Andie Chen mourns grandmother's death: "She spoilt me"

Andie Chen is mourning the loss of his grandmother, Zhao Xiuzhen, who died at the age of 89.

Though saddened by the news, he admitted to being somewhat prepared.

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News on Feb 9, Chen shared that his grandmother had succumbed to a lung infection that morning.

"Of course, I felt a bit heavy-hearted when I heard the news, but she was already quite old. Over the past few years, her health had slowly declined - she needed a wheelchair to move around and barely left her bed," he said.

His grandmother was first hospitalised just before Chinese New Year's Eve due to a bacterial infection. Chen visited her in the hospital and noticed her frail condition.

However, after showing signs of recovery, she was discharged, and he assumed she was fine. He then returned to Taipei for work.

Unexpectedly, she was hospitalised again just three days ago due to another bacterial infection.

"The first time she was hospitalised, the doctors said her condition wasn't too serious. But I had this strong feeling that I needed to see her. This time, when my family told me she was back in the hospital and in critical condition, we kind of knew... she might not make it," he reflected.

Looking back on their relationship, Chen shared fond memories of his grandmother.

"We were both born in the Year of the Ox, and we were really close. When I was young, she spoilt me - whatever I wanted, she would get for me. She always made sure I ate well," he said.

He noted that his father was taking the loss particularly hard and that Chen plans to return home on Feb 11 to spend more time with his parents during this difficult time.