Being the girlfriend of Raymond Lam (林峯) has its benefits and drawbacks. Although the newcomer has soared in public recognition levels in recent months, Karena Ng (吳千語) has also earned the name “material girl” from rumors and headlines. Unlike his previous romances, Raymond did not attempt to keep his relationship with current girlfriend Karena a secret. The couple has been photographed together on numerous occasions, whether it was of them on vacation to Europe or going on movie dates in Hong Kong. Just last month, Raymond and Karena were spotted in southern California attending the university commencement ceremony of Raymond’s younger brother. It has been said that Raymond often showered Karena with gifts, a rumor that Raymond himself did not deny or admit. During their vacation in Milan, Italy in February, Raymond was seen purchasing a thousand-dollar Hermès Birkin bag for the 19-year-old. When they returned to Hong Kong, tabloids reported that Raymond forked out millions of dollars to rent a quality estate for Karena’s parents. It was also reported that Raymond had bought Karena a luxury sports car – the Ferrari – upon her request. The same tabloid reporters alleged that Karena, who grew up under very humble circumstances in Sha Tin, was “pouncing” at every chance show off her newfound wealth. Karena’s Response In a casual interview with Next Magazine last Saturday, Karena countered the tabloid rumors, insisting that the claims were false and unfounded. “Indeed, I am not from a wealthy family. When I was very young, my father and a relative started a restaurant business. We were, in a sense, a ‘normal’ family, but we were not as poor as what the tabloids made it seem.” (Is it true that you lived in Sha Kok, a public housing estate in Sha Tin?) “I did live there when I was very young, but only for a few months. My parents were not in Hong Kong often, so they hired an auntie to take care of me. Even I almost forgot about this. I went to high school in Tai Wai, so maybe that’s why a lot of people thought I lived in Sha Kok.” At the mention of Karena’s materialistic rumors, the 19-year-old looked saddened, but confidently said, “I felt helpless. We interact like any other ordinary couple. Yes, we did go on vacation together. As for the [Hermès] bag, it was a Valentine’s Day gift. I was very surprised that he gave one to me, and later I found out that he wanted us to use the same bag.” Karena revealed that she too had “showered” Raymond with some gifts of her own. “I gave him a series of [action] figures. They’re pretty expensive ones too.” As for the rumors of Raymond purchasing a Ferrari for her, Karena shook her head, “I don’t even have a driver’s license yet. [This rumor] is really too much. The rumor of him renting a house for parents also crosses the line. My parents are rarely in Hong Kong, and Raymond has never seen them before. He doesn’t know them. “All the designer clothes and shoes that I’ve worn have been with me since my debut. I use them for my work. Although my income is not a lot, I am capable of paying for my own expenses.” With a career in showbiz, Karena understood that many matters were not under her control. “I’ve always tried to maintain a positive outlook when it comes to discussions like these. I know my own facts. I am not too bothered by things that are not true. I will patiently wait for others to learn more about me and accept me. Raymond didn’t do anything. We all understand how this industry works, so we will not always remind ourselves of [the rumors].” Karena’s Management Company Against Romance Karena admitted that her management, Raymond Wong’s (黃百鳴) Pegasus Films, was originally against her relationship with Raymond. There were reports saying that Karena was frozen by her company, which Karena later denied. She clarified, “They were worried that [dating] would affect my work, but now we’ve proven that it has not distracted us, and my management isn’t against it anymore.” Was Raymond’s own management, TVB, against their high profile relationship as well? Karena frowned, saying, “There will be people who don’t like us, or don’t like us being together. There are many opinions and voices on this issue, but what really matters is that we’re happy. I’ve never heard about this rumor, but it’s really not in my control. I hope everyone will give us space to date like a normal couple.” Rumored to be on Virginia Lok’s (樂易玲) blacklist, Karena said, “This is odd. I’ve met her two times. We had dinner together, and we got along well. I don’t know why this rumor happened.” What about marriage? “I think that every girl would love to get married. I’ve always wanted to have a happy and complete family of my own, but we are still in the early stages of our relationship. There are still many things left for us to do… all I can say is that we are in a very stable relationship, but it is not to the point where I am planning for marriage.” Karena ended the interview with an afterthought. “I will be shooting an action film soon. I will have fight scenes, and I will have to spend most of my time in the gym. I will have to change my diet, and I don’t want the audience to watch an anorexic fighter. I want to have my own credible career, and not one supplied by rumors. Raymond and I will encourage each other, and I hope that we will have everyone’s blessings too!” Creds: Next Magazine
