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Qu Qu, one of China’s most controversial internet celebrities, reportedly earns 150 million yuan (US$20 million) annually by dispensing dating and financial advice. Known online as “Ququ Big Woman,” her real name is Le Chuanqu. She transitioned from being a singer to a prominent relationship influencer.
In August last year, Qu Qu gained widespread attention during a live stream where a young woman sought her advice on choosing between her wealthy boyfriend and a wealthy admirer. The woman explained that her current boyfriend, who was three years older, promised her a four-million-yuan bride price but had delayed payment. Meanwhile, her admirer, who was 15 years older, offered a monthly allowance of 30,000 yuan and a 20-million-yuan flat in Shanghai.
Qu Qu advised the young woman to stay with her boyfriend, considering him a better long-term option. She calls herself the “McKinsey of relationships” and views relationships and marriage as steps to climb the social ladder for financial gain. In her videos, she bluntly states: “All relationships are essentially about benefit exchanges. Everything should be used to boost my advantage and empower me.”
To navigate online regulations and avoid being banned, Qu Qu has created a unique vocabulary. She refers to being married as “inside the fortress,” money as “rice,” and pregnancy as “carrying a ball.” Despite these challenges, she continues to thrive, reportedly earning 150 million yuan a year. A one-on-one consultation during her live streams costs 1,500 yuan, and her popular course “Valuable Relationships” costs 3,580 yuan. Private counseling packages can exceed 10,000 yuan a month.
However, Qu Qu’s operation faced a setback last December when Weibo suspended her account for “repeatedly promoting unhealthy relationship views to gain attention and profiting from selling courses and conveying incorrect values.” Undeterred, she now uses artificial intelligence techniques to promote herself and her business, directing customers to private channels to protect her operations.
Public opinion on Qu Qu is divided. Supporters appreciate her pragmatic approach to relationships. One fan remarked, “Her approach is understandable. What’s wrong with wanting both love and money? This is a realistic society. Why shouldn’t people strive for better?” Another added, “She has profoundly impacted me this year. I’ve learned fundamental concepts like goal orientation and leveraging everything to empower myself. Her insights into recognizing a man’s true nature are invaluable.”
However, critics argue that Qu Qu promotes a materialistic and manipulative view of relationships. One detractor commented, “She teaches girls to use men as cash cows and encourages competition among women. But she herself earns her living by working hard and relying on her own efforts. Isn’t that hypocritical?” Another critic noted, “In the competitive world of monetizing beauty, the successful ones are just outliers. These wealthy men are not fools. They won’t fall for obvious schemes.”
Source: SCMP
