Car Accident: Was LYP Driving?

Wubing, on June 15th, 2009 said:
Feifan, you heard about this news ? It was all over Singapore’s newspaper last nite –
http://www.webcitation.org/5hZ46mSps

Li Ya Wei (李亚伟), Li Ya Peng’s (李亚鹏) older brother, with Ma Jia (马葭), LYP’s manager.

[Reply 6.15.09] Hi, Wubing. Yes, I’ve been seeing bits and pieces in the online Chinese newspapers. The details of the accident in the article are confusing. Based on the article, this is what seems to have happened: On 25 April 2009, in Zhejiang Province, Li Ya Wei (李亚伟) was driving a van on North Avenue in Hengdian. A car struck the van from behind, forcing the van onto the sidewalk and into a pedestrian, who later died at the scene.

[Added 6.15.09: I’m reading conflicting reports. In a Sina report today, LYW is the driver of the car, an Audi TT, and the van was driven by another driver, who ran a red light and struck LYW’s Audi from behind, driving the Audi into the pedestrian.]

The victim’s family claims that two eyewitnesses thought LYP, Faye Wong’s (王菲) husband, was the driver. A review of video from a surveillance camera is inconclusive, with no clear image of the driver of the van. Police reports indicate Li Ya Wei was the driver. The victim’s family wants the case reopened and are seeking compensation from LYP.

LYP expressed sympathy for the family, but he claims that he wasn’t anywhere near the accident. He was filming a TV series, and his crew members are his witnesses. LYP’s manager, Ma Jia (马葭), claims that the family is trying to blackmail LYP.

I haven’t posted anything up until now since, as far as I know, Faye hasn’t issued a statement. However, I think you’re right. We should probably post this story for possible discussion since it will probably impact Faye.

Wubing, thanks for your message and the URL.

What’s Stalling Faye Wong’s Return?

I’m sure this question has been on the minds of millions of Faye Wong (王菲) fans throughout the world for the last four years. Since her last No Faye, No Live! concert in Guangzhou on 10 January 2005, the release of the concert album in November 2004, and her To Love (將愛 Jiang Ai) album in November 2003, we have been waiting for a new album or concert performance.

Will 2009 be the year when Faye returns?

I’m not an insider like Katie Chen (陈家瑛 Chen Jiaying), Carina Lau (刘嘉玲 Liu Jia Ling), Vicki Zhao (赵薇 Zhao Wei), or Ma Jia (马葭) so I can’t answer this question with any kind of authority, but like most of you, I’ve been following her career very closely and have a number of thoughts on what may be keeping Faye from returning to her performing career.

(Photo source: 7_70)

There are a number of clues that might, together, provide an explanation:

Clue 1. Faye isn’t motivated by money. She never has been and probably never will. Thus, multimillion dollar offers may not have the appeal that it does for most people.

Clue 2. She’s not staying away because of the children, Tong Tong (竇靖童 Dou Jingtong) and Li Yan (李嫣), as many believe. Yes, she loves them and enjoys caring for them, but in the past, she resumed her career almost immediately after Tong Tong’s birth.

Clue 3. Since Coming Home in August 1992, every album has been different in the sense that, in each, Faye pushes the envelope, experimenting and trying new things. The point is that her discography since 1992 is a continuous progression, development, or growth. In her last album, Jiang Ai, Faye served as co-producer, with Zhang Ya Dong (張亞東), of the entire album. She also composed and wrote three of the songs, the title track “To Love,” “Leave Nothing” (不留), and “Sunshine Dearest” (陽寶), and she composed the music for “April Snow” (四月雪).

Clue 4. She’s not resting, as many seem to believe. Faye has tremendous energy and strength, and the reason for her absence from the limelight isn’t physical.

Clue 5. She’s not being restrained or held back by her husband, Li Yapeng (李亚鹏), as some believe. In fact, LYP is her biggest fan and would want nothing better than to see and hear Faye perform once again. However, to his credit, he’s leaving the decision solely in her hands.

Clue 6. Faye hasn’t lost her voice as some speculate. Her voice and talents are part of her DNA, and she can’t lose what’s a natural part of her. Also, her 18 May 2008 earthquake relief live performance with Faith Yang ( 杨乃文, Yang Nai Wen), Eason Chan (陈奕迅, Chen Yi Xun, ), and Aniu (阿牛) in “Wishing We Last Forever” demonstrated to the world that her voice is as beautiful as ever.

Clue 7. She hasn’t lost her looks. All one has to do is look at her recent photos and videos. She is absolutely gorgeous!

Clue 8. Faye isn’t restless, and this is a major reason, I think, for her reluctance to reignite her career. In the past, her creative juices flowed when she was restless or impatient. It’s almost as though she’s driven by an inner force that only she can feel — a force that can be released only through creative expression in music.

