A rich businesswoman who issued an advertisement in local media seeking a surrogate father for her 2-year-old son last week has, so far, attracted more than 120 candidates in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province.

The candidates include government officials, teachers, professors, doctors, businesspeople and returned overseas Chinese scholars.

Zhu, 34, said she wanted to help her son become a true man by seeking a father for him. Having divorced after giving birth in 2004, she has since realized the difficulties in bringing up a child on her own.

The job offers a daily salary from 200 yuan (US$25) to 800 yuan (US$100) for the surrogate father until Zhu's son reaches 6 years old. And Zhu has refused to rule out the possibility of marrying the surrogate father in the future.

Editor: Yan