L-News Issue #12
November 11th, 1998
Welcome all LEON fans once again to L-news! This issue of L-News will
feature the Mandarin translation of the theme song of "Glass City"
and................................ Hope you all enjoy reading it. Plus
we would like to Congratulate Leon in getting nominated for Best Actor
for his performance in "City of Glass"!! Leon said this nomination
makes him feel very happy and he is filled with joy. To him, he feels very
lucky to be on the list of nominees. Lastly, he said he really enjoys this
feeling of joy!
Leon Forever.....................................
*News Flash*
Nov. 10
Recently there has been a dispute between Daniel Chan and his teacher,
who is also Leon's former teacher. Reporters asked Leon to comment on it
but Leon only said he is a third person and doesn't want to meddle into
their problems. It is between Daniel and his teacher and they should come
up with a solution and outsiders will only make things worse.
Nov. 8
Leon recently returned from his trip to Brazil and attended an exhibition,
which displayed the photos taken there, and Leon also commented on them
as well. Leon said that during this trip his feeling towards charity has
changed as well. Before he went he believed that the children there were
unhappy but after arriving there and meeting the children he found that
even though the suffered but they were still content with what they had.
Leon also said he has learned from them to be content with what he has
now.
Nov. 6
Leon attended the celebration ceremony for Top Ten Outstanding Youth award
along with the other winners. Leon mentioned that he will place the award
in his room and he also commented that he was very happy that he has been
nominated for Best Actor.
Oct. 26
Leon left for his trip to Brazil as Unicef's "Youth Ambassador".
This is Leon's third trip with Unicef to third world countries and this
time he will visit children on the street and one's sold to prostitution.
Reporters asked Leon if whether or not that after he visits these places
does he find himself a very lucky and satisfied person? Leon said that
its not just now that I find myself lucky, a long time ago I was already
satisfied, with everything I have today.
Oct. 25
Leon attended the premiere of "City of Glass" the director of
the movie Mabel Cheung praised Leon's acting skills in the movie and said
Leon has a lot of potential as an actor. Leon didn't give a comment but
was happy for the praise. The reporters also asked Leon that night if he
thought he would get the best actor award for 'City of Glass'? Leon commented
that he never thought about getting awards when he is filming any movie,
but he would much rather have more movies to film instead. Leon believes
that awards are a way to respect the movie and the creators. He also believes
that an award is not something that if you want you will get them so he
would rather say he doesn't desire them.
Oct. 24
Leon was at a charity auction arranged by CR2 for Community Chest, which
sold the soundtracks, posters, laptop, and script books of 'City of Glass'.
Lately there have been rumors that Polygram has not been doing too well
so the reporters asked Leon how he felt about the situation. Leon just
said that he has been busy with his own work lately that he hasn't had
time to hear rumors. The reporters mentioned that maybe it was because
Polygram let go of Leon one of their 'treasures' that's why they are running
into some trouble now. They asked Leon if he felt happy that he has proven
his personal status? Leon just said that he will only worry about his own
results and be happy about them but not about other's problems. Every company
has their problems and when I was with Polygram we also went through some
problems together. Even though I'm not with Polygram anymore I still wish
them good. Now that the market is not good every company has to overcome
their own problems to hold the market together.
Oct. 20
Leon showed up to the press conference of "City of Glass" recently
the reporters have been focusing on two points of the movie which is a
kiss scene between Leon and Shu Kei and a scene in which Leon shows his
middle finger hand gesture. Leon says that it is all part of his character
in the movie and believes that his fans will not be unhappy about it. He
also doesn't mind what others think because he believes that a professional
actor will focus on their character and become the character while filming.
The main reason that attracted him to the film is that he had to act as
a character from the 70's to 90's. The parts of the movie that was filmed
in England made him remember the times when he was going to school in England.
During that time Leon didn't really have that much money so he ate instant
noodles everyday. Those were very unforgettable experiences for Leon and
he believes that without those experiences he might not know how to cherish
things today.
1) There was a survey done asking females, if they had the chance to kiss Leon, where would they kiss him?....the reporter was surprised and didn't know whether the females were being shy or just plain lying about their responses. All the girls that were asked, said that they would already be very very happy just to kiss Leon on the cheek.
2) The second question asked in the survery was:imagine if it was a
once in a lifetime chance to spend an evening with Leon, what would you
want to do? They females said, they just want to sing the song "never
again in this lifetime" with him, or play video games together (?!)
<-----Again, the reporter didn't quite believe the answers once again.
