The People Paid to Hear Pillow Talk

(Sixth Tone) — On a misty October night, as the fog swallowed the bright neon lights of Guiyang’s big data zone, Liu pressed play on his computer. He listened to idle gossip about the news, awkward flirting, and tone-deaf singing to upbeat pop music — then something much more arresting.

“Ah, ah, ahhh! I can’t hold back! I want it!” a female voice shrieked, appearing to orgasm before letting out a sigh of relief. Liu’s face remained impassive. “Ban,” he decided, resolutely clicking a button on his computer.