“It Was Never a Romantic Relationship” — Chin Yan-ling Admits She Was ‘Just a Backup’ to Su Shi-huang

(Hong Kong, March 28) Award-winning actress Elaine Jin Yan-ling, a four-time Hong Kong Film Awards Best Supporting Actress winner, has been widely perceived to be in a long-term romantic relationship with her close companion Susan Su Shi-huang for over two decades.

However, in a recent interview with Akina Fong Kin-yee, she made a startling clarification—stating candidly that she initially treated Su as a “backup,” and firmly asserting: “We are absolutely not in a romantic relationship.”

Jin recalled that after her second divorce, she returned from the UK facing financial hardship and uncertainty. During a mahjong gathering, Su learned of her situation and openly expressed her willingness to care for her, even offering her a stable home.

At the time, Jin admitted that her decision to stay with Su was largely driven by practicality rather than emotional attachment, as she sought stability and security. When asked directly whether she viewed Su as a “backup,” she did not hesitate to confirm.

Despite living together for many years, Jin has consistently resisted being labeled as homosexual, emphasizing that her relationship does not stem from a shift in romantic preference after divorce.

Nevertheless, their companionship has endured for over 20 years—longer than both of her previous marriages combined. She describes their dynamic as one of mutual independence, where both individuals maintain complete personal freedom while sharing the same living space.

During Jin’s serious health challenges—including uterine cancer in 2019 and breast cancer in 2021—Su remained by her side, providing unwavering care and support. Su had even publicly expressed her desire to secure substantial financial resources to ensure Jin’s long-term well-being.

Through these experiences, Jin came to deeply appreciate the meaning of genuine care and devotion. She acknowledged that Su’s presence during her most vulnerable moments allowed her to truly understand what it means to be loved.

While she maintains that marriage is not part of their future, Jin emphasized that their emotional and spiritual bond is what truly matters. She also noted that although Su may appear sharp-tongued to outsiders, she is in fact deeply kind and attentive.