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A 33-year-old rural man from Henan province, has sparked widespread online discussion after marrying a 19-year-old Ukrainian woman and bringing her to his hometown to escape the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Born in 1991 in Zhoukou, Henan, Xiao Zheng grew up in a financially struggling household. Raised by his grandmother, he dropped out of high school to work at an auto repair shop. At 165 cm tall, Xiao Zheng often felt insecure about his prospects in love and believed financial stability was crucial for a relationship.
Determined to succeed, he used his savings and a small loan to start his own auto repair business. Although his shop initially fared better than his previous job, it eventually succumbed to the economic pressures of the global pandemic in 2021. Xiao Zheng closed the shop at a loss, sold his home to pay off debts, and returned to his rural hometown unemployed.
At home, Xiao Zheng’s attempts at traditional matchmaking repeatedly failed. Prospective brides rejected him due to his lack of financial stability, while matchmakers introduced him only to women with equally challenging circumstances. Frustrated, he decided to take a leap of faith. Inspired by stories of Chinese men finding love abroad, he traveled to Ukraine in search of a fresh start.
Xiao Zheng’s journey to Ukraine was far from smooth. Misled by a dishonest agent, he arrived with no support system and struggled with the language barrier. Despite these hardships, he remained determined.
One snowy afternoon, he encountered Irina, a 19-year-old Ukrainian woman, during a stroll. Their chance meeting turned into a heartfelt connection, and the pair quickly grew close. Overcoming cultural differences and language challenges, their relationship blossomed into love.
Their bond was put to the test during a harrowing airstrike while they were together in Ukraine. Amid the chaos, Irina clung to Xiao Zheng and confessed her love in Chinese, saying, “I love you.” Deeply moved, Xiao Zheng decided to propose to her, and the couple soon married.
With the war in Ukraine escalating, Xiao Zheng brought Irina to his rural hometown in Henan to ensure her safety. The couple renovated Xiao Zheng’s old family home and began a new chapter. Irina embraced Chinese culture with enthusiasm, trying local dishes such as hot pot and fish-based delicacies. She also participated in daily activities, like tending to the garden and experiencing traditional Chinese street massages.
Despite her initial fears about moving to rural China, Irina reportedly feels at ease, appreciating the peaceful environment far removed from the conflict zones she left behind.
Xiao Zheng’s story has garnered significant attention online, with netizens offering a mix of praise, skepticism, and humor.
One commenter wrote, “This story is like a modern fairy tale. Xiao Zheng's courage and persistence are truly admirable.”
Another netizen joked, “Maybe it’s time I booked a flight to Ukraine. Clearly, there’s hope for all of us!”
However, some were critical of the practicality of such cross-cultural unions. “Life in a rural Chinese village may not be as easy for Irina as it seems now. What about the long-term challenges, like raising children or cultural differences?”
Others took a more cynical view, suggesting that Xiao Zheng’s story might inspire opportunists rather than genuine romantics. “Not everyone can pull this off. Let’s not forget the risks Xiao Zheng took.”
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