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HONG KONG : Macau-born actress Isabella Leong may have borne Hong Kong tycoon Richard Li his first son, but that doesn’t give her a passport into the prestigious Li family.
Instead, Leong, 21, has some obstacles to overcome before she can marry into the family, Hong Kong media reported.
Leong’s modest background and her academic qualifications are her biggest downfall. She dropped out of secondary school to help support her family. She was talent spotted and started modelling at the age of 12 before entering showbiz at 15.
This has created a disparity in educational level between her and the Lis, and they hope Leong will further her studies. Fortunately, the actress has already made plans to do so. Since taking a break from showbiz last year, she has travelled to the United States to learn English as well as to further her education.
The Lis are also hoping that both Leong and two-month-old Ethan will return to Hong Kong and stay at the family’s mansion. Not only will they be able to spend more time with their grandson, it will also give them the opportunity to get to know Leong and allow her to assimilate into their lifestyle.
Leong, who is now in San Francisco, has indicated that she will be returning to Hong Kong with Ethan to meet with the Lis. Richard Li, the chairman of Hong Kong telecom giant PCCW, added that he will be bringing the pair back at the end of the month, quashing rumours that Leong could settle in Singapore.
While the final obstacle may be out of Leong’s control - her compatibility with the Li family - the signs are positive.
According to a geomancer, Leong has nothing to worry about as her features indicate signs of prosperity and wealth, and this can only be good news for both her and the Lis.
Since giving birth to Ethan in April, Leong has been ‘rewarded’ with two mansions in San Francisco and HK$50 million in cash, totalling more than HK$200 million. The Lis have also thrown in an entourage of care-givers for the latest addition to the family. Ethan will have five bodyguards, four full-time nannies and a personal attendant assigned to him.
There has been speculation that a 10-digit pre-nuptial agreement is in place to take care of Leong’s future needs and also to prevent any “potential problems” that could arise in the future.
- CNA/fa
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