Zhang Hong
Deng's university classmate Zhang Hong () was sent to the same commune in Ningqiang County, where the two frequently cooked food and collected firewood together. They are thought to have already been romantically involved at this point. The two later had a daughter in 1972 called Deng Zhuorui (), alternatively known as Mianmian (). Zhuorui married the CEO of Anbang Insurance Group, Wu Xiaohui in 2004. It was Wu's third marriage and they had one son. In 2014, Zhuorui ceased being a shareholder in two companies owned by Anbang, which was followed by news of the couple's separation in 2015.