3) Leon may be filming a "Music Special" at the end of this year. The possible locations might be Japan or USA. The female that might be in this "Music Special" is a 18 year old model from Australia by the name Cecilla Cheung. This is not confirmed yet, they are still talking about it. But Cecilla's manager thinks it is a good idea for her to be in the "Music Special" with Leon, because Cecilla could follow the footsteps of Lee Anne, since she got so popular after filming a commercial with Leon.
1) When Leon was at the awards ceremony for the "top ten outstanding young selection", reporters were asking him about his feelings towards Michele's new boyfriend, Perry Chan. Leon replies while laughing: "we (Leon and Michele) are associates, and shouldn't be so nosy about each other's personal life. Probably by not being nosy, is the number one necessary quality of the "top ten outstanding young selection" list. hahaha.... not being nosy, no comment, this is all a happy situation..
2) Leon said when Valentine's Day comes along, girls usually get lots of flowers, so to be a good boyfriend, he will not follow the tradition of giving flowers. Instead he will give a very beautiful flower vase, and it will make the girl even happier and she will say that you are very thoughtful!
3)Before Leon went to Brazil to visit the children there, reporters wanted to test Leon's method to communicate with the children. Reporters asked Leon what he would do if there was a child there, that was all sad and depressed. Leon replied: "I will be like them and not be happy all together, first to let them know that, when you are not happy, it will pass on to others. Then i will talk to them, and try to understand why they are not happy, by showing that you care for them is very important in order to communicate with the children........"
Next Magazine Issue 452
This day, we were sitting in the shopping center for the press conference
of Community Chest, waiting for Leon Afterwards Yu Gam Gei came out to
take promotion pictures and said something similar to this: Leon is full
of devotion….. I was bored from sitting, so I went outside for a while.
Then Leon shook hands with me, Shaking hands with one of the Top Ten Outstanding
Youths and Unicef Ambassador is no different then shaking hands with a
normal person. It has been said that once Leon returned from his trip to
Rwanda he became more down to earth and didn't wear as much Gucci and Versace.
Today, I didn't look underneath his collar to check if he was wearing Gucci
or Versace. But his black T-shirt and black suit is still very classy.
And when he speaks his sincerity is short three degree's, when he needs
to smile he smiles. "Sorry, the words I say may carry confidence"
Leon says with sincerity. Too bad I'm not a woman government official or
a young girl, if not, I would be really happy.
Shark's Fin
Next: Do you hate when people take you as an investment and take your
relationship with Michele and Shu Kei and make it news?
Leon: Don't really hate it. It is you who believe that the audience wants
to read this stuff. But I think that when you give the audience shark fin
to eat you can also sometimes give them soybean milk and fried dough. But
if everyone want me to continue making shark fin then I'll continue to
make shark fin. Everyone has their value and duty to do their job, it's
very simple, not much to hate.
Next: Lately there have been a lot of stars, doesn't matter how famous
they are, they have to return to TVB to film series. How do you see this?
Leon: TVB's work function, with or without me is no problem. Four Heavenly
Kings, or Four Heavenly Prince, if we go back it doesn't mean we can guarantee
ratings. TVB already has their own actors, and these actors already can
receive a certain amount of ratings for TVB. Why do they need us anyways?
This world is fair, you have your work and I have my work. If I like to
and you need me to even if it is to film two chapters I will still do it.
But to film or not film I don't have a problem with it, and I won't mind
if I don't film I won't get an award at the end of the year. If you great
then after you finish working then get an award for yourself. Me, I'm not
even worried at all.
Next: Do you hate these rules?
Leon: Not really. I also believe that these award shows are fake, but I
can't say "Fake!" what I believe and what I say are two different
things. I am a person, and there are times I have a temper, time when I
say the wrong things. Earlier, there were some reporters who asked, and
this is what I answered: Jacky bought a flat and lost money, did you lose
any money? No. Why? Because I didn't buy. Whey didn't you buy? Because
I don't have that much money, this is the truth, Jacky has so much patience
of course he has more money than I do. Then the reporter asked me again:
Is it because I don't have a wife that's why I didn't buy a flat? Also
asked me do I feel regret that someone else lost that much money? I said:
First of all, their can't be regret, people who have more money have more
money to invest. Investments of course come with wins and losses. Secondly,
buying flats is of course decided by a man. After hearing this the head
of Community Chest said: Leon, you shouldn't say that, you should tell
them not to buy flats! Everyone has his or her own thoughts and place.
