Having stepped away from an acting career, Cheung seems carefree, and stripped down to her real self.

She doesn't have to change her clothes or hairstyle any more to fit in.

"I value my time at home, not putting on any cosmetics, just a little lipstick. I can spend a whole week at home, cleaning, shopping and cooking," she says.

"It's amazing to be able to live as you wish. You are able to plan your day yourself and do whatever you want. I like to do things properly. What I have on my hands now makes me busy and I just don't want to overload myself."

She says she now enjoys the anonymity of living an ordinary life, taking buses and the subway, and cooking at home.

And of course, maybe spending more time with the new man in her life.

Cheung says she has always followed her heart. "You always have a voice in your heart telling what you should do. So I am willing to be brave and follow my heart," she says. "I love surprises bestowed by life and believe my intuition."

"I know what I want to do and how to enjoy life now."

(China Daily 04/01/2008 page18)