Chinese woman stages 20 fake marriages to help clients ‘navigate social pressures’
Woman notes past industry issues, including instances where actresses faced coercion for sexual favours or payment threats
An unmarried woman from China has staged 20 fictitious marriages, acting as a bride, and claims to assist clients in navigating societal pressures.
Cao Mei, a woman in her 20s hailing from Chengdu in southwestern China, generates income by renting out her persona, according to a mainland news magazine, Nanfengchuang.
Her venture began in 2018 when a friend requested Cao to pose as his girlfriend for a meeting with his parents.
Recognising a business opportunity, she realised that many individuals in China, grappling with familial expectations, struggle with dating and marriage.
Over the past seven years, Cao has portrayed a bride at 20 weddings. Her services are typically sought around holidays, and she does not engage in the legal formalities of marriage; instead, she focuses on organising the ceremonies.
Cao memorises details such as her age, occupation, and educational background beforehand, and she also meets the groom’s family before the event.