What is the most romantic thing she has ever done for you?

They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his belly. Candice rarely cooks, but back when we were dating and living a five-hour drive apart, her in Syracuse, New York, and I in New York City, she baked me a cheesecake and drove all the way to me just so I could have it fresh. I felt so special that she put in so much effort for me. Through the years, these romantic gestures have changed, and if you consider childbirth a romantic gesture, then that is one too. I remember seeing the pain she was enduring during the labour of every child we have and feeling an overpowering love for her while she took the pain for us both.

What have you learnt in all the years you have been married?

I’ve learnt everyone has different needs and wants. What I’ve learnt about Candice is that she doesn’t need fancy gifts or praise: what she likes most is acts of service, such as when I’m there for her and help her solve problems.

What is your favourite among Candice’s qualities and why?

I love that she is not fussy. That’s not to say she doesn’t have likes and opinions, but she is willing to hear people out and consider their points of views.

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When did you meet?

We attended Syracuse University in the US. I was a freshman and he was a senior. Our mutual friend introduced us during the first week of school in 2003. I didn’t really like him at first because he had a very cocky vibe. He had these trendy sunglasses on and I could barely see his eyes when we first shook hands. It wasn’t until much later when I got to know him that I realised he is at heart very genuine and family-oriented.

Where did you go for your first date and what did you do?

We were back in Hong Kong for the summer holiday and we went to the Wong Tai Sin temple together just for fun. Acting like tourists, we toured around the temple, took photos and even went to one of the fortune-telling booths. Both of our fortune sticks were very similar: the fortune teller said we would join hands with someone very soon and spend the rest of our lives together. We didn’t think too much about it at that time and just laughed it off.

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How did you know he was the one?

I knew he was the one when I realised how much we have in common. I remember during one of our earlier road trips together in the US, we pumped up the music in the car and sang along with the most random songs. From Nineties hip-hop and Cantopop to Chinese oldies and Broadway musicals—we sang and laughed non-stop. Our values, goals, aspirations and views are similar, too.

What is your favourite among Leonard’s qualities?

He has a lot of patience, especially with the kids. As we had to home-school our children this past year during the pandemic, this particular quality of his shines through. He is a study buddy to our seven-year-old, an engaging language teacher to our four-year-old and a funny music teacher to our 20-month-old daughter.

What is the most romantic thing he has ever done for you?

Too many things. He is definitely the romantic and thoughtful one in this relationship. He knows how much I love handwritten cards, so every year he hand-makes photo albums containing poems written by him and pictures of the trips we took together that year.

One quality that drives you nuts about him?

He is always fashionably late.

What was your favourite holiday you took together?

Our trip to South America 13 years ago. We climbed Huayna Picchu in Peru early in the morning. When we got to the top of the mountain after two hours of intense hiking, everything felt so surreal. There we were, just the two of us, exploring the world together.

What are your plans for this year’s Valentine’s Day?

I don’t know. Maybe we will do a cook-off and have the kids be the panel of judges.

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