6 Reasons Jesseca Liu Is Really Lucky To Marry Jeremy Chan

Jeremy has been called many names since the relationship, which the Chinese press cheekily dubbed the ‘Long & Short Legs Romance’, went public. But he’s taken all of them in his stride. And yes, he’s read everything that’s been written about him. “You know how when you post something online, you’ll surely read the comments? This was the same thing. I may look like I’m laughing and happy all the time but I’m really very sensitive. I care what people think. So I read all of them. And after doing that… (sighs) Don’t think so much lor. You can’t stop what people say anyway.” So which comment stung the most? “Maybe that she’s flower stuck in a pile of cow dung? Or that I’m just a piece of s***. Like, huh really? It’s very hurtful. But just let it go lor.”
8 DAYS: In her wedding vows, Jesseca also said she’s very happy that you didn’t give up on the relationship after reading those comments. Did you show signs that you were about to?
JEREMY: No leh. I’ve always thought that I should shoulder everything myself. If I don’t go to hell, who’ll go to hell?

8 DAYS: Was the height thing ever an issue?
JEREMY: Never.
Then how did you feel when the height difference was all the media could talk about?
The ‘Long & Short Legs Romance’? (Laughs) I know reporters need headlines for their stories. It’s all part of their work. So I think positive and go “You all very creative ah?” To be fair, it’s not like Jess is super tall. I’m just 4cm shorter. How much is 4cm? I think the distance of your eyes rolling back is longer than 4cm.

Jeremy, if you’re wondering, is more than okay to be known as Mr Jesseca Liu. She is, of course, far more famous than he is. And he is, from what we gather, far too nice a guy to sweat the small stuff, like labels. “Titles like that are just like comments online,” he tells us. “And it’s the truth. I am her husband. So if you prefer to call me [Mr Jesseca Liu], I’m okay! It’s like a plate of economic rice, some people will eat the vegetables first then the meat. Everyone has their own method of eating. So it’s okay. It’s not like you have to know my name.”
8 DAYS: Was there a point when you felt that she may be out of your league since she’s a Mediacorp princess?
JEREMY: Nope. I never thought of it that way then. It was only after we got together, and I saw the comments… (laughs). There were also reporters who would try to find out if we were really dating by asking similar questions. Only then did I realise that the ‘distance’ between us is actually quite great (laughs). I’m not someone who overthinks things. I don’t think like “Oh, a princess can only go with a prince.” Like when I watch Beauty and the Beast, I’ll think, “Wow so romantic!” I won’t go, “Eh, he’s not good enough for her!” (Laughs). Maybe I’m stupid and I didn’t feel it… until I read the comments.

We know he’s funny. And Jesseca has told us before that humour is the quality she looks for most in a guy. But there’s something else about Jeremy that makes him a lot more attractive.
8 DAYS: We know you told Jesseca that you would only marry after you buy your own home [Ed: a four-room HDB flat near Mediacorp]. That must have really moved her.
JEREMY: I think a guy must have a home first before he marries a girl. But I think for Jesseca, it was the little things I did [that moved her]. Like, she’s been trying to lose weight recently, so I’d look for recipes for healthy yet tasty food to cook for her.
Some actresses use very extreme methods to lose weight.
Yes. Sometimes, she just won’t eat. And I get very worried. I’ll tell her, if you don’t want to eat, you have to at least eat fruits. So I’ll stock up her fridge with a lot of organic fruits. She used to say that she can’t tell if my niceness is for real or that she wants to see how long it will last (laughs). It’s been three years and I’m still the same (smiles).
The cooking thing is pretty sweet.
I’ll buy things for her to eat too. Like, if she says that she wants to eat Assam laksa, I’ll travel all the way to Bugis to get it for her ’cos that’s the only stall I know that’s good. And I’ll buy two packets ’cos I scared one is not enough for her.

Jeremy’s biggest claim to fame these days is that he married one of the country’s most desirable women. But the former Project Superstar contestant, who parlayed his 15 minutes of fame as a singer wannabe into a decade-long career as a variety show sidekick, is now making inroads as an actor. This year, he will star in his first lead role in upcoming Ch 8 drama, My Teacher is a Thug, opposite Li Nanxing. And in October, he’ll start work on a new Toggle drama, which he happily tells us is the first project he’ll headline. And he’s paid his dues.
8 DAYS: How has your attitude in life changed after getting married?
JEREMY: I’ll definitely continue working hard. If Jess wants to be a tai tai, I’ll make sure I can give her a comfortable life. When I first joined showbiz, life was very tough. I was paid $60 for every episode. And each ep took three days to film, which means my daily pay was $20. And I worked from 7am to 6pm. So I had no choice but to go sing part-time in a club. But I stopped signing in a pub once I got together with Jess ’cos I decided it was time to focus on my showbiz career. I’m finally playing a lead role in a drama. She can see that I’m concentrating on my career and I have something to show her. Back then, it was tough ’cos I had to juggle both singing in a pub and hosting. And both sides were flailing. Sometimes when I go to work, you can still smell the alcohol. But I had no choice ’cos I needed the money to survive.

8 DAYS: You’ve become the inspiration to guys who don’t think they stand a chance with their dream girl.
JEREMY: To me, I just think I found a girl who loves me and vice versa. When people say that they envy me, they’re only looking at things from a physical perspective. I am very lucky to have found my soul mate.
Some of them see you also see you as a role model.
I don’t know about that. But after Jess and I got married, a few friends told me “Jeremy, you have proven that there is true love.” So I say to them, “You suay lor, haven’t met yours yet.” (Laughs)