The life of farm boy Fan Xiaoqin has changed since he earned his “Mini Jack Ma” nickname last year. A photo of him became viral after people recognized his resemblance to Chinese Tycoon Jack Ma, founder of e-commerce website Alibaba.
Mini Jack Ma was born in a poor family. He lives with his 13-year-old brother and parents who are both physically disabled—his mother with one blind eye and his father with one leg amputated.
According to Fan Jiafa, the boy’s father, their lives have positively changed since Mini Jack Ma gained his popularity. Many journalists, business people, and government officials have visited his family.
One of their neighbors said: "There had never been so many cars in the village before; even the road was crushed."
Most of the family’s visitors come with some gifts such as rice, milk, and snacks. Their neighbors rumored that they have received hundred thousand worth of gifts but according to the father, it’s just around 7,000-8,000.
Aside from visitors, the family also receives calls from different people who want to see Mini Jack Ma.
This month, all eyes are on Mini Jack Ma again after Alibaba’s “Double 11” sale day. Rumors have been spread that Jack Ma would finance his 8-year old doppelganger’s education from elementary to college.
Jack Ma himself did not come from wealthy means. He worked as an English teacher before founding Alibaba and gaining his current net worth of more than $30 billion.
The rumors were even published on a Chinese news website. However, a spokesperson from Alibaba has denied the reports.
With or without a scholarship, Mini Jack Ma’s father is hopeful that the boy would have a better future by studying well.
He said: "I'm glad that people came to visit us. I don't have high hope that someone would be willing to fund my son. I just want my children to be able to study well. Only knowledge can change the destiny."