When he launched his campaign on November 27, Leung Chun-ying vowed to bring the elite, 'small-circle' election to all seven million of the city's residents. That populist touch was undeniably a key part of his path to victory - and the chief executive's office - whether or not people now think he was sincere or just putting on a show.
Asked who they'd vote for in a five-man race, respondents to a University of Hong Kong poll last July placed Leung last, with his popularity in the single digits. Since October, he has led in every poll.
Leung, who is from a humble background - in contrast to election rival Henry Tang Ying-yen's 'silver spoon' image - seemed to hold inherent appeal for the average Joe in the street.
From the time he entered the race Leung shaped himself as a leader willing to listen, repeating the message: 'I bring with me a stool, a notepad and a pen. If you are willing to speak, I am ready to listen.'
Edward Lau Kwok-fan, who helped Leung organise the first district consultation on his manifesto, in Sheung Shui on November 18, recalled the unromantic way he spent Valentine's Day - hanging out with Leung.
'I married on February 26, but I and my then fiancee spent our last Valentine's Day as singles reaching out to the community with C. Y. and his wife,' said Lau, a North District councillor from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.