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Zoey Zhang

A woman in southern China who was being pressured by her family to marry has been defended by her nephew, leaving relatives speechless.
On February 19, the 26-year-old woman from Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, known online as “I Have a Nephew (Boasting Edition)”, shared a viral video.
The clip showed a family gathering during Chinese New Year, where she was introduced to a man in his 30s and urged to marry.
Caught off guard, the woman was immediately defended by her six-year-old nephew.

“Whether to marry or not is my aunt’s choice, and she only wants a man with eight-pack abs,” the boy declared.
When relatives praised the man’s high salary, the nephew countered: “How much money can he have? His pockets are probably cleaner than his hands.”
They also mentioned his prestigious education, to which the nephew replied that no degree could bridge the age gap between the man and his aunt.
“Five or six years age gap is nothing,” the relatives argued, but the nephew shot back: “If my aunt feels old, then this man is old.”

He added: “If he runs out of money, will he divorce my aunt?”
Playfully waving away mosquitoes, the boy continued: “If she stays single, I will support her when I grow up. I already have over 1,000 yuan (US$150) in laisee.”
He added: “If I cannot, you all can work and help me support her.”
The woman laughed throughout, agreeing with her nephew, while her family was left speechless, amused by the boy’s serious defence.
In response to online comments, she said that she has a close bond with her nephew and visits him every holiday.

She expressed being touched by how he stood up for her. Raised by his grandparents, the boy speaks in a mature tone.
The video has garnered over 10 million views on mainland social media.
One online user said: “This is not just a nephew; you have raised yourself a warrior.”
“The little boy is clear-headed, not swayed by adults, and stands firm in his beliefs. He is a remarkable person,” said another.
“Where can I find a magical nephew like this?” said a third.
A few days later, the woman rewarded her nephew with snacks for his support.
China’s younger generation is increasingly delaying marriage and children due to career ambitions and economic pressures, often showing indecisiveness.
In 2025, marriage registrations reached 6.76 million couples, a slight increase from the previous year yet still low despite policy support.

That same year, the birth rate fell to a historic low of 7.92 million newborns, the fewest since records began in 1949.
During Chinese New Year, many young people face pressure from family to marry, with some even renting partners.
One online observer said: “During this holiday, I noticed many men do not want to marry. My friends and I just ignore the matchmaking proposals from relatives, too tired to argue.”
While another wrote: “Neither of my parents has a happy marriage, and there is no love between them. I would rather stay single and spend my money on myself.”


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China boy defends aunt who faces pressure to marry, says she ‘only wants a man with 8-pack abs’

During a Chinese New Year family gathering, a woman faced pressure to marry but was defended by her six-year-old nephew who used humorous remarks. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin 

The impassioned youngster, above, did not hold back while lecturing his elders. Photo: Douyin

A young and in-love Chinese couple. These days the path to true romance is not an easy one. Photo: Getty Images

The strong-minded nephew said his aunt would only accept a man with eight-pack abs, like the gym-goer pictured above. Photo: Shutterstock 

A wedding under way in China. Many young people in the country face family pressure to marry. Photo: Getty Images

China boy sues dad for taking his US$11,500 red packet money to cover remarriage expenses

A divorced Chinese father who took more than US$11,000 of his 10-year-old son’s Chinese New Year “red packet” money to cover his remarriage ceremony has been ordered by a court to return the full amount after the boy filed a lawsuit. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Sohu

A little boy in traditional attire holds a lucky red envelope gift at home. Photo: Getty Images

A traditional Chinese wedding ceremony. The errant father remarried after getting divorced. Photo: Getty Images

A courtroom in China. The father was ordered to repay his son the full amount. Photo: AP

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During the Song dynasty, children had a playful tradition on Chinese New Year’s Eve called “selling ignorance”, in which they would run around and shout to free themselves from foolishness and welcome wisdom. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock

A trio of children having fun in a park. The ancient ritual involved a lot of running. Photo: Shutterstock 

A Chinese baby girl and boy dressed up in traditional outfits for the annual festivities. Photo: Getty Images

A little girl wearing an auspicious red dress carries a lantern while walking hand in hand with a boy. Photo: Getty Images

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People & Culture

Feisty youngster stands up to adult relatives, says he will financially support auntie if no match found; internet users dub him a ‘warrior’


Feisty youngster stands up to adult relatives, says he will financially support auntie if no match found; internet users dub him a ‘warrior’.


China boy defends aunt who faces pressure to marry, says she ‘only wants a man with 8-pack abs’

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Feisty youngster stands up to adult relatives, says he will financially support auntie if no match found; internet users dub him a ‘warrior’

Feisty youngster stands up to adult relatives, says he will financially support auntie if no match found; internet users dub him a ‘warrior’