Jingdong, China's major online retailer, has issued a statement via its microblog denying reports that its founder Liu Qiangdong paid 30 million CNY to his girlfriend Zhang Zetian, also known as "Milk Tea Sister", after the couple's break-up.
Â
The move came after Liu deleted the post indicating his affection for Zhang, while Zhang deleted all posts on her mircoblog, sparking speculation that the couple has broken up.
Â
The statement says Liu thanks the public for their concern, while denies rumors about the break-up fee and speculation that the break-up is related to ongoing investigations.
Â
Earlier, it was reported online that Zhang's father, Zhang Lihou, the director of a Nanjing-based investment company is under investigation regarding the Yang Weize case.
Â
Yang, Party Chief of Nanjing- the capital of Jiangsu province, is now being investigated by authorities for suspected "serious violations of discipline" and laws.
Â
Zhang Lihou and his company have denied the reports, saying no investigation has been conducted on him.
Zhang Zetian, born in 1993, become popular after a photo showing her holding a cup of milk tea went viral online in 2009.
Â
She has been known as the "Milk Tea Sister" since.
Â
Liu Qiangdong confirmed their relationship in April last year via his mircoblog as new photos emerged online showing the couple holding hands and hugging in New York City.
Â
The couple was reportedly met in New York-based Columbia University.
Â
Zhang, a junior student at Tsinghua University and an exchange student at Columbia University, has just finished her internship with Microsoft Research Technology Center.Â