Chinese actor Xu Peng has put his showbiz career on hold and returned to his hometown in rural Shandong, where he is now selling vegetables at a local market.
The 30-year-old, who found fame through China’s thriving vertical short drama industry, recently revealed that the rapid rise of AI-generated productions has severely affected his acting career.
Xu said that after wrapping up his last drama in March, acting offers all but dried up, prompting him to return home and help with the family business.
Most days, the Blood River (2025) star drives his family’s electric vehicle to the market, transporting vegetables grown by his grandfather.
Although some relatives and friends were initially puzzled by his decision, Xu said he remains unfazed by the career change.
“Acting is just a job. If there are no roles to take, I will find another way to make a living. As long as I make an honest living through hard work, there is no obstacle I cannot overcome,” he said.
Photos and videos of Xu working at the market have since spread widely online, with many netizens praising his resilience and willingness to earn an honest living.