Veteran Singaporean actress Zoe Tay recently reunited with renowned Hong Kong actor Damian Lau during a visit to China, marking their first meeting in ten years since they co-starred in the local drama The Dream Makers II (2015). In an Instagram post on Tuesday (May 20), the 57-year-old shared three photos with the 75-year-old actor and wrote: “I travelled across the ocean to meet you. After 10 years, Damian is still full of vitality. I’m so happy to see you again. We had such a meaningful conversation. Thank you for sharing your life philosophy.”

Damian, known for his role as Emperor Kangxi in the 2011 Chinese drama Scarlet Heart, was previously rumoured to be in poor health after being spotted with a walking stick in 2020. However, while promoting a musical last year, he dismissed the speculation, stating there was no need to respond to baseless rumours. He officially retired from the entertainment industry in April following his final performance.

In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao published on May 23, Zoe revealed that she had made a special trip to Hong Kong to see Damian during her China vacation. Although they hadn’t met in person for a decade, they had kept in touch over the years. “Damian is doing really well and is enjoying life. He told me this is the best phase of his life — he’s healthy and carefree,” she said. Their reunion included a two-hour conversation over a meal, during which they discussed life, philosophy, and acting.

Zoe also mentioned that Damian recently published his first photo book, Damian’s Rendezvous, which is not for sale. He had sent her a copy in Singapore, believing they might not have a chance to meet again. Now that Damian has retired, the possibility of them working together again is slim. “Of course I’d love to collaborate with him again, but he’s no longer acting,” Zoe said. “It was an honour to work with him in The Dream Makers II. He’s an incredibly seasoned actor, and I learned so much from him.”