Clue 9. She hasn’t seen or heard anything in the current music scene to spark her creative energies. There’s no modern day equivalent of Teresa Teng (鄧麗君 Deng Lijun) or Cocteau Twins to inspire her. And her former collaborators, Zhang and Lin Xi (林夕), as well as C. Y. Kong, Dou Wei (竇唯), and Nic Tse (谢霆锋 Xie Tingfeng), haven’t been working with her to create new material.

Clue 10. Faye has never said that she’s retired or retiring from her career. And this is perhaps the most important clue. She’s leaving the door open simply because she may want to step into the recording studio when the spirit moves her. There’s no timetable. It’s just a matter of waiting for the right moment to strike, when her adrenaline and restlessness kicks in.

A Likely Scenario for Faye’s Return

So, given these clues, what’s a likely scenario for her return? My guess is that either or both Zhang and Lin Xi will have to make the first move by presenting Faye with new songs or concepts that could be exciting for her. It’ll have to be sufficiently different, new, and edgy, and it’ll have to be something that fits Faye and represents, for her, growth.

These two have collaborated extensively with Faye in the past, and, together, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I’d also toss C. Y. Kong, Dou Wei, and Nic into the mix. Faye brings out the genius in each of these guys, and, together, they could create the kind of music that would stir the restlessness or anxiety within Faye that seeks creative expression in music.

In this scenario, Faye would play many different roles, as she has in the past, when she felt in sync with her collaborators, and these roles will include bouncing off her partners and adding her own touches, including original compositions or lyrics or both.

These individuals, including Faye, intuitively realize that, alone, each can’t grow. It’s only in collaboration that they can transcend the limits of their own talents and create music that’ll take them and the entire industry to a whole new level.

So, how do we get this ball rolling? I’d say that someone has to take the initiative, the first step. And from where I’m sitting, the most likely candidate for this task is Katie. She has the personality, the power, and the talent to bring people together. She needs to make this happen by contacting the individuals and asking them to work with Faye to take up where she left off in 2005.

The goal would definitely not be to do an oldies-but-goodies rehash of past hits. Instead, it would be to continue the growth that stopped in 2005, to take the next step into a new and different sound that is purely Faye Wong.

Videos – Faye & LYP in Lhasa Nov 28

In the the first video, we see Faye Wong (王菲) and Li Yapeng (李亚鹏) visiting with the family of a toddler who has benefited from the SmileAngel fund. In the second, we see them at a hospital visiting with the SmileAngel medical team, hospital staff, young patients and their families. In both of these, we see the kindness and generosity of Faye and LYP. It’s very touching to see the genuine love and care that they have for the children and their parents. I think a very big part of why Faye and her husband are so immensely popular in China (and the rest of the world) is because of their humanity. This is just another extraordinary aspect of Faye that makes her so different from other celebrities and so worthy of respect and adulation.

(Source: Sohu)

(Source: Sohu)

(Source: BB.News.QQ)

In the third video, we see Faye and LYP at the airport, being pursued by the media. In this video, Faye actually speaks with the reporters.

Faye and LYP on Her Return

On November 27, Faye Wong (王菲) left Beijing’s Capital Airport at 09:00am. She landed at  Chengdu’s Shuangliu Airport at noon for a brief stopover and, five hours later, arrived at Lhasa’s Gonggar Airport. At Capital Airport, a reporter, a middle-aged man, asked when she will reappear in a concert, and Faye Wong’s answer was, “For the time being, I have no such intention.”

In Chengdu, Faye met up with her husband, Li Yapeng (李亚鹏), who flew in from Guangzhou, where he was shooting a film. Together, they flew to Lhasa. (Source Qingdao News 28 Nov 2008.)

On the 29th, in Guangzhou, after his return from Lhasa, LYP was asked by the media when Wang Fei would resurface. He smiled and said, “You should ask her. Why do you ask me?” However he said afterward, “Actually, I’m also anxiously awaiting her return. As her fan, I’m also anticipating the time when she resurfaces.” A reporter asked whether Faye sang for him at home. He replied, “She sings at home for her daughters.” (Source Netease/Ent163 29 Nov 2008.)

Both Faye’s and LYP’s answers leave the door wide open for Faye’s eventual return. Faye’s “for the time being” is an exceptionally strong indicator that she has not retired and is definitely considering a return. The question is not if but when, and only Faye really knows the answer. She’ll return when she’s ready. And for fayenatics, that’s good enough. But we hope it’ll be sooner rather than later.

POLL: Are Faye and LYP Divorcing?

In the last few days, the rumor mills in China have been working overtime, churning out the latest speculation that Faye Wong (王菲) and Li Yapeng (李亚鹏) are planning to divorce.

