Hong Kong actor Ruco Chan, a familiar face in the television landscape, recently sat down for an intimate interview, offering fans a rare and heartwarming glimpse into his eight-year marriage with actress Phoebe Sin. Chan, known for his compelling performances, spoke with profound affection and gratitude for his wife, highlighting the sacrifices she has made and the deep trust that underpins their enduring relationship. Their love story, which began with a chance encounter at a high-profile pageant, has blossomed into a partnership built on mutual respect and unwavering support.
A Judge’s Gaze: The Genesis of Affection at Miss Hong Kong
The initial sparks between Ruco Chan and Phoebe Sin were ignited under the dazzling lights of the Miss Hong Kong Pageant in 2016. Chan, a distinguished figure in the entertainment industry, was part of the judging panel for the grand finals. It was during this capacity that he first noticed Phoebe, then a contestant vying for the crown. He recalled a specific moment during the Miss Photogenic segment, where he offered Phoebe words of encouragement, acknowledging her potential to win the coveted award. When questioned about the notion of love at first sight, Chan candidly admitted that his feelings were not instantaneous. Instead, he described a more nuanced initial impression: “Back then, she wasn’t ‘curvy,’ she was chubby,” he shared, “but when I saw her, I felt a strong urge to protect her and support her.” This protective instinct, he revealed, was the seed from which his deeper feelings for Phoebe would eventually grow.
Following the pageant, fate continued to weave their paths together. Both Ruco and Phoebe were active in the entertainment industry, leading to frequent professional encounters. However, it wasn’t until a chance meeting at a social gathering, where they posed for photographs together, that their connection began to deepen. By this time, Chan admitted, his admiration for Phoebe had already begun to blossom into romantic interest. Yet, ever the professional, he chose not to rush the courtship. He ingeniously used the pretext of obtaining a photo as an opening to connect with her on social media. “I asked her to send me a photo because it was taken on her phone,” Chan explained, “but I didn’t WhatsApp her. Instead, we chatted in the Instagram inbox.” This digital bridge allowed their conversations to flow naturally, laying the groundwork for their eventual relationship.
A playful anecdote emerged when the topic of Phoebe’s initial feelings towards Ruco was raised. She had once mentioned having a crush on him. Chan, with a fond smile, clarified the context, explaining that Phoebe was initially his image consultant. “She said I was a good man. It was just her way of showing affection,” he explained, adding with a twinkle in his eye, “I liked her more!” This playful exchange underscored the genuine affection and comfortable camaraderie that characterized their early interactions.
Navigating the Spotlight: Trust as an Anchor Amidst Media Scrutiny
When probed about what ultimately captured his heart and solidified his decision to pursue Phoebe, Ruco Chan pointed to her unwavering trust in him. He spoke about his lifelong experience of being easily misunderstood. “From a young age, I’ve always been easily misunderstood,” he confessed. “If I don’t say anything, or when I say something, people easily misunderstand, but not her. She trusts me.” This profound sense of being understood and accepted, without judgment or reservation, was a revelation for Chan and a cornerstone of their growing bond.
As their relationship transitioned from private to public, Ruco and Phoebe inevitably found themselves under the intense glare of media attention. The entertainment industry, with its insatiable appetite for celebrity gossip, placed their relationship under a microscope. While Ruco maintained a stoic demeanor, confident that truth would eventually prevail, he harbored concerns for Phoebe, who was then a relative newcomer to the industry. He worried about the potential impact of the relentless media scrutiny on her burgeoning career and personal well-being.
Chan recounted the pressure they faced: “At the time, many magazines reported on it. If you don’t speak up or comment, they’ll just assume. I didn’t want her to be affected by this shadow, so my reaction was very strong.” He acknowledged that his assertive stance led some to perceive him as rude or pretentious. “Many people thought I was being rude and said I was acting pretentious. I knew very well what I was doing,” he asserted. “Besides, we were already dating and almost (married), so I had to protect her first.” His protective instincts, he explained, were paramount, especially given the seriousness of their relationship at that stage.
Phoebe’s steadfast trust in Ruco proved to be a profound source of strength, particularly during a challenging period when Ruco’s mother was unwell. Amidst a barrage of intrusive press photographers, Ruco made the difficult decision to shield Phoebe from the ordeal. “My mother wasn’t feeling well and many reporters rushed to take pictures of her. I told Phoebe not to go out for a week, so she really didn’t go out for a week,” he revealed. This period of enforced seclusion, while undoubtedly difficult, demonstrated Phoebe’s deep understanding and willingness to support Ruco and his family. Further solidifying his conviction about their future, Ruco had to depart for Hengdian to film the historical drama Succession War for two months. During his extended absence, Phoebe remained in Hong Kong, patiently awaiting his return, a testament to her unwavering faith and commitment. This unwavering trust, Chan explained, solidified his belief that Phoebe was “the right person” for him.
A Tale of Two Proposals: The Path to Matrimony
After approximately two years of dedicated courtship, Ruco Chan and Phoebe Sin decided to embark on the next chapter of their lives together, exchanging vows in 2018. When asked about the proposal, Chan described his initial attempt as rather unconventional, even bordering on “old-fashioned.” In a bid to surprise Phoebe, he discreetly slipped a ring onto her finger while she was fast asleep. The gesture, however, did not elicit the desired romantic response. A less-than-impressed Phoebe woke up and declared, “That’s it? I was sleeping! No, you have to do it again.” Her playful yet firm rejection prompted Ruco to reconsider his approach.
Undeterred, Ruco Chan orchestrated a more formal and romantic proposal in England. Surrounded by the charm of a picturesque setting and armed with a bouquet of flowers, he presented Phoebe with a proposal that met her expectations. “She said, ‘You have so many tricks up your sleeve when you’re filming, why was it not romantic?'” Chan recounted, recalling her playful critique. He humorously retorted, “It was just filming.” This anecdote highlights the lighthearted nature of their relationship, where even significant moments are infused with humor and a deep understanding of each other’s personalities.
Despite the 13-year age gap between them, Ruco Chan firmly believes that their personalities are remarkably compatible. He attributes the success of their relationship to the foundational pillars of mutual understanding and unwavering trust. “Simplicity may not be the greatest happiness, but happiness is definitely simple,” he mused, offering a poignant reflection on the essence of their marital bliss. His words suggest that true happiness lies not in grand gestures or elaborate displays, but in the quiet contentment and profound connection they share. Their journey from a chance encounter at a beauty pageant to a deeply committed marriage serves as an inspiring testament to the power of love, trust, and the simple joys that form the bedrock of a lasting partnership.
This article is written by Sammi for JayneStars.com.
