Actor Deng Chao’s Dime‑Price Cold Dish Visits Ignite Nationwide Praise for Humble Kindness

Deng Chao, a household name best known for his roles in blockbuster comedies and for his occasional turn as a reality‑show host, is no stranger to the limelight. Yet his repeated visits to the tiny food cart run by a septuagenarian vendor in the heart of Nanchang have drawn praise precisely because they betray none of the “star‑power” swagger that often accompanies his public appearances. Videos and photos shared on Weibo show the actor crouching on the pavement, chatting casually with the grandmother, and selecting the same seasoned vegetable medley that he has ordered before. In one clip, he presents the woman with a bouquet of flowers and a small box of moon‑cake gifts for the Mid‑Autumn Festival – a gesture that sparked a cascade of affectionate comments.

Netizens reacted with a mixture of warmth, admiration and a dash of humor. Many wrote that they felt “warmed by Deng Chao,” noting that his demeanor was “gentle and sincere, just the kind of people who should heal each other.” Others highlighted the lack of celebrity airs, describing the scene as “down‑to‑earth” and pointing out that the star was “squatting on the ground chatting with grandma, with no hint of a star‑studded aura.” The recurring exchange was labelled a “two‑way concern”: the old lady remembers the actor’s favorite dish and even jokes about his weight, while Deng reciprocates with gifts and conversation, turning a transactional moment into a genuine human connection.

The story resonated beyond the immediate circle of fans because it underscores a broader cultural sentiment: the value of supporting small, family‑run businesses and respecting the labor of older citizens. One commenter summed it up succinctly: “The old grandma is still working hard at such an old age! We young people really can’t compare.” In a country where rapid urbanization often sidelines street vendors, the public’s embrace of this vignette reflects a yearning for authenticity and community.

A light‑hearted thread also emerged around the price tag itself. “One mao” – ten cents, or roughly a dime in English – may seem almost symbolic. Some users teased that even a “dime‑priced” dish can feel pricey when the emotional cost is considered, but the prevailing sentiment was that the nominal fee mattered little compared with the goodwill the exchange represented. The anecdote even intertwined with other celebrity narratives; it was noted that Deng once delivered the grandmother’s cold dishes to a concert for pop star Lu Han, adding a layer of fan‑centric humor to the saga.

While the incident has not sparked any policy debate or industry analysis, its viral spread illustrates how a single act of humility can capture the collective imagination of a nation. In an era where celebrity actions are often scrutinized for grand gestures or marketing stunts, Deng Chao’s repeated, low‑key visits to the “one‑dime old granny” have become a comforting reminder that fame does not have to be a barrier to everyday kindness. The phrase itself, whether rendered as “Deng Chao bought the old granny’s cheap cold dishes again,” “Deng Chao is back to buying the old granny’s cold dishes for just a dime,” or any of its variations, now serves as a cultural meme celebrating simple, sincere human connection.