After claiming the TVB Best Actor Award two times and starring in Bu Bu Jing Xin <步步驚心>, Kevin Cheng (鄭嘉穎) has become highly successful in the Greater China region. During the 20 years he spent within the entertainment industry, Kevin had times when he accepted jobs he disliked for the purpose of earning money. Nowadays, money is no longer a problem, since he allegedly earns 400,000 RMB per episode. Kevin has much more freedom with his career and is able to expand his opportunities. Currently basing his career in mainland, Kevin is busy producing dramas to be sold to broadcasting companies. Besides acting, he also participates in the scriptwriting process. Earlier, he sold his car and house in Hong Kong and moved into a services apartment. “I don’t spend much time in Hong Kong.” He explained. “Without a car, I can save some money. Living in a serviced apartment also saves me time from housework.” However, Kevin emphasized that he is not going to move to mainland permanently, and it was only for career purposes. “I’m still going to live in Hong Kong. It’s just that my career will be based in mainland.” After filming for the drama at hand, Kevin will return to Hong Kong to film a movie. He will then fly back to mainland for another drama. Near the end of the year, he will head back to Hong Kong to promote his new record album, which will consist of 10 tracks. With his fully packed schedule, it looks like Kevin Cheng has no time to film for TVB this year. “I don’t think I can film [for TVB] this year. Next year, I will be filming a TVB drama produced by Amy Wong (王心慰) though.” The 2013 TV King race will therefore be lacking a popular contender. Kevin’s romantic life remains dull, but he is not worried. “I’ve only started to develop my career within the mainland market. I must remain focused, placing time for mainland jobs and understanding the requirements. I need to film dramas, stabilize my newly developed production studio, as well as record songs for my new album. There is really no time nor energy to date.” Earlier, rumors spread that director Lee Lik Chi (李力持) was not on good terms with Kevin, and had criticized him for his poor Mandarin. In response to the rumors, Kevin exclaimed, “That’s ridiculous. I am not very familiar with Director Lee, because we’ve never even collaborated. There was only once when we discussed a drama for more than an hour, but we never spoke in Mandarin.” Kevin revealed that he would feel unhappy about such rumors in the past, and would ask himself why they emerged. Now, he is used to the negativity within the industry, and he no longer minds. Creds: Ming Pao
