Schadenfreude or misanthropy? Chinese blogger shares tale of reclusive kin's secluded life, goes viral

A financial blogger named BubblePisces in China got a massive 2.375 million followers on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. Recently, he shared a poignant narrative about his 50-year-old male relative, describing a life seemingly “eliminated by society.” BubblePisces outlined eight observations on his relative’s secluded existence, garnering a staggering 120 million views. The Shanghai-based blogger portrayed a life devoid of social interactions, emphasising how his kin seldom ventured beyond the confines of work, spending leisure hours immersed in TV, phone use, or sleep. The relative’s aversion to socialising extended to online platforms, as he shunned social media interactions, turned down invitations, and refrained from hosting dinner gatherings. According to BubblePisces, the man held a unique perspective on socialising through meals, asserting, “There’s no point in entertaining through food and drink. If you have money, it’s better to have a good meal with your family.” This lifestyle, marked by a lack of interest in vacations, shopping, and career advancement, prompted BubblePisces to question if his relative had become completely disconnected from society by the age of 50. His post received an influx of positive responses, with many expressing admiration for the relative’s seemingly uncomplicated life. Comments ranged from sentiments like, “If he has savings, that would be perfect, wouldn’t it?” to the endorsement of a lifestyle described as “living with clarity.” Notably, the post sparked a discussion on societal expectations in China, echoing sentiments from the earlier “lie flat” movement. Critics of the intense work culture advocated for a simpler life, rejecting the norms of exhausting work hours. In a more recent offshoot termed “letting it rot,” individuals champion the idea of idleness over relentless dedication to employment.