【Epoch Times October 14, 2026】On October 11, mainland Chinese actor Deng Chao was interviewed backstage after an event. When asked “What are you afraid of if not the worst case scenario?” he blurted out, “I’m afraid of my wife.” This response caused laughter among the audience and quickly became a hot topic on Weibo.
According to reports from Chinese media, during the backstage interview that night, a reporter threw out a playful question, “What are you afraid of if not the worst case scenario?” expecting a routine quick answer. However, Deng Chao didn’t hesitate at all and immediately brought up his “wife” as his answer, instinctively responding, “I’m afraid of my wife.” As soon as the words left his mouth, the room burst into laughter.
Facing the staff laughing uncontrollably, Deng Chao appeared very relaxed and natural, showing no signs of awkwardness or embarrassment. He seemed at ease, and a sense of pride and affection shone through his eyes, turning what could have been a formal interview into an impromptu comedy scene.
In an instant, the topic of “Deng Chao saying he’s afraid of his wife” trended on social media. Netizens praised his statement, interpreting his “fear” as not genuine dread but rather a sign of respect, preference, and wisdom in maintaining family harmony. Some netizens commented that “those who are truly afraid of their wives wouldn’t flaunt it all the time and say it so proudly,” considering Deng Chao’s declaration as a high-profile declaration of his love and loyalty to Sun Li, the “highest level of showing affection”.
Deng Chao and Sun Li met and bonded during the filming of the TV series “Happiness is Like a Flower”. After 16 years of marriage, they now have a 14-year-old son named “Deng Deng” and a 12-year-old daughter named “Xiao Hua”, forming a blissful family of four.
Though both of them have busy schedules, they usually take turns working to ensure they are present for their children’s upbringing, avoiding long periods of absence from home. Known as a loving couple, they often share amusing anecdotes on Weibo and playfully joke with self-deprecating humor. Deng Chao previously celebrated their wedding anniversary with a funny exchange: “Me: Darling, happy anniversary! Her: Oh my, how did we survive so many years together!”
Sun Li once detailed the various aspects in which she and Deng Chao differ in personalities and preferences: “He is a night owl, I like to go to bed and rise early; he loves spicy food, I prefer a light diet; he prefers Beijing, I like Shanghai; he enjoys chatting daily with people, I prefer silence; he dislikes sports, I enjoy exercising; he loves iced coffee, I prefer hot tea; he cries easily, I prefer calm emotions; he is casual and unplanned, I live a very structured life; he doesn’t remember directions when driving, I am a walking map; he has a bad memory, I have a good memory; he dislikes heat, I hate the cold.”
One netizen commented, “Smart couples don’t try to change each other, they change together.”
It’s well known that Sun Li’s childhood family life was not happy, with her parents divorcing when she was young, growing up with her mother and lacking a sense of security, even leaning towards not wanting to get married. Deng Chao, through consistent actions over more than ten years, dispelled Sun Li’s fears about marriage.
Deng Chao once admitted in an interview, “I never argue with her. If she insists on arguing, I let her. I know I have zero life skills and self-care abilities. I can’t find my wallet, cards, or keys; I’m completely clueless in daily life. She works hard, takes care of the family, educates the children, manages the house, and even helps me with things. How could I argue with her? All I can do is constantly respect her and accommodate her.”
Some netizens interpreted Deng Chao’s words as explaining the true essence of his “afraid of my wife” statement in public: because he understands the challenges his partner faces in marriage, he chooses to respond with compliance and respect. It also indicates that Deng Chao has found the most comfortable way to interact with Sun Li: he’s a top-tier actor in public and a “Super Brother” at home who willingly lets his wife take charge.
Dubbed the “Chinese Drama Queen” for her high viewership ratings, Sun Li’s self-identification on Weibo isn’t as an actress or listing her works, but as “1+1=4”, clearly prioritizing her family. Deng Chao has consistently made changes for their family. Sun Li once said, “Time flies, only love is eternal.” Their complementary relationship and love for each other have filled many fans with envy.