In 2013, a phone call in a noodle shop in Zhejiang, China, triggered a remarkable story that unfolded over two decades. The tale involved a woman’s kindness and a man’s relentless quest to express his gratitude. This story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and gratitude, and it’s sure to inspire those who believe in the power of kindness.
The unexpected reunion
One day in May 2013, Dai Xingfen, the owner of a noodle shop in Dujiang, Zhejiang Province, received a call from a middle-aged man. The man excitedly identified himself as the boy she had helped over 20 years ago, He Rongfeng. Dai remembered him as a skinny, quiet boy with bloody feet. He Rongfeng’s relentless quest to find and thank her deeply moved her.
The backstory
In 1993, 17-year-old He Rongfeng, from Chongqing, was forced to leave his hometown due to his family’s debts. Along with two friends, he journeyed to Zhejiang to find work. However, they were robbed in Hangzhou, leaving them penniless and forced to beg for survival.
Kindness that changed lives
On the 13th day of their journey, a fever-stricken Rongfeng and his friends knocked on a door in Yangfu Village. Dai Xingfen, a beautiful and kind woman in her early twenties, welcomed them into her home. She and her parents fed the starving boys and treated Rongfeng’s fever. The next day, Dai found them a job, and when they had to move on to find more work, she gave each of them 10 yuan and some food for their journey.
The transformation
Over the next decade, Rongfeng went from being a beggar to a laborer, then to a contractor, and finally became the owner of several furniture and paint factories. He attributed his success to Dai’s parting words: “Honesty and trustworthiness will earn you a good reputation, and that’s how you make money.”
The search for gratitude
Despite his busy life, Rongfeng began his search for Dai to express his gratitude. After several failed attempts due to a misunderstanding of Dai’s name, he finally found her in 2013. In gratitude, Rongfeng offered her a check for a million yuan, but Dai politely declined, saying what she did was nothing more than what any decent person would do.
In closing
Dai’s kindness and humility have won her countless praises. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of small acts of kindness. Rongfeng’s story of transformation and gratitude is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of remembering those who have helped us along the way.
In honor of Dai, Rongfeng wrote a book documenting this inspiring story, Self-Motivation: How a Beggar Was Inspired to Become a Millionaire. Dai, however, humbly insists that Rongfeng’s success was not due to her “inspiration,” but to his kindness.
