Businesswoman Tran Le Hoa, wife of Chi Trong Thuy, passed away due to illness on 5/4, at the age of 85. According to Sina, in the business world, she was a legendary Chinese entrepreneur, building a fortune of 47 billion CNY (over 6,8 billion USD) from nothing, ranking 12th on the list of the world's richest self-made female billionaires.

In her personal life, she drew significant public attention when she married Chi Trong Thuy, an actor known across China for his role as Tang Monk in the classic 1982 television series "Journey to the West".

Tran Le Hoa and her husband, Chi Trong Thuy. Photo: Red Note

Tran Le Hoa and her husband, Chi Trong Thuy. Photo: Red Note

The couple first met in 1988 during a Peking Opera arts program. At that time, the actor was 36 years old, at the peak of his fame from his success as Tang Monk. Tran was 47, had been married once before, and was raising three children.

Initially, Tran Le Hoa only thought, "This man is honest, worthy of friendship", with no other intentions. A friend from the Peking Opera Institute noticed both were single and planned to set them up. Upon hearing the suggestion, Tran Le Hoa waved her hand, saying, "No, no, he is more than a decade younger than me".

The friend persuaded Chi Trong Thuy, often highlighting Tran Le Hoa's good qualities to the actor, which made him start to pay attention. On Ifeng, he once mentioned that in the late 1980s, it was unusual for a man to date an older woman; many friends asked him, "How can you love her?".

Chi Trong Thuy in "Journey to the West". Video: Bilibili

The two overcame gossip and registered their marriage in 1990, later moving to Hong Kong. Chi Trong Thuy understood his wife's love but still felt uncomfortable due to rumors of "living off his wife". In 1998, director Duong Khiet created "Journey to the West" part two and invited him to return. The actor was interested, but Tran Le Hoa worried because he was nearly 50, the filming location was in the mountains of Van Nam province, and accepting the role would mean a year away from his wife.

The actor told his wife, "If you don't want me to go, I will refuse". But Tran Le Hoa replied, "It's not that I don't want you to, but I am happy for you". The couple called each other every day. Younger crew members teased the actor, "Wow, talking so passionately, are you talking to your wife or a lover?". Chi Trong Thuy solemnly replied, "She is my wife, and my lover".

Tran Le Hoa's career soared while Chi Trong Thuy's glory days faded. After a few more films, the actor felt he should leave the entertainment industry. Tran Le Hoa understood her husband's feelings and worried that without shared interests, their affection might wane.

Chi Trong Thuy wipes sweat from Tran Le Hoa while filming a program together in 2018. Video: Dongnan TV

The businesswoman often invited her husband to negotiations, but the actor showed no interest in business. She secretly sought a suitable occupation for him. In the 2000s, the family settled in Bac Kinh. During a business trip, Tran Le Hoa saw Chi Trong Thuy engrossed in household items made of zitan wood. She thought, "This wood is precious; I can develop this direction, then we will share a common interest".

The couple researched and planned the construction of the Chinese Zitan Wood Museum, with Chi Trong Thuy primarily responsible for many aspects. In recent years, they also established and operated a cosmetics brand.

In a 2018 talk show, Chi Trong Thuy said that despite many years with Tran Le Hoa, the time felt fleeting. Whether in front of guests or family, Tran always referred to her husband as "Mr. Chi", and the actor used honorifics for his wife. "If two people always respect each other, no one will get tired of anyone; that is how a relationship lasts", Tran said.

Chi Trong Thuy cares for his wife during every business trip. Photo: Ifeng

Chi Trong Thuy cares for his wife during every business trip. Photo: Ifeng

The businesswoman stated that despite her busy schedule, she strove to fulfill her duties as a wife, not neglecting her family or children. Her family members regularly ate breakfast and dinner together. She was happy that the extended family was harmonious, and all her children and grandchildren respected Chi Trong Thuy.

The artist admired his wife's strength and decisiveness in handling work. Therefore, in many situations, he willingly deferred and cared for her. Occasionally, when Tran Le Hoa lost her temper, he remained calm, waiting for her anger to subside before speaking.

The actor often accompanied his wife to work, but Tran Le Hoa did not appear at his entertainment events. The businesswoman explained that those were cultural and artistic programs attended by his fans. She did not want to accompany the actor and create an unnatural atmosphere between the artist and his audience.

"I do not have great needs, no greater wish than for my wife and I to be healthy and happy together. My wife understands me, and I understand my wife; we are happy together", Chi Trong Thuy once said about his three decades with Tran Le Hoa.