With the economy at rock bottom, a public health crisis barely over, and fears that national security laws are about to destroy everyone's freedoms, Tung Chee-hwa could have been forgiven for feeling just a little nervous about having to face legislators yesterday.
But adopting a relaxed, easy-going style, and avoiding the temptation to accuse anyone of bad-mouthing Hong Kong, the chief executive appeared to be sailing through the session.
Then came the question he had not been expecting.
Veteran pro-democracy lawmaker Szeto Wah had been keeping it under wraps, even telling his party colleagues it was top secret. Was it about the record level of unemployment, or the devastation wreaked by Sars? Was it designed to put Mr Tung on the spot about the evils of Article 23, or the lack of democratic development? Not even close. It was a question no spin doctor could have prepared him for.
Poker-faced, Mr Szeto's delivery was perfect. 'Do you think shallow and naive mean the same thing?' he asked.
Mr Tung looked perplexed. He was probably wondering which minister was responsible for this important policy issue.