Maggie Cheung Ho-Yee was spotted dining with Leonard, a French-Chinese designer, at an Italian restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui on January 2.  

The 45-year old actress sat with Leonard on the same side of the table as they chatted away for the next two hours. Cheung was seen smiling most of the time, Jaynestars reports.

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The two had engaged in a bilingual conversation of English and Chinese. Cheung was heard also speaking a few words of French.

A genuine gentleman, Leonard helped Cheung put on a jacket when he saw that she was feeling cold. Leonard eventually ordered a hot drink for the actress.

Leonard, 37, has a mixed French and Chinese heritage. He's had a flourishing career as a designer in Hong Kong for a few years now.

Almost two years ago, Leonard and Cheung met through a mutual friend when the actress went to France for a short visit. Leonard took the actress on a tour around France and they reportedly got along well.

Since then, Leonard and Cheung have kept in touch and have been dating for six months now.

Cheung was asked in a phone interview about her dating status with Leonard since they have been seen a few times together in the past few weeks. Cheung has denied any relationship with Leonard other than being "close friends".

"I don't think that's very frequent. It's normal to go out and eat with friends," she said.

Cheung has also intimated that she prefers dating foreigners.

"I want someone who can give me space. I enjoy my work and I think foreigners are more understanding of this compared to men from Hong Kong," she elaborated.

When asked if she is open to dating younger men, Cheung said she doesn't mind.

"If he's not older than you, then he's younger than you," she quipped.

TagsMaggie Cheung, French Chinese Designer