Chinese court rules man can keep US$40,000 apology money from cheating ex

In her letter, Xu admitted her wrongdoing: “I have deeply reflected on my mistakes. Yes, I’ve cheated on you multiple times, causing you immense pain. I am sincerely remorseful. I will correct my mistakes and compensate you with my sincerity”, according to report by South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Moved by her efforts, Li decided to forgive Xu, and their relationship continued until 2022. However, the peace was short-lived when Li uncovered that Xu was still romantically involved with his nephew. This second betrayal led Li to end the relationship permanently.

After their breakup, Xu demanded the return of the 300,000 yuan, claiming the money was meant as a conditional gift contingent on their eventual marriage. Since the relationship had ended without marriage, she argued that Li was obligated to repay her.

Li, however, refused, maintaining that the money was compensation for the emotional distress caused by Xu’s repeated infidelity. He viewed it as a form of redress for her actions rather than a conditional gift.

The dispute escalated to a Shanghai court earlier this year, where both parties presented their arguments. The court ruled in Li’s favour, determining that the money had been given voluntarily by Xu during her attempt to mend their relationship. It was not deemed a conditional gift or a loan.

“The court finds that the funds were transferred as a voluntary gesture by the plaintiff during a period of reconciliation. There is no legal basis requiring the defendant to return the money,” stated the ruling.

The verdict has sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media, with many expressing disbelief at the complexity of the case.

“My God, their relationship is so chaotic!” one user exclaimed. Another commented: “This is more dramatic than any novel or TV show.” Others viewed the matter through a different lens, with one remarking: “The money was clearly compensation for the loss of love and loyalty”, reported by SCMP.

The case highlights how issues of infidelity often dominate headlines in China. In a similarly sensational incident earlier this year, two senior doctors from Zhejiang province were involved in a violent confrontation over a nurse they were both romantically involved with. The fight left one doctor seriously injured and hospitalised in his own intensive care unit.

As for Li and Xu, their story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of betrayal and the complexities of love, money, and trust.

(with inputs from SCMP)