Yang Mi, one of China’s most promising actresses who has been linked romantically with actors Feng Shaofeng and Hu Ge, has admitted to having a boyfriend in showbiz.

    Her boyfriend is Hong Kong-born actor Lau Hoi-wai, with whom Yang costarred in TV drama “Ruyi.”

    Lau first announced on his Sina microblog on Sunday that he had a girlfriend. “I will protect our love, Yang Mi,” he wrote.

    Minutes later, he got a response from Yang, confirming their relationship.

    Friends and fans gave their blessing. However, some netizens suspected it was all simply hype for Yang, who is about to release her first album. Moreover, the TV series “Beijing Love Story,” in which Yang played the leading role, was broadcast on the exact night the announcement was made.

    On Monday, Yang posted an explanation on her official Web site, saying that she was sorry for the misunderstanding and clarified why she chose such a time to make their relationship known.

    “I admitted to being in the relationship because I had been photographed with my lover,” said Yang, denying the intent to promote her album or drama.

    Yang and Lau fell for each other while shooting “Ruyi” last June. Yang at first wanted to keep their relationship secret as many pop stars did, but being photographed together made this impossible.

    (Zhao Jie)