Hong Kong actress Chloe So embraced an unexpected aquatic mishap as a sign of auspicious beginnings for the impending Lunar New Year, sharing the details during a press event for the upcoming ViuTV holiday special.
So, speaking to reporters on Tuesday at the launch of the festive program Full Steam Ahead for the New Year (馬力十足賀新年), recounted a memorable segment filmed on a fish farm. While trying to catch fish alongside co-host Pazu Chiu (程人富), she was dramatically struck on the head by a jumping fish. Rather than viewing the incident as unfortunate, the starlet interpreted the blow as an excellent omen, symbolizing the traditional Chinese wish for “abundance every year” (年年有餘).
Traditional Rituals and Career Ambitions
The celebration of the new lunar cycle naturally turned the conversation toward personal forecasts, with So expressing optimism about her prospects. As a person born under the Year of the Dog, she noted that her zodiac sign is reportedly clear of directly offending Tai Sui (犯太歲)—the yearly deity governing fortune and misfortune—a factor she believes points to a smooth year ahead.
So revealed her deep commitment to traditional practices to maintain her good fortune, citing a challenging period she experienced years ago. After turning to the worship of Guan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, she found her luck gradually improved. This experience solidified a yearly ritual: she now regularly visits the Guan Yin Temple to offer prayers and, crucially, to “borrow from the treasury” (借庫), a custom intended to seek blessings and capital for career success and prosperity throughout the year.
Focusing on Independence and Future Investment
While focused on her professional trajectory, So was candid about her personal life, particularly her relationship status. She emphasized her current contentment with being single, stating she is thoroughly enjoying her independent lifestyle and has no immediate plans for dating.
The actress noted that intrusive questions from family and relatives regarding her single status do not cause her embarrassment. Instead, she is financially astute and responsible, diligently saving what is colloquially known as “spinster’s savings” (姑婆本)—funds accumulated solely for an unmarried woman’s future security.
The conversation naturally segued into long-term financial goals, specifically property ownership. When asked if purchasing a home was an imminent objective, So shared a calculated timeline. She has consulted with a master (師傅)—likely a feng shui or fortune teller expert—who advised that the year 2028 would be the most suitable year for her to “get on the property ladder” (上車). This deferral indicates a patient and strategic approach to significant investments, aligning major financial moves with celestial or personal timing deemed most fortunate.
So’s blend of modern entertainment prominence with respectful adherence to traditional cultural rituals—from interpreting a physical hit as good luck to timing property investment based on ancient wisdom—demonstrates the unique interplay of celebrity life and deep-rooted practices common in Hong Kong culture as the community gears up for the New Year festivities. The holiday special is expected to air showcasing these cultural preparations and light-hearted explorations of local traditions.
