At most dining establishments worldwide, birthday celebrations are a regular occurrence. Many delight in providing that extra touch to make such events memorable, whether the guest of honor is a family member or even an adored pet. However, a recent incident at a prominent hotpot restaurant in Hunan province, China, took the concept of “special requests” to an entirely new level.
The center of attention on this occasion wasn’t a living being but rather a collection of rag dolls. A woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, entered the establishment, insisting that her inanimate companions be accorded the same treatment as human guests. This peculiar demand extended to the request for high chairs for the dolls, ensuring they could ‘sit’ at the table.
Feeling slighted when the staff at the restaurant hesitated to indulge her unconventional wish, the woman accused the chain, Haidilao, of discrimination. The scene, which unfolded late one night in October, caught the attention of many after it was captured on Pear Video. The footage rapidly gained traction on Weibo, garnering nearly 10 million views.
In the video, staff members at the restaurant are visibly perplexed as the woman and her companion place their dolls on the table and proceed to ask for high chairs. Their astonishment was vocalized with one server asking, “Are you serious?”
Despite their reservations, the staff acquiesced to the women’s demand, fetching high chairs for the dolls. But the evening’s surprises didn’t end there. Post their meal, the women approached the staff with another unique request: to celebrate the dolls’ birthdays. This time, the employees firmly declined.
While this particular incident might come across as an isolated case of eccentric customer behavior, the reality reflects a growing trend. Stories showcasing unique, sometimes perplexing, behaviors have increasingly been making waves on Chinese social media platforms.
For instance, earlier in the month, netizens were both amused and concerned by an episode involving three children driving a toy car on a primary road, leading to police intervention. Moreover, another recent sensation was the “Carrot Knife”, a harmless plastic toy knife deemed popular among young children. What was initially designed as a playful stress-reliever became a topic of debate, with experts cautioning against its potential in fostering violent tendencies.
Returning to the doll dinner saga, public opinion, at least on Weibo, seemed to side with the restaurant. Of the thousands of comments on the story, many commended the staff for their patience and professionalism. Comments ranged from expressions of support for the restaurant to concerns about escalating peculiar demands in public settings.
It’s evident that the line between the unusual and the ordinary is becoming increasingly blurred, with social media platforms serving as amplifiers for these oddities, offering a fascinating glimpse into contemporary societal trends.
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