Nanpu Bridge Uncle: Know real story behind man waiting for love on Shanghai bridge
An exposé revealed he was dodging significant rent debts, living in squalor, and deceiving authorities, exposing a harsh reality behind the heartwarming internet narrative.
New Delhi: For months, an enigmatic figure graced the bustling footpaths near Shanghai's iconic Nanpu Bridge. Dressed neatly, often with a simple water bottle and a plastic bag of snacks, this elderly gentleman, named Xu, became an internet sensation. Netizens affectionately anointed him "Nanpu Bridge Uncle" for his romantic gesture.
His daily vigil, as he told countless curious passersby, was for love, a poignant, timeless quest that captured hearts and went viral across Chinese social media, reported South China Morning Post. The image of a solitary man, patiently awaiting a romantic destiny amid the urban sprawl, painted a picture of hope and enduring affection.
However, the heartwarming love story that captivated online audiences has now unravelled, revealing a stark and considerably less romantic truth. Shanghai TV, in a mid-November exposé, pulled back the curtain on the "Nanpu Bridge Uncle," identifying him as 70-year-old Xu. And his true story? It's less about finding love and more about escaping responsibility, leaving a trail of unpaid debts and squalid living conditions.
Xu's real troubles began far from the gaze of adoring social media followers, specifically in a 50-square-meter flat in Huangpu District that he had rented since 2011. What started with a manageable 3,900 yuan (approx. 530 USD) per month had ballooned to 7,500 yuan (1,020 USD) by 2023. It was from August 2023 that Xu’s tenant saga took a grim turn.
Citing financial hardship, he ceased paying both rent and electricity bills. His landlady, Chu, eventually ran out of patience, demanding he vacate the premises by early 2024. Xu, however, staunchly refused.
Chu was left with no option but to seek legal recourse, filing a case with the Huangpu District People's Court. Following mediation, Xu nominally agreed to vacate the flat by the end of July 2024, with a stern warning of a 15,000 yuan (approx. 2,040 USD) monthly fine should he fail to comply. Yet, much like his evasiveness with his landlady, Xu chose to defy the court order, ignoring subsequent summons.
When court officials finally gained entry to the disputed apartment, the romantic facade of the "Nanpu Bridge Uncle" crumbled entirely. Instead of a humble dwelling, they discovered a truly shocking scene. The flat was reportedly overflowing with garbage, a breeding ground for rats and cockroaches.
Neighbours, it turned out, had long been suffering, complaining bitterly about the pervasive filth and its detrimental impact on their daily lives.
The investigation further exposed Xu’s "poverty" claims as disingenuous. Court officials discovered he was simultaneously renting another apartment in Minhang District for 1,900 yuan (approx. 260 USD) per month.
Moreover, far from being destitute, Xu received a consistent pension exceeding 4,000 yuan (approx. 540 USD) monthly. His claims of being "short of money" for Chu's apartment thus appeared to be a deliberate tactic to avoid his responsibilities.
The consequences for Xu were swift and severe. For his blatant disregard of court orders, he was detained for 15 days. He has also been legally mandated to pay Chu a staggering 190,000 yuan (approx. 25,800 USD), covering all outstanding rent, electricity bills, and relocation compensation. This dramatic exposé has sparked a flurry of debate across social media, forcing a reevaluation of the viral narrative.