An 18-year-old woman, Yang, in China is living in a toilet as she can't afford high rent. She pays just 50 yuan (about US$7 or Rs 590) a month to stay there. Citing Xiaoxiang Morning Post, the South China Morning Post reported that Yang comes from a rural family in Hubei province and now works at a furniture store in Zhuzhou, Hunan province, earning 2,700 yuan (Rs 31, 600) a month. The amount is much less than the city's average salary of 7,500 yuan (Nearly Rs 85,000).
Rent in her area costs between 800 and 1,800 yuan (US$110 to US$250), which is too expensive for her. So, she made a deal with her boss to live in the office toilet for 50 yuan a month, according to the report. The tiny space is six square meters and has two squat toilets and a sink. Yang set up a folding bed, a small cooking pot, a curtain, and a clothes rack inside.
How does the Chinese woman living in a office toilet?
She's been living there for a month, cleaning it daily and sometimes cooking noodles at night. Other workers still use the toilet during the day. Yang says it stays clean and doesn't smell, and she feels safe because the company has cameras watching all the time. She doesn't lock the door and says nothing has been stolen.
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Her boss, a woman named Xu, understands how tough it is to be young and on your own. Xu even let Yang stay at her house for a bit. Yang thought about living in an empty office or renting a room for 400 yuan (US$55) a month, but she picked the toilet because it's safer and close to work. Soon, Xu plans to move Yang into a newly fixed-up office room.
Yang's Story will break your heart
Yang shared her story on Chinese social media and got over 15,000 followers. Some people wondered if she was faking it, but she said it's just easier for her, and she's thankful for her boss's help. Yang's parents left for work when she was one, so she grew up with her grandparents. Her family cared more about her younger brother, who's 10 years younger, and her grandfather often yelled at her and made her do hard chores. She felt all the love went to her brother. At 16, she left home and started taking care of herself.
Social media users concern about Yang's health
Even though she works hard, her parents often ask her to send money for her brother’s school. Yang spends 300 to 400 yuan (US$41 to US$55) a month and saves the rest for a house and car. One person online said, "A girl like her will do great at anything." Another worried about her health, saying the toilet might get damp and unhealthy when it’s hot, hoping she moves out soon. Someone else said, "I hope families in China treat boys and girls the same."