Love that crossed 5,000km

The fairytale-like love story of Chinese engineer Zhou Zhen Qiao, 33, and Le Pham Hoai Thu Thuy, 26 from Dak Nong province has touched many hearts.

Thuy herself once doubted the reality of this love due to the significant barriers of geographical distance and physical appearance between them.

Zhen Qiao, an industrial welding engineer from Anshan City, Liaoning Province, China, is known for his handsome looks, a stable job with a monthly salary of around $1,300, and his own house in Liaoning.

Thu Thuy became a quadriplegic following an accident at the age of 18. Once an active and resourceful girl, she was the hope of her family. After the accident left her bedridden, Thuy experienced a severe mental crisis, losing all hope in life. It took her a long time to come to terms with her situation.

Determined to live a vibrant life, Thuy started selling goods online and learning Chinese through the internet to open up business opportunities with Chinese people. She also joined dating apps to make foreign friends and improve her communication skills.

This is how she met Zhen Qiao. Over two months, they chatted online as close friends.

When Zhen Qiao expressed his feelings, Thuy was startled. She then revealed her accident and quadriplegia, expecting him to walk away like others might. However, Zhen Qiao remained calm and even boldly revealed his face.

From then on, instead of texting, the couple often communicated via video calls. Every time he visited his family, Zhen Qiao would connect Thu Thuy with his parents, introducing her as his long-distance girlfriend.

In 2023, Zhen Qiao traveled 5,000km to Dak Nong to meet Thuy. He stayed at her house for a week, taking meticulous care of her, which surprised everyone. Before leaving, he promised to return in 20 days with his parents' permission to marry her.

Two days after returning to China, Zhen Qiao and his family video-called Thuy's family to discuss the wedding. The most surprised person was Thuy’s mother, who had never hoped her daughter would find someone willing to commit to her for life.

"When he was in China, we kept in touch regularly, so I wasn't too surprised," Thuy said.

Upon his return to Vietnam, Thuy and her family went to the airport to welcome him. As soon as he saw Thuy, Zhen Qiao ran to embrace her, a moment that convinced Thuy she had found the right person.

This time, Zhen Qiao brought all the necessary documents for their marriage registration. Afterward, he returned to China for a while to settle family, work, and housing matters before moving to Dak Nong to live with Thuy.

A happy life with a wonderful husband

In August 2023, their wedding was warmly held in Dak Nong. Zhen Qiao’s parents could not attend but had acquaintances in Vietnam to represent them at the ceremony.

For the past year, Thuy has been surrounded by Zhen Qiao's love and meticulous care. Every morning, he helps her with personal hygiene, changes her clothes, lifts her into a wheelchair, and takes her to brush her teeth. He then prepares breakfast and handles all household chores.

In the afternoons, he continued his caring routine. At night, whenever Thuy feels hungry, he gets up to cook for her.

"Sometimes, I can't believe this is real because marriage seemed so far-fetched for someone like me. But looking at his sincerity, I have to believe it," Thuy shared.

Thuy often felt insecure about the keloid scars on her body from past surgeries. She feared that one day Zhen Qiao would leave when her health deteriorated.

"He always knows how to reassure me. He often kisses my scars and says everything about me is beautiful. He jokingly calls the scars worms or snakes and tells me not to worry. He constantly comforts me and helps me face negativity calmly," Thuy said.

The relationship between Zhen Qiao and his in-laws is also excellent. He shows care and warmth that make everyone feel at ease. Thuy’s parents try to communicate with him through actions, understanding the cultural and language differences he faces living in Vietnam.

"I am also fortunate to have loving in-laws. We talk daily through WeChat, and they always encourage us to live well together," Thuy said.

Currently, Thuy and Zhen Qiao run an online business selling Central Highlands specialties. They aim to save enough money to visit Zhen Qiao's homeland in China.

Thanh Minh