Despite being sacrificed in the 2004 election, refused solidarity by her allies in last weekend's poll and not even asked to sign a joint petition on the city's core values, Cyd Ho said she would forget past grudges and look forward to pan-democrat unity.
She said she was able to capture the fifth seat in the six-seat Hong Kong Island constituency and return to the legislature because she and the people had not forsaken each other since her narrow defeat four years ago. In 2004, a 'situation critical' message diverted votes to Democrat Martin Lee Chu-ming, costing Ms Ho her seat.
Savouring her victory this time round, Ms Ho told of an emotion-charged encounter at a human rights function held before the election.
'Talking to a man who asked whether I was to run again in the election, I told him the people might have forgotten about me,' she said. 'He said: 'Trust us, because that is how we will trust you.' And that was really touching.'
Ms Ho went into battle with scant resources - only a handful of staff, four cars, 36 banners and virtually non-existent media coverage. She polled 30,887 votes.
The Civic Act-up leader said that apart from her platform, being able to identify with 'middle-class people with a conscience', emphasising social justice and urban renewal, and aiming to raise living standards also appealed to grass-roots voters.
The only hint of bitterness Ms Ho had was her relationship with the pan-democratic camp.
