HONG KONG, July 20 -- Hong Kong veteran actor Simon Yam has drawn widespread praise online after a fan recounted an unexpected act of generosity during a chance encounter at a restaurant, turning an ordinary dinner into a viral feel-good moment.

The fan, writing on Threads on July 15, said he first spotted the 71-year-old star while Yam was parking his car. Yam acknowledged the attention with a thumbs-up, confirming the sighting. They later met again in a lift, where the fan mentioned rewatching Election (2005), the crime thriller in which Yam played triad leader Lam Lok. Yam chatted briefly and said he was heading to dinner with friends.

The fan asked for a photo when they exited the lift, and Yam agreed. By coincidence, both parties e...