Pakistan-born influencer adopted by Chinese couple marries fan. He found her 'captivating'

A Pakistani-born influencer adopted by a Chinese couple has announced her marriage to one of her earliest online fans. Fan Zihe, 20, who was found abandoned in a cardboard box in Pakistan, was adopted by a childless Chinese couple working there and raised in rural Henan province, South China Morning Post reported.

Named “Zihe” to symbolise longevity, Fan grew up in modest conditions but gained national attention in late 2023 after a short video of her slurping noodles in a thick Henan accent went viral, garnering over 1.4 million likes. Her “exotic beauty” and warmth toward her adoptive parents struck a chord with viewers, and she now has over 1.8 million followers on mainland social media.

Fan has been earning a living by sharing glimpses of farm life on social media, while also helping villagers sell local produce.

Fan’s fiancé, known online as Lyu Xiaoshuai, was among her earliest followers. He told Jiupai News that her video left him impressed by her “unconventional yet captivating beauty.” The two met by chance at a dinner with friends, where Lyu recognised her and described her as “even slimmer than on camera, blunt but quiet.”

The couple got married on September 17. (Image credit: Fan Zihe/Douyin)

Their relationship grew gradually. Lyu shared Fan’s story with his family, and said that his his grandmother was touched by her resilience and kindness.

Later, wanting to ease Fan's load, Lyu quit his job and moved back to Henan to help manage her social media accounts. He carried equipment during shoots, taught himself video editing, and handled fan messages. Over three years, he also accompanied Fan and her adoptive parents on trips and helped with farm work.

The couple got married on September 17 and shared photos of the wedding on social media with the caption: “The best person is already by my side.”