This is the entertainment business, laugh at what you hear. What I say
is the truth, If you don't like it then think of it as a joke! Just like,
everyone says Wong Kai Wai's movies are hard to understand. Actually, why
won't you understand? When filming his movie I knew exactly what he wanted,
what wasn't clear was the promotion tactics, It's not like a three year
old kid being controlled by someone. I am well aware of my position and
status. Working for Community Chest, the people behind the scenes come
up with the projects it definitely won't be me, maybe I would add a few
useless ideas, but the one deciding definitely won't be me. My job is to
help them get money and do promotions. This is called work.
Smoking
Next: Being one of the Top Ten Outstanding Youths is it fun?
Leon: It is a happy and proud thing. I don't care how people see me, no
matter what I don't mind. I'm at thirty years old, there has been many
encounters and chances, why should I mind what people say.
Next: A newspaper did a survey and said that because you smoke and its
is not healthy that you don't qualify to be an Outstanding Youth.
Leon: Yes, I smoke, so what? There is no right or wrong in smoking, I don't
affect anyone and I don't encourage others to smoke like me. I want to
quit, and I have even promised others I would quit, but I couldn't quit,
I didn't keep my word. What about that? My life is making movies, singing,
coming up with ideas, smoking, this is my personal life, I haven't encouraged
smoking, and I haven't forced anyone to look at me. People cannot be perfect.
Just like beauty pageants, ATV found a group of Japanese girls over, and
there are some magazines that never mention it, but this year they especially
mentioned it, and said ATV is good etc…. Now did you watch it? If you didn't
watch it how can you write about it? While you were watching it were you
affected? Did you have crooked thoughts? You are human, of course yes.
What about TVB's program, if everyone didn't like watching it, the stations
won't be so dumb as to put up a program so people can complain! While you
are complaining aren't you watching at the same time!
Leaving
Next: Now, nobody watches Hong Kong movies, nobody buys CD's, everyone
watches and listens to pirated versions. You are personally affected by
this how do you see it?
Leon: Can't help it. The government has their reasons. Its very simple,
just pass a law that puts people in jail for thirty years who buys pirated
versions. But the government's laws are sometimes enforced and sometimes
not, they must have their reasons. If you live here you should respect
the governments decisions. I won't oppose, in this city, if it doesn't
give me a sense of happiness and safety, then I will leave.
Next: Even if you don't oppose you can complain?
Leon: I am only a small citizen, I cannot not face facts. The only complaint
I have is, a group of us stars, helped travel board filmed a lot of commercials
to promote Hong Kong, but after we filmed them, I found out that the commercials
were only placed on Hong Kong TV stations to air. I supported Hong Kong
() but we don't want the audience to finish watching the show and leave
right away? We were united and used our name to attract tourist, we should
also film some unique and special things as well. If I was a tourist I
would think that I was coming to Hong Kong to look at the artist. Hong
Kong's product prices are expensive and there are no discounts. The promotion
films that we made, can't really help Hong Kong's tourist situation! Why
don't we take the money spent on local stations and take it to Japan or
other countries TV stations for promotions wouldn't the results be greater?
Maybe I'm looking at it in a broader view, sorry.
Father
Leon's father is in Beijing's hospital right now for a second operation on his heart. He says he is not worried because life and death is already destined, it is useless to worry. [He went to school in Beijing, got married in Beijing, had me in Beijing, got sick in Beijing. To him, it is considered a memory, let him have this memory. For years now he hasn't quit smoking, now at least he has finally quit smoking, hehehe…..] Leon laughed his assistant laughed but I didn't.
Sales Person
Leon believes that everything has a relationship to it. Just like why he helps Hutchinson film commercials, beside money reasons, there is also a relationship. He use to be a sales person for Hutchinson before in the busy areas, with a cellular phone and in front of people he didn't know he had to have a big smile. That time, he sold Nokia, he even beat the other person who sold Motorola. [Nokia has thirty three memory, Motorola only has fifteen, Nokia has…. ] Leon said.
Leon takes Jacky and plays a joke
Ming Pao Issue 1562 October 17, 1998
When Leon arrived to the hotel restaurant it was 4:00 pm he was an hour late for our appointment. With his sunglasses Leon was hurrying and running down the stairs. I felt that he was using his body gestures to let me know his regrets for being late. I smiled, looked at him and didn't say anything.
Leon: Aiya, don't know how to explain, it's useless to explain, if you
are late you are late. (When Leon sat down, he looked at both of his assistants,
Ji Chyun and B Jai sat down at the same time) Why are you two sitting here?
