• Source:JND

Imagine the excitement of being announced the grand prize winner of the latest iPhone at your company's annual gala, only to open the box and find nothing but cheap candy and construction tiles. This cruel twist of fate became a reality for a man in China, turning his moment of triumph into a viral story of corporate disrespect.

The employee, identified as Jiang Jiang from Guangdong province in southern China, became the center of an emotional roller coaster during his company’s year-end celebration. Amidst cheers and applause, he was declared the winner of the event's top prize: a brand-new iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The Setup Of "Perfect" Prank

The prank was meticulously crafted to look authentic. Jiang was presented with an original-looking iPhone box, a branded shopping bag and even a printed invoice showing a purchase price of 9,988 yuan (approx USD 1,450). To add more weight to the win, the head of the organisation personally announced the prize and its value on stage, leaving Jiang and everyone else in attendance convinced of his luck.

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Wanting to share the joy, Jiang decided not to open the gift immediately. Instead, he carried it home to surprise his wife, only to be met with a shocking discovery. Inside the box were two chocolates, three lollipops, and a few pieces of tiles used for weight.

A Sour Start To Lunar New Year

"I expected 2026 to have a lucky beginning, but they turned the year-end party into an April Fools’ Day event for me," Jiang remarked.

While some suspected the phone had been stolen or swapped, Jiang later revealed that it was a deliberate prank orchestrated by his team manager. His employer, a local hospital, had reportedly never approved the purchase of an actual phone.

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While Jiang clarified that he didn't necessarily "need" a new phone, he expressed deep hurt over the public humiliation and has demanded a formal public apology from the manager responsible.

Social Media Backlash Against Corporate Culture

The story has sparked a massive debate on Chinese social media platforms, especially as companies hold celebrations leading up to the Lunar New Year. Many users expressed sympathy for Jiang, while others shared their own horror stories of "ridiculous" corporate prizes.

One online observer mockingly asked, "Can I get my boss’s autograph on a pay rise contract instead?"

Others noted that such pranks reflect a lack of respect for employees' hard work, suggesting that year-end parties should be about genuine appreciation rather than "kissing the boss's behind."

 


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