Do you believe these rumors? Please take the poll. We’re also interested in hearing your reasons so please share them in the comments section. Thanks!

(Source: Sina.com, 14 Nov 2008)

Rumor – Faye & LYP Ready to Divorce

Cqnews ran a long piece today on the rumor that Faye Wong (王菲) and Li Yapeng (李亚鹏) are getting a divorce. In the rambling article, there’s really no solid evidence or confirmation from a trusted source. Thus, at this point, we can only say that it’s speculation. The story goes that the main cause is their difference of opinion re Faye’s pregnancy. Simply put, LYP wants the baby, and Faye doesn’t. Another view is that the problem is money, with bad investments on the part of LYP as the burning point. The story is based on an anonymous source, of course, so the truth value of this report is, at this point anyway, dubious.

Comment from Dan, 8.22.08: By the way, that is OLD news, this cqnews is so outdated!!! That article is the same one that sina posted long ago, and lyp issued a lawyer letter to them. Sina later apologised on their website and the matter is solved. I don’t know why this cqnews digged this news out again from the coffin!!! And made that headline again!!! Luckily no other website followed up this news.

Intimate Peek into Faye and LYP’s Home

Here’s a fascinating peek into Faye Wong (王菲) and Li Yapeng’s (李亚鹏) home. Click here for the video, which was made on 28 July 2008. The interviewer is Charles Zhang (张朝阳), Sohu CEO. The video opens with a Sohu.com crew driving into what appears to be a secure and exclusive neighborhood. The surrounding area is green with open fields, trees, and each residence seems to have a huge yard.

When the crew arrives, LYP and some men are in the process of moving a sofa into the house. The crew pulls up, and the leader directs one of the cameramen to help the movers. The camera follows the four men as they move into what appears to be a study. The crew follows, and once the move is complete, LYP leads them into the living room where the interview is to take place.

When the camera first enters, you can’t help but sense that it’s searching for any signs of Faye. In one shot, it lingers on a stairway that appears to lead to the upper story bedrooms. But there’s no sign of Faye.

In the bottom set of photos, in the lower right corner, is a photo of the abode that Faye shared with Dou Wei (竇唯) when they were first starting their romance in the mid-90s.

In the interview, LYP admits that, in terms of fame, Faye’s status is much higher than his and that, in comparison, he’s not famous at all. But he says that this difference is not a problem in their marriage.

(Update 7/28: The source for the additional information about the interview and interviewer is China Business News.)

Video of Faye on July 24

Video of Faye Wong (王菲) and family at Beijing International Airport on the 24th. Li Yapeng’s (李亚鹏) in the background. Most of the video is devoted to LYP’s altercation and the aftermath, but this portion at the 01:59-02:08 mark, about 9 seconds worth, is focused on Faye. For a related article, click here.

More on Li Yapeng’s July 23 Incident

After the incident at Bangkok International Airport on 23 July 2008, Li Ya Peng (李亚鹏) was  accompanied by Katie Chen (陈家瑛, Chen Jiaying) to the airport security office where the police took a statement. The male reporter who had been assaulted was also present. During the process, both parties argued. According to reports, Li Yapeng said, “That day, I talked to you patiently after you photographed my family at the hotel. But why did I hit you today? Because my daughter had been frightened by you. Your camera was right in her face. You scared her.” The male reporter countered, “You could have told me that you were unhappy with me, but you were wrong to assault me.”

The reporter also asked that Li Yapeng apologize in public and pay for the video camera that he had damaged when he attacked the female reporter. LYP replied, “That’s pretty funny. You harass me and ask me to apologize? It’s you who should say sorry.” The police announced that the incident and statements have been recorded for future reference. LYP asked for a copy of the video taken by the CCTV camera crew.

In an interview after the police interrogation, Li Yapeng said, politely, “Please wait for a moment. Let my mother and children leave before I say anything.” After they left, he explained that he behaved the way he did to protect his daughter. He asked the journalists, “Did you see how that reporter used his camera to take photographs of Li Yan [李嫣]? Did you see? His camera was in my daughter’s face!” Sighing, he continued, “It’s okay to photograph me, but not my daughter. I wouldn’t hit him only today if he did that again. I would hit him every time he does it. I will do anything to protect my daughters!”

Later, on the 24th, journalists approached Faye Wong (王菲), who was beside LYP. When a reporter shoved a mike into her face, Faye pushed it away with her hand. She said, in Cantonese, “I didn’t say I would accept your interview.” Faye was apparently angry about the incident the day before. The photo below was taken at a Bangkok hotel where the family was staying, some time after the incident.

(source: Asian Entertainment Universe, 24 July 2008)

Added 7.25.08: Faye Wong asked a friend at a local mediation center to intercede re the damaged camera and agreed to a 2300 Hong Kong dollar settlement (CNETNews, 7.25.08).

