Note: The following story contains spoilers for episode 8 of “The Golden Bachelorette.”

If you have seen even a single episode of “The Golden Bachelorette Party” You’ll know that the season’s undeniable favorite is Charles Ling, aka Charles L., a retired data analyst from Pennsylvania.

Fans immediately fell in love with Ling on night 1 of “The Golden Bachelorette,” when he could be found inspecting the Bachelor mansion. That love only deepened throughout the season when Ling, after speaking with his fellow suitors, was able to forgive himself for several lingering questions he had about his wife’s death.

“I’m kind of excited, (it’s) something I probably never expected,” Ling told TheWrap after “The Golden Bachelorette” Men Tell All. “Honestly, this is a surprise, I would say a big surprise; I never thought they would love me so much, it’s kind of a phenomenon. “I’m just grateful…and I’m grateful to those fans.”

Ling didn’t immediately notice this adoration as he was spending time in Shanghai while “The Golden Bachelorette” aired in the US, but he got his first taste of fame when a fan stopped him at the airport.

Ling believes his story resonated with viewers who have had a similar experience to him but have never opened up, as well as viewers who have family members in a similar position to him.

“As a society, we really need to take care of each other, regardless of our age. Sure, you know we’re the so-called elders, or whatever they call it, however, our feelings are the same and we still have the energy,” Ling said, pointing to when he excelled in a game of kickball during a group date. “I didn’t know I could perform that well and I’d never played that game before… but when opportunity knocks on your door, good things happen.”

Ling hopes viewers will be encouraged to open up to what’s out there after watching her story, and she applauded Joan Vassos of “The Golden Bachelorette” for her communication and openness, saying, “I have to give her credit. He has the courage to share his life. “Some people, for whatever reason, shut down, but that wasn’t her.”

Showing up at the Tell All with a new jet-black hairstyle, Ling appears to be a favorite to become the next “Golden Bachelor” (the show has not yet been officially renewed by ABC). During the Tell All, a fan in the audience pleaded for Ling to become the next “Golden Bachelor” on behalf of Bachelor Nation, adding that her mother is single.

“This is kind of a new idea,” Ling said of the possibility of being asked to direct ABC’s reality dating show. “I didn’t watch many episodes of the last ‘Golden Bachelor,’ so I know something, but not the full picture. I’ll see what happens and what I should do, but… not right now.”

“The Golden Bachelorette” airs Wednesdays at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC and the next day on Hulu.