Crossing Hennessy

Loy is a 41-year-old bachelor who shares a home with his widowed mother and his aunt in Wan Chai. His mother hosts regular matchmaking lunches with a rotating cast of hopefuls, drawing Loy into social games of romance. He forms a genuine, evolving bond with Oi-Lin through a shared love of detective stories, even as he contends with family expectations and self-doubt about his worthiness. He ultimately reveals his feelings for Oi-Lin and searches for a future built on authentic affection.

Oi-Lin lives with her aunt and uncle in a busy bathroom-appliances store on Lockhart Road. She bonds with Loy over detective fiction, even as a misunderstanding pushes her toward Xu. After Xu’s release, she moves in with him, then reassesses her feelings as the social pressure around weddings intensifies. Her journey explores independence, loyalty, and the search for a sincere connection.

Xu is Loy and Oi-Lin’s mutual love interest who has just left prison. He confronts Loy in a fit of anger, beating him, which heightens the tension between the two men and complicates the budding romance. After the confrontation, Xu reevaluates his choices and withdraws from the love triangle, allowing Loy and Oi-Lin to navigate their feelings. His volatile behavior serves as a catalyst for change in the relationships around him.

Man-Yu is Loy’s ex-girlfriend, previously involved with him before his developing feelings for Oi-Lin. Loy rekindles his relationship with her during the course of the story, highlighting the tension between past and present romances. Her presence underscores the social landscape of relationships and the fear of losing genuine affection amidst family pressure. She remains a reference point in Loy’s emotional evolution.