The Most Expensive Pee in Hotpot History

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 When Viral Fame Meets a Scalding Bill in Shanghai

 A Hotpot “Performance” Nobody Asked For

In the age of social media stunts, it seems no idea is too ridiculous — or too unhygienic. Two 17-year-old boys in Shanghai, apparently craving internet clout more than dinner, climbed onto the table at a famous hotpot chain, unzipped, and… contributed their own “special broth” directly into the bubbling pot.

They even filmed it. Because why merely commit a disgusting act when you can also upload it for the world to admire?

 Restaurant Damage Control: Pots Out, Reputation on Fire

The restaurant, understandably horrified, immediately binned every pot, ladle and chopstick in sight, deep-cleaned the premises, and promised every potentially affected customer ten times their bill. In just twelve days, over 4,000 groups had dined there. Do the math: that’s a whole ocean of compensation for one moment of adolescent idiocy.

Their brand, once known for spicy broth, was suddenly synonymous with… well, something far less appetizing.

Court Verdict: Viral Stunt, Viral Bill

On September 12th, Shanghai’s Huangpu District People’s Court decided enough was enough. It ordered the two teenagers’ families to pay 2.2 million yuan (over US$300,000) in damages — only a fraction of what the chain claims to have spent cleaning up both its kitchens and its reputation.

Pic: Hk01

The court also required public apologies in designated newspapers, though their names will remain private. Which is merciful: no one wants to be known forever as “Hotpot Pee Boy.”

Netizens React: “Eight Figures Please!”

China’s social media lit up faster than a Sichuan chili oil pot. Some called the compensation “far too light,” demanding at least eight figures. Others simply memed it as “the priciest pee in history.” A few pointed out the obvious: at 17, you’re old enough to know that toilets exist, and that cameras record things forever.

 Think Before You Stunt

This saga is a cautionary tale for the TikTok generation. Internet fame is fleeting, but lawsuits are very real. A single “funny” video can turn your parents’ savings into steam faster than a hotpot on full blast.

So, next time you’re tempted to make content in a restaurant, maybe just film your meal. It’s cheaper, safer, and far less likely to make history as “the most expensive pee of all time.”

(Feel free to add a punchy tagline at the end, e.g. “Hotpot: spicy, not splashy” or “Keep your broth clean, folks.”)


HK01, World Journal

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