But the birthday boy was absent from every event -- he's a virtual character in the romantic mobile game “Love and Deepspace“ that has won over millions of young women in China and beyond.
And players are hooked on its realistic 3D character modelling, immersive narratives and the chance to build relationships with five distinct virtual boyfriends.
About 40 percent of its revenue comes from overseas, market research firm Sensor Tower told AFP.
Liu Xue, a 25-year-old office worker, likens her connection with Rafayel to a real-life romantic relationship.
“I don’t think I need company in real life.”
“It’s like emotional sustenance,“ she said.
While “Love and Deepspace“ is free to download, players often spend heavily on in-game purchases to unlock additional storylines and interactions with their favourite characters.
Third-party surveys suggest that about five to 10 percent of those playing “Love and Deepspace“ are male.
Wang Yaya, a 23-year-old university student, has spent over 70,000 yuan ($10,000) on the game and related merchandise.
Fans pool their money to organise events -- such as those to celebrate Rafayel's birthday -- where they pose for photos with cardboard cutouts of the heartthrob and exchange homemade merchandise.
“Many of my friends are the same,“ she explained.
Since discovering games like “Love and Deepspace“, Liu said she has lost interest in dating real men.
Student Liu Yuxuan, 22, sees her bond with Rafayel as a central part of her life.
“I can reveal myself to him without reservation, and he will show me his love without reservation,“ she said.
Another player, who goes by Zaylia, summed up the game’s appeal for her peers: “It fulfils our fantasy of being in a relationship.”
“Isn’t the greatest use of a relationship itself to provide emotional value?”
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