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In 2015, Li Li, a single mother from Hunan Province, made the life-altering decision to marry Peter, a man 20 years her senior from Austria. Leaving her career and home country behind, she embarked on a journey to start a new life in Austria with her young son.
Li Li was born in 1983 in a rural village in Hunan Province. Growing up in a conservative community where patriarchal values dominated, she faced significant hardships. Her mother, devastated by pressure to bear a son, tragically ended her life when Li Li was just two years old. Raised by her grandparents in poverty, Li Li’s childhood was marked by neglect and emotional struggles, shaping her introverted and people-pleasing personality.
Despite these challenges, Li Li excelled academically, becoming the first person in her village to attend college and later earning a master’s degree. After graduating, she secured a stable job as an engineer at a state-owned enterprise, a prestigious position that brought her financial stability and social respect.
Li Li’s first marriage, to a man of similar social standing, seemed promising. They had a son and appeared to lead a happy life. However, the couple grew distant due to their demanding careers, and in 2014, they divorced. Li Li gained custody of her son and shouldered the dual responsibilities of work and parenting.
Feeling disillusioned with Chinese men and inspired by portrayals of Western men as caring and family-oriented, Li Li turned to international dating apps in early 2015. This is where she met Peter, a 52-year-old Austrian man.
Peter, a lifelong bachelor, lived alone in a century-old villa on the outskirts of Vienna. Despite his stable career and financial security, he struggled with loneliness and poor social skills. When he connected with Li Li online, their shared sense of vulnerability brought them closer.
Li Li was transparent about her past and her responsibilities as a single mother. Peter, in turn, expressed his willingness to accept her son and provide a stable family life. In June 2015, Peter traveled to China to meet Li Li in person. Despite their 20-year age gap, Li Li was charmed by Peter’s kindness and emotional support. Within days, she decided to marry him.
Li Li and Peter married in China before she and her son moved to Austria in August 2015. Leaving behind her career and identity as an accomplished engineer, Li Li embraced the role of a homemaker. She adjusted to the slower pace of life in Austria, which she found refreshing compared to China’s bustling cities.
Peter’s century-old villa became their family home. While initially concerned about the house’s age, Li Li came to appreciate its charm and sturdiness. Within a year of their marriage, she gave birth to a mixed-race son, followed by another in 2020. Peter, nearing retirement, continued to work to support the family, benefiting from Austria’s high wages and robust social welfare system.
In 2024, Li Li launched a social media account to document her life in Austria. Named “A Scholar’s Family in Austria,” her platform showcased daily life in their home and the challenges of raising three children. Her engaging storytelling and eloquent writing style quickly attracted a large following.
However, her posts also revealed the struggles of her new life. As the sole breadwinner, Peter’s financial burden is heavy, especially as their children grow older. Li Li uses her platform not only to share her experiences but also to generate additional income through sponsorships and product endorsements.
Li Li’s story has sparked diverse reactions online. Many praised her courage in pursuing happiness and building a family despite societal expectations. One netizen commented, “She broke free from her past and created a better future for herself and her children. That takes real strength.”
Others, however, questioned her decision to marry an older foreign man. “She gave up a promising career to move abroad and live in an old house. Is this really worth it?” one skeptical user asked.
Some expressed concerns about the long-term viability of her marriage, particularly given Peter’s age and health. Photos shared by Li Li show Peter, now 61, appearing older than his years, which fueled debates about whether their relationship was sustainable.
Nine years into her marriage, Li Li remains optimistic. She describes Peter as a devoted husband who provides emotional support and affection. Despite his reserved nature, he celebrates special occasions with thoughtful gestures like flowers and words of encouragement.
Their eldest son, now 15, attends high school in Vienna but is navigating the challenges of adolescence, including a growing addiction to video games. The younger boys are still in primary school, benefiting from Austria’s high-quality education and welfare programs.
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