A professional in the sports industry in China went above and beyond for his wife, but now he is making headlines for starting a new relationship while she remains in cold storage. Gui Junmin, 57, opted for cryopreservation – the process of freezing a human body in the hope that it can be revived – after doctors told him his wife only had months to live.
Zhan Wenlian was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer and was given limited time. Determined not to lose her, Gui opted for an experimental procedure, believing that “she will wake up if a cure for cancer is found”.
Zhan, then 48, became the first person in China to undergo human cryopreservation after Gui signed a 30-year agreement with the Shandong Yinfeng Life Science Research Institute.
What happened after the procedure?
For two years after the operation, Gui remained devoted to his wife’s memory and lived alone. But in 2020, a life-threatening incident turned his world upside down.
One morning a severe attack of gout left him unable to move or reach his phone. He lay helpless for two days until relatives forced their way in and found him.
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Reflecting on the ordeal, he told Southern Weekly: “If something really happens to a person when they’re alone, there’s nothing you can do. You can die at home and no one will even know.”
How did he meet his new partner?
Soon after his recovery, Gui was introduced to Wang Chunxia through a mutual friend. Wang, then working in insurance sales, initially considered him a potential client, but eventually became his partner.
Gui describes her as warm, sincere, and attentive—traits that reminded him of his wife.
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Wang began to take careful care of him: bringing him tea, reminding him to take his medicine, and helping with daily tasks. After later undergoing coronary stent surgery, Gui became unsteady on his feet and now depends on Wang to even cross the street.
Why is the relationship complicated?
Gui openly admits that their relationship is layered and difficult. He notes their different backgrounds and social statuses: Wang grew up in the countryside, dropped out of school in the seventh grade, worked in factories and in service roles, and later ran a small hair salon.
Gui considers himself more well-traveled and financially secure.
He also admits that his decision to be with Wang was partly “utilitarian”, adding: “She hasn’t entered my heart yet. I feel a sense of responsibility towards her, but it’s a complicated matter.”
Despite Gui’s reliance on Wang, he insists that Zhan is irreplaceable, saying, “She can never replace my wife. I can’t just forget the past, but I still have to move on with life.”
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How did the internet react?
His story sparked an intense debate on the Internet.
One user wrote: “Now holding one woman in his arms and hoping to be reunited with another in 30 years. What is this: emotional polygamy?”
Another commented, “Gui may seem deeply devoted, but it’s actually emotional detachment. His so-called love for Zhan is more of an obsession to play the role of ‘grieving husband.’ Just look at how cold and withdrawn he is with his current partner.
“If that’s the case, why start a new relationship? If so, why not treat your new partner with real care? This kind of so-called devotion is not noble, it’s selfish.”
