In the Chinese community of Queens, New York, Chen Ying is often called "Cupid." A high fever in her childhood in Taiwan cost her the sight in her left eye. This experience, however, sharpened her intuition and patience. She learned to "read" people's thoughts through subtle gestures. "Even though I see the world with only one eye, it's easier for me to see into others' hearts," the 70-year-old shared.

In the early 1980s, she immigrated with her family to New York. Observing a surge in Chinese immigrants who lacked emotional connections, Chen, a former nurse with a naturally warm disposition, began introducing students and newcomers to potential partners.

Chen, a matchmaker with 40 years of experience, has successfully matched over 1,000 couples. Photo: World Journal

Her matchmaking career truly flourished in 1986. The World Journal discovered that many of its employees and readers had married thanks to the same matchmaker. A profile article followed, and her reputation as "Cupid" spread widely. She decided to open a professional office in Flushing, charging USD 500 for each successful match at the time.

During her golden age, her schedule was as packed as any entertainment star. "One afternoon, I would attend a wedding reception in Flushing, then rush to New Jersey for another wedding I had arranged," she recalled.

Chen's secret lies in her keen intuition and the principle of "mon dang ho doi," which emphasizes matching family backgrounds and social status. According to her, the first generation of immigrants often had practical needs: they sought a life partner with shared aspirations to build a new life in a foreign land. As long as conditions were similar and personalities compatible, marriages were readily arranged.

Data from the Pew Research Center in 2023 indicates that 54% of Chinese immigrants find it "quite difficult" to find a life partner in the US. This challenge is precisely why Chen's practical matchmaking approach proved effective for decades.

However, her clientele has changed. Today, they are primarily the F2 generation, born and raised in the US, often pressured by their parents to find spouses. This group is educated, financially independent, and views marriage as "adding beauty to silk"—an enhancement to life, rather than a means of salvation.

"'Kids today don't care about matching backgrounds; they need chemistry,' she observed. 'No matter how eager parents are, if there's no emotional connection, they will nitpick and the relationship will quickly fail.' Her 'golden formula' of concluding a marriage after one to 1.5 years of dating is now often disregarded by young people who prefer a slower pace of life.

To adapt, the super matchmaker's strategies also evolved. Instead of formal, awkward meetings at her office, she now invites clients for tea or lunch, often under the guise of "meeting a friend of mom's," to create a more natural atmosphere.

The New York Times called Chen Ying "China's Cupid." Photo: World Journal

Maintaining thousands of records in her "matchmaking ledger," Chen has witnessed the triumphs and tribulations of countless families. Many couples she matched years ago are now grandparents, celebrating ruby anniversaries.

From observing thousands of marriages, the 70-year-old matchmaker has distilled a philosophy that is both humorous and profound: "Before marriage, open one eye wide and close the other to choose carefully. But after marriage, it's best to close both eyes for a peaceful home."

By Bao Nhien (According to World Journal)