Romance in pixels

Love or substitute?

Some people believe that young people turn to otome games and cosplay commissioning as a "substitute for real-life love".

Beimin takes a more balanced view. Whether one chooses the "main course or the substitute" is fine, she said, as long as they are emotionally and financially mature.

At the same time, she warns against over-reliance. She sees herself as merely a dream maker — someone who strives to create the best experience but doesn't treat it as reality.

"I see cosplay commissioning more as a side job or a work of art," she said.

Beimin often encourages her clients — all young girls — to focus less on the relationship itself and more on understanding what they truly want.

"Whether in real love or cosplay commissioning, being yourself is always the most important," she emphasized.

For Lin, virtual love isn't about substitution so much as the pursuit of beautiful emotions.

"Even if some girls say they no longer believe in love, the fact that they still play otome games shows that they do," she said. "Some people fear marriage and childbirth, but what they really fear is unhappiness."

Chai sees it the same way. "Even in today's digital age, people's basic need for connection and understanding hasn't changed," she explained.

She noted that before these games existed, her mother had been a fan of celebrities. "The feelings are the same; only the forms have evolved. People today are simply more open about these needs."

Chai believes her generation is fortunate to have so many ways to explore and experience what they desire. She isn't sure how long she will keep playing, but for now, she plans to continue her virtual relationship with Qi.