In 2008, 28-year-old Wang Di, an only child from Beijing, insisted on marrying a 50-year-old German woman named Wute, despite fierce opposition from his family. His mother fainted upon hearing the news, and his father angrily threatened to sever ties. However, Wang Di was resolute: even if he never had children, he wanted to be with her for life.
Wang Di came from a well-off family; both parents were cultured individuals, and he was fascinated by cultural relics from a young age. After majoring in cultural relics in university, he went to Germany for further studies, eager to delve deeper into the field. This study abroad journey led him to a fateful connection with Wute—she was a professor of cultural relic restoration at a university in Berlin, specializing in the restoration of lost Chinese cultural relics.
Wute was skilled in restoration techniques but struggled with ancient texts due to her lack of Chinese language skills. She met Wang Di through a student recommendation. Wang Di helped her translate documents, and Wute taught him practical skills. The two often talked late into the night, discussing cultural relic designs and life insights, comforting each other in a foreign land, and gradually developing feelings.
Wang Di confessed his feelings, and although Wute was touched, she had many concerns; the 22-year age difference made her fear of holding him back. However, Wang Di's determination moved her, and they became a couple, receiving blessings from friends and family in Germany. Yet, when the news reached Beijing, it ignited a family storm.
Wang Di brought Wute back to meet his parents. When his mother saw that her future daughter-in-law was older than herself, she fainted from anxiety. His father slammed the table, forcing him to choose, while relatives took turns persuading him, accusing him of ruining his life and cutting off the family line. Wute, unable to bear the pressure on him, suggested breaking up, but Wang Di was determined not to let go.
Wang Di secretly obtained a marriage certificate with Wute, and they settled in Germany after marriage. He gave up a high-paying job to accompany Wute in cultural relic restoration, taking on household chores and caring for her, even growing a beard to appear more mature. Wute also learned to cook Beijing dishes, striving to bridge the gap between them and quietly maintain their relationship.
In 2012, Wang Di's father visited Germany and saw that the couple lived harmoniously. Wute not only had excellent cooking skills but could also discuss the restoration of Dunhuang murals. She took care of Wang Di meticulously, gradually softening the elder's heart. Wute also diligently learned to make Beijing flaky cakes to send back home, slowly easing the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, as well as between father-in-law and daughter-in-law.
In 2022, Wute was invited to participate in the restoration of cultural relics at the Jinhua Museum, and the couple accepted an interview with CCTV, holding hands to express their love. Now, after more than a decade, they have no children but are raising a kitten, building a cultural bridge between China and Germany, and breaking all societal doubts with their enduring happiness.