Foreigner Gave Her a Card—Years Later, He Saved Her Life

Source: OT-Team(G)，中美威廉夫妇

  In the southern Chinese region of Guangxi lives a deeply bonded international couple whose story of resilience and love has touched many. 

Brown Langjunjie, originally from the United States, and his wife Liu Fen, a native of Guangxi, have faced some of life's most difficult moments side by side—and emerged stronger than ever.

Their journey began in 2003, under unexpected circumstances. Brown had traveled to Hong Kong from the U.S. to grieve the loss of his father. Seeking a change of scenery, he ended up in Zhuhai, a coastal city he quickly grew to love. Coincidentally, Liu Fen arrived in Zhuhai around the same time to visit a friend. Fate intervened on a public bus where Liu, confused about the route, asked a foreigner—Brown—for directions. After realizing she had boarded the wrong bus, she thanked him and was about to leave when Brown handed her a business card, saying he was an English teacher and offering to help her practice English.

That bus ride sparked a connection that blossomed into love.

Fast forward to 2019. At 42 years old and just a year after giving birth to their child, Liu Fen was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was immediately admitted for treatment. Due to hospital rules during that special period, family members were only allowed to accompany patients on the day of the first chemotherapy session and the surgery. Liu spent most of her hospitalization alone. It was a time of immense physical and emotional hardship for both.

Unbeknownst to Liu, Brown often wept privately, but always greeted her with a warm smile. He juggled three jobs to cover the overwhelming medical expenses. Meanwhile, whispers reached Liu's ears—some warning her that her foreign husband might leave her now that she was sick. But Brown was stunned by such remarks. "I made a vow," he said. "In sickness and in health, in poverty or wealth—I chose her, and I choose her still."

In 2022, after over a year of grueling treatment, Liu had gained significant weight, reaching 100 kg, and found herself breathless after walking just 50 meters. But Brown never left her side. He hiked mountains and ran with her, encouraging every small victory. Later, Liu took up jump rope and gradually regained her strength. Over more than a year of dedicated effort, she dropped to 59 kg.

"I honestly don't know what I would've done without him," Liu says, tearfully.

Love, when rooted in commitment and compassion, can endure the harshest trials. As they once reflected: "How can life be the same with just anyone?" For Liu and Brown, the answer is clear—some bonds are simply irreplaceable.