750 Million Won and 5 Houses... Chinese Elderly Person Who Cared for Neighbor for 12 Years Leaves Property to Them

Inheritance of Five Houses and Entire Estate
Spending Time Together by Celebrating Birthdays and Playing Janggi

An elderly Chinese man who lived alone without ever marrying left his entire estate, including five houses, to a neighboring man who cared for him for 12 years.

On the 27th, China Central Television (CCTV) and multiple Chinese media outlets reported on Mr. Ruan, an elderly man who lived in Shunyi District, Beijing. According to the reports, when Mr. Ruan turned 81, he sought help from the village committee to find someone to take care of him. Following the committee's suggestion, a neighbor named Mr. Liu, who had a good relationship with him, volunteered to support Mr. Ruan.

CCTV is reporting news about Mr. Ruan. CCTV

Mr. Ruan signed a 'Will and Care Agreement' with Mr. Liu, stating that he would inherit his estate. According to the agreement, Mr. Liu would take care of Mr. Ruan to ensure he could live comfortably in his remaining years, and Mr. Ruan would leave all his assets, including 11 houses, to Mr. Liu.

Mr. Liu not only celebrated Mr. Ruan’s birthdays but also spent time playing Janggi (Korean chess) with him. He frequently brought his own grandchildren to visit and greet Mr. Ruan, providing attentive care, CCTV reported.

During this time, the village underwent development. The houses owned by Mr. Ruan were demolished, and he received compensation of 3.8 million yuan (approximately 750 million KRW) and five resettlement houses totaling 560㎡.

In March 2023, Mr. Ruan renewed the 'Will and Care Agreement,' reaffirming that he would leave all his property to Mr. Liu. Later that year, in October, Mr. Ruan passed away at the age of 93. Mr. Liu personally arranged the funeral and even wrote the epitaph. CCTV reported that thanks to the neighbor’s meticulous care, the solitary elderly man spent his later years happily.

At the time, the deceased’s younger sister and nephews were still alive, so Mr. Liu went through the court to confirm the legitimacy of the inheritance. During the trial, the sister and nephews reportedly made no claims regarding the inheritance.

Mr. Liu stated to the court that he did not want any blood relatives of the deceased to inherit the estate. The court ruled that it was appropriate for the entire estate of the elderly man to be inherited by Mr. Liu.