A strange social trend is rapidly spreading across major Chinese cities, sparking debate about companionship, emotional health, and the pressures of modern life. Known as the "man mum," this trend involves young, gym-trained men offering non-romantic hugs to women seeking a moment of peace amid mounting academic and workplace stress.

This practice, now widely discussed on Chinese social media platforms, allows customers to book a five-minute hug for 20 to 50 yuan (approximately Rs 250 to Rs 600). What began as a spontaneous outpouring of emotion online has now blossomed into a massive micro-industry based on the promise of temporary emotional relief.

The trend originated with a college student who posted online about feeling overwhelmed by her thesis. She described how she hugged a frien

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