Stop once the other person has clearly refused; continuing to pester is a public security violation, not "sincerity"

Moderate value
Evidence A
Keeps you free
Free
Takes minutes
Long-term effort

In plain words

If the other person has clearly said no and you still send messages or wait for them, it has been a public security violation since January 2026. It can bring detention of up to 5 days (拘留) or a fine of up to 1,000 CNY. In more serious cases, detention of 5 to 10 days. The police can also order you to stay away from the person, and breaking that order brings another 5 to 10 days of detention.

Cost: Free, and it takes no time. The hard part is holding back: no more messages, no more waiting for the person.
What you get: The Public Security Administration Punishments Law (治安管理处罚法), in effect since January 1, 2026, lists harassment and stalking as a separate item. The text reads "repeatedly sending obscene, insulting, threatening or similar messages, or using methods such as harassing, pestering or stalking to interfere with another person's normal life." This conduct brings detention of up to 5 days, or a fine of up to 1,000 CNY. In more serious cases, detention of 5 to 10 days, with a possible additional fine of up to 1,000 CNY. This item has one more layer: with the approval of the head of the public security organ, the person can be ordered to stay away from the victim for a set period. Breaking the no-contact order brings another 5 to 10 days of detention
Notes: No research supports "pursuing to the end will win them over," but detention and no-contact orders are in black and white. The record left behind can also affect applying for civil-service jobs, public-institution jobs, political background checks (政审), and the qualification to practice some professions. The line between pursuing someone and harassing them depends not on what you think but on whether the other person has clearly said no
Evidence grade: A : Specific numbers from meta-analyses, large cohorts or randomized trials; for law and policy, the statute or official text.
Sources: 全国人大常委会 (2025 修订). 治安管理处罚法（第五十条第一款第五项、第二款）. https://www.spp.gov.cn/spp/fl/202506/t20250627_699863.shtml（最高人民检察院转载）

Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 10, tip 2. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer