After marrying 41-year-old actor Zhang Duo in 2011, Hongkong actress Adia Chan, 50, reportedly tried her best to conceive for many years. But after countless failed attempts at IVF, she and Zhang Duo eventually gave up trying for a baby.

Her inability to conceive has been the subject of many reports over the years, with many claiming that Adia's mother-in-law disapproves of her because the actress, who battled ovarian cancer a decade ago, can’t give her a grandchild.

These rumours were set to rest on a recent episode of reality show My Dearest Ladies.

When they were on the topic of babies, Adia asked her mother-in-law if she’d like them to adopt a child. Mama Zhang then said: “It’s lonely without a grandchild in the family, but at the same time, I respect my son’s choices. I’ve never told him that he has to do what I expect of him.” Her eyes brimmed with tears as she spoke.

Upon hearing this, Adia said: “I’ve taken away her right [to have grandchildren]. She’s always wanted [Zhang Duo] to have kids, and it’s true that I took that away from her. I’ve always appreciated how understanding she is of me. It’s because of how generous she is that makes me see things from her point of view when she does something that makes me uncomfortable in our day-to-day lives.”

Mama Zhang was seen wiping her tears before saying: “I don’t have many days left ahead of me, but my son still has decades ahead of him. As long as my son is happy, and as long as the both of you are happy together, there’s no need for me to ask for the blessing of a grandchild in the family.

She continued: As a woman myself, I know that you want to be perfect, but there’s no need for you to think too much into this. Neither should you feel that you took anything away from me.”

She then assured Adia that there’s no need to worry about her as she intends to fill her time with activities such as dancing and skiing. Zhang Duo, who was watching silently as the two women conversed, then moved in to hug them.

The camera then cut to Adia speaking directly to the camera. She said: “I don’t think a woman’s value lies in her ability to reproduce. It’s not something that needs to be checked off the list of things you’ve done in your lifetime.”

Zhang Duo also gave his two cents on the matter. “[Adia], you haven’t taken anything away from anyone. There’s no need for you to feel burdened at all. I’m thankful to my parents for being so understanding. Love is understanding each other, and love is beautiful, he said.

Photos: PBE Media