In 2023, Martina won a scholarship and had the opportunity to move to Wuhan University for a semester-long exchange program. Beyond the academics, the sense of security in China left a lasting impression. "Life here is so safe," she noted. "In Italy, you can't go out alone after 8 pm because it's super dangerous. I think in China, you can just relax. Whether you go out with your friends or go dancing in clubs, no one will disturb you, and you feel safe just walking around."

During her time in Wuhan, she fell in love with more than just the local reganmian or hot dry noodles, a traditional local dish, but she also fell in love with a man from Hubei province. "I went to my boyfriend's hometown — a village in Huangshi city, Hubei province — to celebrate Spring Festival," she said. The experience became the centerpiece of her most successful video on the "Yang Friend" channel. "We integrated a commercial advertisement into the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, and everyone was really helpful, including my boyfriend's family and friends."

Two months ago, Martina joined the "Yang Friend" channel as a foreign host. The channel has 13 staff members and three foreign hosts, and currently has 591,000 followers on Douyin. It mainly documents the life experiences of foreigners in China. Martina enjoys the cultural exchange with her viewers. "I find it interesting to discuss things with Chinese netizens. Almost all the comments are friendly — like asking me whether Italians always gesture when they speak, and whether they really don't eat pineapple pizza," Martina said. She thinks it is a good way to help Chinese people understand Italian culture.