"Happy Living on 20,000 Won a Month"... Chinese Elite in His 30s Transforms into 'Homeless Man'

'Three Master's Degrees' Chinese Elite Draws Attention for Homeless Life
"Prestigious Education Felt Like Shackles in Childhood"

The story of a Chinese man who left behind a wealthy life to live as a homeless person is drawing attention. He survives on a monthly living expense of 100 yuan (about 20,000 won), finding simple happiness in a life of freedom.

Monthly Living Expense of 20,000 Won... Man Abandons Wealth to Become Homeless

A young Chinese man living as a homeless person, surviving on 100 yuan (about 20,000 won) per month. SCMP

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on September 29, Zhao Dian, 32, who grew up in Shanghai, China, moved to New Zealand at the age of 10 and later lived in Sydney, New York, Beijing, and Paris. He followed a typical elite path, earning two bachelor's degrees and three master's degrees in finance.

Recalling the wounds of his childhood, Zhao confessed, "My father disciplined me harshly just because I was left-handed," and added, "My mother couldn't empathize with my struggles. My relationship with my parents became distant." He went on to say, "Prestigious education felt like shackles."

During his time abroad, he struggled with deep loneliness and found comfort only within the overseas Chinese community. While working in the kitchen of a Chinese restaurant in Paris, he discovered small joys and said, "Even washing dishes can bring happiness, so is there any reason to wait for an ideal job?" After returning to China in 2023, he worked as a waiter at a local beer festival and hotel before ultimately choosing to live on the streets.

Zhao's day starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m. He occasionally showers at hostels and eats at free vegetarian restaurants. He limits his monthly living expenses to 100 yuan, and his entire fortune currently amounts to 2,500 yuan in cash. He has cut ties with his parents, who live in New Zealand, and only communicates online with his 10-year-old daughter in New York.

Regarding Zhao's story, local internet users expressed understanding, saying, "A lonely childhood and harsh parents made him this way," and "I can see why he is wandering." On the other hand, there were also critical reactions such as, "He is too idealistic," "It's a pity that he cut off ties despite his parents' significant investment," and "Isn't he too irresponsible as a father?"