Local actress Rui En has a reputation as the ice queen of Caldecott Hill.

But that standoffish persona was nowhere in sight during C.L.I.F. 3's press conference last Friday.

The 33-year-old was chatty and cheery and she joked around with the cast on stage, prompting actress Tracy Lee to wonder if something had happened during filming to cause this difference.

Rui En said with a smile: "Many people saw the change in me and asked me if there is a man in my life now.

"But it's really because I became a Christian right before the filming of this drama. I feel happier these days."

She added that happiness comes with age, as she found she could let go of things more easily.

"In the past, I had this overwhelming pressure to perform well in what I do. I am still finding a way to do well in my job without giving myself pressure," she said.

"It's very hard, but I'm always finding ways to do that. It comes with maturity."

In C.L.I.F. 3, Rui En reprises her role of Zhijie, an officer in charge and also the wife of fellow policeman Lantian (Li Nanxing).

Being able to act opposite Li again was an experience Rui En likened to coming home.

She said: "I've had a lot of chemistry with Li since the day we met. We went from not knowing each other at all to feeling really comfortable with each other. I am very lucky to have a partner like that."

Their pairing on C.L.I.F. 2 earned her a nomination for this year's Favourite Onscreen Couple at the Star Awards.

The star is also nominated in the same category for her roles opposite actors Qi Yuwu, in The Dream Makers, and Romeo Tan in Sudden.

She has a Best Actress nomination for her role in The Dream Makers.

Favourite Couple

Having played the female lead opposite a number of leading men, Rui En said that her favourite couple role was with Elvin Ng.

She said: "Every time I work with a different person, there is new chemistry. But if I have to choose one, it will be Elvin.

"Our own fans are very supportive of us together on-screen and it's fun. I am surprised that 'Ruivin' has become a thing now."

The term 'Ruivin' was coined several years ago by fans after the actors' pairing on The Dream Catchers gained popularity.

The duo are so popular they have bagged the Favourite Onscreen Couple Award at the Star Awards two years in a row.

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(Photos: TNP, MediaCorp, ST)