FINDING a boyfriend to take home for the holidays can be stressful, particularly around New Year in China when unmarried women face an inquisition about their single status from extended family.
So single Chinese women have found a novel way to stave off marriage pressure – by renting fake boyfriends to put on an act for their parents.
Taobao – China’s largest online marketplace – is the place to go to find a temporary boyfriend as men advertise companionship starting from 1 000 yuan (R1 890) to 10 000 yuan a day.
They even charge extra for romantic activities such as hand holding, going to the cinema together, cuddles, or joint internet surfing.
An advert for Greater China Royal Sovereign boyfriend rental centre on Taobao offers a selection of men, including an American boyfriend, a Canadian boyfriend and a domineering boyfriend Jiangsu. It says: “New Year back home, no longer afraid of gossip, regardless of your eight aunts.”
One potential boyfriend had a clear list of his prices, including 800 yuan for trips to other cities to visit family and 150 yuan an hour to act as a shopping escort. He even said he would listen to complaints or abuse for 50 yuan per 20 minutes.
Office worker Lily Li, 26, who hired a fake partner, revealed that she wanted to take a boyfriend home to curb speculation.
– Daily Mail