Core Insights - A new emotional consumption model called "Cos委托" is emerging among young women, where they pay to hire Coser (usually female) to role-play as virtual game "lovers" for a carefully designed date [1][21] - This model reflects a pursuit of ideal intimate relationships and self-affirmation in a world where maintaining real-life relationships has become increasingly costly [1][21] Group 1: Emotional Consumption Model - "Cos委托" allows individuals (referred to as "单主") to hire female Cosers to embody male characters from otome games for a day [5][21] - The pricing for these services varies widely, ranging from 300 to 2000 yuan for a full day, with an average service duration of six to eight hours [9][21] - The emotional value derived from these experiences often outweighs the financial costs for participants, with some individuals spending over 100,000 yuan on such services [9][21] Group 2: Participant Experiences - Participants often report feelings of hope and emotional fulfillment after these experiences, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and despair [17][21] - The interactions during these dates are designed to simulate genuine romantic experiences, with Cosers paying close attention to the emotional needs of their clients [19][21] - Many participants express that the companionship provided during these dates is more valuable than the extravagant experiences themselves [20][21] Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The industry is still relatively niche, with most Cosers initially engaging in this work part-time or as a hobby before transitioning to paid services [5][21] - As the industry grows, issues such as pricing disputes and quality of service have emerged, leading to a rise in consumer complaints and "挂条" (warning notes) on social media platforms [25][29] - The majority of Cosers are female, and there is a notable preference among female clients for female Cosers due to safety concerns and a better understanding of emotional needs [29][21]

Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of "Cos委托" (Cosplay Commission), where clients (referred to as "单主") pay for a "Coser" to portray characters from anime or games, leading to a unique interaction that blends fantasy and reality [1][5][19] - The narrative is centered around the experiences of a part-time Coser who reflects on the emotional complexities and challenges faced in this role, highlighting both the joys and burdens of the job [12][22] Group 1: Industry Overview - "Cos委托" has emerged as a specialized service where clients pay for personalized experiences with Cosers, often involving activities like watching movies or visiting amusement parks [1][5] - The demand for such services is particularly high among female clients who have a deep emotional connection to the characters being portrayed [1][19] Group 2: Personal Experiences and Challenges - The Coser shares initial excitement and subsequent disillusionment with the role, noting that the emotional labor involved can be exhausting and lead to feelings of detachment [4][19] - The Coser's journey includes both successful and challenging commissions, revealing the emotional toll and the need for careful management of client expectations [12][19] Group 3: Emotional Dynamics - The article illustrates the complex emotional dynamics between the Coser and the clients, where clients often project their feelings onto the Coser, leading to blurred lines between professional and personal relationships [16][18] - The Coser experiences a range of emotions, from joy in creating memorable moments to anxiety about meeting client expectations and maintaining boundaries [19][22] Group 4: Industry Implications - The narrative suggests that while "Cos委托" can provide financial benefits and creative fulfillment, it also poses significant emotional risks and challenges that may not be immediately apparent [22][23] - The Coser ultimately decides to leave the industry, indicating a need for self-care and a reevaluation of personal boundaries within this unique service sector [22][23]