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Stepping back into the shadowy world of Shanghai's KTV clubs, we pick up where we left off in the previous episode - exploring life as a "duck" or paid male companion in China's evolving nightlife scene.
The unexpected relationships formed with wealthy female clients reveal complex human stories beneath the surface of simple transactions. My first regular, a divorced businesswoman seeking some form of revenge after her husband left her for a KTV hostess, challenges my expectations with her gentle manner and genuine conversation. Rather than the predatory encounter my manager warned about, we develop a respectful dynamic where I eventually feel uncomfortable accepting her generous tips.
My second regular client presents a more troubled soul - a Beijing-born heiress with British education and a horrifying self-inflicted wrist wound. Her heartbreaking story of betrayal during pregnancy, subsequent abortion, and suicide attempt emerges during emotional breakdowns between clubbing and drinking. Our relationship evolves into something resembling siblings rather than a client-companion dynamic, forcing me to confront the inadequacy of my life experience when faced with such profound pain.
The cultural context adds fascinating layers to these interactions. In China at that time, women were expected to remain conservative before marriage while potentially becoming more open afterward - the inverse of typical Western patterns. The entire industry operated with strict unwritten rules about discretion, especially for married clients. Fast forward years later, and my disturbing visit to the exclusive "White Horse Club" reveals how dramatically the landscape had shifted, with venues now openly catering exclusively to women seeking male company.
These experiences offer rare insight into the evolution of gender dynamics in modern China and the universal human search for connection, even when packaged as a commercial transaction. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where societal expectations clashed with your personal values? Share your thoughts and follow for the next installment of this continuing story.