Atoner for the broken hearts

Pre-wedding photo shoots are a popular part of the country's modern wedding culture. Usually costing a lot of money, from hundreds to tens of thousands yuan, these fantasy photos are printed on tough, acrylic canvases, which are fireproof.

"In conclusion, there is not a proper way to deal with these photos when a relationship ends," Liu says, adding that some canvases are so solid that they cannot be cut by scissors or damaged with a hammer, while some people think it brings bad luck to burn photos of the living.

So far, thousands of people, more than 60 percent of whom are female, have added Liu's WeChat account to consult his business about the service. When a decision is made, customers will mail their package, including photos, wedding dresses and other mementos, to the center. Prices vary depending on the weight of the package. A set of wedding photos weighing about 5 kilograms costs 89 yuan ($12.37) for disposal.

According to Liu, to protect privacy, the faces on the photos will be concealed with spray paint before being put into the shredder. He will record or livestream the shredding process on-site, and send the video to clients.

Liu thinks that for some people, his service acts as a cathartic ritual that provides closure, helping them leave the past behind and move forward.

He adds that besides photos, various keepsakes including wedding shoes, quilts and diaries, have been sent to the center.

Although sticking to his principle of never poking into his clients' private affairs, Liu says that some people see him as a "tree hole" for their stories of heartbreak, with the longest consult he conducted lasting from the afternoon to midnight.

There was a woman from Shandong province, who kept complaining to Liu that her husband has been cheating on her for several years and that she has raised their son on her own. After more than an hour, she still couldn't make up her mind whether to file for divorce or not.

"When people like her keep talking about their relationship, it indicates that they are still hesitating. Because it is a big step for them, I will be a listener and let them think carefully before making a final decision," Liu says.