From Rubble to Romance: Chinese Woman Marries the Soldier Who Rescued Her from Earthquake 15 Years Ago

A remarkable love story has emerged from China, where a woman has wed the man who rescued her from earthquake debris when she was just a child. According to the South China Morning Post, the couple's unique journey was celebrated at the 5th Annual Han-style Collective Wedding Ceremony in Changsha, Hunan province on November 29, alongside 36 other couples.

Liu Ximei and Liang Zhibin share an extraordinary bond forged through tragedy. During the catastrophic Wenchuan earthquake of 2008, Liang, who was a 22-year-old soldier at the time, was dispatched on rescue operations. He discovered Liu, then only 10 years old, trapped beneath steel bars and rubble on the second floor of a building that had collapsed. Liang's team worked tirelessly for four hours to free her before rushing her to receive medical attention.

Following her recovery, Liu relocated to Zhuzhou, Hunan, with her family. As the years passed, her memories of her savior became increasingly blurred, leaving only a faint recollection. The pivotal moment in their story occurred in 2020, when Liu, by then 22 years old, encountered Liang at a restaurant in Changsha after her mother recognized him from the past.

Liu approached Liang to confirm his identity, which marked the beginning of their reconnection. She subsequently added him on social media and initiated conversations. Over time, Liu realized that her feelings for him were authentic and not merely based on gratitude for saving her life. Eventually, she confessed her romantic feelings to him.

Liang, touched by her genuine nature and positive outlook, developed deep affection for her as well. He has described Liu as a "ray of light" in his life. Their extraordinary love story has garnered significant attention online, with numerous social media users describing it as a destined romance and a "real-life fairy tale."