China businesswoman digs up, sells lotus roots to repay US$700,000 debt after living lavishly
Bankrupt fruit entrepreneur swaps swanky villa, driver and housekeepers for back-breaking farm work; refuses to complain about hardship
A businesswoman from central China who once lived a life of luxury is rebuilding her future by digging up and selling lotus roots to repay five million yuan (US$700,000) of debt.
According to the mainland media outlet, Changjiang Daily, 44-year-old Hu Qin from Hunan province and her husband launched a fruit business in 2012 that grew to have more than 30 shops nationwide.
At its peak, Hu’s assets reportedly topped 10 million yuan (US$1.4 million).
The couple lived in a villa by the Xiang River, employed a driver, several housekeepers and travelled frequently.
In 2019, poor management caused Hu’s cash flow to collapse, forcing her fruit business into bankruptcy and leaving her five million yuan in debt.
She sold their luxury home, and the couple travelled around the country, renting short-term places to stay and selling farm goods to get by.
A friend pointed them to Wuhan in Hubei province, where they tasted the local pork lotus root soup.