Hong Kong pop star and actor Leslie Cheung's fans in Shanghai yesterday rushed to buy his CD albums and movie VCDs as the news of Cheung's suicide hit local newspapers' headlines and was broadcast on television and radio stations. Many even booked tickets for specially arranged movie featuring Cheung as the lead role in local cinemas.

　　On Tuesday evening, Cheung, known locally as Cheung Kwok-wing, plunged to his death from Mandarin Oriental, a five-star hotel in Hong Kong's busy Central District. A suicide note was found on the body, according to HK police spokeswoman Catherine Chiu.

　　"When my friend told me about it this morning, I thought it was an Aprial Fool's Day prank. It's sad that he has left us forever. Leslie was an epoch-making idol, nobody can replace his position in my heart," said Karen Gu, a 26-year-old woman who became his fan in high school.

　　Like Karen, thousands of local fans, mostly in their late 20s and early 30s who grew up with Cheung's songs, were caught unawares by the news and mourned his passing away in different ways.

　　At the franchise store of Maya Audio&Media in downtown Citic Square, all CDs, VCDs and tapes of Cheung were sold out.

　　Local cinemas planned to screen Cheung's films following demand from fans. For instance, Henshan Cinema is holding a special "Cheung Kwok-wing Movie Show" this weekend.

　　"Brother (Cheung's nickname) always cared about his appearance and was at his best behavior in public. He loved beautiful things and cherished life. How could he choose such a cruel way to end his own life?" asked Qiu Lin, an anchorwoman with the East Radio Station who interviewed Cheung many times.

　　According to sina.com, a Chinese Website, Cheung's body was conveyed to a HK funeral home yesterday afternoon, but family members gave no details about the funeral service.

　　The 46-year-old Cheung rose to fame as a singer in the 1980s with a bad-boy image and followed it up with a distinguished film career.