He Failed to Win Her Heart, Then Asked for S$2,585 Back — Judge Says “Cannot Lah”
In a drama straight out of a rom-com gone wrong, a man in Shanghai tried to romance a woman with an overseas holiday — but when love didn’t blossom, he took her to court for a refund. Mr Chen splurged more than S$5,170 on a luxurious getaway for two to Bali and Surabaya, only to later demand that the woman, Ms Li, pay her half. The court, however, ruled that spending money to chase love doesn’t guarantee a return — not emotionally, and certainly not financially.
Romantic Getaway Turns Into Legal Battle
According to reports, Mr Chen and Ms Li went on a 7-day, 6-night trip in October 2024, which cost ¥30,420 (approx. S$5,170) in total — or S$2,585 per person. The trip was marketed as a “dual private group tour,” and Ms Li was aware of the cost.
Mr Chen paid for both of them in full before the trip. After they returned to Shanghai, on 21 October, he asked her to reimburse her share — a request she refused. Feeling used and financially slighted, he filed a lawsuit, citing unjust enrichment, and demanded S$2,585 back.
Woman Insists: “I Never Say Want Go Dutch”
Ms Li countered the claim, stating she never agreed to go Dutch. She pointed out that Mr Chen had previously paid for another trip to Nanjing, and she had always assumed he was footing the bill as part of his romantic pursuit.
She added that she contributed during the trip by paying for meals and daily items — and most importantly, there was never any agreement that she would reimburse the cost.
After examining their chat history, the court agreed with Ms Li. It concluded that Mr Chen willingly paid for the trip while trying to woo her. Since Ms Li never agreed to split the cost, there was no legal basis for reimbursement. Mr Chen’s claim was dismissed.
Netizens React: “He Thought Got Discount for Love?”
The case stirred strong reactions online. Some netizens sided with the woman:
“Not girlfriend yet, you so generous for what?”
“Treating her like wife standard but still on boyfriend trial.”
Others felt she had taken advantage:
“Eat free, travel free — aiyo, a bit thick-skinned leh.”
“At least offer to pay something mah.”
Regardless of opinion, the court’s decision sent a clear message: romantic gestures are not contracts.
Pricey Lesson for Aspiring Lovers
This case is a classic reminder for hopeless romantics: if you’re splashing cash to win someone over, do so with no strings attached — or get it in writing. Love might be blind, but the law is not.