'Hello, I love you'! Food delivery guy’s first words to American teacher leads to marriage within months

Sometimes, love needs no long conversations, no elaborate dates- just an instant spark. That’s exactly what happened when a food delivery guy nervously blurted out “I love you” to an American teacher he had just met in an elevator. To his amazement, she replied with the same words, and that unexpected moment of connection soon turned into a whirlwind romance leading to marriage.

A Love Story Born in an Elevator

Liu Hao, a 27-year-old from Liaoning Province, first met Hannah Harris, a kindergarten teacher from Alabama, USA, in November 2024. Hannah had moved to Shenyang a few months earlier for work, and when she ordered food one evening, fate brought Liu to her doorstep. As they rode together in the elevator, Liu, unsure how to greet a foreigner, impulsively said, “Hello, I love you.” 

To his surprise, Hannah responded, “I love you,” right back.

HK01 quoted him as saying, "It was my first time meeting a foreigner, and I didn't know how to greet her, so I just said those two words, and she said 'I love you' back." 

Love Beyond Language Barriers

What began as an awkward yet sweet exchange blossomed quickly. Despite not speaking the same language, they felt a deep connection. Their chats moved from the delivery app to WeChat, where they slowly began to understand each other better. Liu recalls that he never imagined love could be so sudden, but their growing bond proved to him that feelings often transcend words.

Marriage Without Material Demands

As their relationship grew, Hannah supported Liu even during his food delivery rounds, braving the harsh winter by his side. In January, just weeks after meeting, Liu proposed to her with a diamond ring. By March, they were married.

The couple’s journey has been marked by simple joys, celebrating birthdays on Nanshan Mountain, learning each other’s language with translation apps, and sharing a life built on sincerity rather than material expectations. Liu says Hannah never asked for a car, house, or traditional betrothal gifts, something that touched him deeply.

Now married, the couple dreams of visiting the United States together, but their long-term plan is to build their life in China.