Could this be a case of barking up the wrong tree?

Chinese media outlets are speculating that former Hongkong actress Isabella Leong, 33, might have rekindled her romance with her billionaire ex, Richard Li, 55, after seeing this Instagram Story post from Isabella.

The post showed a clear balloon attached to a floral arrangement, with Isabella’s pet cat behind it.

A number of media outlets ran reports claiming that the words on the clear balloon read: “Isabella love a Richard”.

No love confessions here, unfortunately

However, upon closer inspection, the balloon and floral arrangement appeared to be a gift from cosmetic brand Clé de Peau. And the supposed confession of love turned out to be a simple: “Isabella, have a radiant holiday” instead.

Oops.



Isabella with her three sons

However, there are still a couple of ‘hints' that might just prove that the former couple are back together.

After all, the couple, who dated from 2008 to 2011, have three sons together — eldest son Ethan, 12, and twin sons born in 2010.

At the time of their split in 2011, it was rumoured that Richard did not want to break up with Isabella. However, Isabella had already made up her mind.

Nevertheless, it was said that their split was amicable, and Isabella still brings their three sons over to visit Richard’s dad, billionaire Li Ka-shing, 93, ever-so-often.



Richard with Karmen

Now, some 10 years on, Richard has dated a slew of women, but has never settled down.

His last girlfriend was Miss Hong Kong 2015 second runner-up, Karmen Kwok, who is 26 years his junior. The couple dated for around five years, before reportedly calling it quits in 2021.

Isabella is also reportedly living in a HKD$500mil (S$86mil) mansion in Hongkong that Richard gifted her.

On Dec 21, Isabella shared her Winter Solstice ‘wishes’ on Instagram. "Here's wishing me a joyful life, a prosperous career, [and for] Mr. Right to be right in front of me,” she wrote.

Richard and Isabelle after the birth of their first son

Photos: Isabella Leong/Instagram, PBE Media, Isabella Leong/Weibo