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A recent legal case in Chongqing has sparked heated online debate after a wealthy woman attempted to “buy out” a married man’s marriage, only to later demand a refund when their relationship soured. The unusual story, which first came to light in 2018, resurfaced on social media, drawing comments on everything from personal ethics to legal interpretations.
The incident began when a wealthy woman became enamored with a younger, married man. Determined to build a life with him, she allegedly paid ¥3 million (around $400,000) to the man's wife to expedite a divorce. The wife reportedly accepted the offer without hesitation, taking the money and leaving the marriage. However, after a short-lived relationship, the wealthy woman soon grew tired of her new partner, feeling that he “wasn’t worth” the significant financial outlay. She then sought to retrieve her ¥3 million from the man’s ex-wife, claiming that the payment was merely a loan and not a final transaction.
A legal dispute ensued, leading to two contrasting court rulings. In the initial trial, the court sided with the wealthy woman, stating that “selling one’s husband” went against public order and moral customs. The ruling required the ex-wife to return the ¥3 million payment, viewing it not as a “gift” but as an invalid transaction.
Unhappy with the decision, the ex-wife appealed, and a second court overturned the original ruling. The appellate court declared that the ¥3 million was intended as a divorce settlement and alimony payment, not a gift or loan, and therefore the ex-wife was under no obligation to return it. This final ruling meant she could keep the money.
Online, netizens have been quick to react, with opinions divided on the court's judgments and the morality of the situation. Some users found humor in the scenario, with @User12345 commenting, “This is a real-life ‘buy-one, get-one’ situation gone wrong!” Others reflected on the implications of the wealthy woman’s actions. @SitBackAndWatch remarked, “Did she really expect a refund on a person? You can’t put a price tag on relationships.”
Meanwhile, @JustObserving argued that the first ruling made more sense, stating, “The transaction itself was ethically questionable. The initial ruling seemed fairer.”
Other users viewed the case as a cautionary tale on impulsive decisions. @PracticalMind added, “Maybe if she’d taken the time to really know him, she wouldn’t be asking for a refund now.”
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