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HONG KONG : Former actress Isabella Leong's return to Hong Kong with her eight-month-old son Ethan in December was not only to bring the boy to meet his grandfather, tycoon Li Ka Shing, but also to set the date of her marriage with his son, chairman of Hong Kong telecommunications giant PCCW, Richard Li, said Hong Kong media reports.
Despite seeing Li, 43, for over two years, Leong and Li had not tied the knot as the Li family objected to her modest background, profession and her low education level. However, recent developments have allowed Leong to gain favour with the Lis and marry into the family.
Leong, 21, had put in a lot of effort to break the barrier between her and the Lis. She gave up her acting career, went to study English in Stanford University and spent her spare time learning to ride horses as well as practise Wushu
Despite receiving two luxurious villas in San Francisco, HK$50 million (S$9 million) in cash and exquisite jewelry from the Li family as gifts after giving birth to baby Ethan, Leong chose to dress simply and keep a low profile. Her choice to live frugally scored her points with the elder Li.
Perhaps the biggest factor that has sped up her acceptance into the Li family is the fact that she gave the Li family a male heir.
Li Ka Shing is reportedly overjoyed that Leong, who had been living in San Francisco to avoid the paparazzi, had finally brought Ethan to meet him after the H1N1 flu outbreak and his grandson's tender age delayed their meeting for so long.
Li Ka Shing, who picked Ethan’s Chinese name, Li Chang Zhi, is very taken with the precocious child and frequently takes time off from his busy schedule to play with him.
Leong will reportedly remain in Hong Kong until after the Lunar New Year so that eight-month-old Ethan can spend more time with his grandfather.
Li Ka Shing is reportedly planning to introduce Ethan to the rest of the family during the New Year celebrations and pave the way for his grandson's eventual succession of his business empire.
- CNA/ha
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