Love still fresh for devoted couple in hospital

"He asked us to help deliver the letters," says ward nurse Xiao Juan. "Sometimes, he would also send a pear or yogurt. After receiving his wife's letter, he would read it for a long time. Although they were in quarantine, the separate wards could not 'isolate' their hearts, or their mutual care and concern."

Chen adds: "Sun is very straightforward and cheerful. She often asks us if we need help. It really moved us to see such a relationship during the outbreak. The love they have for each other is so pure even though their hair has turned white. And because they were both cultural workers, they are very good at expressing themselves."

After Zhang recovered and was discharged from the hospital on May 1, the couple switched from writing letters to communicating by phone. Sun was later discharged on May 6.

"She couldn't wait to see her husband," says Chen.