Netizens React to Liu Chang's Response to Li Songyu on Chinese Reality Show

The Chinese reality show “Goodbye My Love” has become one of the most talked-about television programs in recent months, particularly after a controversial exchange between contestant Liu Chang and psychologist Li Songyu in episode 11. The incident has sparked widespread discussion across Chinese social media platforms about professional boundaries and communication approaches in psychological counseling.

The pivotal moment occurred when Li Songyu asked Liu Chang about his income from MCN (Multi-Channel Network) activities, specifically whether it was “barely enough to get by or causing financial pressure.” Liu Chang responded defensively, asserting that his earnings exceeded Li’s. This exchange quickly became a focal point of public discourse.

Many viewers have noted that Li’s questioning technique appeared deliberately provocative. The binary choice presented to Liu Chang - suggesting either financial struggle or bare subsistence - was viewed by many as a loaded question designed to paint him in an unfavorable light. This approach has been criticized as potentially manipulative, as either response could be interpreted negatively.

The incident reveals deeper dynamics at play. Liu Chang, known as a successful content creator in China, has previously disclosed earning significant income from his online activities. His defensive reaction suggests the question may have touched upon sensitive personal issues related to financial security and self-worth.

The situation also highlights the complex dynamics between public figures and mental health professionals in media settings. While Li Songyu was brought in as an expert consultant, the public nature of the exchange and the show’s entertainment format created an unusual context for psychological counseling.

This incident has prompted broader discussions about the intersection of entertainment and mental health support in Chinese media. Some argue that such interactions should not occur in public forums, while others suggest this reveals important issues about how financial success is discussed and perceived in Chinese society.

The exchange has resonated particularly strongly because it touches upon universal themes of personal worth, financial security, and professional respect. Many viewers have drawn parallels to their own experiences with financial questioning and professional validation.

From a psychological perspective, Liu Chang’s reaction demonstrates how seemingly straightforward questions about income can trigger complex emotional responses, especially in public settings where face and reputation are at stake. His immediate defensive posture and comparative response reflect common protective mechanisms when feeling professionally challenged.

The aftermath of this exchange has had lasting implications for the show’s narrative and public discourse around the appropriate boundaries between entertainment and psychological counseling in Chinese media. It serves as a catalyst for important discussions about how sensitive personal matters should be handled in public forums.