BEIJING: A 23-year-old woman in China who vowed she would never remarry after the sudden death of her husband has triggered a heated discussion on mainland social media.
Wu Tiexin, 36, who lived in Shuangyashan in Heilongjiang province, in northeastern China, died of heart problems caused by diabetes on July 12, according to Jimu News.
“You married me and brought me home on November 5, 2023. I sent you away to decorate our home in the next life on July 13, 2025. Do not have any illness and be healthy in your afterlife,” Wu’s wife, surnamed Lu, wrote on social media in the wake of his death.
Wu was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 10.
He was hospitalised for suffering from an acute serious heatstroke in mid-June after high temperatures hit the northeastern regions of China, including his hometown.
On June 30, Wu developed a series of complications caused by diabetes, including multiple organ failure.
Wu said he felt extremely hot and wanted to drink iced water on July 12. He was also short of breath and fainted. He died the next day.
Lu is from Jinzhong in Shanxi province, in northern China.
She got to know Wu at the end of 2020 when she spoke about her depression on social media after having a fight with her family. Wu left comments to comfort her.
They soon fell in love and met in person in 2021.
Lu insisted on going to live with Wu in his hometown as her parents had divorced and her stepfather did not like her.
Wu used to work for a lift manufacturer before he suffered an industrial accident. Lu works at a private tutoring institution. They do not have children.
She said their short period of marriage was the happiest time in her life.
“My husband not only cared for me and supported me spiritually and materially, he also guided me in my personal growth,” Lu was quoted as saying.
She said her parents-in-law treat her like their own daughter and even fund her college studies.
Lu said she plans to continue living with her parents-in-law.
“I will not remarry. If possible, I hope to raise a child to start a new life,” she said.
Wu’s decision sparked a widespread discussion on mainland social media.
“What a loyal woman. She is a moral example for our country,” said one netizen.
While another person said: “You are only 23. There is a long way ahead of you. You will probably change your mind in a few years.” - South China Morning Post
