There’s nothing like the feeling of ‘balik kampung’ after years of working, studying, or living abroad. Even though you might feel nervous, and maybe unfamiliar with some changes while away, it’s still a blessing to see your loved ones again after being apart for so long.
Malaysian singer-actress Joey Chua (蔡卓宜) recently returned to Malaysia from China to take a break from work where she was spotted walking around Melaka with her Taiwanese boyfriend, actor Darren Wang (王大陸). But the CNY holiday wasn’t the only reason why she came back to her hometown.
#WangTalu meets #JoeyChua's parents in Malaysia 🥰🥰🥰
Watch the full vlog here: https://t.co/ku5ZrKyvlh pic.twitter.com/gsN92ImWvq
— Darren Wang 🍯🍫 (@wangtaluarchive) January 14, 2023
In a vlog recently posted on her Xiaohongshu account, the Johor-born singer wanted to surprise her parents that she’ll be spending Chinese New Year with them this year after not being home for 4 years. The 28-year-old was seen happy and excited throughout her entire journey home.
Upon arrival, the singer was struck by the Malaysian heat while waiting for her brother to pick her and Darren up from the airport. “It’s too hot! From a single-digit temperature in Shanghai to a 30-something degree Celsius heat here, it’s too hot!” she complained. During the ride home, the “Oxygen Girl” artist admitted her mother was unaware about her return.
Promising herself and her viewers that she won’t cry, the “Youth With You Season 2” participant failed to hold back her tears as both she and her mother hugged each other while being filmed by her siblings. Joey’s father, also on the verge of crying himself, joined his daughter and wife in the emotional embrace. The “Fall In Love” star introduced her parents to her boyfriend who was given a warm welcome.
Even though her trip was meant to be a huge surprise for her parents, unfortunately for Joey, her mother already had a feeling she would come back to celebrate the Lunar New Year together this year. The realisation came when her sister had asked their mother to prepare lotus root soup that day, presumably Joey’s favourite.
“So they were already waiting for me! I guess I really can’t lie to my own mother!” said the singer while jokingly glaring at the camera. Regardless of the ruined surprise, the happy family reunion was still a wholesome sight to behold. We hope Joey and her family will have a wonderful Chinese New Year this year. You can watch the full video here.
Sources: Xiaohongshu, AsiaOne
