Make it happen, ABC!
We cried when Charlesconfided in Guy about his wife’s sudden death from an aneurysmsix years ago.
Why do you think producers were so excited to cast you?
Charles L. enjoys Quaker oatmeal on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
CHARLES LING:Well, maybe my personality, if my guess is correct.
And also when I talk to them, it seems like they are my old friends.
It’s very, very natural and easy and they’re very, very nice people.
Were you surprised that they called you so quickly?
I was never on a TV show before at all.
Had you ever watched any reality TV before?
[My daughter] Sophia show to me a few episodes, but very limited.
Yourbio on ABC’s websitesays that you came to America with just $20 in your pocket.
Can you tell us a little bit more about that?
In those days, on average, people in China were very poor.
And some people even borrow money from their relatives to get a nice suit.
It was the way it was, unfortunately.
How old were you when you came to America?
Around 27, I think.
What brought you to America?
My major was English when I was in college.
Not only English, other areas too."
So I decided and came to the States.
It was I think a very, very good decision for myself and my family.
You hadn’t dated much after your wife passed away.
How would you say your approach to dating has changed since you’ve been on the show?
I would say it has changed a lot.
We deserve to seek our happiness ourselves.
Have any women reached out to you since you’ve been on the show?
[Laughs] It’s a little secret at this moment.
As you know, I’m traveling.
So due to technical issues, I have limited time to read [messages].
But when I return to the States, you will never know what will happen.
Where are you right now?
I’m in Suzhou near Shanghai, China.
It’s a great place.
Have you watched the show?
I watched it here and there, but I have.
What was your favorite part to watch back?
I would say my kickball game.
Because I didn’t know anything about kickball before at all.
And my teammates were a little bit nervous because I was assigned to their group.
They worried that they may lose their game.
But it turned out to be a surprise to them, not only myself, but to them too.
And I performed very well!
ABC
People loved seeing you try the Quaker oatmeal during the kickball date.
Did they give you a lifetime supply?
If not, they should!
Oh, I’m a fan of oatmeal.
I think probably my fitness has something to do with oatmeal, because I literally have one each morning.
And I was the only person on that field who didn’t get hurt at all.
Some are probably related to oatmeal as well.
What was your daughters' reaction to watching you onthe Chippendales date?
I think it would be a shock to them.
I try my best.
I saw some parts of the dance, but not the entire [episode] yet.
I doubt even I pass the exam if you gave me a dancing exam.
But I tried and I enjoyed myself.
Have your daughters talked to you about that episode?
Yeah, I think they were nervous [about it].
Before, I mentioned the Chippendale dance to them.
They said, “Oh, Dad.
Oh, boy.”
[Laughs]
You’re a bigBritney Spearsfan.
When did you start listening to her music?
That was many years ago.
She seems like she’s a very, very cheerful lady.
One day I would love to attend her concert if that happens.
I don’t know if she’s watching this program I hope she’ll give me a ticket.
I’ll be happy to pay for the ticket, by the way.
The internet has fallen in love with you.
What do you think of this outpouring of love from Bachelor Nation?
This is really beyond my imagination.
I’m grateful to the fans.
Maybe there’s a message there.
Or maybe they just want to see a world where people really care for one another rather than fight.
Have you been approached by fans in person since you’ve been on the show?
As you know, I’m away.
They want to see me in the supermarket or they love to see me in the gym, particularly.
I got message from my gym, “Where’s Charles?”
I’ll prepare myself when I return.
Charles, fans really,reallywant you to be the next Golden Bachelor.
What do you think of that idea?
It is a new idea to me.
If the opportunity knocks on my door, I’ll consider.
The Golden Bacheloretteairs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
