A chance delivery in a lift led to an unexpected romance in Shenyang: a 27-year-old food courier, Liu, greeted an American kindergarten teacher with the simple English phrase “I love you” — and five months later they were married.
How they met
The pair first crossed paths last November when Hannah Harris, a 30-year-old teacher from Alabama, ordered noodles through a delivery app. Liu, who works as a courier in Liaoning province, encountered her in a lift while making the drop. With limited English, he greeted her with “Hello, I love you.” She laughed, they exchanged contact details, and their conversations began.
Building a cross-cultural connection
Harris said she wanted to learn more about Liu while trading language lessons: he would pick up English, she would learn Chinese. Liu shared photos of his two cats and clips of daily life — cooking, rollerblading and delivery runs. The couple discovered common interests in animals, food and sport, and Harris frequently accompanied Liu on his deliveries and weekend trips to nearby villages.
A quick engagement and family blessing
Their relationship progressed quickly. In January, Liu proposed with a diamond ring at an underground station. He later told local media he felt he had found “the one” despite their short courtship. Two months after the proposal, they married in Liu’s hometown. Harris’s parents offered their blessing by video from the United States.
Life after the wedding
The couple manage language gaps with translation apps and evening study sessions; both now speak some Chinese and English. They share a small dog named Pudding, cook each other’s national dishes and enjoy cycling together. Liu, who describes himself as coming from a poor rural background without a house or car, says Harris values their bond over material wealth. Harris hopes to continue teaching and pursue writing; Liu dreams of travelling across China with her.
Public reaction and viral attention
Their story has drawn widespread attention online in mainland China, amassing millions of views. Many praised Liu’s brave, heartfelt greeting; others cautioned that marrying quickly can be risky but expressed hope the couple will support each other through everyday life.
