But when he constantly failed to find the right match, he decided to start a business to help others find love, as well as himself, according to Qingdou Video.

In 2017, Zhou decided he would visit the local matchmaking area every Thursday afternoon and quickly discovered that most advertisers were parents or grandparents seeking partners for their loved ones, a common phenomenon in China.

Zhou saw an opportunity to act as a middleman. He became adept at recording the parents’ desired resumes for their future in-laws – such as height, profession, or dating history – and searching the community for people who met the standards.

A few months later, he helped his first couple find love.

“The happiness I felt then was more than if I were getting married,” Zhou said.

It hardened his resolve to help more people find love, and in April 2018, he became a full-time matchmaker.

Thankfully, some serendipity also came his way. When helping others, he also found a match for himself.

“My wife came to me to find love for herself,” said Zhou. But the chemistry between them was undeniable, so they began dating. They eventually got married and now have a daughter.

Over the past few years, Zhou has helped 346 couples tie the knot. He said his success is due to his effort to understand each person, which makes it far more likely that he will facilitate the correct match.

“I really enjoy being a matchmaker, and I will continue this job,” said Zhou.

His story has been trending on mainland social media.

“The matchmaking industry needs kind-hearted people like him,” said one online observer.

Another person added: “Awesome, this young man is breaking the stereotype of matchmakers.”

Normally in China matchmakers are middle-aged or elderly women.