
When mom won’t quit with the marriage nagging, desperate action must be taken.
China’s “rental boyfriend” online services are booming. They offer women who are pestered by their parents to get married a way to satiate them for a few hours by spending money, instead of time, finding a significant other.
When we’ve looked at the rental boyfriend services before, it was usually through Chinese comedians making fun of the whole process, or just prices and statistics. But what about the human side? What’s it really like bringing a rental boyfriend home to your parents?
Online news channel AJ+ recently did an investigation into just that, following one woman named Li Chenxi as she rents a boyfriend to bring to her parents’ home for Chinese New Year. Watch the full video here and scroll down for highlights:
▼The first part of the process: finding a suitable fake boyfriend.
There’s so many choices it can be overwhelming.
▼Prices vary as well, though it’s probably well worth it for the women who just
want to enjoy a holiday at home without their parents breaking into tears.
▼ Sheng nu (“leftover woman”) is an unmarried woman over the age of 27.
For most other countries, that’s about the age to start thinking about marriage.
▼Li Chenxi meets with Sean. The two of them have a lot to work out before
meeting the parents, such as having him lie that he’s 27 instead of 24.
▼ Then there’s also the problem of coming up with an alibi for why she hasn’t
told her parents about him. Is this really less stressful than the alternative?
How will Li Chenxi’s “date” with Sean go at her parents’ house? Watch the video to find out! We won’t spoil the ending, but we will say that if you’re thinking about renting a boyfriend yourself, perhaps it’d be best to go with one who isn’t quite so dreamy.
In the meantime, if you’re interested in renting a dude but don’t have any nagging parents to pacify, we recommend checking out renting a Japanese old man to give fashion and life advice, or a hot guy who will make you cry and then wipe your tears away.
Source: Facebook/AJ+ via YOMYOMF
Featured/top image: Facebook/AJ+






Chinese comedians pitch brilliant boyfriend-rental service to fend off nagging parents 【Video】
Free Boyfriend Rental in China: for Busy Career Women Trying to Prove They’re Not Gay
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
The mystery of Port Store, the Japanese convenience store that looks like a Lawson rip-off
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Elderly couple donates 400 million yen to erect Myaku-Myaku statue in Osaka
Lawson convenience store opens its first mobile, trailer-style location in Japan
Japan Railways announces unlimited-ride train pass for fall travel
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Mister Donut releases new doughnuts that look and taste like Japanese sweet potatoes
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】