He's the 'butler to the beauties'

It's a tough job but someone's got to do it. College student Wei Bi takes care of the nation's most beautiful women. Provided to China Daily

The 24-year-old college student Wei Bi has an enviable job, spending 30 days and nights with 21 of the nation's most beautiful women.

As "Butler to the Beauties", a position created by Kerry Hotel Pudong in Shanghai - where contestants for the final of 2012 Miss Universe China pageant are staying - Wei says it is one of the best jobs in the world and one of the toughest.

"Of course, it's a dream job for every man, knowing there is a bevy of beauties waiting for you to take care of them every morning," says Wei, impeccably dressed in white shirt, a black suit and shiny shoes.

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"But you know girls, especially good-looking girls, how they are when they live together besides, it's a job, for which there are duties and responsibilities," says the student from Anhui province.

During his month-long tenure, starting Aug 1, the 21 contestants receive intense training, mostly at the hotel.

Wei wakes up at 5:30 am and is taken by shuttle bus from his dormitory to arrive at the hotel at 6 am. He then takes a shower, changes and starts what he calls "babysitting" at 7 am, when the contestants rise for morning exercise at the hotel's sports center.

His work includes providing food and drink, keeping the contestants happy, sorting out problems and ensuring they get prompt medical care when necessary. As a sports medicine major from Shanghai University of Sport, he had the edge of over other applicants for the job.

He says he works up to 14 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Previously, all I knew about being a butler was that they are handsome tuxedo-wearing gentlemen who keep a lot of secrets about the royal family. But in fact, it's a job involving a lot of physical and mental work."

Wei says one facet of his job is ensuring that all the contestants get what they require. He adds the weirdest errand he has had to run so far is buying sanitary pads.

"It's fine, I had done it before for my girlfriend though I did attract a lot of attention because I had to buy so many pads."

He says pampering the girls and keeping them happy is harder than looking after his girlfriend, but he has found a way.

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"I have different 'prescriptions' for different girls when they are frustrated."

"I have never had this kind of person in my life," says contestant Bao Wenjia. "It's like a combination of father, brother, mentor, and sometimes, boyfriend."

She calls Wei by his English name, "Maybe".

"I think I might be friends with some of the girls when it's all over, and perhaps I will introduce them to my girlfriend," says Wei , whose final job will be to sit with Kerry Hotel executives and witness the crowning of Miss Universe China 2012.

xujunqian@chinadaily.com.cn