Sometimes, a spontaneous joke on a variety show can spark far more discussion than expected.
During the Keep Running Xinjiang recording on November 16, 2025, Fan Chengcheng once again became the center of attention when he jokingly announced:
“Used to be my brother-in-law, now he’s my husband! Brother-in-law, open the door! I’m my sister!”
He even improvised a fictional scenario about his “sister breaking up and brother-in-law spoiling him endlessly,” turning the scene into a mini absurdist comedy.
The exaggerated role confusion created a surreal, almost AI-like humor, prompting viewers to comment, “Why did this ridiculous joke pass so naturally?”
Out-of-context clips revive old narratives
As part of the game, Fan Chengcheng and Li Chen swapped into women’s outfits. A behind-the-scenes video captured by guest Shen Yujie circulated online without full program context.
This led some viewers to reconnect the interaction with Li Chen and Fan Bingbing’s past relationship, forming a narrative of “the former brother-in-law still spoiling the little brother.”
Scenes of Li Chen “going easy” on Fan Chengcheng during games, offering food, or resting a hand on his shoulder were interpreted by some as emotional remnants.
But many viewers saw it differently: the warmth came from years of familiarity—from the early days when Li Chen took care of a teenage Fan Chengcheng, to today’s easygoing on-screen brotherhood.
The grace of adulthood: letting the past stay in the past
During his sister’s relationship with Li Chen, a then-15-year-old Fan Chengcheng received plenty of care from him.
Even after the breakup, their rapport on Keep Running remained natural.
Fan Chengcheng’s shift from calling him “brother-in-law” to “Morning bro” felt relaxed, not forced.
Their playful pranks, tugging at clothes, and casual banter showed zero awkwardness.
Many viewers praised this as the best kind of maturity:
“The most valuable grace among adults is not allowing past entanglements to taint present relationships.”
This sense of ease—free from old emotional burdens—is what resonated with so many people.
Fan Chengcheng remains one of the strongest comedic forces in Chinese variety shows
Beyond the trending jokes, Fan Chengcheng’s improvisational talent continues to shine:
AI face-swap pranks, chaotic kitchen challenges, quick reactions, effortless humor—
He delivered nearly 80% of the episode’s laughs, earning once again the title of a “top-tier comedy machine” in Chinese entertainment.
On a stage where humor, nostalgia, and warmth intertwine, his dynamic with Li Chen shows that relationships don’t need to be erased—just evolved.
As one viewer succinctly put it:
“Grace isn’t avoiding the past. It’s not letting emotions override the relationship you choose to keep.”
