HONG KONG – Veteran actress Yao Zhengjing made her official comeback to the entertainment scene on Wednesday, appearing alongside her manager at a book signing event that also became a platform for another performer to share a harrowing story of fraud and sexual harassment.
Yao, 35, attended the launch of Love’s Venus, the debut book by financial consultant Zeng Junlan, at a Hong Kong bookstore. The singer-actress revealed she has recorded four new songs but is being forced to re-record them under the strict direction of her manager, Lin Baoyu. “We want to deliver the best sound quality and standard to the audience, so we have to be demanding,” Lin said. “We hope to blend classic elements with modern trends to create something fresh.”
When asked if she would consider dueting with a male singer, Yao joked about her preference for “younger meat.” She confessed a crush on rising star MC Cheung (Cheung Tin-fu), saying, “I really like him, but he wouldn’t want me—the age gap is too wide!” She added that she regularly follows TF family, a Chinese boy band, noting, “They could be my sons, but I love their energy.”
Lin Yashi Shares Trauma After UK Return
Also present at the event was actress Lin Yashi, 48, who returned to Hong Kong six months ago from the United Kingdom. She revealed that her job search has been marred by scams and sexual harassment, leaving her emotionally shattered.
“It’s been extremely difficult to overcome,” Lin said, explaining that she struggles with mood instability. “I have a mild emotional disorder, so I have to put in more effort than the average person to cope.”
Her coping mechanism involves isolating herself and crying inconsolably. “I hide away, have a good cry, and then pick myself up again,” she said with a wry smile. She noted that if she wrote a book about her experiences, it would be stranger than a TV drama. “What has happened to me is even more tragic than the most melodramatic plot. I want to share it so people know how unhappy I’ve been—every low was lower than the last. At the same time, I want to teach women how to be strong, how to protect themselves, and not be fooled by scumbags.”
Broader Implications for Hong Kong’s Entertainment Reboot
The event underscores a trend of veteran Hong Kong entertainers staging comebacks after long absences, often facing both creative pressure and personal battles. Yao’s insistence on musical perfection reflects a competitive market that demands innovation from legacy acts. Meanwhile, Lin’s public disclosure of fraud and harassment highlights the vulnerabilities faced by returning talent—and the importance of mental health support in the industry.
Both women now look ahead: Yao plans to release her new material by year’s end, while Lin is considering writing a memoir to empower other women. Their stories serve as a reminder that behind the glamour of a book signing, many performers are still fighting personal wars offstage.
