Former Taiwanese TV star, Zhang Fumei, who once dazzled in the entertainment industry in Taiwan, disappeared from the spotlight over 20 years ago to settle down in the United States. Transitioning from the glitzy life in front of the screen to an ordinary single mother’s daily life in Los Angeles, she raised her daughter with determination and love. On October 26th, Zhang Fumei witnessed her daughter, Zhang Zhen De, graduate from the UC Berkeley School of Optometry in California and enter into marriage with her childhood sweetheart, Jiang Jiwei. The story of this mother and daughter duo has become a symbol of the struggles and success of the Chinese diaspora in America.
“Doing things that make yourself happy can bring fulfillment even when you are alone,” Zhang Fumei said with a smile. After leaving the entertainment industry, she immersed herself in painting, finding a new spring in her life through art. She enjoys tending to her garden, embracing nature, describing her life as “living like a farmer,” simple yet content.
As a single mother, Zhang Fumei acknowledged that the road hasn’t been easy, but her daughter’s growth has been the greatest comfort and achievement. “I always tell her, a girl must have her own abilities, at the very least, she must be able to take care of herself. Meeting the right partner is fate, but one cannot rely solely on others.” Through actions, Zhang Fumei educated her daughter, believing that independence and hard work are the foundations of happiness. She personally sewed water diamonds onto her daughter’s wedding gown, offering her sincerest blessings.
After completing her medical studies at Berkeley, Zhang Zhen De chose to undergo residency training in ophthalmology and low vision rehabilitation at the VA Hospital in downtown Los Angeles. Both mother and daughter agree that the experience gained is more important than the salary received.
Though filled with sadness at her daughter’s marriage, Zhang Fumei found their bond growing stronger through it. She hopes that Zhang Zhen De will continue to excel in the medical field, not forsaking her passion alongside her family.
Speaking about her husband, Jiang Jiwei, the newlywed Zhang Zhen De’s face radiated happiness. “When I met him, I knew he was the right person,” she expressed. For Zhang Zhen De, marriage is not about age but about meeting the right person. “He has supported me at every step of my career, especially during my time at Berkeley, constantly encouraging me and helping me to move forward.”
Facing the challenges of the medical field with a smile, Zhang Zhen De said, “Maintaining a positive attitude is the best way. With a positive mindset, there are no insurmountable obstacles.”
Jiang Jiwei’s family operates a renowned local furniture business in Los Angeles, while his mother is engaged in high-end interior design and decoration projects. Despite coming from different backgrounds, both families value professionalism, honesty, and hard work, aligning in their values, making their marriage solid.
In the presence of family and friends’ blessings and witness, Zhang Zhen De and Jiang Jiwei held their romantic wedding at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena, a venue rich in historical significance, where former President of the Republic of China, Lee Teng-hui, once stayed.
Looking back at her debut in the 1980s, Zhang Fumei shone in multiple popular works, including “The Most Unforgettable Person,” “Xiamen Bride,” “Bridal Dowry,” and films like “Shanghai Social Files” and “Kinmen Wonder Women.”
Transitioning out of the entertainment industry, Zhang Fumei found a new form of expression on life’s stage through painting. Transforming emotions from the lens to colors on canvas, she stated, “For each painting, I first imagine a story, so that the protagonist is more dimensional and emotional.” Her brush became the medium to narrate her life and witnessed her transformation from an actress to a mother and then to an artist.
From the glamour of the Taiwanese film industry to the humble struggles of a single mother in a foreign land, Zhang Fumei portrayed the strength of women through optimism, hard work, and determination; while Zhang Zhen De, with her outstanding academic performance and warm personality, continued her mother’s spirit.
The story of this mother and daughter duo is a true reflection of countless struggles of the Chinese community in America – no matter where one is, with faith in the heart, one can radiate their own beauty and bloom.