Man freezes wife, finds new girlfriend

Love triangles take on a whole new dimension when one of the people involved is cryogenically preserved in a tank. This is the case for Gui Junmin, whose wife Zhan Wenlian passed away from lung cancer at the age of 49 in 2017. Instead of a traditional burial, Gui opted to freeze his wife cryogenically, making her China’s first individual to be preserved in liquid nitrogen. She now rests in suspended animation in a massive tank, shielded by a three-decade agreement with the Shandong Yinfeng Life Science Research Institute.

Cryonics offers a ray of hope, a hope that someday a solution will be found for the ailment that led to the individual being frozen. It also holds the promise that these individuals might one day wake up and resume life as if nothing had happened after being submerged in cryoprotectant chemicals and stored in freezing temperatures. While over 500 people around the world have registered for cryogenic preservation, no one has ever been successfully revived, highlighting the speculative and uncertain nature of this practice.

For two years following Zhan’s demise, Gui siadly lived alone, holding on to the belief that his love could potentially be revived in the future. However, a gout attack in 2020 changed everything. Immobile in his apartment and facing the reality of being the sole custodian of his deceased wife, Gui decided to re-enter the dating scene. He connected with a living, breathing woman named Wang Chunxia, seeking solace and companionship in her company.

When news of Gui’s new relationship with Wang reached the public through a report by the Southern Weekly, the Chinese internet erupted in a debate over ethics. Supporters argued that after seven years of grieving, Gui deserved a chance at happiness with a new partner. In contrast, critics accused him of emotionally betraying his frozen wife by shifting his affections to someone else. Many pondered the fairness of the situation, especially for Wang, who could potentially be discarded if Gui’s cryogenically preserved wife was ever resurrected.

Gui did himself no favors with his public comments, describing his relationship with Wang as “utilitarian” and suggesting that she had not truly entered his heart. This statement painted Gui in a cold light, fueling further debate and controversy surrounding his choices and actions. The situation underscores the complex ethical dilemmas and emotional intricacies that arise in cases involving cryonic freezing of loved ones and the subsequent pursuit of new relationships.

In conclusion, the story of Gui, Zhan, and Wang shines a light on the unconventional and emotionally fraught terrain of cryonics and the impact it can have on personal relationships and ethical considerations. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the delicate balance between preserving the past and embracing the present, and the far-reaching consequences of such decisions on all parties involved.