Wealthy Chinese men want what most rich guys want in a potential mate: good looks.
But they also want something special: a good-luck face.
According to an article in China Daily, 1,000 women competed in a dating contest in Guangzhou for the chance to meet a single millionaire. The finalists get to date a single guy with a guaranteed net worth of at least $7 million.
To impress, one bachelor flashed his private plane, while another promised a Porsche to the lucky winner. (This is, after all, a country with a third more millionaires than it had a year ago, and 32 million more men than women.)
The article said the women, age 28 to 30, 'will be selected on the basis of their looks, temperament and character.' They will also have to take psychological tests and get grilled on their family background.
But the clincher is the face. Apparently, feng shui masters will inspect each woman to determine if she has a 'wang fu' or good-luck face.
'So far, only a fifth have survived the first round-with most failing the 'face' test-and will now move on to showcase their other talents,' the article says.
Apparently, these high-end hook-ups are becoming increasingly popular in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. And it has angered some traditionalists.
'It feels much the same as an emperor selecting his concubines out of a row of girls in ancient times,' said one office worker. 'The only difference is that it's now for the wealthy class, not the emperor.'
If they think that is bad, wait til China gets the syndicated re-runs of the 'Millionaire Matchmaker' or 'The Bachelor' in China. Or maybe Jake Pavelka should look for the good-luck face next time around.