An 18-year-old Chinese woman named Yang has gone viral for her unusual living arrangement, which she adopted due to the rising cost of living. Yang, who comes from a rural family in Hunan province, has chosen to live in a bathroom at her workplace because she cannot afford to rent an apartment. She pays just Rs 588 (50 yuan) as rent for the space, which has limited facilities but provides her with a place to stay near her job.

According to the South China Morning Post, Yang works at a furniture store in Zhuzhou, earning a monthly salary of Rs 31,776 (2,700 yuan), which is significantly lower than the city’s average income of Rs 88,266 (7,500 yuan). Her story has sparked discussions online about the financial struggles faced by young workers in China’s urban areas.

With local rental prices ranging from Rs 9,415 (800 yuan) to Rs 21,184 (1,800 yuan), Yang found it impossible to afford housing along with other necessities. Facing financial hardship, she approached her boss and managed to negotiate a deal to live in the office bathroom, a small six-square-meter space, for just Rs 588 (50 yuan) per month.

Yang shares her unique lifestyle on the Chinese social media platform Douyin, where she has gained 16,000 followers. She regularly posts updates about her daily routine, which includes washing clothes in the bathroom and drying them on the rooftop. To maintain hygiene, she keeps the space clean and organized. During store hours, she neatly packs up her belongings to ensure the restroom remains accessible for customers and employees.

How netizens reacted

As Yang’s story gained attention online, social media users expressed empathy and admiration for her resilience. Many praised her for making the best of a difficult situation rather than giving up. One user commented, "Not for me to criticize someone trying their best. I wish the young lady well." Another added, "She’s making the best of her circumstances, very commendable."'

Others, however, reflected on the broader issue of financial inequality. "This makes me sad. There should be more fairness in the world for people willing to work hard. Meanwhile, many who refuse to work enjoy fully funded lifestyles," wrote a third user.

Despite the challenges, Yang remains positive about her unconventional living arrangement. She hopes to save enough money to eventually buy a home or a car, proving her determination to create a better future for herself.

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