During her divorce proceedings, Ms. Zhang in Shanghai examined her assets and uncovered a series of unusual transactions between her husband, Lai, and a neighbor named Yang.

According to court documents, from June 2021 to January 2024, Lai transferred over 108,000 yuan (approximately 420 million VND) to Yang. Many of these transactions were for specific amounts: 520, 1,314, and 3,344 yuan.

In Chinese online culture, these numbers convey romantic messages such as "I love you," "one life, one lifetime," or "forever and ever." Notably, these payments were often sent between 3-4 AM.

Zhang immediately sued her husband and Yang to reclaim the money.

Illustrative photo: AI

In court, Lai and Yang denied having an affair. They explained that the numerical amounts were merely rounded payments for meals or "playful red packets" sent to Yang's son. The early morning transfers, they claimed, were due to the two playing mahjong, with Lai often visiting Yang's home to borrow a computer for gaming.

The court rejected these explanations. Based on the timing, the amounts, and the frequent interactions between the two, the court determined that Lai and Yang had an extramarital affair. As the money constituted marital assets, Lai had no right to unilaterally gift it. The appellate court later upheld the ruling, ordering Yang to return over 108,000 yuan to Zhang.

Before the initial dispute was resolved, Yang filed a lawsuit demanding that Lai and Zhang repay a debt of 200,000 yuan. Yang presented a loan agreement stating "joint marital debt," indicating Lai had borrowed the money in two installments of 100,000 yuan each.

Lai admitted the loan, claiming it was for family use. However, Zhang asserted that the couple had already separated at the time, she was unaware of the loan, and the money was not used for their joint household expenses.

On 31/8, the court ruled that the 200,000 yuan debt existed but was not a joint marital debt. As Lai could not prove the money was used for the family and Zhang did not confirm it, Lai was solely responsible for repaying the entire principal and interest.

Upon receiving the ruling on 4/9, Zhang expressed that what frustrated her most was her ex-husband's betrayal over many years. In February 2022, on their daughter's birthday, Lai sent no wishes but transferred money to his mistress three times.

"He could give money to his mistress but refused to provide for our child's tuition," Zhang stated.

The couple has since divorced, with Zhang retaining custody of their child. The division of marital assets is still pending and awaits resolution through a separate lawsuit.

Nhat Minh (According to Sohu, Yangtze Evening Post, Xiaoxiang Morning Post)