Quistis Fan/Shanghai Daily news

Ayis are in short supply as more families are unwilling to cook and clean during the hot summer.
But less ayis are looking for work, according to some household service agencies.
As a result, families are waiting in long lines for a full-time domestic helper. Most ayis charging by the hour are serving at least two employers a day, the agencies said.
Many ayis from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces have returned home to help their families farm. Most will not return to the city until the middle of this month, said Huang Qijun, general manager of Shanghai Mopa Home Service Ltd.
"Migrant ayis go back farming every June and July, but this year's shortage has become drastic as market demand increased," he said. "Some people said they called other companies before coming to us. From time to time, they were disappointed once more."
Agencies said they receive about 30 clients a day currently, but before the temperature began to soar the number was less than 20.
Some ayis who originally planned to return early this month have delayed their trip after hearing about the prolonged heat wave. Meanwhile, most local ayis have chosen to stay home with their children for the whole summer holiday, according to Li Rong, general manager of Shanghai Laibang Household Service.
At least one ayi is putting in some seriously long hours.
"I am working for six families a day now," said a helper surnamed Fang. "I cook breakfast for one employer, then run to the next place to clean. I work from 5am until after supper."
The agencies also recommended that clients allow ayis to rest between noon and 3pm, during the hottest part of the day.