Boyfriend Works 14-Hour Days to Fund Girlfriend's Surgery

When Yan Ruize's girlfriend needed surgery that would change her life, he didn't hesitate to spend 14 hours a day delivering food to make it happen.

He Ling, 23, from Sichuan province, China, was born with severe scoliosis that curves her spine sideways. The condition has left her just 4 feet 5 inches tall and weighing only 70 pounds, and doctors say surgery costing $45,000 could dramatically improve her quality of life.

The young couple met in 2021 while working at a mobile phone parts factory. After He trained as a manicurist and started a night market stall, her small income supported them both when Yan's factory closed down.

But Yan wasn't content to let his girlfriend carry the financial burden alone. In 2024, he became a food delivery rider, pedaling through city streets for up to 14 hours daily to save every possible dollar for her operation.

Their dedication caught the attention of a social media creator who filmed their story. The video exploded online, racking up over 18 million views and touching hearts across the country.

The Ripple Effect

Strangers who saw their story didn't just watch and scroll past. People from across China opened their wallets, contributing to online fundraising campaigns that have raised nearly $15,000 toward He's surgery.

The outpouring of support shows how one couple's quiet determination can inspire a wave of generosity. What started as Yan working alone to save his girlfriend has become a community effort, with thousands of people choosing to help carry the weight.

While some critics questioned the couple's choices, the overwhelming response has been one of compassion. Donors saw not a story of pity, but one of love, perseverance, and the simple human desire to help when help is needed.

He is now significantly closer to her surgery goal, with the combination of Yan's tireless work and community support bringing her dream of treatment within reach.

Sometimes love looks like 14-hour days, and sometimes it looks like thousands of strangers deciding to help carry someone home.