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According to MothershipHou’s two children from his first marriage have filed a lawsuit challenging the transfer, calling it unfair and questioning whether their father was of sound mind when he signed the documents. They are seeking to annul the asset transfer and demand a division of the property.

Hou divorced his first wife before marrying Liyuan in 2016. The couple share a six-year-old son.

In 2025, Hou was diagnosed with late-stage cancer and underwent five rounds of chemotherapy. Chinese media reported that Liyuan provided round-the-clock care, giving up social engagements and work to tend to him. Her duties reportedly included feeding him, emptying his bedpan, and accompanying him to medical appointments.

Hou transferred all his assets to Liyuan on March 18. The fortune includes three beachfront villas in prime Sanya locations, two street-front shops, full equity in a resort hotel, a 27% stake in a yacht company, and bank deposits totaling 47 million yuan. Hou reportedly said the move was intended to thank Liyuan for her care and to secure the financial future of her and their son.

Following the transfer, Hou’s children from his first marriage reportedly confronted Liyuan in person and accused her online of being a “schemer.”

Liyuan responded that she cared for her husband wholeheartedly and never requested any of the assets, adding that she would continue to care for him.

The dispute has sparked intense debate online. Some netizens argue that the couple’s 10-year marriage and shared child demonstrate genuine affection. Others criticize Liyuan, suggesting she gained a “good return on investment.”

Some support Hou’s children, while others believe they have no right to complain if they failed to fulfill their filial duties.

The case follows a similar dispute in Taiwan. In January, a 102-year-old man surnamed Wang reportedly married his long-time caregiver, Lai, 69, and transferred seven plots of land and a 1.9 million-pound (US$2.5 million) insurance policy to her and her children, totaling around 4.7 million pounds, according to The Sun.

In February, Wang’s children and grandchildren waited outside a local hospital where he had an appointment. As Wang left, they reportedly seized his wheelchair, attempting to wheel him to their waiting vehicle. Police arrived at the scene, and the case was subsequently taken to court.

Court documents show Wang’s children sought to annul his marriage to Lai, recover the transferred assets, and obtain legal guardianship, arguing that any consent given by their father was invalid due to cognitive impairment.