Chen and Lage both said they thought their chance of finding real love had gone. Inset: Chen after the tragedy of losing both her children. - Douyin/Baidu
BEIJING: The heartbroken Chinese mother whose son and daughter were killed when they were thrown from their 15th-floor home by their father five years ago has announced a new romantic relationship, sparking controversy online.
Tragedy struck on Nov 2, 2020, when Chen Meilin’s children, her two-year-old daughter Xuexue and one-year-old son Ruirui, were thrown out of the window of their father’s 15th-floor flat in southwestern China’s Chongqing Municipality.
The father, Zhang Bo, committed the horrific crime so that he could wed his girlfriend, Ye Chengchen, who refused to marry a man who had children.
Ye had been involved in an affair with Zhang before his divorce.
Chen’s ex-husband Zhang Bo, and his lover Ye Chengchen, were executed for their crimes. - Handout
Both Zhang and Ye were sentenced to death. They were executed in January 2024.
On Sept 24, Chen announced to her more than 510,000 social media followers that she was starting a new chapter in her life.
She shared a photo of herself and her new boyfriend, known online as Lage, wearing matching rings.
In the video, she said that Lage had previously confessed his feelings for her, but at the time, she felt overwhelmed and believed they did not know each other well enough.
After going through a divorce and losing her two beloved children, she became disappointed in love and marriage and was left feeling inferior, insecure, and passive.
Chen doubted she would ever meet the right person, and even if a man could accept her, she worried whether his parents would.
“For a while, I gave up on the idea of remarriage. But I could feel Lage’s sincerity, not just at work, but in everyday life. He gave me the sense of security and emotional support I needed. He understood what I truly wanted,” she said.
Lage told Red Star News that about a year and a half ago, he met Chen through a mutual friend, and by September 2024, they had begun running a stall together.
In April, reports revealed that Chen had been live-streaming and selling biscuits and other baked goods at a market, while Lage, acting as her assistant, helped transport goods and package food.
“What moved me most was her resilience. She is actually a very strong person,” said Lage, adding: “She never complains. Her character inspired me to become a better version of myself.”
Lage said he never asked Chen about her previous marriage or children, and he simply sees her as an ordinary woman.
“My mum was surprised that someone like Chen would actually like me. Maybe in her eyes, I am still just a kid, not that great, so she could not believe anyone would love me,” he said.
Many netizens offered their blessings while others voiced concerns about her choice.
One person said: “So you still go for the ‘bad boy with charm’ type? Good luck.”
While another added: “Women really do tend to pick the same kind of guy over and over. These two men look so alike.”
However, many netizens showed support: “I wish you peace and healing from past pain.”
“I am genuinely happy she found love again. Lage’s sincerity is reassuring. Bless you both,” wrote another. - South China Morning Post
