A "pretend to work company" has emerged in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, offering a paid "9-to-5" service for 30 yuan per day. The owner revealed that over the past two months, thirty to forty people have used the service. Only a small fraction are genuinely work-averse, with some simply taking photos to send to family before leaving. Others are primarily individuals temporarily unemployed or in need of workspace. 

Some netizens find it cost-effective and convenient, while others question its value compared to libraries. Reportedly, vacant offices in commercial buildings are being repurposed into these "pretend to work" spaces, which function more like shared offices. Beyond dedicated studios, art spaces and coffee shops are also capitalizing on the trend by posting related hashtags. 

Since December last year, similar companies have registered across the country, with some businesses even offering additional services like "social security payment on behalf", "forged internship certificates", and "fabricated payroll records".

Qiu Yue, an attorney at Yingke Law Firm in Beijing, said that such practices potentially violate the relevant laws by forging labor relationships, committing insurance fraud, and providing false documentation. He cautioned job seekers against participating in document forgery to conceal unemployment, as discovery by employers could lead to liability for breach of labor contract.