Chinese man can keep US$40,000 cheating ex gave him to say sorry, court rules

A Shanghai court ruled that a man was not obliged to return the 300,000 yuan (US$40,000) his ex-girlfriend gave him in an attempt to salvage their relationship after he discovered her affair with his nephew.

The man, surnamed Li, and the woman, identified as Xu, met in 2018 and soon began dating. Two years later, Li discovered that Xu had been unfaithful with his nephew, as reported by the Shanghai Morning Post.

Angered by the betrayal, Li wanted to end their relationship, but Xu wrote him a letter of apology.

“I have deeply reflected on my mistakes. Yes, I’ve cheated on you multiple times, causing you immense pain,” Xu wrote. “I am sincerely remorseful. I will correct my mistakes and compensate you with my sincerity.”

In the following two days, Xu transferred 300,000 yuan to Li through several bank transactions as a form of apology.

Li forgave her, and their romantic relationship continued until 2022, when he discovered she was still involved with his nephew.

This revelation prompted Li to end the relationship decisively, but afterwards, Xu demanded the return of the 300,000 yuan she had given him two years earlier.