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In a story that challenges traditional perspectives on family and motherhood, 29-year-old Li Xueke from Shandong Province has sparked a flurry of online discussion. Unmarried and childless in 2019, Li took an unconventional route to motherhood: she spent ¥500,000 on donor sperm from the UK and gave birth to three mixed-race children through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Each year, she reportedly spends an additional ¥100,000 on raising her children.
"I want children, but I don't need a husband, nor do I want marriage," Li declared, a statement that has polarized public opinion in China. For many, Li’s journey to single motherhood represents a bold assertion of female autonomy, while others view it as an affront to traditional family values.
Li Xueke’s early life was marked by hardship and instability. Born in a rural village in Heze, Shandong, her family environment was tumultuous. Her parents' marriage, initially filled with affection, soured after her mother became pregnant.
Li’s father, initially drawn to her mother’s beauty, became emotionally detached when her mother’s appearance changed due to pregnancy. His neglect turned into outright infidelity and abuse. As tensions escalated, Li’s mother ultimately divorced him, choosing to raise her daughter alone.
Growing up without a father, Li often felt self-conscious and longed to experience paternal love. Her mother, however, discouraged any attempts to reconnect with her father, fearing it would only lead to further disappointment. A summer visit to her father confirmed her mother’s concerns. Li discovered her father had remarried and treated her half-brother far better than her. A single act of violence - her father slapping her for a minor mistake - cemented her resolve to never rely on men.
This turbulent upbringing profoundly influenced Li’s perspective on relationships and family. Determined to chart her own path, she prioritized independence and self-reliance over traditional marital roles.
Li’s determination wasn’t limited to her personal life. As a child, she displayed exceptional talent in dance and modeling, securing local competition wins and catching the attention of industry professionals. Despite financial constraints, her mother supported her ambitions, enrolling her in dance and modeling classes.
After high school, Li moved to Shanghai to pursue a career in modeling. Although she faced setbacks, including the loss of a lucrative job following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, she pivoted to entrepreneurship. She established a modeling agency and later ventured into e-commerce, earning substantial income and achieving financial independence.
Li’s romantic relationships were few and unremarkable. Her busy career and lack of trust in men hindered her ability to form lasting connections. By her late twenties, Li had largely given up on the idea of finding a partner but remained committed to the idea of having children.
In 2019, she traveled to Thailand to purchase donor sperm from a UK sperm bank, spending ¥500,000 on IVF treatments. After several failed attempts, Li succeeded by implanting three embryos, all of which developed successfully. The process was grueling - she endured over 130 injections to support the pregnancies - but her perseverance paid off.
When her mother initially learned of her decision, she was shocked and angry. However, upon meeting her three grandchildren, she quickly became supportive.
Raising three children while maintaining her career has not been easy for Li, but she has embraced the challenge. She employs three nannies to help care for her children but remains deeply involved in their lives, frequently sharing joyful moments with them on social media.
Her social media posts reveal a glamorous yet hands-on mother. Despite her busy schedule, she finds time to take her children on outings and participate in their daily activities. Now 34, Li continues to draw attention for her youthful appearance and financial success.
"I face challenges, of course," Li admitted in an interview. "But my children are my source of strength. Seeing their smiles fills me with happiness and makes everything worthwhile."
Li’s story has divided Chinese netizens. Some applaud her courage and independence.
"This is a strong woman who knows what she wants in life. Who says women have to rely on men?" one commenter wrote.
"She’s giving her children a good life and making her own choices. Isn’t that what freedom is about?" another added.
However, others were less supportive.
"Children need a father. This is selfish and irresponsible," a critic argued.
"She’s rich now, but what if something happens to her? What will her children do then?" another questioned.
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