Li Mi, a 25-year-old university graduate who has suffered from congenital scoliosis since birth and is only 1.35 meters tall, sought help for her hotpot restaurant in Nan'an district, Chongqing, Chongqing Morning Post reported.

Because of her height, Li has faced difficulties accessing education and jobs. Despite a good score in the college entrance examination, she was rejected by China's elite universities because she failed the physical exam. She went to a secondary university but experienced similar difficulties when she tried to get a job after graduation.

Li started a restaurant recently but, due to her lack of experience running a business, has suffered losses. She turned to the media for help, hoping to find an experienced cook who will teach her how to turn her business around.

"This hotpot restaurant is where my dream starts," Li said, "Now I just want to find an experienced hotpot cook and be his or her apprentice."

wangxu@chinadaily.com.cn