Freed through comedy

After she was offered a chance to train in Shenyang, Fang began weaving her struggles, including domestic violence and rural sexism, into her sets.

For months, she bombed at open mic events, tense and unsure.

Fang was hired as a theater hand to cover the living costs.

Then, one day, everything clicked.

"Stand-up soon became my release. The more I spoke, the lighter I felt. I stopped disliking the man; I pitied him. Comedy helped me make peace with life," Fang says.

With the emotional strength and financial independence that comedy provides, Fang decided to live life on her terms.

Powerfully closing her competition debut, she announced: "My parents never remember my birthday, but two years ago, I decided that it's April 8. Because on April 8, 2023, I was signed as a comedian."

"On April 8, 2024, I left with just my daughters and divorce papers." The crowd broke into thunderous applause. "April 8, 2025? Nothing special. Just a peaceful, happy day," she adds.

Her elder daughter says on social media: "My mom is just talented, the kind of talent that need not be proved via certificates."

"Her persistence (in the comedian's job) sets us an example."