|
A CHRISTMAS CARD, a call and sparks flew for Prof Yang Chen Ning and Ms Weng Fan. The Nobel laureate is here with his wife for a conference. -- ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA
|
THERE is no denying the striking age gap. Her husband's children from an earlier marriage are at least 15 years older than she is and when her hubby holds her hand, it's as much for support as affection.
But such things did not stop MsWeng Fan, 31, from marrying Nobel laureate Yang Chen Ning, 85, when he proposed by phone three years ago.
Professor Yang, co-winner of the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics, is here with his wife for a conference organised by the Nanyang Technological University.
And despite the 54-year age gap, the couple painted a picture of marital bliss as they gave The Sunday Times a glimpse of their life together.
Midway through the interview with Prof Yang at a restaurant, Ms Weng entered and his eyes lit up. As he stood to hold her hand, she gave him a peck on the cheek. They also addressed each other as 'darling' during the lunch.
The age gap constantly invites stares from strangers and the media cannot resist asking about their relationship.
But the Beijing-based couple saw it all coming from day one and are now used to it. There's even talk of trying for a baby. 'We've thought of having kids; it's possible,' said Prof Yang.
The marriage was the second for both. Prof Yang's wife died in 2003 while Ms Weng was divorced.
Prof Yang, a China-born American, said their relationship is like any other. When they aren't flying around for his conferences, they spend their free time watching DVDs and, like any couple, argue over what to watch.
While he introduces her to Cary Grant movies, she gets him to watch 90s blockbusters.
'The movies I watch, sometimes she hasn't even heard of before,' said Prof Yang. 'But this difference is good; it makes us communicate more and brings us closer.'
Ms Weng also cooks him his favourite grilled lamb chops and prepares nourishing tonic soups.
When they head out to a museum or park, they hold hands like a young couple.
But while many see it as a romantic gesture, Prof Yang said it is more of a practical move: 'The elderly are more prone to falls and holding my wife's hand gives me a sense of security.'
The couple met in 1995, at a physics seminar at Shantou University in China where Ms Weng, a freshman, was assigned as the guide for Prof Yang and his then wife.
'(We) liked her a lot and felt that she was a very sincere person,' said Prof Yang, whose wife died from an illness in October 2003.
Two months later, Ms Weng sent him a Christmas card, he gave her a call and sparks flew.
Her parents were surprised when she told them of his proposal but gave their blessings, as did his three children, who all live in the United States.
Prof Yang knows their marriage might not last long because of his age.
He said: 'I told her that she can remarry when I leave this world. But right now, we're enjoying our sweet marriage.'
|
