A man who chose to preserve his deceased wife through cryogenic freezing has stirred up discussions by revealing he now has a new partner.

Gui Junmin, in a gesture of love and commitment, opted to freeze his wife Zhan Wenlian’s body following her passing from lung cancer in 2017 at 49 years old, making her the first cryogenically preserved individual in China. He entered a 30-year agreement with the Shandong Yinfeng Life Science Research Institute to maintain her frozen remains. Zhan’s preservation was done at no cost as the institute sought volunteers for technology testing.

Junmin’s plan upon the contract expiration was to reunite with Zhan, hopeful that advancements in medical treatments would eliminate her terminal cancer status.

Zhan’s body has been stored in a 2,000-liter container at -190C in liquid nitrogen at the institute since 2017. Reportedly, after his wife’s passing, Junmin remained single for two years, but loneliness prompted him to seek companionship as he struggled to manage life alone.

Junmin shared with Chinese newspaper Southern Weekly that a severe gout episode, rendering him immobile for two days, altered his perspective, realizing the vulnerability of being alone. Shortly afterward, he met Wang Chunxia, his new girlfriend, through a mutual acquaintance. Junmin, however, described their relationship as primarily functional, stating that while he feels responsible for her, his emotions are complex as his deceased wife remains irreplaceable in his heart.

Chunxia primarily fulfills the role of caretaker for Junmin, who requires assistance even for simple tasks post his coronary stent surgery. Addressing accusations of ’emotional polygamy,’ Junmin remained unfazed by public criticism, asserting his readiness for scrutiny with a clear conscience.

The narrative has generated significant attention on Chinese social platforms, with contrasting viewpoints emerging. While some ponder the implications of potential resurrection or aging in the scenario, others empathize with Junmin’s need to move forward, recognizing the imperatives of life continuing despite past attachments.