A blind date in Zhejiang, China, turned into an internet sensation after a woman brought along 23 of her relatives to test her match’s generosity. What was supposed to be a simple dinner ended with a massive bill of about S$4,200, leaving the woman humiliated when her date refused to cover the costs.
According to local media, the woman believed that a man’s willingness to pay would reflect his sincerity and financial stability. However, her plan backfired badly. The group ordered lavish dishes, racking up more than US$3,100 (about S$4,200) in food and drinks. When the bill arrived, the man politely declined to pay for her entire extended family, offering instead to cover just his and her share.
Left with no choice, the woman was forced to settle the hefty tab herself. The incident quickly spread online, sparking heated discussions about dating culture, money expectations, and financial responsibility in relationships.
Netizens Side With the Man
On Chinese and international social media, most netizens supported the man’s decision to walk away. Many criticised the woman’s stunt as unreasonable and opportunistic. Comments included:
- “Run bro! That’s a gold digger.”
- “She’s not worth the money, good call.”
- “I would have bounced too.”
Some joked that unless the woman came with a financial plan as big as her dinner party, expecting one man to pay thousands on a first date was absurd.
The Debate on Money and Dating
The viral story has reignited debates on dating expectations across Asia, including Singapore. While many agree that men paying for the first date is a gesture of goodwill, the majority feel that bringing two dozen family members to test a person’s wealth crosses the line.
Relationship experts note that financial responsibility is one of the biggest sources of conflict in marriages. Cases like this highlight the importance of open discussions on values, money management, and long-term compatibility—rather than using extreme “tests” that can leave both parties embarrassed.
For Singaporeans navigating the modern dating scene, this story is a timely reminder that trust and respect are worth far more than an expensive meal.