In recent years, many college students have sought cosmetic procedures before graduation to enhance their appearance for better job prospects—a personal choice that's perfectly understandable. However, two male students recently faced a disturbing situation: employers demanded they undergo hyaluronic acid injections, leaving them with 30,000 yuan in debt.
Xiao Bao and Xiao Ru, both 19-year-old sophomore students at Taizhou Open University, were seeking internships when they found an administrative assistant job posting on a website and went for an interview.
Company staff informed them the clerical positions were filled but suggested they become game streamers instead, promising easier work and higher pay. The next day, staff took Xiaobao and Xiaoru to a cosmetic surgery clinic, claiming minor procedures would make them look better on camera. Each received nine hyaluronic acid injections. Initially, the company claimed it would cover the costs, but after a round of paperwork, the expenses became installment loans saddled onto Xiaobao and Xiaoru.
After the injections, Xiaobao and Xiaoru went to the company to sign a "Star Program Contract" with a one-year term from August 3, 2017, to August 3, 2018. Party A guaranteed Party B a minimum monthly income of 3,500 yuan. The two boys never received the contract; they were only photographed.
After leaving the clinic, Xiao Bao and Xiao Ru sensed something was amiss. Their families also suspected the company had used recruitment as a pretext to lure the young men into cosmetic procedures.
In response, company staff stated that minor cosmetic procedures are essential for streamers to build their image, but they are not mandatory. The hyaluronic acid injections were administered only after the students signed the contract. If Xiao Bao and Xiao Ru wish to terminate the contract, the company will not pursue breach of contract liability, but they must cover the cost of the injections themselves. The company will not bear this expense.