JINGDONG, a major Chinese online retailer, has issued a statement via its microblog denying reports that its founder Liu Qiangdong paid 30 million yuan (US$4.88 million) to his girlfriend Zhang Zetian, also known as “Milk Tea Sister,” after the couple’s breakup.

    The move came after Liu deleted a post indicating his affection for Zhang after Zhang deleted all posts from her mircoblog, sparking speculation that the couple had broken up.

    The statement said Liu thanked the public for their concern and denied rumors about the breakup fee and speculation that the breakup is related to ongoing investigations.

    Earlier, it was reported online that Zhang’s father, Zhang Lihou, the director of a Nanjing-based investment company, is under investigation regarding the Yang Weize case.

    Yang, Party chief of Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is now being investigated by authorities for suspected “serious violations of discipline and law.”

    Zhang Lihou and his company have denied the reports, saying no investigation is being conducted on him.

    Zhang Zetian, born in 1993, became popular after a photo showing her holding a cup of milk tea went viral online in 2009. She has been known as “Milk Tea Sister” ever since.

    Liu confirmed their relationship in April last year via his mircoblog as photos emerged online showing the couple holding hands and hugging in New York City.

    The couple reportedly met at New York-based Columbia University.

    (SD-Agencies)