Go somewhere else to sit go. (carrying a slight temper when he said it)
(Ji Chyen and B Jai quickly knew their boss was using that as an excuse,
and I of course knew he was also using it for an excuse. His two assistants
quickly vanished from our eyesight's.)
Bing: Don't be angry, so why are you late?
Leon: We shouldn't even be doing any interviews, at night after I finish
recording a song, I'm too excited and I can't sleep. If I don't sleep how
can I record tonight? That's why I'm so moody. I have to sleep a total
of eight hours in order to have enough voice to sing. That's why you are
waiting this long, sorry.
Bing: Your friends and assistants said that you are treating me like this
because we are close to each other. This time you are late did you do it
on purpose?
Leon: On purpose?
Bing: Yes, on purpose.
Leon: Don't understand.
Bing: Maybe it is your subconscious, which you have a tendency of purposely
being late? You want to see how far I can endure you. Always saying how
good you treat me, always saying how you will protect me. If you are really
protecting me, have to have endurance. That's why you were intentionally
late to test if I can endure you?
Leon: Of course not, sister Bing, of course not.
Bing: I say you subconsciously have this tendency, you probably don't know
yet.
Leon: Aiya, you guys (looks at Wong Sui Ching), you guys think like my
mother (looks at Laai Fai Fung) what we are taking pictures today?
Bing: Yes, when Tin Yan called and asked if we needed to take pictures
I said yes, Fung said we always take pictures inside, this time I want
to take some outside.
Leon: Okay, let me settle down first. They always trick me.
Bing: Who has the nerve to trick you?
Leon: Of course Tin Yan and Ji Chyun. They always say it's only an interview,
no pictures. When I'm here I need to take pictures, always tricking me.
Today I was angered by Mei Ji.
Bing: Why?
Leon: Gave me a T-shirt to wear inside and a shirt outside, what do I look
like, you tell me.
Bing: You look like a director. I find that directors today wear a T-shirt
inside and a shirt outside.
Leon: It's okay to look like a director, but on the bottom I'm wearing
wide pants. On the top I have a director look on the bottom I have a actor
look, what does that look like? Afterwards I took my jacket and left. I
know that being an actor like us Mei Ji, has a lot of stress.
Bing: Yup, every actor has a lot of opinions.
Leon: It's not a lot of opinions, just that we want a unique image, but
not one that is too made up.
Bing: What, so everyday when you go out Mei Ji picks out your clothes?
Leon: If I have work then Mei Ji picks out he clothes. If I go out myself
of course it is a T-shirt and jeans.
Bing: Leon, the day that you went to receive the Top Ten Outstanding Youths
Awards did you see that Jacky was not in a good mood?
Leon: Yes.
Bing: Even you noticed that he was in a bad mood?
Leon: Yes.
Bing: Why was he in a bad mood?
Leon: Don't know.
Bing: Is it because he saw that you were also sharing the award of Top
Ten Outstanding Youth award that's why he was in a bad mood?
Leon: Why do you ask that?
Bing: Well, ten days before they announced the winners you knew he was
a winner and he also knew you were a winner too. But when reporters asked
Jacky about you getting the award also his answer was very unique.
Leon: Unique in what way?
Bing: He said [If Leon really receives the award….] He used [Really] this
word was rather fake.
Leon: Sister Bing, you are asking me if he is not happy about sharing the
award with me, but I say of course not. Is it right?
Bing: When Jacky was on stage giving his comments, I noticed that you were
very attentive. You know we have know Jacky for thirteen years and noticed
that he is very good with words, he practically never said anything wrong
before.
Leon: Yes, when he first went on stage the first sentence he said was..
I don't know how to say things.. second sentence was.. I didn't prepare
a speech, it was this sentence which interested me, I wanted to hear what
he would say since he didn't prepare a speech.
Bing: So when you went on stage you were able to freely express yourself?
Leon: Yes, since he said stuff without preparing, I also wanted to say
something that just came to my mind at that moment. I thought about how
I first started working for Community Chest and Unicef, if you think I
did a good job then I should thank Jacky.
Bing: Is it really because of your father had cancer, that you prayed to
God and said.. If you help my father get through this and that you become
famous you will do more charity work?
Leon: Of course if was because of my father's sickness that I promised.
At that time I was not famous, and as a person willing to spend time, how
would I know I could help people.
Bing: Even recovered from the last stages of cancer?
