Towards the end of the novel, it is revealed that Zhou Botong had a secret affair with Duan Zhixing's concubine, Liu Ying, and had impregnated her.

In return, Xiaolongnü teaches him how to control the jade bees and cures him after he is poisoned by Jinlun Guoshi's ice spiders.

He forgives a dying Qiu Qianren for killing his infant son, and reconciles his past differences with Liu Ying and Duan Zhixing.

Notable actors/actresses who have portrayed Zhou Botong in films and television series include Philip Kwok (1977–1981), Carina Lau (1993), Liu Kai-chi (1993) and Wayne Lai (1994–1995).

Zhou Botong was a playable character in the 2008 PC fighting game Street Fighter Online: Mouse Generation.