People wait in a line to buy a popular drink at Hey Tea in Beijing's Sanlitun area. [Photo by Owen Fishwick /provided to China Daily]

In true entrepreneurial spirit, a side economy has emerged in Hey Tea's wake with people touting themselves outside its outlets to line up for you for a little extra on top.

For weeks I walked past the long lines and attempted to ignore the social media buzz. The last time I had to line up for two hours for something was to go on a rollercoaster called "Dinoconda" at an amusement park and I felt like emptying my stomach afterwards.

However, six months on I am finally broken. Curiosity may not have killed the cat in this case, but with all the hype, this cat wants to finally get the cream tea.

So, here I am, standing in wait, one among many captured in the line. We sad souls were drawn in, trapped and enveloped by the all-alluring mystery of the line, like naive insects into the waiting jaws of a Venus' flytrap.