Huang Xiaoming Praises 'Malaysia’s Pride', Puts a Ring on Ke Wenli – Janine Chang Calls It Touching

Huang Xiaoming highly praised Ke Wenli as “Malaysia’s pride”, and after putting a “diamond ring” on him in exchange for an “I do,” Ke's official girlfriend Janine Chang wasn’t jealous at all—she just watched the fun and exclaimed how moved she was!

At a media interview held at Just Film in Penang on Saturday night, “The Invisible Murders” director Ke Wenli and the three main actors Huang Xiaoming, Janine Chang, and Shen Hao staged an impromptu “wedding” scene.

Unlike the other two leads, this is Huang Xiaoming’s first time working with Ke Wenli and also his first collaboration with a Malaysian director.

“I’m really lucky to work with Director Ke. He’s a very emotional person. I had never worked with a Malaysian director before, so this is my first experience. He doesn’t feel like ‘someone from Malaysia’—he feels like family or someone close to me, extremely familiar and warm.”

He praised Ke Wenli for his high emotional and intellectual intelligence, liking to cast actors in a nostalgic way and working with friends he’s “fought” alongside before. He’s emotionally attached to these actors and his movies—which is a sign of high EQ and enough to make him a great success.

“This loving, kind, sentimental director will only get better and better. At least in my mind, he’s Malaysia’s pride.”

He joked that Ke Wenli “took away” his chance to be in Penang for the first time. He and Shen Hao are both from Qingdao, and the sea view in Penang is especially reminiscent of Qingdao. Sitting by the sea made him feel like he was home—he really liked Penang.
He added that he likes the people and cuisine of Malaysia, and hopes the director will invite him to shoot more movies in Malaysia so he can come back more often.

Ke Wenli replied, “Hope Xiaoming-ge doesn’t mind me”, to which Huang Xiaoming instantly started to flirt: “Let’s be together, let’s get married right here!”

Huang Xiaoming then took off his own ring and put it on Director Ke’s finger “as a confession”, describing him as cute, young, and talented. He hoped they to have the chance to make more films together, giving him more opportunities to come back to Malaysia.

The two used a “commitment” ring to start a romantic agreement belonging to movie creators, and Ke Wenli responded straightforwardly: “I do!”

Sandwiched between the two, Janine Chang cheered them on: “They’re family now!” She said being a witness was touching, and cheekily added if someone said “I do” like that while drinking, it’d be serious!

Ke Wenli revealed that he planted lots of hints in “The Invisible Murders,” and if audience feedback is good, he may film a sequel. As for whether Janine Chang will continue as the female lead, that will depend on her schedule.

He said that the “Murder” cinematic universe of three films was created by chance, starting from shooting “Sheep Without a Shepherd,” then “Lost in the Stars” in Taipei, filming it again himself in Penang, and now this new film “The Invisible Murders”—all very fateful connections.

“Whether the series will continue depends on the audience’s response. I hope everyone gives us feedback. I left many hints in ‘The Invisible Murders’, and if people like it, maybe we’ll make ‘The Invisible Murders 2’.”

When asked, if there is a fourth film in the series, whether he’d continue to cast Janine Chang as the female lead, Ke Wenli immediately deferred to his girlfriend and said it depended if she’s available.

In response, Janine Chang said if the role fits her age, she’d continue to work with Ke Wenli, because each collaboration lets her learn a lot.

“Director Ke creates a great artistic atmosphere. All the actors spark off each other, letting us discover aspects of our acting that we’ve never seen. The director has a keen eye, like casting the gentle-looking Huang Xiaoming as a villain.”

Huang Xiaoming said last time he played a villain was in “The Message,” and that film did very well at the box office. He praised the director’s vision, giving him another chance to play a villain in “The Invisible Murders”, which is, as of now, 2026’s box office champion in mainland China.

“A high-grossing movie is one you don’t quite understand the first time, so you watch it two, three times, then everyone talks about it. This box office performance already proves ‘The Invisible Murders’ is an excellent film.”

Janine Chang, in her first time doing action scenes, revealed when she accepted “The Invisible Murders,” she was told she’d have to fight one against ten. She thought there’d be storyboard tricks or a stunt double, but the director said it would be shot in one take. She trained over two months, seven hours a day, to build up strength so her policewoman role would look powerful.

She recalled a fight scene with Huang Xiaoming that left a deep impression on her. Both performed all their own stunts. He was very professional, skilled at controlling rhythm and taking care of his scene partners. Though it was two weeks of grueling fighting, they made it through.

After “Lost in the Stars,” Janine Chang returned again to Penang to promote “The Invisible Murders.” She said that last time she played a vengeful mother for her child; this time she’s a sister avenging her brother—two very different roles.

Huang Xiaoming admitted he hadn’t done action movies in a long time. This time, “The Invisible Murders” was mostly hand-to-hand combat, and his whole body took a beating, including his butt, chest, and back—the director really “went hard” on the stunts.

“Usually (on film) I’m the one beating up others. Rarely do I get beaten up. But in this film, I really took a pounding.”

He also teased “action girl” Janine Chang, saying she’s on her way to being the next Michelle Yeoh.

Janine Chang said if there’s a sequel, she’ll keep fighting Huang Xiaoming in the film. Huang Xiaoming was so startled he begged—next time, could he please not get beaten up again?

Coming from Penang, Malaysia, post-85s director Ke Wenli joked he’s a “genius” director, who only finishes work when inspiration strikes. It hasn’t been easy, and he thanked his girlfriend Janine Chang for her long-term companionship and support through their third project together.

“I’m not the kind of director who’s super smart or amazing. I need everyone’s help. I feel so lucky because I have a group of great actor friends here supporting me, along with our crew and creative partners, company teammates, including the Maoyan team. They all gave me so much support and courage.”

He said that with Huang Xiaoming on the team this time, every time Xiaoming put an arm around his shoulder, it made him feel especially warm. Also, he’s now worked with Shen Hao three times. To have such friends accompany him along the way is a truly happy thing.