Sisterly bonds took center stage on the latest episode of the revived talk show “Miss Xiao Not Xiao Xiao,” where Xiao S (Hsu Hsi-yuan) opened up about the profound grief and guilt she has carried since the sudden passing of her older sister, Da S (Hsu Hsi-yuan), last year in Japan.
During an emotionally charged conversation with her longtime friend and co-host, Cai Kang-yong, Xiao S revealed that she initiated the family trip to Japan that would become their last shared memory. She confessed that she has repeatedly questioned whether the tragedy could have been avoided had she not persuaded their mother to approve the journey.
“Every time I think of my sister, I wonder: if I had listened to Mom and not gone, would this have happened?” Xiao S said, her voice breaking as tears welled up.
She recalled how their mother, affectionately known as S Ma, had initially resisted the trip due to the high costs during the Lunar Recent Year period and not wanting to feel taken advantage of. Despite her objections, the sisters persisted, hoping to create lasting memories together.
“We worked hard to convince her, wanting to abandon behind something beautiful. Little did we know it would become our greatest regret,” Xiao S added, visibly moved.
Xiao S described the aftermath of Da S’s passing as a period of deep emptiness, saying she often felt lost and unsure of how to navigate daily life. While she denied relying on alcohol to cope, she admitted that she and her mother frequently shared drinks and conversations as a way to process their grief.
“We had to keep talking about her. Speaking her name was how we released our sorrow,” Xiao S explained, noting that S Ma would often break down in tears after just a few sentences.
Cai Kang-yong, visibly touched by Xiao S’s vulnerability, shared that upon hearing the news of Da S’s death, his immediate concern was for Xiao S’s well-being. He said he evaluated every decision during that difficult time based on what would be best for her, only feeling reassured when he saw her begin to reclaim her strength—particularly during her performance at the Golden Bell Awards.
“Seeing her bring laughter back to the audience told me she was finding her way back. That’s when I could finally relax,” Cai said.
Xiao S echoed that sentiment, expressing gratitude for having Cai by her side during the show’s first taping after her return: “Because you were there in the first episode back, I felt at ease.”
The raw and honest exchange highlighted not only the enduring pain of loss but also the healing power of remembrance, friendship, and speaking openly about grief—a moment that resonated deeply with viewers and underscored the emotional authenticity the revived series aims to deliver.
