Joe Ni, Vivan Chow's boyfriend of 20 years, was caught smooching and embracing a 23-year-old woman at a popular nightspot in Hong Kong last Saturday at around 11pm.

This incident raised yet another red flag in their relationship.

Joe Ni, the 44-year-old writer and son of sci-fi author Ni Kuang, has since admitted to his indiscretions and causing Vivian embarrassment.

Joe was spotted at Lan Kwai Fong with three ladies that night. The lady, caught behaving intimately with Joe, was known to resemble Leon Lai's famous model girlfriend, Gaile Lai.

According to reports in Shin Ming Daily News, the couple was seen behaving very intimately. They kissed for five minutes and at around 1am, Joe and "Gaile look-alike" left the nightspot for the streets, appearing drunk and acting intimate.

The couple finally parted around 2am, with Joe going home alone while the lady left in a cab.

Joe, who corresponded with the tabloid via email exchanges, said he was ashamed of his actions and would bear the consequences.

He said he was too drunk and did not even know the woman's name.

He also extended his apologies to Vivian's fans and supporters, admitting that his conduct was something even he could not forgive himself for.

Vivian was furious over the incident and had lost confidence in the relationship.

"Vivian is moving back to live with her mother. This man has caused her so much pain over the years.

"She invested her youth and committed to this relationship - it's not all for fun," said an undisclosed source.

The 20-year relationship has not been a smooth ride for Vivian. Both Anita Chan and Ruby Yao have been rumoured to be Joe's lover.

Last year, Chow was reported to have left home and it was only after Joe arranged a South Africa vacation did the two get back together.