Cecilia Cheung, who recently aroused media frenzy after starting a relationship with a foreigner, said in a Friday interview that she wanted to leave entertainment in one or two years.

The Hong Kong actress and singer said that her daily life had often been interrupted by paparazzi, who had been relentlessly exposing her love life ever since she first burst onto the Hong Kong entertainment scene five years ago.

"It's too tiring to try and maintain a relationship in this circle, as a person's love story is to be shared with so many people," she said.

"I don't want to be in other people's hands any longer. So maybe I'll leave the entertainment circle after one or two years, when I fully grow up."

As for the life after showbiz, Cheung hoped she could go to college in a place outside Hong Kong. But she still felt uncertain about how to put this dream into reality.

Acclaimed as a natural actress, Cheung has been recognized for her talent in acting in addition to her beauty. As for the reason of the decision of her sudden quitting, she said she had a beautiful showcase in the upcoming blockbuster The Promise.

"I had a very good role in the film, and I can regard it as a beautiful film to conclude my acting career," she said.

Having starred many films, Cheung regarded The Promise as a special hit. She finds her own identity in Qingcheng, the princess she plays. "Qingcheng is like me, who sometimes appears cold and sometimes enthusiastic and optimistic. I even thought I could win the best actress award of the Oscar," she said.

As the film presents a magic world, which cannot be found in reality, Cheung said she wanted to make it her last film so that she could keep the magic forever.

(Shenzhen Daily September 26, 2005)