THERE was a reason why Hong Kong singer actor Andy Lau had kept his partner of 24 years, Carol Chu, hidden for so long - it was to protect her from possible harm that might be inflicted upon her from Hong Kong triad members.
This was revealed in Lianhe Wanbao's report from Hong Kong tabloid, East Week.
Before the recent media reports of his marriage to Carol, Andy - who was recently dubbed as the "Lying Heavenly King" - had refused to acknowledge her as his partner and the reason behind this was due to threats received from triad members during the 90s.
East Week's report said that during the heartthrob's heydays as an actor, he was practically a cash cow for the triads as he could easily clinch up to 16 films each year.
In an interview that was conducted a few years ago in China, he spilled the beans on how he was forced to act in a gangster movie, which he had initially refused.
He told the interviewer that one of the triad leaders had insisted he take on the role and when he refused, they held four guns to his head.
Andy also said that the triad members then threatened him by saying: "We know where your girlfriend lives. You should know what to do if you don't want to suffer the consequences."
The actor had no choice but to comply.
Lianhe Wanbao reported that when news about this interview reached the ears of one of the triad leaders, he sent henchmen to Andy's house to "pay him a visit".
Carol was making her way home at that moment. The triad members hurled vulgarities at her and told her that something would happen to her if Andy did not shut up.
For fear of her safety, Andy sent her back to Malaysia. In an attempt to distract the triad members, he then issued a statement saying he was single and unattached.
He felt that the chances of Carol being harmed was lesser if she stayed away from the public.
Andy expresses his personal feelings
On Tuesday, Andy expressed his feelings in his official website. He said: "There are many changes in one's life and each experience is an enriching life lesson.
"If things become messy; there's no need to burden oneself.
"Life is hard. You don't want trouble in life but how is that possible?
"What I'm saying is...our future is boundless."
His last sentence seemed to be a reflection of his future with Carol, said the Chinese evening dailies.