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Li met Ma in 1991 when they worked at the same company. At the time, he was 23 and she was 25. Their relationship lasted eight years before ending when Li moved back to his hometown to care for his father, who was battling cancer. Both eventually married others and started their own families.

In 2001, Li began a business but struggled financially and asked his ex for help. She sent him 10,000 yuan (US$1,400), which he said saved his business.

His business improved over time but two years later, he lost his phone and all contact with Ma. He has been searching for her ever since. “I just want to repay her. I don’t know how she is doing now,” Li told the media on Oct. 25.

Li’s wife supports his decision. “I am not jealous. If he finds her, I will help him return the money,” she said.

Li shared limited information about Ma’s family. Her father once worked at the No. 12 coal mine in Pingdingshan, Henan Province. Her family used to live in Donggongren Town and had a younger brother and sister. But the old neighborhood has since been replaced by apartment buildings.

Local authorities have joined the search and interviewed residents but to no avail. “It may have been too long ago, or the family may have moved away,” an official said.

Li said he would not give up searching for Ma. “I believe that with persistence, anyone can be found,” he said.