“Tiffany Zhang, 30, is married to a billionaire property developer, the chairman of Yintai Group. For Zhang, the ability to buy something special, and genuine, is a sign of a healthy society. “Everyone needs goals, something to pursue in life. Aside from love and taking care of family, everyone just wants to improve their quality of life. What else is there? Even a taxi driver wants an Hermès belt, an LV wallet. “It’s not about vanity. It’s about the value of your existence, your worth in this society. Sometimes people say Chinese people buy out of vanity. I say vanity is a necessity. It proves your self-worth; you’ve worked hard to earn it, and this is what you’ve earned.” Others: I don’t have any other hobbies,” she says. “My only hobby is shopping.” “Fashion ruins some people and saves others. A friend told me that seeing all the things at this mall inspired him to work harder; it gave him something to work for. Otherwise what is the point in living? But a lot of women, for a bag or a watch, will do bad things, they will sell themselves. I have a friend,” she says, “who will do it, but not for just 10,000 — only for at least 100,000 yuan. I’ve never thought this was particularly wrong. There are many different ways to make money.” She quotes Deng Xiaoping, who launched China’s capitalist reforms. “ ‘It doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.’ Even these girls with white-collar jobs, with respectable jobs, they would sleep for money, too. There is some number that would get you into bed.” “I like luxury goods; I love to consume,” he says. “I have money; I gotta spend it.” He is wearing Ferragamo shoes, an Armani polo, and Kiton pants. The wallet is from Bottega Veneta, the socks from Prada. The underwear? He says I have to accompany him to the hot springs to find out, but he assures me that they cost more than 800 yuan, or $125. ”
