Chi Zhongrui’s 36-year “monk-like marriage”: child-free life guided by three strict rules

On April 7, Fu Wah International Group announced that its founder, Chen Lihua, passed away in Beijing on April 5, 2026, at the age of 85.

Yet public attention quickly shifted—not to her vast business empire, but to her husband, Chi Chongrui, best known for playing Tang Monk in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West.

Their 36-year marriage has long been one of the most talked-about unions in Chinese celebrity circles.

【1】A Controversial Beginning

In 1988, Chi rose to fame overnight after Journey to the West aired.

That same year, he met Chen Lihua—a wealthy businesswoman, 11 years his senior, divorced, and already a mother.

Their shared love for traditional opera brought them together, but their relationship was immediately met with skepticism.

Labels like “gold digger” and “kept man” followed Chi relentlessly.
At a time when societal expectations were more rigid, a man marrying into wealth faced intense scrutiny.

Still, Chen openly admitted she was the one who pursued him.

They married in 1990.
Soon after, Chi gradually stepped away from acting—fueling even more public debate.

【2】A Marriage Defined by Rules

What made their marriage particularly controversial was its structure.

According to widely circulated accounts, Chen set clear conditions before marriage:

• No children
• No interference in business or major decisions
• Strict adherence to household etiquette

After marriage, these “rules” became part of daily life:

• Formal address between spouses (“Chairwoman”, “Mr.”)
• Dining only after Chen begins
• A notably serious, disciplined household atmosphere

To outsiders, it resembled hierarchy more than romance.

Yet, the relationship was not without mutual support.

In 1999, Chen funded the China Red Sandalwood Museum, allowing Chi to pursue his passion in art and culture.
He also maintained a harmonious relationship with her children, integrating into the family over time.

【3】36 Years, One Life Choice

For decades, people have tried to define this marriage:
Was it love, compromise, or convenience?

Perhaps it was all—or none.

Over 36 years, Chi transitioned from a celebrated screen figure to a quiet presence within a powerful family.

He once said time seemed to pass quickly, as if only ten years had gone by.

Some see endurance.
Others see acceptance.

But ultimately, rules can be either chains or agreements—depending on how one chooses to live with them.

With Chen’s passing, this long-standing partnership enters a new chapter.
Whether it is remembered as a love story, a social paradox, or something in between—remains open to interpretation.