Hong Kong actress Betsy Cheung has been happily married to a wealthy Malaysian businessman since December 1998.
She stepped away from acting after her marriage to focus on caring for her family but recently made a comeback with the popular drama, The Heir To The Throne.
In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, Cheung, 57, said she initially struggled with adapting to life in Malaysia after moving in with her husband, who's seven years her junior. This was because she wasn't familiar with certain customs in his family.
"(Once) I sat next to my husband (when dining out) but he told me, 'This table is full of guys, even my mum is sitting at another table. You can sit next to grandma'," she alleged.
The former TVB star continued: "Sometimes, he would return home after work at night, wake me up and ask me to cook for him. He actually loves me though."
Cheung also shared advice from her godmother on navigating life in a wealthy family.
“She told me to sometimes pretend not to hear, see or speak. If there’s no one ringing the bell, there’s no need to open the door yourself.
“Certain things which are not meant to be known sometimes don’t need to be known.
“I’ve been living by this advice and naturally got through over 20 years,” she said.
When asked about the possibility of other women approaching her husband due to his wealth, Cheung candidly remarked that any man could attract attention, regardless of his looks or financial status.
She added that everything ultimately comes down to how the man handles such situations.
“Some can’t resist the temptation, while others will remind themselves they have a wife.
“So far, I haven’t heard or discovered anything (of the sort). As long as he comes home, fulfils his responsibilities and respects me, that’s all I want,” she said.
Cheung believes that as long as she is a good mother, wife and daughter-in-law, her husband will appreciate her and not make mistakes that could potentially disrupt the harmony within the family.
"For so many years, I've personally cooked meals, taken the children to school and participated in parent volunteer activities. That's why my mother-in-law treats me kindly.
"I'm also mindful about shopping despite occasionally buying clothes and designer bags. It's all about give and take without the need to show off," she concluded.
Cheung met her husband when she was 31 through an acquaintance while filming in Malaysia. The couple shares three daughters.
