A young Nanjing resident roams the city’s hospitals, police stations and busy streets every day in order to report possible sources of news to newspapers as a way of making a living.
Lin has been engaged in the business for three months. He is content with his new occupation and has made over 1,700 yuan (about US$205) from just one newspaper. Providing a piece of information earns Lin 50 to 300 yuan (about 6 to US$36).
In June this year, a professional apologizer appeared in Xi’an, capital city of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. The apologizer mediated between the parties and apologized to one side to settle the dispute. The service has attracted many customers.
Professional firms providing armed escort services have gained popularity in some big cities.
More than 10,000 part-time secretaries assist out-of-town businessmen in Shanghai.
Sociologists say that such odd occupations will become more and more popular in China, according to Beijing Daily.
(People’s Daily 12/20/2000)
