Chinese man, 26, leaves life savings to ex-girlfriend to pursue dream, professes undying love even after death

The love story between a former couple in China has gone viral after it was revealed that the man left his life savings to his ex-girlfriend after his death, encouraging her to pursue her dream.

He also penned a heartfelt letter to her, professing his undying love and commitment.

Illness

The 26-year-old man, known as Xiao, and the woman, 22-year-old Hu Xinyao, were a couple in Chongqing, China, who met through mutual friends, Chinese media reported.

At the time of their relationship, Hu had been battling a vascular disease for eight years, which progressively led to kidney failure.

Two months into the relationship, her condition further deteriorated into a critical illness, chalking up medical bills of up to 20,000 yuan (S$3,587) per month.

She decided to end her relationship with Xiao despite his devotion to caring for her, saying, "I can't provide him with a family."

"Being with me would only hold him back."

Without the support of Xiao, an auxiliary police officer from Inner Mongolia who was known for his gentle and kind nature, Hu relied on donations and loans to cope with her medical bills.

She also sold fruit juice and wrote novels online to make ends meet, South China Morning Post noted.

Life savings

Some time after the couple's separation, Xiao passed away from acute pancreatitis.

He left behind 50,000 yuan (S$8,969) to Hu, along with a heartfelt letter that was handed to her on Aug. 31.

In it, Xiao explained that he had been anonymously funding her medical treatment each month after their separation, according to SCMP.

The sum of money was also his life savings, which he gave her to fulfil her dream of creating a "home for patients".

"I hope this small place can assist more patients and save more lives."

Hu has reportedly been searching for a space to rent to operate the home, as well as purchasing medical equipment, SCMP said.

The home is set to open in October this year.

Most precious and joyful time

The 2-month relationship had been "the most precious and joyful time" of his life, Xiao also wrote in the letter.

He encouraged Hu to "continue and experience life for [him]", and to persist in battling her illness.

A wedding video Hu had filmed and shared on Douyin, which she believed would never materialise, had caught his attention, he said.

"You looked so beautiful. I couldn’t help but cry as I watched. Honestly, I wished I could have been there to offer my blessings.”

He allegedly watched the video depicting her in her wedding dress at least 50 times.

Xiao ended the letter by professing his undying love.

"If there is an afterlife, I want to meet you again. This time, I will stay by your side far longer," he said.

Hu said she was moved to tears by the letter, but attempted to return the money to Xiao's parents.

They declined, wishing to honour his wishes.

"Now I consider his parents my own. As long as I live, I will care for them to the best of my ability," Hu said.

Top images via SCMP