"Why wear a helmet when you're walking?", one asks Zhu.
Since childhood, Zhu has had polio. Unable to ride an electric scooter, he carries the box on his back and walks, delivering food around the Daiping area of Yuzhong District in Chongqing.
He only takes two orders at a time, walking but still wearing a helmet as required by the platform. He often has to run to avoid late delivery penalties.
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Zhu delivers food in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. Photo: QQ |
Zhu delivers food in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. Photo: QQ
In July, Zhu completed 338 orders, walking 272 km and earning 2,100 CNY. In June, he delivered 435 orders, walked 373 km, and earned over 2,200 CNY. This is enough to cover his basic needs.
A few days ago, the platform deducted money from his earnings without explanation. Zhu asked a fellow delivery driver, Liao Zeming, for help. Liao, impressed by Zhu's perseverance despite his disability, decided to share Zhu's story.
"It's really sad to see him doing fewer deliveries and having so much deducted," Liao said. "Even though we work for different platforms, we're all trying to make a living, which isn't easy. So I wanted to help."
Liao posted Zhu's story on Upstream News, a short-form video platform. The video went viral, attracting millions of views. Some viewers suggested raising money to buy Zhu an electric tricycle, but he declined, saying he doesn't know how to drive one.
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The delivery driver with polio inspires many. Photo: QQ |
The delivery driver with polio inspires many. Photo: QQ
Zhu previously worked as a dishwasher but had to quit because he couldn't meet the restaurant's demands. Determined not to be a burden to his elderly parents, he found work as a delivery driver.
"I'm happy with this job now," he said. "I just hope to become an official delivery driver for the platform to get more orders."
Zhu's story has touched many, who find his awkward yet endearing image a reminder that honest work is always valuable. Supportive comments flooded social media: "Anyone striving for a better life is amazing!", and "If he's late, please don't complain. Give him understanding and tolerance."
Bao Nhien (From QQ)
