IT may be one of the worst-kept secrets in Hong Kong showbiz. But in the end, Hong Kong star Andy Lau still chose to keep a tight lid on his relationship with Malaysian girlfriend, Carol Chu. At the funeral on Saturday to send off Carol's father - who died of brain haemorrhage last Tuesday - it was speculated that the star was among the people in the procession, reported Apple Daily. Shutter frenzy erupted with the Hong Kong press hot on the heels of the procession that made its way down Bukit Jalil, near Kuala Lumpur, all eager to snap a picture to prove Andy's presence. The 'closest' photo was one which appeared to be a half-hidden shot of someone who's said to be Andy as he walked under a sea of about 50 umbrellas. Reports also published photos of a young boy and girl, who are believed to be the couple's children. But Andy, who turns 48 on Thursday, has long denied that he is married to Carol, 43. In a phone interview yesterday, a family member told The New Paper: 'We understand the media's interest but this is really between the two of them.' The relative, who asked not to be named, refuted claims that Andy had issued a gag order. He declined to provide more details or confirm if Andy was part of the procession but said: 'I can only confirm that Andy did pay his final respects to the late Mr Chu.' Another source in Singapore - a close friend who has known the actor since the early 1990s - also believed Andy would have attended the wake. Said the friend, who also spoke on condition of anonymity: 'For someone who has known Andy for a long time, I'm certain it's definitely him in the picture.' The friend added: 'While I can understand his need for privacy, this was perhaps the best time for Andy to openly acknowledge his relationship with Carol. 'Actually, I am quite disappointed that he still decided to do something like this.' Said the friend: 'Andy's known to be a decisive person - someone who does not not drag his feet on any issue. 'So, I'm actually quite surprised that he's still not taking an open approach in this matter.' He added: 'We're quite certain it has nothing to do with his worry that fans will be unhappy. Whatever the reasons are (for not admitting), only Andy and Carol know.' And for the record, claimed both the relative and friend: The boy is not Andy's son. Said Andy's friend: 'As far as I know, he only has a daughter.' As the procession made its way to the Fujian Pacific Hill cemetery, photographers - mainly from Hong Kong - were jostling one another in their attempts to spot Andy. Many times, minders - and what seemed to be security personnel - held up their open palms, an action to stop the photo-taking. In a video clip posted on the omy.sg portal, a woman dressed in a white top called out to the media: 'Please give way. Please show some respect (to the deceased). Thank you.' The relative declined to confirm speculation that Andy and Carol plan to hold a traditional wedding ceremony soon. It is customary for Chinese couples with marriage plans to wed within 100 days of a bereavement, or wait three years. But quoting a relative, Lianhe Wanbao reported that Andy has agreed to follow the custom, having decided that during the three days while he was in Malaysia. And in what is supposed to be another confirmation of his status as a son-in-law of the Chu family, Andy reportedly posted an entry on his official fan website, Andy World Club yesterday morning. The entry at 10.39am read: 'Everyone must be worried, I am fine. Ancestor (or senior family member) could make his final journey peacefully is my greatest wish. Amitabha.' It is not clear, however, if the post was really from him. Despite intense speculation, Andy has never publicly admitted his romance with Carol. But Hong Kong paparazzi published photos of the star in a meeting with Mr Chu in February this year. Speculation was rife then that Andy may finally wed Carol, with the likely date set in April. Yet nothing happened. The former beauty queen, has been linked to Andy for 23 years - from 1986. While they have hardly been photographed together, Carol often attended Andy's shows - just like the one in Singapore last December. She made a low-key entrance and she was ushered in by her brother-in-law to her seat only when the lights were down. Accompanying her was a young girl, whom media reports have identified as their daughter. And in May last year, he turned up as a surprise guest at Carol's younger sister's wedding banquet, held at the Berjaya Times Square hotel in Kuala Lumpur. He serenaded the bride Nica and groom Philip Gan with two songs, and also appeared in a video which accompanied a song specially recorded by the newly weds' friends. Sources: The New Paper
