Money, while necessary in the world, can be very fickle. It’s hard work to build up a fortune, but very easy to lose everything.
Actress Vicky Zhao Wei (赵薇) and her husband Huang Youlong (黄有龙) once had a net worth of 7.8 billion Hong Kong dollars (about RM4.2 billion). However, the couple have been facing problems in their marriage and Huang was suspected of going bankrupt at one point.
So, what exactly happened to them?
44-year-old Huang was born in a village in Hunan, China. When he was a teenager, he moved to Singapore to make a living. Huang dabbled in many different businesses such as real estate, hotel tourism, Internet commerce and more. His outspread interests and investments earned him a lot, enough to own a private jet worth more than 100 million yuan (about RM64 million).
Although Huang has kept a low profile for many years, however, it was noted that he was generous to those around him. For instance, he once spent 4 million Euros (about RM19 million) on his wife. He bought her Chateau Monlot in Bordeaux, France which is known for its expensive vineyard. The couple also invested billions of Hong Kong dollars in 2014 and became the second largest shareholder of Alibaba Pictures.
Before he met his current wife, Huang apparently dated Tracy Ip (叶翠翠) who was Miss Hong Kong 2005. The two met in 2008 and Huang spent a lot to court her, even going as far as to buy two mansions worth 31 million Hong Kong dollars (about RM16 million). At the time, they kept their relationship a secret but, the extravagant gifts sparked rumours. The couple eventually broke up after 3 months and Huang took back the two mansions. According to Ip, they decided to separate when they argued over having children.
Zhao met Huang that same year and they got married not long after. Although the couple seemed very happy at first, it soon became apparent that they were having problems. Once, netizens noticed that Zhao had deleted photos of Huang on her social media. Things got worse when Huang’s reported wealth took a steep dive.
In 2019, the couple faced lawsuits from over 500 investors, accusing the two of involving false statements in securities. Zhao, who was listed as a co-defendant in the lawsuit, had to bear joint and several liability for compensation. In April 2021, it was reported that the equity of three companies under Zhao had been frozen. Additionally, yesterday (29th June), Huang was accused of defaulting on two loans totalling 150 million Hong Kong dollars (about RM80 million).
Although Zhao’s joint wealth with her husband seems to be spiralling down the drain, Zhao herself doesn’t seem worried. She was seen flying to Tibet with Faye Wong’s daughter Leah Dou (窦靖童) on 28th June. There is speculation that Zhao is unaffected by her husband’s situation.
While it’s most people’s dream to be wealthy, it’s apparent that the more you have the more you have to lose. We hope Huang can sort out his situation and perhaps salvage his marriage.
Sources: China Press, Sin Chew, Luju Bar
