Miss Hong Kong Rebecca Zhu denies dating wealthy heir

Miss Hong Kong 2011 and actress Rebecca Zhu. Photo from Zhu's Instagram

In an exclusive interview with Sing Tao Daily, Zhu clarified that she and Shi were just friends, without ruling out the possibility of a romantic relationship in the future.

"We are just friends who keep in touch privately."

"As for any potential developments, I’m still unsure due to my busy work schedule. We’ll see if fate brings us together," said the 36-year-old.

Shi is the son of businessman Allen Shi, Founder and Chairman of Brilliant International Group Limited and President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong. He serves as the marketing lead of the former and the Chairman of the Youth Committee of the latter.

Zhu emphasized that her current focus is on her career, not on seeking a romantic relationship, according to The Star.

She expressed her preference for financial independence, rather than relying on a partner's wealth for security.

"I work very hard to earn some income. Having a wealthy partner can surely provide security, but earning money on my own is better than simply marrying someone rich," said Zhu.

This isn’t the first instance in which Zhu has dismissed rumors about her relationship with Shi.

Last August, she refuted speculations of pregnancy with his child after a photo of her slightly protruded tummy surfaced online.

Zhu admitted to Ming Pao Daily that she initially worried about these rumors affecting her friendship with Shi.

"Thankfully, he was understanding. Otherwise, we wouldn’t even be friends anymore!" she said.

With a career spanning 14 years in the entertainment industry, Zhu shared that she has become accustomed to such gossip about her private life.

"Saying I use beauty apps to alter my appearance, that I’ve moved into a luxury home when I was simply taking a photo at a friend’s place, and that I’m dating a wealthy man. Perhaps people have these fantasies because they want to see me living better."

"The most important thing is that those around me know the truth," she said.

Zhu is the Miss Hong Kong 2011 titleholder and Hong Kong actress. She is known for her roles in TVB dramas "Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles," "A General, a Scholar, and a Eunuch," and "Fist Fight."

Previously, she was romantically linked to her "A General, A Scholar and A Eunuch" co-star, Matthew Ho.