Hong Kong veteran actor Lee Lung-kee has officially confirmed the end of his 14-year May-December romance after the painful realisation that he had been an unwitting “third party” in a family.
The 75-year-old made the announcement in an interview with Sing Tao Daily, the sister publication of the standard, after online allegations that his 39-year-old partner, Chris Wang Qingxia, has a husband and a 16-year-old son in the mainland.
It is reported that Wang was photographed having a Winter Solstice dinner on December 21 in Foshan with her husband, surnamed Chan, and her mother.
Lee, who had promised to marry Wang by the end of this year, made headlines in July when he welcomed her with 60 pink roses upon her release from prison.
However, Wang subsequently faded from public view, and Lee explained that their relationship was gradually drifting apart after Wang returned to her hometown in the mainland.
“It’s over and I have moved on,” Lee said, revealing their split was finalized after the Winter Solstice revelations.
“The Winter Solstice dinner made me understand everything: I am the third wheel. There is no hiding if she doesn't spend such an important day with me, so she calls an end to the relationship," Lee recounted calmly.
He described it as a peaceful parting where he promised not to do anything rash or hurt her, and they agreed to stay in touch.
Stressing that his revelation was aimed at stopping media harassment of Wong, he emphasized he would not delve into the details of the breakup.
Lee noted he was still unaware of her marital status when she was released, believing their years together would lead to a happy ending.
Regarding if Wang had intentionally kept her marital status a secret, Lee stated he simply chose to trust his partner and never questioned her, even when noticing minor issues.
Recounting the moment he learned of Wong’s family dinner, Lee forced a smile, “It was really heartbreaking, but I know letting go was the right thing.”
When asked if he owed an apology to Wong’s husband and son, he said "no" several times, citing “ignorance is not a sin” and wishing them a fulfilling family life.
He then covered his face and fell silent. After a long pause, with tears in his eyes, he added, "I'm fine. At my age, what haven't I experienced? Feelings come and go, but it's just uncontrollable."
Lee also disclosed he never met Wang's parents, though he knew they disapproved of the relationship.
While knowing nothing about her husband, he believed this outcome was for the best, considering he is 36 years older and would inevitably pass away before Wang.
"Now she has support and a family, which is very good for her," Lee added.
In response to whether he would have another age-gap relationship, he smiled and said, "Why not? There is nothing for me to be afraid of."
Reflecting on this relationship, he simply stated he believed in fate, adding “things come around and go.”
Lee said he still hoped for the best for Wang, before once again covering his face and crying for over ten seconds.
Concluding the interview, he humorously remarked that a fortune teller had told him he has a strong appeal to women.
