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How it's used

This phrase is a literary allusion rooted in the historical story of King You of Zhou, who lit signal fires to amuse his concubine Baosi. In modern Cantonese, it is used with a slightly ironic or dramatic tone to describe someone going to great lengths, often spending money or performing grand gestures, to gain the favor or affection of a woman. It carries a sense of romantic extravagance that borders on being foolish or excessive.