HANOI: Chinese director and producer Zhang Jizhong, 75, and his wife Du Xinglin, who is 31 years younger, are preparing to have their fourth child together.
During a livestream on Sept. 6, Du said the couple is paying closer attention to nutrition, physical recovery, and overall health as they prepare for another pregnancy, according to Sina.
She said their children were growing "cuter and sharper by the day" and described the family home as a positive environment for raising children.
Zhang said he fully supports his wife’s decision to have another baby and added that he hopes their fourth child together will be a boy.
The 75-year-old filmmaker said he remains in good health despite a demanding work schedule. He credited Du with taking care of him and the family, describing their home as a source of stability and comfort.
The couple have been married for nine years and share three children: a nine-year-old son, a six-year-old daughter and a two-year-old toddler.
Du also has a son from a previous relationship with a former partner living overseas, while Zhang has an adult child from an earlier marriage.
On Du’s 44th birthday in May, Zhang wrote a letter reflecting on their relationship and 31-year age gap. He said that when they first met nine years ago, neither expected they would become such an important source of support for each other. He credited Du with bringing greater purpose and optimism to his life.
The couple frequently travel with their children during holidays. During this year's Lunar New Year break, the family visited Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam.
After the trip, Zhang shared his impressions of Ho Chi Minh City, describing its traffic, lights and constant movement as signs of a youthful and energetic city.
Zhang has also addressed online speculation about his wealth.
During a livestream last year, he said he was financially comfortable but dismissed claims that he was rich enough to own a private jet.
He said he continues to work in his 70s to support his family and build financial security. Zhang and Du currently produce short-form videos and host e-commerce livestreams together.
Zhang is best known for producing television adaptations of martial arts novels by renowned Chinese writer Jin Yong.
His productions include "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" in 2001, "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" and "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" in 2003, "The Return of the Condor Heroes" in 2006, "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" in 2009, and "Ode to Gallantry" in 2014.
He also made cameo appearances in several of his productions, portraying Wang Yuanba in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" and Wang Chongyang in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes." -- VnExpress - Vietnam News
