bravely be yourself!”
Neither Liu Cong nor Chen Lu have commented further on the incident after it went viral. It has also heavily affected Chinese rapper Key.L who apparently shares the same name as Liu Cong. The rapper very adamantly informed the public that he is not gay.
Well, it is certainly brave of Liu Cong and Chen Lu to reveal their relationship. Hopefully the duo will manage to sort things out without interference from the public.
