"A foreigner ( typically American ) who feels sorry for a Chinese woman."
Silverboy

Oh, ouch.........not. And didn't you mean "typical American?" No matter, it does show that you are hung up on stereotypes - most, probably, of your own creation, but surely some that are so ingrained you may never rid yourself of them.

I have a feeling that even if the truth of this matter in this thread were ever to be revealed, you'd still try to find a way around it. That's okay, that's just the way you are.

And, hey, you may be right; maybe it is all a big scam. In which case it's a pity that the FT allowed himself to get involved in that situation in the first place. It makes me wonder how many times the same scam has been used in China. I mean, how many private schools are there now, with how many foreign teachers? Why, it must be a daily occurrence and we're just now getting wind of it.

Well, no matter what, someone always profits from such situations - that's another given; however, I would bet on the student being the truthful one in this situation. Maybe I'm wrong. I've lost bets before.