Imagine falling head over heels in just weeks and then teaming up to tackle one of medicine’s toughest puzzles: ALS. That’s exactly the wild, inspiring journey of former Internet tycoon Cai Lei and his partner Duan Rui.
Last year, a simple cold landed Cai Lei in the ICU, triggering alarm bells for the duo. To protect his health, they decided to live separately while he recovered. It might sound strange, but this unconventional move only made their bond stronger. They joke that they’re two "lovable weirdos" united by curiosity, courage, and a shared mission.
Throughout 2025, they’ve thrown themselves into ALS research—funding labs, partnering with neuroscientists, and even rolling up their sleeves in the lab themselves. From biotech startups in hidden research hubs to virtual conferences across Asia, the pair is on a mission to accelerate promising treatments.
For Cai Lei, the stakes couldn’t be higher. “When you face the possibility that your own body could betray you, you learn to cherish every moment,” he says. Duan Rui adds with a smile, “We fell in love fast, but our real commitment is to give hope to millions battling ALS.”
Their story is more than a headline—it’s a reminder that love and science can collide in the most unexpected ways. As they keep pushing boundaries, this dynamic duo shows us that sometimes the best breakthroughs come from a dash of audacity and a whole lot of heart ❤️🧬.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
