進入英語學習論壇下載音頻 去聽寫專區一展身手

Chinese women love to ask their boyfriends one question: "If your mother and I were drowning in a river, whom would you rescue first?" While that may sound nave, many romantic Chinese guys face a similar dilemma this Sunday.

Chinese Lunar New Year falls on the same day as Valentine's Day this year, forcing amorous young men to make a tough choice between mother and girlfriend - two of most significant women in their lives, on two of the most significant holidays each year.

This has also caused trouble for flower shops since business is still down ahead of the usual rush for many florists.

With many heart-shaped decorations and hundreds of flowers blooming in her shop, Jiao Ting, a florist in the Tiantongyuan residential area of Beijing's Changping district, is trying to keep a stiff upper lip.

"Our sales have dropped at least 30 percent and less than 10 people have placed orders each day," Jiao said.

"In previous years, we offered free delivery service to customers who bought flowers worth more than 200 yuan. But now, we give free delivery and chocolate or toy bears as gifts," she said.

The major reason for slow business is that many unmarried young people have to skip celebrating Valentine's Day with their significant others for a traditional dinner with family, said a salesgirl surnamed Wang at a flower shop in SOGO Department Store in Beijing's Chongwen district.

Although her shop is located in one of the capital's fashion areas, she has received only 20 orders so far.

No matter how weak their businesses are, florists in the capital are not planning any discounts but instead plan to raise prices.

Wang said a red rose costs about 5-6 yuan now, but she will up prices to over 10 yuan on Feb 14.

According to a survey by Sina.com, one of China's biggest news portals, about 56.3 percent of respondents will go home for a family dinner on Feb 14, while 31.3 percent will celebrate Valentine's Day with their special someone.

And, 81.3 percent of respondents said they would postpone celebrations with mates. Yet some merchants are expecting a post-Valentine's boom in sales.

Questions:

1. What day does Chinese New Year fall on?

2. What percentage of people, according to a survey on sina.com, will spend Valentines Day with someone special?

3. What percentage of people would postpone Valentine’s Day to spend with their mates?

Answers:

1. Feb 14.

2. 31.3 percent.

3. 81.3.

去聽寫專區一展身手

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.