She also says that she found Rao Pingru and Mao Meitang to be just an ordinary couple who loved each other through the most ordinary everyday life.

"It was the social turmoil and changed times that made their love story unusual," she says.

Our Story was named one of "The Most Beautiful Books of China" in 2014. Graphic designer Zhu Yingchun created a distinctive exposed spine for the book based on traditional Chinese book-binding methods. The design was later adopted by the English edition.

Zhu was also working with Rao on his second book, titled Pingru's Notepad, which was scheduled for release later this year.

"I am most grateful and honored to have worked with Rao Yeye," Zhu said at the online memorial service.

"I went on book readings with him four times, and every time he was well-groomed and so neat. I believe that was a reflection of his inside world. He was always optimistic. Even when he recalled the years in Anhui where he was sent down to do hard labor, he shared the stories with a good laugh. Only when he spoke about his wife, Meitang, I saw his head lowered, with tears in the eyes."

Contact the writer at zhangkun@chinadaily.com.cn