Article: Athena's interview with Cosmopolitan (HK).
Date: 24 January 1998
Source: Cosmopolitan (HK)

On Christianity...
Athena had this to say during the interview: "I come from a family not lacking in love. And I have lots of friends from my academic days. Yet, I could not even find a blossom friend in the entertainment circle. Not to say that I treat everyone as enemies, but I cannot wholeheartedly trust anyone. This is because I feel that everyone has closed the way to their hearts and are very superficial. But ever since I became a Christian, I began to find some friends. One very good example is my fellow Christian, Ada Choi. My interaction with God has led me to discover the profound meaning of being a human. Now I know what's really good for me."

Because of this, Athena has some conditions when deciding whether to accept a role or not. For example, she will now not accept roles in films promoting superstitions or roles that support infidelity.

"In 1997, I was mostly not in Hong Kong, except during the filming of Epson's advertisements. Most of the other time I was in China, filming TV serials. However, in 1998, I will concentrate on my work over here in Hong Kong. Due to my conditions, I have rejected 2 films with sexual themes earlier. It was quite a painful decision as the script, remuneration and director were all very good. Someone told me that I should try and seek some breakthrough by accepting sexy roles, and maybe bring my acting skills to greater heights. However, I can hear a voice in my head, telling me that I should not accept such roles. If a role should encroach on my religious beliefs, I would rather reject it, as I know that God will have something better for me. Now, thinking back, it feels even better. So what if the roles bring in a breakthrough in my career? Or if it changes the film scope that I am exposed to? Then, my hard work in maintaining a wholesome image will be destroyed, and I will be limited in goody roles. In life, you win some, you lose some. I will rather have everything the way it is now."

Ever since Athena stepped into the entertainment circle, the media has always concentrated on her figure and rumours about her. We cannot deny the fact that males have always been attracted to her good figure and pretty looks. In fact, she was awarded the "Most Kissable Female Star" not long ago by the Hong Kong voting audience. However, thoughts will always remain what they are. In reality, Athena will not accept intimate roles, or roles with any hanky panky scenes. Not only does her religion forbid her from doing so, her integrity will also not allow it.

"I like making movies. But I can never treat myself as just a tool. I am a human also. Besides my role as a actress, I have many other roles I need to play. I am Chu Yan, and Chu Yan's roles encompasses that as the daughter of her parents, the friend to her friends, the classmate of her classmates, the wife of her future husband and the mother of her future children. I know I have set myself a lot of limits, and some might even find me narrow-minded. However, I don't know how long I can continue to act. The distance I need to go as a human being and a person is definitely longer than the one which I will go as an actress. I feel lucky in the sense that I can do what I want to do, and have never regretted doing anything. I feel that doing the kind of interaction that a husband and wife have, with a person who is not my husband, will make me feel really bad."

"Why does God allow people to hurt me? The way I see it, it must be that God feels that I am not strong enough yet, and needs more training. In fact, everything in my life is related to God. If you want me to believe in one thing, and yet do another, I will be in pain and turmoil always and never be happy."

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