He Jie, a 24-year-old Chinese singer and actress, was recently found to be dating Shi Xiaolong, a 22-year-old actor and martial arts exponent who has attracted media attention since the age of 4, the Chongqing Times reported yesterday.

    A Chinese Web site released several photos in which a girl was seen shopping hand-in-hand with Shi. Although the girl was wearing a surgical mask, Chinese media said it was obviously He. She had participated in the 2005 “Super Girl” competition, where she rose to prominence after being placed fourth.

    After shopping, the pair joined a middle-aged woman and left in a pink sports car. According to the report, the woman was He’s mother.

    The pair’s microblogs indicate they have had a close relationship since July last year, talking to each other about food and other topics.

    According to the Chongqing Times, one of He’s friends said the couple had feelings for each other when they co-starred in kung-fu comedy “Legend of the Swordsman” last year.

    He’s friend said the couple spent a lot of time together and sent text messages to each other during the shooting of the comedy.(Jane Lai)