Leon: Yes, very lucky.
Bing: Have you ever thought of contending for Top Ten Outstanding Youths?
Leon: Like Jackie Chan? No, this kind of stuff you can't think about it.
When helping Unicef and Community Chest I wasn't thinking of the Outstanding
Youth award. It was because before I promise to return something to the
community. Three years ago, Yu Gam Gei wanted to nominate me for Outstanding
Youths, I didn't want to because I didn't think it was time yet.
Bing: This month on the 26th you have to go to Brazil right?
Leon: Yes, my new album is only finished with recording one song, every
song takes three nights to record, I won't finish by the 26th, that's why
I'm so anxious.
Bing: Afterwards, you will have to go to New York for a meeting with Unicef?
Leon: Yes, lately I've been recording songs and it seems especially more
interviews lately too. It always seems this way, when I don't have to record
song I don't have a lot of promotions to do. Its like this every time,
such a coincidence.
Bing: Can't help it "City of Glass" has to open, and your management
company promised to do promotions and you can't back out of it. Have you
seen "City of Glass" yet?
Leon: No not yet, earlier in an interview a reporter asked me.. In the
movie you and Shu Kei kissed what feelings do you have about it? What feelings,
won't answer, I won't answer these questions. (He made a fighting gesture
with his hand, with a bit of resentment.)
Bing: Leon, these last few years I have noticed the people around you.
Leon: Really?
Bing: From them I can see the reason for your success. How do I say this?
You know these couple of years, the things you have received is especially
a lot. A person who receives this much, wouldn't be happy with the people
around them. He would complain that they are not doing enough, not good
enough, normally it would be hard to satisfy. If you don't have a good
heart, or your gestures are not good, they will keep distance, leave you.
I have carefully watched the past years and noticed the friends around
you still treat you good, the people who work for you, are loyal, it is
very hard to come by.
Leon: That's true, the only person who left was Fanny and Fanny didn't
change jobs, just went on a long road trip.
Bing: End of last year, I attended the celebration ceremony for RTHK award
ceremony. I bumped into Tin Yan, patting his chest and said to me, very
surprised. I asked surprised of what? Surprised that you didn't get an
award, If it wasn't his true feelings, he could have said its best if you
lost. Because after so many year, there might be a lot of buried hatred.
Leon: All of us if we have something to say we say it. I tell them about
my troubles they tell me about theirs, sometimes I argue with Tin Yan a
big argument, but after the argument we are back to normal.
Bing: Leon, if I let you be famous till today will you be satisfied?
Leon: It is not up to me not to be satisfied, if it is true.
Bing: Not being up to you to be satisfied is one thing, I asked if you
would not be satisfied, If I asked you this two, three years ago I know
for sure you won't be satisfied but what about today?
Leon: Today, I will be satisfied. If you don't believe you can see for
yourselves, I will give you twenty-four months to see. (I wanted ask what
kind of indication is twenty-four months? But I didn't ask, Leon always
has something to say that I don't know what kind of thinking it is. I laughed
because he has useless words, I didn't want to mention it so I continued
to the next question.)
Bing: Do you want to date?
Leon: Of course, I want to all the time, same saying.. wish to marry at
thirty-six.
Bing: Leon, lately in a newspaper I saw your response about Jacky, you
said you don't have a wife and you don't have as much money as Jacky, so
won't lose money on real-estate.
Leon: Yes, I was joking with him, doesn't matter. Its been so many years,
he has also joked with me many times. (Ji Chyun came over and said.. its
time for the next appointment.) (Just when we were getting into the conversation)
fifteen minutes, don't worry, Yu Gam Gei, known him since I was young,
we are close he won't mind if I am a little late.
Bing: You see, you especially pick on people close to you.
Leon: Aiya.. Sister Bing, stock went up, this time you are treating. (Wong
Sui Ching said, it wasn't much so Ji Chyun already paid for it.)
Bing: I said I was going to treat you but you don't have time what can
I say.
Leon: Okay, after I finish recording, 11:00pm I'll call you for a midnight
snack and you are treating. (When leaving, Wong Sui Ching said to me..
Leon is such a kid, when he came he was angry and after talking for a while
there is nothing wrong anymore.)
Bing: Him, it was because he was late that's why he was overpowering people.
(Sui Ching said.. he hasn't been late for a long time already, in ten time
he hasn't been late once, just when he has an appointment with you he is
late, not fair)
Bing: Half of being late was on purpose because he wanted to test my endurance
towards him.
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