Professional success and marriage have changed Chinese actress Ma Yili.

The former saucy tomboy has returned to the public eyes as a graceful lady full of warmth and charm. She graces the cover of the February issue of Good Zhufu magazine.

A Decisive and Independent Woman

The actress used to rebel against her parents. As a girl, she applied for a key middle school against the wishes of her parents, who were afraid she would fail because the bar was set too high. However, Ma Yili got in by a comfortable margin, winning her parents' trust and freeing her to make big decisions on her own.

"Though I look fragile, I'm pretty strong inside. After growing up, I realized that you can get anything you want if you try hard, just like that middle-school exam. As long as you want to do something, you can get it done. I have earned everything through my own efforts."

Marriage to Wen Zhang

Though many fans have come to know actor Wen Zhang from the TV sitcom "Strive", his romance with Ma Yili started much earlier.

Some people question why Ma Yili married a man nine years younger, and if she feels pressure as the older of the pair. The actress assures her fans that the age gap may bother others, but is not a problem for her.

"If you meet the right person, you cannot resist it, and then those so-called conditions just disappear. There might be a question like 'to marry an ideal man older than you or a good man that right match with you?' I had thought about what my husband would be like before I met Wen Zhang. I certainly never thought he would be nine years younger than me. But he just came into my life and we started dating. I realized he is my cup of tea, and the age difference is no longer a problem."

Ma Yili says she was initially attracted to Wen Zhang's shining eyes, flexible nature and upbeat spirit. He is the man she can't live without.

A High-Risk Birth

The actress accidentally became pregnant while taking birth control pills. Under the circumstances, eight out of ten doctors advised her to have an abortion for safety reasons. However, with encouragement from friends and positive responses from a few medical professionals, Ma Yili insisted on having the baby, who was born in sound health.

Her husband, Wen Zhang, who is nine years Ma's junior and typical of those in the post-80s generation, was optimistic as always, which helped Ma get through the dark period.

Motherhood

Many stars return to the screen soon after giving birth. However, Ma Yili prefers to spend more time with her daughter.

"Why not? I have plenty of time for work and filming in the future, but only such a short period in which to breastfeed my baby. I don't dare cut it short. I want her nurtured in the best way."

Ma Yili, one of the most popular actresses in China, walked away with the Best Actress award at last year's prestigious Changchun Film Festival for her performance in "The Good Man". She cemented her status in the acting community with a series of acclaimed works like "Black Hole", "Princess Pearl III", "Residence of the Qiao Family", and "Strive".

(CRI February 10, 2009)