A Chinese woman just turned a quirky romantic bet into serious cash. She purchased a novelty "love insurance" policy for her boyfriend ten years ago. The couple recently married and claimed a payout of INR 1.3 lakh. Their unusual story has captivated the nation and set the internet abuzz.
The High School Sweethearts' Bold Wager
Wu, a woman from Xi'an in China's Shaanxi province, started dating her boyfriend Wang during their secondary school years. They made their relationship official in 2015 while attending university together. The following year, Wu discovered a unique product from China Life Insurance Company.
It was marketed as "love insurance." The policy cost 199 yuan, roughly INR 2,576, after a discount. The intriguing promise captured Wu's imagination. If she and her partner married within ten years of the policy's third anniversary, they would receive a valuable reward.
A Skeptical Partner and a Romantic Gamble
Wang expressed doubts about the offer. He initially thought the insurance might be some kind of scam. Wu, however, felt more optimistic about their future together. She decided to take the romantic risk and purchased the policy anyway.
The potential rewards were substantial. The couple could choose between 10,000 roses, a diamond ring, or a cash payment of 10,000 yuan. That cash option translated to approximately INR 1.3 lakh.
A Decade Later: Wedding Bells and a Cash Windfall
Time proved Wu's faith correct. In October 2025, exactly a decade after they began dating, Wu and Wang officially registered their marriage. With the wedding complete, they became eligible to claim their insurance reward.
The couple faced a pleasant dilemma. They considered the roses but found them impractical to store. The diamond ring was also an option. Ultimately, they opted for the straightforward cash prize. China Life Insurance honored the old policy and processed the payout of INR 1.3 lakh to the newlyweds.
The Fate of Love Insurance Products
This type of "love insurance" was a marketing-driven novelty popular in China during the 2010s. Various companies offered products that bet on relationship milestones. Some policies paid out if a couple married within a set number of years. Others rewarded couples for staying together for a certain period.
Chinese financial regulators cracked down on most of these unconventional products by 2018. They deemed them outside the scope of traditional insurance. However, policies already purchased, like Wu's, remained legally valid and enforceable.
More Than Money: A Testament to Lasting Love
Beyond the financial gain, the story highlights a enduring romance. Wu and Wang's relationship survived the transition from high school to university and into adult life. Such long-term commitments that begin in youth are relatively rare.
Wu's decision to buy the policy was a statement of belief in their future. Her 199 yuan gamble, driven by romance, ultimately yielded priceless memories and a profitable bonus for their marriage. The tale resonates because it combines a unique financial twist with a classic love story.
The news has sparked widespread reaction online. Many social media users in China are expressing surprise and a touch of envy. Comments like "Why didn't I know about this earlier?!" have flooded discussion forums, showing how the story has captured the public's imagination.