Ink-credible game night: Henan man's unique punishment stamps a viral memory

In a widely circulated video on Douyin, a young man from Zhoukou, Henan province, sought assistance for an unexpected and unusual predicament — blue stamps on his cheek and neck, bearing Chinese characters granting "permission for the butchery." The incident unfolded as a consequence of losing a game, where the penalty involved the peculiar markings.

The protagonist, identified as Chen, shared in the video that his attempts to remove the ink had been futile, compelling him to resort to wearing a mask and high-necked sweaters to conceal the embarrassing situation when venturing outside.

Netizens, both amused and sympathetic, offered a range of remedies, from essential balms to makeup removers. Some suggested turning the mishap into an opportunity by launching a concealer review video. Humorous advice included searing the stamps with fire, blanching them in water, and adding onion, ginger, and garlic — all in good jest.

The origin of the stamps added an extra layer of irony, as they are typically used in the pork industry. These synthetic edible food colorings are employed to mark legally certified pork, signifying that the meat has passed quarantine and is fit for public consumption. The ink on Chen's face and neck is a variation of this special coloring.

Despite its unpleasant appearance, the stamps are safe to consume and cannot be easily washed off with water. Experts recommend using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for removal, with a cautious reminder to dilute the hydrogen peroxide due to its potential corrosiveness at higher concentrations, according to a report by gmw.cn, a news website affiliated with Guangming Daily.