娱乐英语新闻:Zhang Ziyi's downward spiral – her hidden secret life may reveal all

BEIJING, March 19 -- I started working for the entertainment channel of sina. com in late 2004 and my first lesson, or should I say instruction, from my chief editor was that no negative stories about Zhang Ziyi were to be published on sina. My colleague subsequently explained to me that Zhang's publicist had made a deal with the website: they provided exclusive news about Zhang and the website published only positive stories.

My experience at sina led to complete deja vu this week, when I read an "exclusive" interview with Zhang by an English newspaper. I guess it is somewhat comforting to see that something about her has stayed the same over the years – positive publicity agreements.

Celebrity actress Zhang Ziyi admits she lacked experience in handling charity donations during an exclusive interview with China Daily over the weekend in an undisclosed place in Liaoning province where she was shooting a movie

2010 has possibly been the worst year of Zhang Ziyi's life so far. For those who have not followed the news closely, here is a quick review of Zhang's serial scandals: On the night of December 24, posters of her downstairs at her Beijing residence were attacked by ink and ruined. On January 12, socialite Zhao Xinyu revealed to the media that Zhang was being punished for her involvement with a married businessman. On January 28, Zhang was accused of committing fraud when raising money for 2008 Sichuan earthquake victims and the scandal quickly escalated into a media frenzy. Honestly the whole donation fraud thing does not interest me. Charity is commonly used as an accessory by celebrities. Zhang might be completely ignorant of the whole donation process that is more than likely being conveniently handled by her agent and assistants. The donation fraud allegations are not the star's alone.

What I'm curious about is, where is her finance Vivi Nevo, who had reportedly played an important role in Zhang's donation collecting in 2008? Shouldn't he be by her side, backing her up?

I hate to rush to conclusions that they are no long together, or never were to begin with, but I am left with no choice but to let you in on what I know - something you will read for the first time here and only here.

The relationship between Zhang and Nevo was exposed when they were caught kissing during a NBA game in January, 2007 and she made it official by admitting at the Cannes Film Festival in May the same year that Nevo was her boyfriend.

However, shortly after her love announcement, I saw Zhang checking into a lover's suite at China World Hotel spa with Wang Xiaofei. Wang is the son of South Beauty dining chain's CEO Zhang Lan and the owner of high-end restaurant Lan Club. Later, the spa manager, of who I am acquainted, told me that Zhang and Wang always got together whenever Zhang was in Beijing. Their "relationship" lasted at least until early 2009, according to a close friend of Wang's.

Again I'm not making conclusions and assumptions, just laying out the facts.

As always, I'm giving out free tips to survive in the cruel showbiz world. Consider it my charitable gesture:

1. If you are not good with numbers, at least find someone who is, to help you.

2. When trading exclusives with media for positive stories, make sure the deal stays between you and the chief editor so as not to be spread by the rest of the staff.

3. Find somewhere more discreet for your get-togethers with friends in high places, rather than spas and hotels.