people's republic of desire

Last week's column looked at the many thirtysomething 'Grade A' women in big cities who are still single. They share certain traits, including a love for buying property and spending time with their girlfriends talking about men.

Another is a tendency to seek the advice of fortune-tellers as they become desperate in their search for a mate. Lulu, for example, has tried many methods in her bid to find out when her Mr Right will appear. She has used tarot cards, a crystal ball, the I Ching and the fortune sticks in temples. Some of these oracles say she won't get married until she is 33 - and if she does before then, it'll end in divorce. Some say she needs to change her name. Others advise her to change the positioning of her bed and use red pillows to improve her luck.

Lulu has followed the tips - but is still single. Now, she's been told to get rid of a mole below her eye because it's bad luck. No wonder she's frustrated.

'It's just not fair,' Lulu tells Niuniu as they browse in a trendy boutique. 'I don't think my married friends have paid attention to any of these things. You should've seen the shape of their apartments before they got married. A total mess - not to mention a fire hazard. And do you remember my cousin Weiwei? She has four moles under her eyes. That can't be good luck. But she met the nicest man.'

'Maybe you are focusing too much on things you can't change,' says Niuniu, holding up a dress against herself and looking in the mirror. 'I mean, do you really want to change your name? I don't think that is going to get you any dates.'

'So, what do you suggest?'