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Zoey Zhang

A woman from southeastern China has gone viral after marrying her son’s Russian classmate and announcing her pregnancy, sparking controversy and scepticism online.
The 50-year-old woman, known online as “Sister Xin”, is an e-commerce entrepreneur based in Guangzhou.
Living in a suburban villa complete with a chef and driver, she shares her daily life with her foreign husband to an audience of over 13,000 followers on Douyin.
Sister Xin divorced at 30 and raised her son and daughter on her own.
Six years ago, her son Kaikai invited three foreign classmates over for a Lunar New Year dinner.

Among them was Defu, a Russian student in an advanced year compared to Kaikai, who spoke fluent Chinese after spending several years in China. His exact age has not been disclosed.
Impressed by Sister Xin’s cooking and hospitality, Defu extended his stay from a single night to an entire week.
Sister Xin recalled: “I was still young and attractive then. Defu kept in touch with me, sending gifts and surprises over the years.”
Due to their more than 20-year age gap and a 30-cm height difference – Defu standing at 195cm – Sister Xin initially dismissed his advances, citing cultural differences and her past failed marriage.
However, with her son’s encouragement, she ultimately decided to embrace love a second time. The two registered their marriage earlier this year.
The couple have travelled extensively throughout China, sampling Cantonese cuisine and visiting the hometown of kung fu legend Wong Fei-hung.

During one trip, Sister Xin came across a social media post about a mother caring for her sick baby alone.
Moved by the story, she took Defu to visit the woman’s street stall, bringing both money and food.
Sister Xin told Defu: “There is a Chinese saying, ‘A woman may be weak, but motherhood makes her strong.’ I truly admire her.”
“Don't worry, I will protect you from now on,” Defu replied.
On June 8, Sister Xin announced her pregnancy. In her video, she stated: “Older pregnancies come with risks, but being with Defu makes it worth it.”
Their baby is reportedly expected next spring, and Sister Xin mentioned that they have already bought a cot, eagerly anticipating the new arrival.
Their love story has drawn widespread attention on mainland social media, with opinions deeply divided.

One supporter commented: “Sister Xin built her life through hard work and even found love. Truly admirable. I wish her a safe delivery.”
Another expressed doubt, saying: “This feels like a scripted romance made for attention. It is too perfect to be real.”
“Will she move to Russia with Defu? She might be the same age as his parents. How will that work?” questioned a third.
In response, Sister Xin shared her prenatal check-up report, affirming: “Time will prove our love.”


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Chinese woman, 50, marries son’s Russian classmate, sparks viral attention, scepticism

A 50-year-old Chinese woman has married her son’s Russian classmate, generating widespread attention and scepticism online. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Residing in a suburban villa with a chef and driver, she shares her daily experiences with her foreign husband to an audience of over 13,000 followers on Douyin. Photo: Douyin.

The couple have travelled extensively throughout China, exploring Cantonese cuisine, as Sister Xin looks forward to introducing more of China’s traditional culture to Defu in the future. Photo: Douyin.

Initially, Sister Xin dismissed Defu’s advances, largely due to their 20-year age gap and a height disparity of 30 centimetres. Photo: Douyin

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People & Culture

On June 8, Sister Xin announces her pregnancy, saying older pregnancies come with certain risks, but her husband makes it all worthwhile


On June 8, Sister Xin announces her pregnancy, saying older pregnancies come with certain risks, but her husband makes it all worthwhile.


Russia

Douyin

Chinese woman, 50, marries son’s Russian classmate, sparks viral attention, scepticism

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}On June 8, Sister Xin announces her pregnancy, saying older pregnancies come with certain risks, but her husband makes it all worthwhile

On June 8, Sister Xin announces her pregnancy, saying older pregnancies come with certain risks, but her husband makes it all worthwhile