Have you ever seen a 74-year-old man struggling to keep up with his younger wife, going through a shopping mall and standing in line for bubble tea just to make her happy? This isn’t a scene from a drama; it’s the real-life story of Zhang Jizhong and Du Xinglin. With a 31-year age difference, they chose to walk hand in hand into marriage and, inevitably, into the whirlpool of public opinion.
When their relationship was first exposed in 2017, almost everyone doubted it. Zhang Jizhong, the famed director behind Jin Yong’s wuxia dramas like *The Smiling, Proud Wanderer* and *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, had been a big name in the film industry. Meanwhile, Du Xinglin was barely in her early 30s, just a recent graduate of the Shanghai Theatre Academy. Standing side by side, they looked more like a father and daughter going shopping than a married couple. The internet was full of harsh criticism, calling it a case of \"old man, young woman\" and even asking bluntly: \"What does she want?\"
But Zhang Jizhong didn’t back down, and neither did Du Xinglin. They frequently shared glimpses of their life on social media – showing off their love, their children, and their workouts. However, it wasn’t until a 2022 date video that public sentiment started to change. In the clip, Zhang Jizhong was clearly out of breath, trying to keep up with Du Xinglin, stopping every few steps to rest, dripping with sweat. Du Xinglin, visibly impatient, even complained aloud: “Why’s your stamina so bad?” What seemed like a sweet date was, in reality, a test of endurance.
At first, many thought this confirmed the doubts about their relationship. But if you watch the video closely, you’ll notice some details: Zhang Jizhong was actively trying to keep up with her, wearing new shoes, having changed his hairstyle, and even bringing her favorite dessert. It was clear he was trying, but age had caught up with him, and his pace could no longer match hers.
Fast forward to 2025, Zhang Jizhong is 74, and Du Xinglin is 43. They are still together, despite the constant external commentary. Recently, Zhang Jizhong said: “I know how others view me, but I only care about whether she’s happy.” This might sound old-fashioned, but it’s also profoundly honest.
Du Xinglin has also addressed the doubts. She said: “I know many think I don’t deserve this, but I’m choosing a lifestyle, not a label.” It might sound like a defense, but when you think about it, who’s life isn’t a choice of their own? Love has never been a fairytale, and marriage is not the finish line – it’s more like a process of constant adjustment, much like dancing a duet. One person might be faster, and the other slower, but as long as both are in sync, they will find their own rhythm.
During a family dinner, Zhang Jizhong ordered Du Xinglin’s favorite dessert for her, but the waiter advised against it, saying: “You have high blood sugar; it’s better to avoid sweets.” At that moment, Zhang Jizhong’s smile was slightly stiff, but he still insisted: “It’s okay to have a little once in a while.” This small gesture may speak louder than any vow.
One internet user, @AteTheGrapes, commented: \"I used to find them disgusting, but now I actually feel sorry for them.\" This shift in perspective reflects a natural transition from personal experience to public judgment, and finally, to understanding the significance of this relationship in a broader context. We’ve become accustomed to seeing celebrities live flawless lives, and when we find out they have struggles and disagreements, we quickly label them as failures. This critical attitude essentially reflects society’s inability to accept diverse forms of marriage.
Zhang Jizhong once shared: “I’ve directed so many heroes, but it was only later that I realized the true heroism is to love in the ordinary moments of life.” This statement not only reveals his professional insight as a director but also his understanding of marriage. This isn’t a failed marriage; it’s an unrelenting practice of embracing diverse views on love.
This isn’t a story about disdain but about a journey of understanding. Zhang Jizhong and Du Xinglin’s marriage might not align with traditional ideals, but it serves as a reminder: the value of love should not be defined by age, wealth, or appearance. It truly tests whether we can find balance in differences and hold onto our genuine intentions amidst controversy.
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