Man spends ₹37 lakh on a bride he never met: Days after wedding, wife starts pulling out one surprise after another
A 32-year-old Chinese man spent 37 lakh on a bride he had never met
Man Spends 37 Lakh on Bride He Never Met: Surprises After Wedding Spark Divorce Drama
The Hasty Match
Theindiapostdaily.com – A 32-year-old Chinese man spent 37 lakh on a bride he had never met in person, as revealed by a recent report. His marriage to a woman from Shaanxi province took place just three days after their initial introduction, with the entire courtship reduced to a single five-minute video call. According to the South China Morning Post, this fast-paced union followed months of parental pressure and the intervention of a local matchmaker, who charged 200 yuan (under ₹3,000) for her services.
The man’s decision to proceed with the wedding was driven by a combination of cultural expectations and financial incentives. His family, eager to finalize the arrangement, approved the marriage without ever meeting the bride. The total cost of the union included a 100,000-yuan (₹14 lakh) bride price, along with a 160,000-yuan (more than ₹22 lakh) fee for the matchmaker’s efforts. The woman, who had agreed to the marriage, was transported to Gu’s city by the matchmaker, setting the stage for an unexpected sequence of events.
The Unveiling of Secrets
Just days after the ceremony, the couple’s reality began to unravel. Gu, the groom, discovered that his new wife carried 100,000 yuan in debt, which she claimed was a result of her previous relationship. Further scrutiny revealed discrepancies in her financial records and mobile payment name, prompting Gu to confront her about her true identity. She also disclosed a liver enzyme condition, insisting it would not affect her fertility despite her weight loss claims.
The man spent 37 lakh on a bride he never met, yet the financial burden was only part of the issue. Gu’s frustration grew as he found himself responsible for managing household chores, securing employment, and even applying makeup for their wedding photos. The bride’s insistence on these roles, combined with the hidden debts and health issues, led to a breakdown in their relationship. Nine days after the marriage, Gu filed for divorce, only to be met with unexpected resistance from his wife.
The Legal and Emotional Fallout
Gu’s wife initially agreed to the divorce but soon changed her mind, citing emotional distress caused by his demands. She filed a lawsuit, arguing that the marriage had left her with depression and presenting a medical diagnosis to support her claim. In addition to seeking emotional compensation, she demanded 50,000 yuan (₹7 lakh) as part of the settlement, citing the man’s insistence on her public appearance and domestic responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Gu pursued legal action against the matchmaking center, seeking a refund of the 160,000-yuan fee. The center defended itself, stating that their role was to facilitate the introduction, not to guarantee the marriage’s success. The dispute highlighted the risks of flash marriages, where financial commitments often outpace emotional preparedness. With both parties claiming the other’s fault, the case became a focal point for public debate on the practice of arranged unions in modern China.
Public Reaction and Cultural Criticism
The story sparked widespread discussion on social media, with users debating the fairness of such rapid marriages. Some highlighted the man spent 37 lakh on a bride he never met, questioning whether the investment justified the outcomes. Others compared the situation to a television drama, with one user sarcastically noting that the woman’s surprises were “more absurd than any plot twist.”
While some criticized Gu for his haste, others defended the bride, suggesting she had no choice in the matter. The case raised questions about the transparency of matchmaker services and the pressures faced by individuals in arranged marriages. Experts pointed to the rising trend of “flash marriages” in China, where financial incentives and familial expectations often override personal connection, leaving couples unprepared for the challenges that follow.
A Nation’s Reflection on Marriage
This incident reflects a broader trend in China, where traditional arranged marriages are increasingly being replaced by expedited unions driven by economic and social factors. The man spent 37 lakh on a bride he never met, symbolizing a shift toward transactional relationships in a rapidly modernizing society. Many questioned whether the bride price had become a means to legitimize a marriage without genuine affection.
As the legal battle continued, the case served as a cautionary tale for those entering similar unions. Critics argued that the matchmaker’s fee, while substantial, did not account for the emotional toll on the couple. Meanwhile, supporters of the arrangement emphasized the role of family in marital decisions, suggesting that the man’s actions were a product of cultural norms rather than personal failure. The story remains a topic of debate, underscoring the complexities of love, duty, and financial commitment in contemporary China.
