I'm not JJ Lin's girl

She used to be the proverbial good girl of Mandarin showbiz, with scarcely any tabloid fodder about her romantic dalliances.

All that changed when JJ Lin came along.

Taiwanese host-singer Smire Weng Tzy Mann, 25, has been linked to Singapore's boyish-looking pop star since July last year, when the paparazzi spotted them going to a karaoke joint together.

In Singapore last week to promote her new reality TV talent search programme Asian Idol Group Competition, which she is co-hosting with veteran host-comedian Jacky Wu, the slender, doe-eyed woman refuted rumours of her dating Lin.

"That particular occasion when photographs of us were snapped, we weren't alone, we were actually with a group of friends," Weng told local reporters.

Said Weng: "We are really just good friends who keep in touch from time to time.

"I feel quite helpless when the media links us romantically. There's nothing I can do about it," she said.

According to Chinese-language news portal NOWnews.com, 31-year-old Lin - who has built up a Casanova reputation with his string of rumoured celebrity girlfriends - was on the rebound then.

The Singaporean had just called it quits with bosomy E-Cup model girlfriend Lilian Chen.

The talented musician reportedly told industry buddies that Weng, who has a degree in Bio-Industry Communication and Development from the reputed Taiwan University, was his "dream lover" and vowed that "one day, she will be mine".

Lin and Weng first met in December 2010, when they were invited to be guest presenters at a Taiwan Yahoo! awards ceremony.

But after much persuasion by The New Paper, the former entertainment talkshow host of TVBS channel finally revealed that she and Lin would have "deep conversations" where they'd "bare emotions and share feelings".

"But once again, I must stress that it's because we have a strong friendship," she explained. "That said, it's been quite a while since we had such conversations."

But surely, with these rumours persisting, don't they get embarrassed when they bump into each other during the course of work?

With a chuckle, Weng shook her head.

"Sometimes, JJ and I would meet backstage, mostly when we're doing our hair or make-up... There is no awkwardness, we are professionals.

"My co-host Jacky (variety show host Wu) Da Ge (Mandarin for big brother) often teases me about him too, it's for good fun... I'm okay with that. More often than not, I'd just tease Jacky back," she said. Asian Idol Group Competition, a regional contest which aims to flush out the next rising pop gal group - a la Girls' Generation and S.H.E - debuts on Sept 28, at 8pm on E City (StarHub Ch 825).

Besides hosting, which is her forte, Weng boldly ventured into the music industry last November, releasing her debut mini-album Love Me.

A self-confessed "perfectionist", she was "a 100 per cent hands-on" for Love Me.

Not content to merely provide the vocals, she also took on the roles of lyricist and producer, overseeing song selection and arrangement.

"Working on Love Me was a nightmarish but satisfying period for me," she said. "I remember not sleeping for nights!

"It has always been a dream of mine to put out an album and thus, I wanted every song to be truly memorable."

Currently single, Weng became chirpy when asked about the qualities she looks for in a guy.

"Personally, I feel age isn't so important... He can be older or younger than me, I don't set myself restrictions in that aspect.

"I like mature, sunshine guys (sic) who smile a lot and pay attention to the needs of their other half.

"If they're talented, that is definitely a bonus."

Quipped a journalist: "Hmm, I think JJ fits your description perfectly."

We could have sworn Weng went red in the face instantly, beaming from ear-to-ear.

keeyunt@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The New Paper.