A man from Ningbo, in China’s Zhejiang province, has been arrested after he drained his family’s life savings and resorted to theft to fund extravagant donations to a female live-streamer.
The man, identified only by his surname Hong, reportedly spent over 4 million yuan ($550,000) in hopes that the streamer would refer to him as “brother.”
An obsession gone too far
Hong’s fixation on a popular live-streaming host began earlier this year.
According to The Star, he spent his family’s life savings, approximately $550,000, on virtual gifts and tips to gain her attention during broadcasts.
While Hong did not intend to meet the streamer in person, he admitted to being obsessed with hearing her call him “brother,” a term of endearment she occasionally used for high-paying fans.
When his family discovered the depletion of their funds, they blocked his access to additional money.
Undeterred, Hong turned to stealing copper materials from his family’s hardware business to continue financing his addiction.
From May to October, he carried out over 40 thefts, selling the stolen materials to recycling stations and generating around 2.3 million yuan ($316,000), according to Indy100.
Police investigation uncovers crimes
The thefts came to light when Hong’s family noticed discrepancies in their inventory and reported the losses to the Hengjie police station.
Local authorities launched an investigation and quickly uncovered evidence of Hong’s financial transactions linked to the live-streaming platform.
As reported by The Inquirer, Hong confessed during questioning, admitting he had stolen from his family to fund his obsession. “I didn’t want to meet her; I just wanted to hear her call me ‘brother,’” Hong reportedly told investigators.
Hong was arrested and now faces charges related to theft. His actions have not only left his family financially devastated but also jeopardized the future of their hardware business.
Social media reacts
The story quickly went viral on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, drawing sharp criticism and ridicule.
Many users mocked Hong’s obsession, with one commenting, “If all he wanted was to hear her call him brother, he could’ve just recorded it!”
Others took a more serious tone, highlighting the psychological toll of such parasocial relationships. “This man clearly needs professional help,” wrote another user.
The case has also reignited discussions about the growing influence of China’s live-streaming industry, which has become a multi-billion-dollar sector.
According to The Star, virtual gifts contributed over 140 billion yuan ($19 billion) to the industry in 2019, and projections suggest that figure could rise to 417 billion yuan ($57 billion) by 2025.
A growing concern in the digital age
Hong’s actions underscore the darker side of parasocial relationships, where individuals form intense emotional connections with online personalities who are often unaware of their fans’ existence.
While such relationships can foster community and entertainment, they can also lead to unhealthy behaviors, especially when financial incentives are involved.
Live-streaming platforms in China encourage tipping and gift-giving, creating a highly competitive environment among fans vying for a streamer’s attention.
As noted by The Inquirer, this dynamic has led to an increasing number of cases where fans overspend or fall into debt trying to outshine others.
Hong’s case, however, stands out for its sheer scale and the lengths he went to fund his obsession. Experts have pointed out that such behavior could indicate deeper psychological issues, including loneliness and addiction.
Calls for regulation and awareness
The incident has also renewed calls for stricter regulation of the live-streaming industry.
While platforms benefit greatly from fan donations, critics argue they should do more to promote responsible spending and safeguard vulnerable users.
Some platforms have introduced spending limits and parental controls, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
“People need to recognize that these interactions are one-sided and driven by profit,” said a mental health professional quoted by The Star. “Fans should not feel compelled to sacrifice their financial well-being for fleeting recognition.”
