SHANGHAI, Aug. 18 -- A quirky new trend is taking off across China: "pretend work". These companies offer people the chance to rent office space and simulate a regular workday, all for a small fee.

As reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), these businesses are popping up in major cities, catering to those struggling to find jobs.

Interestingly, many of these companies aren't officially registered, which means they're "fake" in their own right.

Some people simply use these spaces as a place to go every day, while others see them as a safe escape from the mounting pressures of unemployment in an economy that's tough to navigate.

Typically, the cost ranges from 30 to 50 yuan (RM17.60 to RM29.40) per day, with discounts for mont...