‘A true man’: Chinese boy touches hearts by promoting single mum’s small recycling business
Chunchun, 8, hailed for courage, sense of responsibility as he helps mum rebuild life after her divorce and suffers severe burns
A young boy from central China went viral after proudly promoting his burn-survivor mother’s street stall during a chance visit to a university football pitch.
On June 28, eight-year-old Chunchun from Zhengzhou, Henan province, accompanied his mother to a local campus where he joined a casual football game.
Noticing students holding empty drink bottles, he stepped forward and, in full view of the crowd, began introducing his mother’s recycling business.
“My mum was badly burned. We collect recyclables and also sell slippers for 5 yuan (74 US cents) a pair. If you have waste items, you can find my mum,” he said, before politely thanking the students and wishing them academic success.
His candid pitch drew warm applause. Students handed over bottles and formed queues to buy slippers, with one even purchasing 10 pairs for her roommates.
Chunchun’s mother, surnamed Chen, was once a television host. After her divorce, she raised her son alone.
Five years ago, an explosion left her with burns covering 45 per cent of her body, resulting in severe disfigurement and the loss of several fingers. The cause of the incident has not been publicly disclosed.