29-year-old Yu Haibo, from Jilin province, shared his story on Father's Day (15/6).
His son, Jiayue, was born in 2014. When Jiayue turned 3, he began experiencing frequent falls and unexplained bruising. A doctor's visit revealed a devastating diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of blood cancer.
The family embarked on a costly treatment journey, quickly depleting their savings. The Covid-19 pandemic struck, Yu lost his job, and their finances crumbled. Desperate, he listened to a friend's suggestion and stole over 20 electrical transformers in 4/2021, selling them for nearly 30,000 CNY.
Two months later, the police arrived. Yu confessed and received a 4-year sentence. "4 years of freedom for just 30,000 CNY," he lamented.
In prison, Yu was consumed by guilt and worry for his son. The burden of medical expenses fell on his elderly parents and wife. Jiayue's condition worsened. Knowing their son's time was limited, Yu's wife petitioned for a final visit.
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In 6/2023, while imprisoned, Yu Haibo was granted a special visit to see his son one last time. Photo: CCTV |
In 6/2023, while imprisoned, Yu Haibo was granted a special visit to see his son one last time. Photo: CCTV
In 6/2023, Yu saw Jiayue. He wept at the sight of his son in the hospital bed. Jiayue, however, remained strong, asking, "Dad, have you eaten breakfast?" Their brief, poignant exchange moved everyone present to tears.
A month later, Jiayue passed away. Following his wish to be "near his dad," his family cremated him and scattered his ashes in Jingyue Lake, near Yu's prison. They concealed the news, fearing he wouldn't cope.
In 11/2023, a reporter revealed the truth during an interview, leaving Yu devastated.
For good behavior, Yu was released 7 months early. He immediately visited Jingyue Lake. He blamed himself, believing he could have been there for Jiayue's final days, perhaps offering a glimmer of hope.
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After his release, Yu Haibo frequently visits Jingyue Lake, where his son's ashes were scattered, to find solace. Photo: Sohu |
After his release, Yu Haibo frequently visits Jingyue Lake, where his son's ashes were scattered, to find solace. Photo: Sohu
Now, every two weeks, he returns to the lake. Beside the still water, he holds not the warmth of his son, but an unending regret.
Yu's story has touched many in China. "He may not have been a good man," one commenter wrote, "but he was a good father."
Minh Phuong (Sohu)
