A 20-year-old woman in China is pursuing a modelling career while working at her boyfriend's family rubbish-collection business, after a video of her at work led to her first fashion opportunities.
Leng Minghui, also known as Chaoren Leng, went viral in July last year after videos showed her sorting rubbish at a collection station in Taizhou, Zhejiang province.
At 1.81 metres tall and weighing 50kg, she attracted attention for her slim figure and distinctive appearance. Users online suggested she pursue modelling. The videos eventually got to Lu Xianren, a self-taught Chinese model known for creating fashion styles and organising runway shows in rural areas.
He praised Leng's potential, telling her, 'You are a born supermodel'.
Her First Runway
Lu, also raised by his grandparents, helped Leng improve her catwalk skills and introduced her to modelling opportunities.
She made her runway debut at the SS26 Fashion Source show in Shenzhen last November, wearing an orange outfit inspired by Latiao, a popular spicy snack. She later collaborated with brands including Chinese carmaker CHERY and luxury art brand Zhu Bingren Copper.
Despite these opportunities, Leng has reportedly declined offers from several modelling agencies. The contract details have not been disclosed. Instead, she continues to assist with her boyfriend's father's rubbish collection business.
Why She Stayed
Leng's decision stems from the support she received from her boyfriend's family.
Her parents divorced when she was one, after which she was raised by her grandparents in Fuyang, Anhui province. She left school at 15 after her grandfather died. Later, she worked in a factory as a cashier and in other roles.
After meeting her boyfriend, his family welcomed her and supported her education. She completed secondary school and took the Gaokao, China's national university entrance exam. Although her test scores qualified her for junior college, she chose to remain with the family.
Leng now helps with the family's recycling business and often calls her boyfriend's 64-year-old father 'Dad' in her videos.
The Modelling Challenge
Breaking into modelling can be difficult, even for those with the right look and talent.
According to Models.com, success in fashion, beauty, and media requires more than talent; connections, opportunities, and support also matter.
The publication also noted that modelling careers are rarely straightforward, making adaptability and ongoing skill development essential. For aspiring models, securing an opportunity is often only the beginning of a much longer journey.
In China, competition is intense because of the large talent pool. For example, over 2,000 individuals registered for the 2026 China International Fashion Week model casting in Beijing, including 1,249 women, with participants from fashion schools and agencies across the country.
Work and a Dream
For Leng, maintaining her current job does not mean abandoning her modelling ambitions.
'Collecting rubbish is a means to have a full meal, while modelling is a dream. These two paths do not conflict,' she said on social media. 'I am fully aware that opportunities in modelling are rare for me. I must double my efforts.'
Leng said she is continuing to work on her catwalk, head turns, poses and other details as she continues her everyday work.
