As 2026 began, a curious expression became a widely shared internet catchphrase in China — aini laoji, literally, "love you, my old self," or more accurately, "love you, my dear self".
At first glance, it looks like gibberish. But it is the imprecision of the phrase that gives it emotional weight. It doesn't sound like a typical brand slogan designed by a marketing team, but words someone typed late at night that contain a kernel of truth.
No one knows exactly when the phrase started circulating, but it has quietly seeped into the social media lexicon. On Xiaohongshu, or Red-Note, it has garnered 800 million views.
Stand-up comedian Bai Xue has received warm feedback for her show Aini Laoji, telling stories about her own experiences especially in her former workplace.
Her interpretation of the phrase?" It doesn't promise transformation. It suggests acceptance. It doesn't say 'you are the best'. It says — 'you've made it this far'," she said.
"Don't be too harsh on yourself at work. You've got to be good at everything, do everything well, and if you don't, you'll lie awake at night staring at the ceiling. Does hair loss count as a workplace injury?" she said with the room erupting in laughter.
But the laughter lingers a second longer than usual.
"The moment I started working, I suddenly became a perfectionist. And when things go wrong, I'm over here slapping myself like it's my fault," she continued.
"You can cheer yourself on, but don't start yelling 'Giddy up!' like you're trying to get a horse to run faster!"
