When a Hollywood Legend Turns Into a Local Hero
Ever wonder what happens when a movie star with a big heart drops by your tiny street stall? In Hong Kong, that dream came true for Wang Lili and her che cheong fun (rice‑noodle roll) shop, thanks to the legendary Chow Yun‑Fat – affectionately known as “Fat Gor” or “Brother Fat.”
Wang Lili’s Roller‑Coaster Journey
- A former stay‑at‑home mom who had to take on the world after her husband passed away in 2013.
- Borrowed roughly 1 million HKD (about 200,000 SGD) from family to jumpstart a noodle business.
- Hit a loss of around 5,000 SGD per month – a tough tempo for any small shop.
- Rising at 6 AM, she trekked to Shenzhen daily to refine her noodles and learn the secrets of the trade.
- Her grit and unique story soon got the neighborhood’s buzz, but she still needed a breakthrough.
The Unexpected Visitor
Picture this: a long line of hungry patrons outside Wang’s stall, a sudden shout, and there walks “Fat Gor” himself. He walked with that star‑struck swagger you’d expect in the movies, but here he was – bringing a wave of folk at the same time.
“I was overwhelmed that a big celebrity like him would actually go out of his way to patronise my shop in such a remote location. I feel that I am really lucky. Because of him, many people came to visit my shop. He brought luck to my business and revived it. I am really thankful to him.”
How Chow’s Support Changed the Game
- Massive surge in foot traffic – customers flowed in like fans at a concert.
- Business turned from negative to positive in no time.
- A heartfelt shout‑out from Chill Gor, who actually stopped eating for free, leaving Wang with no easy way to repay—but hey, some fans stand by their heroes.
Giving Back in Her Own Style
Wang’s resolution? She will keep sending a big thumbs‑up to Chow’s health, while pouring her savings toward something close to her heart: focusing on classes for kids from single‑parent families.
In a world where a single act of kindness can ripple through a community, it’s clear that a star’s presence can practically turn a noodle shop from “down” to “wow” — all at the same time.