Conflict Resolved – Faye & Family Back in Beijing

Based on various reports, the conflict between Li Yapeng (李亚鹏) and the Hong Kong reporters involved in the incident at Bangkok International Airport on the 23rd has been resolved. Faye Wong (王菲), Li Yapeng, and the rest of the family returned to Beijing in the afternoon of the 24th. In Bangkok, as the videos show, LYP was interviewed by airport security. The reporters, too, were interviewed. One report claims that the journalists apologized. Another that both sides apologized. And still another that no one apologized but both sides acknowledged wrongdoing. In one report, LYP says that he didn’t apologize, but that “If he encounters a similar problem in the future, he would choose a more suitable way to resolve it.” In any event, the criminal case appears to be closed.

(Both videos added to YouTube by Fayeconnie on 24 July 2008.)

Photo of LYP’s Attack

Bangkok International Airport. Here’s a photo of Li Yapeng’s (李亚鹏) attack on a paparazzi today, 23 July 2008. Apparently, Faye Wong (王菲) and the others were at a different location in the airport and didn’t witness the incident. Ma Jia (马葭), LYP’s manager, said she didn’t see what happened but believes that if LYP did react so strongly, he must have felt that his family was being violated beyond what would be considered tolerable. Ma Jia said that for LYP, family is the bottom line, the most important, and he would do what’s necessary to protect them. From the video posted earlier, it’s clear to me that LYP is trying to protect Li Yan (李嫣) from media exposure. Reports indicate that the photographer filed or is planning to file a complaint with the authorities re the attack. In the following hours, we should get a better idea of what’s happening and what might happen.

(source Netease 23 July 2008)

Added 23 July 2008:

(source Netease 23 July 2008)

Added 7.23.08:

Faye, LYP, Tong, Katie – More Photos

More photos of Faye Wong, LYP, and Tong Tong. The last photo is of Katie Chen (陈家瑛, Chen Jiaying), Faye’s manager, who arrived earlier at Bangkok Airport.

(source Hi.people.com)

More Rumors – LYP Supports Faye’s Return

China’s media continues to churn out rumors of Faye Wong’s (王菲) return to her career. In the absence of direct statements from Faye or her team, journalists are limited to speculations based on vague sources. One that’s been making the rounds lately begins with “some reports say that.” The reports are based on circumstantial evidence, on calculations from the creative minds of reporters: The so-called logic goes like this: Faye’s high monthly expenditures + other expenses + a slowdown in Li Yapeng’s (李亚鹏) career = a financial crisis that will force Faye to resurface.

They’re fanning these embers with alleged quotes from LYP. One that’s familiar to most of us is the statement that Faye has never officially retired or claimed to have retired from the song world. Another LYP statement that’s somewhat new is: If she resurfaces, he’ll certainly raise both hands in approval so that he could also hear the song world’s most beautiful sound. (source: Gansudaily.com, 24 June 2008)

Will Faye Resurface to Raise Funds for Children?

For the past few days, the Chinese press has, again, returned to speculating about Faye Wong’s (王菲) return, this time claiming that the program Li Yapeng (李亚鹏) is proposing for the longterm care of children impacted by the earthquake will cost a lot of money and, therefore, Faye may perform and record CDs to help raise funds. LYP is calling for volunteers to commit to providing support for the children over the next ten years or more, to assist them until they graduate from school and find good jobs. He says his plan (汶川新家庭计划, Wenchuan new family planning) will be a moral commitment rather than a legal contract. The more I see of LYP, at least in the last couple of years, the more I admire him. He’s a natural leader, and his heart and mind are in the right place. There’s also no denying the influence that Faye is having on him. She has always been a kind, caring, and generous person when it comes to caring for those in need. (Source: entertainment.northeast.cn, 3 June 2008)

A Typical Day in Faye Wong’s Life?

What’s a typical day like for Faye Wong (王菲)? According to China Entertainment Network (29 May 2008), she goes to a yoga exercise class every day, for about an hour. When Vicki Zhao (赵薇, Zhao Wei) joins her, they train for a while longer. In the meantime, Tong Tong (竇靖童, Dou Jingtong), accompanied by her uncle, LYP’s brother (Li Yawei, 李亚伟), seems bored and uses the shopping mall as a park, riding her skateboard, trying on shoes at a shop, etc. The article also reports that Faye hangs out every afternoon at a cafe (coffee shop) for a couple of hours, smoking cigarettes nonstop, one after the other.

This jaded view of Faye and Tong Tong has to be taken with a grain of salt. This may not be a typical day for Faye and Tong Tong. If it were, I’m sure the paparazzi would be ready and waiting, every day at the same time.