Abroad
Chinese tycoon, 61, with cancer leaves S$56 million fortune to wife, 33, who cared for him, children from previous marriage cry foul
His wife was accused by his children from his previous marriage of being a "schemer".
April 03, 2026, 07:05 PM
An inheritance dispute involving millions of dollars in assets in Sanya, China, has erupted after a 61-year-old businessman, surnamed Hou (transliteration), decided to leave his entire fortune, worth about RMB300 million (S$56 million) to his current wife who is 28 years his junior.
According to mainland Chinese media outlets, the move sparked anger from the two children of his previous marriage who felt that it was unfair for him to transfer all of his assets to his current wife and have since filed a lawsuit on the matter.
Married his current wife in 2016
Following his divorce from his first wife, Hou married his current wife, Liyuan (transliteration), in 2016.
The couple also have a six-year-old son between them.
In 2025, Hou was diagnosed with late-stage cancer during a medical check-up and underwent five rounds of chemotherapy.
Throughout this time, Liyuan remained by his side to provide round-the-clock care.
Chinese media noted that this included turning down social engagements and work to feed him, empyting his bed pan, and accompanying her husband on his medical appointments.
Her actions moved Hou, who decided on Mar. 18, 2026, to transfer all of his assets to Liyuan.
The assets include three beachfront villas at a prime location in Sanya, two street-front shops, full equity in a resort hotel, a 27 per cent stake in a yacht company and bank deposits totalling RMB47 million (S$8.7 million).
He later told relatives that this was to thank Liyuan for her efforts and to ensure her and their six-old-son were financially secure.
Children from previous marriage accuse Liyuan of being a "schemer"
His decision angered his children from his previous marriage, whereupon they personally confronted Liyuan and accused her of being a "schemer" online.
They also questioned if Hou was of sound mind when he signed the legal documents to transfer his assets to her, and whether he was coerced or manipulated.
The children have since filed a lawsuit in court, demanding the annulment of the transfer and called for a division of the property.
In response to their actions, Liyuan said she had been caring for her husband wholeheartedly and had never asked him for any of the assets.
She added that she would continue to stay by his side to care for him.
Oriental Daily and HK01 reported that the dispute has drawn mixed reactions online.
Some Chinese netizens said the fact they had been married for 10 years with a child indicated that they feelings for each other, while others said Liyuan had made a good "return on investment".
Other netizens thought the children had no right to complain if they did not fulfil their filial duties.
Top images via Weibo
