Her father was constantly on business travel, thus leaving Ye to be cared for by her mother solely.

To earn extra money, she lied about her age to work in a video rental store, from where she rented many series and movies, sparking her interest in the entertainment business.

She was the valedictorian of her class, thus earning a full scholarship to Wellesley College, where she majored in political science.

[5] She was influenced by her stepmother to enter the 1998 Miss Greater Chinatown NYC beauty pageant.

[6] She accepted the title and competed in Hong Kong for the Miss Chinese International 1999 competition on her birthday and won.

[7] After the competition, she went back and finished her first year of college, but subsequently opted to terminate her studies and sign a contract with TVB.

Director Wong Jing offered Ye a contract with Rich & Famous Talent Management Group.

In 2008, Ye renewed her contract with Rich & Famous Talent Management Group.

Ye published an autobiography titled Shang Shan Ruo Shui - Xuan Gong Lue in July 2006.