HONG KONG — The second episode of the reality dating series Goddess Matchmaking Plan 2 airs Wednesday, featuring five female contestants—Roxanne Ho, Mandy Yuen, Amber Chan, Kanis Yu, and Juliana Kwok—as they begin selecting suitors. The episode erupts in controversy when the youngest male contestant, 19-year-old Cai Nan, makes remarks that prompt accusations of disrespect and an outburst from the show’s host.
Cai Nan, who earlier in the casting process publicly stated his desire to pursue a top TVB executive, immediately drew backlash when he stepped onto the platform. Kwok questioned his motives: “Is he really interested in getting to know us, or does he just want fame?” Attempting to recover his image, Cai offered what he called a “rejuvenation theory,” telling the women, “I can transfer my vitality to you, so you become young again.”
The comment was met with laughter and sharp rebuke. Host Lam Shing-bob (Bob Lam) exclaimed, “I’m already angry—what do you mean, rejuvenation?” Member of the “best-friend peanut gallery” Kanis Yu declared, “I think he’s terrible.” Fellow guest Lau Cheuk-yan added, “That’s very disrespectful.”
Mandy Yuen, the eldest among the five goddesses at 28, fired back, “My mindset is younger than a 19-year-old. I’m rolling my eyes so hard.” As Cai continued to stumble over his words, Lam ordered him to be quiet, saying, “Smoke is coming out of me, you’re crazy!” When Roxanne Ho later suggested Yuen press the “light-up” button to select him, Yuen shouted, “This is workplace bullying!”
The episode’s other major suitor is Lin Fuming, a tech company founder and university lecturer who reportedly earns over a million Hong Kong dollars annually and runs four businesses. Lin is a self-described “A0”—someone who has never been in a relationship. Upon appearing, he delivered an old-fashioned love poem: “In the old days, carriages were slow, letters were far, and a lifetime was just enough to love one person. At some point, having two or three relationships became normal, and being A0 became strange. I am the kind of person who can only love one person in a lifetime.”
The room burst into laughter, with Kwok saying she got goosebumps. Lin, who said his only previous romantic experience was with a chatbot, declared his interest in Roxanne Ho. Her best friends were so impressed they called her on the spot to encourage a match. When host Lam grilled Lin about his intentions, Lin replied in classic straight-man style, “I will cherish her and accommodate her in everything.” Asked about the bride-price, he answered, “Whatever you say is fine,” winning over the entire panel.
The episode’s preview teases a dramatic twist: one goddess’s mysterious ex-boyfriend will appear on stage seeking reconciliation, claiming, “I came here for only one person,” leaving multiple contestants visibly moved.
The show, a spin-off of Hong Kong broadcaster TVB’s popular Goddess Matchmaking franchise, continues to spark debate about dating norms and generational attitudes. Social media reactions are likely to amplify the conversation around respect, sincerity, and the line between courting and clout-chasing in reality television.
