Bai, 40, who has been performing full time since October 2021, said the show began with a simple yet profound realization. She had been on tour and tickets weren't selling well despite her promotional efforts."I had this idea that every show 'must' sell out," she said. "But one day, I stopped and thought, 'Why does it have to be perfect? Why do I demand so much from myself?'"

Born and raised in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Bai worked in a corporate job before her comedy career, and witnessed firsthand how self-acceptance can be a radical act, especially in a world that is quick to judge. As she continued to talk about her self-growth, it became clear that "loving yourself" isn't just a trendy slogan for Bai — it's a mindset.

"I think a lot of people have been conditioned to judge themselves based on external standards," she said.

"How we look, how successful we are, how much we achieve — it's all measured against a mold created by society. But 'loving yourself' is about breaking free from that. It's about saying, 'I'm enough just as I am.'"

Nobody's perfect

The rise of the aini laoji trend reflects a broader cultural shift, one expert said, and is a rejection of perfectionism and a celebration of individuality.

Psychologist Huang Haihong, who is the head of a youth hotline in Fujian province, said in today's society, social interactions have become "lighter", while loneliness has become "heavier".

Young people, living in a fast-moving world, are increasingly yearning for warmth and acceptance, and are turning to "self-companionship" as a cure.

The phrase aini laoji is a form of emotional expression that "objectifies" the self, she said.

It encourages people to be more proactive in reflecting on their inner feelings and understanding their own needs. Surprisingly, it's not about self-indulgence or being self-centered — rather, it's about recognizing and acknowledging one's own self.