Shanghai tenants opt for love over independence, staying with their landlord, affectionately called ‘uncle,’ in a heartwarming decision that defies conventional living norms
(ANN/CHINA DAILY) – A Shanghai tenant recently shared a heartfelt video online recounting a touching story involving him and his landlord, garnering significant attention from netizens.
The tenant, identified as Mr Kang, revealed in the video that his wife, who was his girlfriend at the time, arrived in Shanghai in 2017 and rented a spare room in an apartment.
Over time, as their relationship blossomed, Kang and his wife developed a close bond with the landlord, affectionately referred to as “uncle.” During Kang’s visits, “uncle” would regularly prepare meals for the couple, fostering a deep connection through their interactions.
In 2020, the couple, now married, contemplated moving out to start their independent life. However, Kang’s wife couldn’t bear to part with “uncle,” and they ultimately decided to stay, accepting the house owner’s invitation to continue sharing their lives under the same roof.
“Uncle is a Shanghai local, and he prefers a slightly sweeter taste in his food. However, he accommodated our tastes and habits, making noodles and spicy food. He also respects our daily routines,” said Kang. He’s from Shanxi and his wife from Shandong.
“One time, when I got back home from work, the moment I entered the house, I smelled the hotpot. Uncle had specially prepared it for us as he rightly thought we wanted to eat hotpot,” Kang added.
In 2022, the couple’s daughter was born, and “uncle” took the initiative to take care of her. “‘Uncle’ often holds her in his arms for over half an hour until she falls asleep. He also feeds her and plays with her. He helps us a lot,” said Kang in the video.
According to Kang, “uncle” also wraps red packets for their daughter every Spring Festival and treats her like his own family. Now the child can talk, and calls “uncle” grandpa.
And for Kang and his wife, they and “uncle” are already a family. The 71-year-old “uncle” has lived alone since his wife died in 2017.
Talking about the future, Kang said he and his wife are considering settling down in Shanghai, but they still need to work hard to save money to buy a house.
“But for now, we will live here. We are a kind of company for each other. The emotional ties between us are firm, and we are a family,” Kang said.
After the story went viral online, many netizens shared their similar experiences, leaving heartfelt comments: “They are not relatives, but better than relatives”; “A kind old man meets a pair of kind couples, interpreting the great love of the world.
