Her relationship with Zhang Yimou was both professional and romantic and they created a scandal for being lovers during their long collaboration, despite Zhang having been married at the time. The couple eventually broke up in 1995. In 1996, rumors began circulating that Gong had married Singaporean tobacco tycoon, Ooi Hoe Soeng (黄和祥), allegations she denied until a Singapore tabloid printed a copy of the marriage certificate. They eventually had a wedding reception that November at Hong Kong's China Club. She has a reputation for being elusive and very private about her personal life. As of 2007, she is said to be able to speak fluent conversational English.[citation needed]