The price of love

If you know how persistent Chinese parents are in drilling piano skills into their toddlers, you can imagine the heightened nagging one must endure - albeit over long distance normally - for "bringing that special one" and, later, bearing offspring.

Well, I can imagine the despair of someone who is considering renting a fake date.

It's a risky proposition in the first place. What if the rental is not a good actor and accidentally exposes the scam when grilled by your parents about such details as how you met? What if he or she is a scam artist on a mission to rip you off? (It's so convenient for a stranger to make off with your parents' hidden heirlooms.)

Of course, there are romantic comedies that turn these bogus courting arrangements into real ones.

But I really doubt the chances of that happening, except onscreen. On the other hand, suspicions of flesh peddling could also be unfounded if you examine the details of the ads.

Take this one: "I will carry luggage for you, but it depends on how heavy it is; I can politely chat with your parents and watch soap operas with them, my knowledge in that arena will astound them; but washing their feet? Do not even think about it. I can be used to put down your former beau or the one your parents picked for you. I can act as a bodyguard and beat up those who rob you, but I charge 500-700 yuan extra for each one I knock down. And I'm not responsible for injuries thus incurred. On the other hand, red envelopes of cash gifts I receive in the name of your date will be turned back to you."

Browsing through the virtual mall, I get the impression that most for-rent ads are put up by males.

Could it be women are more vulnerable in this profession? Or men possess more chutzpah?

So does the wording. Some seem to be in a competition for jokes - rather than for paid companionship. But all come with the disclaimer that no "immoral" or "illegal" services are on offer.

But is it moral to trick an elderly couple into believing you are the prince charming who is going to take away the treasure of their life? It sounds like a cruel joke to me.

Had it been a trip of convenience home, it might be as innocuous as a buddy movie. But this play-acting involves not just two people but also some undiscerning participants. It has the potential of leading to an unpleasant end.

The pressure to start a family comes from many things.

In China, certain traditions are increasingly misaligned with reality, producing such darkly comic situations as hiring an imposter to get through a festive family reunion. It dilutes the joy of the occasion.

Fast-forward 50 years, there may be robots doing this job. Then it'll be boring when every Mr Right looks like the superhero of the day.

Contact the writer at raymondzhou@chinadaily.com.cn.