A man in southern China who went to a boat racing event and tried to attract a girlfriend by displaying a placard saying that he owned two buildings has trended on mainland social media.
The online post has prompted more than 1,000 people to get in touch with the man.
As people gathered to watch an event in Guangzhou, Guangdong province on May 31 to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, the man with the message around his neck drew much attention, Jimu News reported.
“Unmarried. Haizhu. Two buildings,” the placard read.
Haizhu is a downtown district of Guangzhou. On the flipside of the card, the man displayed a QR code of his social media account so that people could contact him.
The 35-year-old, surnamed Lin, says more than 1,000 people have been in touch since he went viral online.
“Many people applied to build contacts with me. But I only approved a few of them because I need to know more about them before chatting,” Lin told the media.
He said he agreed to establish contact with some of them due to their “funny” responses.
One woman said that if she successfully contacted Lin her friend would treat her to dinner.
Another woman said her boss who forwarded Lin’s information cared a lot about her love life. A third woman simply said: “You are famous in Europe now.”
Lin said he has been single for three years following a break-up with his girlfriend.
He made the marriage-seeking advertisement on the advice of a friend on the evening before the boat race.
“I did not expect to go viral on the internet. My life has been affected a bit by this incident. Strangers on the street talk about me when I pass by,” Lin said.
“I am just going to let it go. It is out of control. I will just be myself,” he added.
Lin said that the two buildings he mentioned on the placard are registered in his mother’s name, adding that he included the details to make his message more humorous.
He denied online speculation that he was hoping to attract tenants, saying: “Our properties have all been leased out.”
Lin said he does not have criteria for his future partner in terms of age, education, financial background, or whether she is a native of Guangzhou.
“The important thing is that we can get along well and we are happy when we are together. Also, she must be family-oriented,” Lin said.
Millions of people on mainland social media have been captivated by his story.
“It is hard for him to find true love in this way. People will date him only for money,” one internet user said.
Another person said: “He is not looking for a wife, but inviting bids for a project.” - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
