A set of gloomy figures on the economic downturn marked the opening of the Budget speech, but Antony Leung sought to dispel any anxiety - with the lyrics of a heart-warming Canto classic.
At the end of his hour-long maiden speech, Mr Leung recalled with nostalgia past hardships Hong Kong had passed through in an apparent effort to lend an element of perspective to the current economic downturn.
'In Hong Kong we have the wonton noodle, dai pai dong tea and noisy but lively teahouses . . . we have all grown up in Hong Kong,' he said.
'Many of you may still remember the days of water rationing. Today we are in the rough. It is high time for all of us to pitch in.'
Then he read out part of the lyrics of veteran singer Roman Tam's Below the Lion Rock, before closing the 50-page budget document and walking away with a grin.
'Of one mind in pursuit of our dream, all discord set aside, with one heart on the same bright quest, fearless and valiant inside.
'Hand in hand to the ends of the Earth, rough terrain no respite, side by side we overcome ills, as the Hong Kong story we write,' he read.