A Chinese man named Hong has become the subject of widespread ridicule online after spending over 4 million yuan (approximately RM2.5 million) in tips and donations to a live-streaming host. His sole aim was to hear her call him “brother,” according to reports by the South China Morning Post (SCMP)
Hong, from Ningbo in Zhejiang province, developed an obsession with a female live streamer earlier this year. After draining his family’s savings, they restricted his access to funds. Determined to continue, Hong turned to theft, stealing copper materials during his deliveries for a hardware business. Between May and October, he sold the stolen copper to recycling stations, earning around 2.3 million yuan. He spent all the money on tipping the streamer, reportedly to boost her rankings
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The theft came to light when the factory he worked for reported missing copper. Police investigations linked Hong’s unexplained income and large expenditures on the streaming platform to the thefts. Hong eventually confessed to over 40 thefts, saying, “I didn’t want to meet her; I just wanted to hear her call me ‘brother.’” His statement shocked many, with online commenters mocking his choices. One suggested he should “record the word and play it on repeat,” while another advised seeking psychiatric help
Authorities recovered over 1 million yuan, which was returned to the factory. Hong now faces theft charges. This incident highlights the extreme behaviors stemming from China’s booming live-streaming industry, valued at 140 billion yuan in 2019 and expected to reach 417 billion yuan by 2024Malay Mail Nestia News.