Recently, a matchmaking agency named the "Third Party" was opened in Guangxi University. A student working at this agency said that if some students are too shy to express their feelings to their beloved, they can help them to pass the message, according to a China Central Television report.

 

In China, "the third party" usually refers to a person who tries to get romantically involved with either the man or the woman of a loving pair, a person who has an affair with either the husband or the wife. The word usually carries a negative connotation since these people are usually regarded as immoral by society. Why does the matchmaking agency like to use such a name?

 

According to its founder, Yang Xinting, a freshman in the university, he used the name only for its basic meaning. To him, the "third party" is someone who helps pass messages between a loving pair. However, he also admitted that he used the name in order to catch people's attention.

 

The founding of the agency had something to do with Yang's own experiences, who failed to express himself in his puppy love. After that, he thought it might be a profitable business if he could establish a firm and do something for those who are not good at expressing themselves in front of their desired ones.

 

The matchmaking agency posts their ads in the most bustling place on campus so that everybody will notice their ads. They charge 10 yuan for their service fees. If a girl accepts the wooer via their help, they will charge another 30 yuan.

 

(Chinanews.cn December 15, 2006)