Yu Jinhui, a fourth-year physical education student at Northern Minzu University in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, recently completed a journey, driving 1,300 km to urgently take a classmate home.
A female student learned of her mother's sudden passing on the evening of 7/5. Her hometown, in a remote Hubei mountain area, presented significant travel challenges. She explored all transport options to see her mother one last time before the funeral, ultimately realizing a private car was her only choice.
Upon learning of the situation, the female student's roommate contacted Yu, a fellow student known for his social media presence, which boasts over 730,000 followers, to ask for help.
“Can you drive her home? She will cover the fuel costs, and you could film a meaningful video”, the friend suggested.
Yu and three friends immediately agreed, departing at 1:30 on 8/5. During the journey, they continuously comforted their distraught friend and took turns conversing to help Yu stay awake while driving.
Yu only stopped occasionally for brief rests. After 13 hours of continuous driving, the students finally reached a village in Hubei province. Upon stopping, Yu vomited repeatedly, a consequence of consuming too many energy drinks during the drive.
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Yu Jinhui (second from right) and his friends drove the female student 1,300 km overnight to attend her mother's funeral. *Photo: The Paper* |
Yu's group prepared offerings to light incense before the mother's coffin, then departed after two hours. Although the female student's family earnestly invited them to stay and rest, Yu declined, wishing not to intrude during the family's difficult time of grief.
The total cost for the trip, encompassing fuel, tolls, food, accommodation, and offerings, amounted to approximately 5,200 CNY (about 20 million VND). The group also supported the female student with 1,000 CNY (3.8 million VND) but firmly refused to accept reimbursement for the fuel.
“We have done the most meaningful thing in our lives. The trip, though exhausting, was entirely worthwhile”, the male students shared with the media.
Immediately upon returning to school on the evening of 10/5, Yu's group became busy preparing for their impending graduation thesis. Yu stated that he simply does what he can, hoping to spread warmth and kindness to others.
Source: SCMP, ifeng, The Paper
