Chinese woman stages 20 fake marriages to help clients ‘navigate social pressures’

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.