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An employee who thought he won an iPhone at a year-end party found tiles in the box and now wants a public apology.
Jiang believed he had truly won the expensive gadget. (Representative Image)
A man in southern China has gone viral after sharing how what he thought was the biggest win of his year quickly turned into deep embarrassment and disappointment.
Jiang Jiang, who lives in Guangdong province, said he was announced as the grand prize winner at his company’s annual year-end party. The reward, as declared on stage, was the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max.
China man demands apology after being pranked
In a video posted on Weibo, Jiang explained that the company head even mentioned its price, 9,988 yuan, roughly USD 1,450, while handing over a neatly packed box and branded shopping bag. There was also a printed invoice and receipt inside, making everything look completely genuine.
Like many others at the event, Jiang believed he had truly won the expensive gadget. he recalled how excited he felt in that moment. He decided not to open the box immediately. Instead, he planned to take it home and surprise his wife with the good news. However, the joy did not last long.
When Jiang finally opened the box at home, he found no phone inside. Instead, there were two chocolates, three lollipops and a few tiles. The discovery left him stunned. What had seemed like a lucky start to 2026 suddenly felt like a public joke at his expense.
“I expected the year of 2026 to have a lucky beginning, and they turned the year-end party into an April Fools’ Day event for me,” Jiang said.
Initially, some online viewers speculated that someone might have swapped the real phone with cheap items after the event. But Jiang clarified that the hospital where he works had not approved the purchase of any phone at all. According to him, the prank was planned by his team manager. He added that even the second prize at the party was only a pillow.
Jiang admitted that he did not actually need a new phone. Still, he felt the joke went too far. He has demanded that the colleague responsible apologise publicly.
Year-end parties are common in China around the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 17 this year. They are usually meant to reward employees and boost morale. Online, many social media users sympathised with Jiang, with some sharing their own stories of disappointing or unusual company prizes.
Delhi, India, India
February 16, 2026, 16:40 IST
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