China businesswoman digs up, sells lotus roots to repay US$700,000 debt after living lavishly

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.\nAccording 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.\nAt its peak, Hu’s assets reportedly topped 10 million yuan (US$1.4 million).\n\nThe couple lived in a villa by the Xiang River, employed a driver, several housekeepers and travelled frequently.\nIn 2019, poor management caused Hu’s cash flow to collapse, forcing her fruit business into bankruptcy and leaving her five million yuan in debt.\nShe sold their luxury home, and the couple travelled around the country, renting short-term places to stay and selling farm goods to get by.\n\nA friend pointed them to Wuhan in Hubei province, where they tasted the local pork lotus root soup.\nHubei lotus roots are celebrated across China for their crisp, delicate texture and are thought to boost immunity, slow ageing and improve a person’s mood.\n“We realised for the first time how delicious lotus roots could be, so we decided to stay in Wuhan and start over,” Hu said.\n\nThe couple began live-streaming their work in rural lotus ponds, digging up lotus roots and selling them on social media.\nAt first, Hu’s husband handled the digging, but years of city life left him struggling with severe back pain after just half an hour.\nHu eventually took over the hard labour while her husband managed the cooking, laundry and other chores.\nHarvesting lotus roots is usually done in autumn and winter when the leaves have withered and the water is icy cold.\n\nIn their videos, Hu wakes at 5am, puts on make-up, suits up in protective gear, and wades into thigh-deep mud with a 10kg high-pressure water gun.\nIt is hard work.\nHu admits she once loved glamour and had never done physical labour, making the job difficult to accept at first.\n“But I believe that if I keep going, life will slowly get better,” she said.\nHu’s live-streams reportedly draw several thousand viewers and on her best days she sells up to 4,500kg of lotus root.\nHer husband said the business has already helped them repay more than a million yuan (US$140,000) of their debt.\nHe also said that they rarely buy beef because it is too expensive.\n\nThe couple currently lives with their two sons in a small rented flat in Wuhan.\n“Changing yourself can change your future. Do not complain about hardship. Just work a little harder,” she wrote in her video.\nHu’s story has gained much attention on mainland social media, where related videos have racked up more than 2.5 million views.\nOne netizen said: “Hu is an admirable woman. She shows us that failure is nothing to fear if you have the courage to start again.”\n