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When I told my parents, "Mom, Dad, I'm serious about my relationship with Sister Yu. She’s 20 years older than me, but that doesn’t matter. She’s a wonderful woman, and I want to marry her," their reaction was utter disbelief.
From their perspective, I had everything going for me - a car, a house, and even the financial ability to buy a school district house for my younger sister. As a 26-year-old successful entrepreneur, finding a younger, attractive wife wouldn’t have been a challenge. How could I fall for a divorced woman two decades my senior? They thought I had lost my mind.
But love doesn’t adhere to logic. If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d marry a woman 20 years older, I wouldn’t have believed it either. Yet, when I met Sister Yu in Shenzhen while renting a property for my business, fate had other plans for me.
I was born in a remote rural area in Hubei Province in 1998. My childhood wasn’t easy - my parents divorced when I was three, and I was raised by my mother, who later remarried a man ten years her junior. Despite our blended family’s modest means, my stepfather treated me as his own, and we shared a warm family bond.
In 2015, I joined the army, serving for three years before venturing into business. My entrepreneurial journey began with a foray into social commerce and new retail, a booming industry at the time. With loans from friends, family, and my own savings, I amassed 500,000 RMB to start my business in Zhengzhou.
Within three years, I achieved financial independence, buying properties for myself and my family. By the time I expanded to Shenzhen, where I met Sister Yu, I had everything - except a partner who truly understood and supported me.
Sister Yu wasn’t just my landlady; she was a charismatic and successful businesswoman. In her 40s, she managed a large rental company in Shenzhen, having built her fortune through smart investments in real estate. By all accounts, her assets were worth over 100 million RMB. Despite her wealth and beauty, she remained humble and warm.
Our initial relationship was purely professional - I rented one of her apartments as an office and living space for my team. She often went out of her way to bring us tea or snacks and even gifted us holiday treats. Her generosity and genuine care left a lasting impression.
As time passed, our interactions extended beyond landlord-tenant exchanges. We bonded over shared meals, small talk about work stress, and even lighthearted gossip. Despite our age gap, our conversations were effortless, and I found myself drawn to her wisdom and humor.
Our friendship deepened when I fell seriously ill. Over six months, I underwent three surgeries, and Sister Yu was there for me every step of the way. She juggled her busy schedule to care for me, offering emotional and practical support during my weakest moments.
Her kindness and selflessness were unlike anything I’d experienced before. In her presence, I felt safe and valued. Gradually, admiration turned into love. Sister Yu embodied everything I sought in a life partner - beauty, competence, compassion, and strength.
I knew winning Sister Yu’s heart wouldn’t be easy. When I first confessed my feelings, she laughed and said, “I’m 20 years older than you, not two. Be realistic.” She dismissed my advances, convinced our relationship wouldn’t work.
But I was undeterred. I persistently called, texted, and invited her to dinners and movies. At first, she avoided me, but over time, my sincerity broke down her defenses. As she later admitted, even the strongest, most independent woman needs love and companionship.
Convincing our families was another hurdle. My parents feared I was acting impulsively and might regret it later. Her parents worried I was only after her wealth. To gain their trust, I showed my dedication through actions - whether it was bringing gifts for her parents or cooking meals for them during visits.
Sister Yu’s son, a young adult, supported our relationship, understanding his mother’s happiness was paramount. Living in an open-minded city like Shenzhen also made our age-gap relationship less of a societal taboo.
After dating for two years, we tied the knot. We decided against a grand wedding, opting instead for a simple registration. To us, the legality of our union mattered more than public ceremonies.
Our dynamic is unconventional - she manages her business empire while I handle household chores. Some might call me a “kept man,” but I take pride in my role. I have my own financial independence and see marriage as a partnership where roles are fluid, not fixed by outdated gender norms.
Now, we’re planning to start a family. Despite her age, Sister Yu is healthy and optimistic about having a child. Modern medical advances give us confidence that we can achieve this dream together.
Our love story attracted media attention, sparking both admiration and criticism. Some accused me of marrying for money, while others labeled me lazy for choosing a wealthier spouse.
I don’t let these comments bother me. At the end of the day, our happiness is all that matters. We’ve built a life filled with mutual respect and love, proving that true relationships transcend societal judgments and age gaps.
Looking back, I never imagined my journey would lead me here - to a marriage with a woman who’s not only my partner but my greatest supporter. Sister Yu has taught me that love doesn’t follow conventional rules. It’s about finding someone who complements your life, no matter their age, background, or status.
We hope our story inspires others to embrace love in all its forms, without fear of judgment. Because at the end of the day, love is love - and it’s worth fighting for.
Source: WeChat Official account of 真实人物的故事
