Teen Bows to Mom Who Drove Cab to Fund His Surgery
After finishing China's national college exam, an 18-year-old performed a traditional kowtow to thank his adoptive mother for years of sacrifice. Taxi driver Ye Huanzhi worked grueling hours for over a decade to save $44,000 for surgery that restored her son's hearing.
An adopted son found on a rainy night knelt before his mother after completing China's college entrance exam, honoring the woman who gave him life twice.
Lele was just a newborn when Ye Huanzhi found him wrapped in blankets on her way home in April 2008. His ears were visibly malformed, and his umbilical cord hadn't fully fallen off, but the modest taxi driver didn't hesitate to take him in.
Doctors diagnosed Lele with congenital microtia, leaving him with only one-third of normal hearing. Surgery to restore his hearing would cost 300,000 yuan, about $44,000.
Ye worked from dawn until late at night, driving passengers across Xiangyang in Hubei province and saving every yuan she could. For more than ten years, she balanced her taxi shifts with trips to hospitals in three different cities, searching for the best care for her son.
Her dedication caught the attention of fellow drivers, who donated money to help. Locals began calling her the "caring taxi sister," and community members helped connect the family with leading doctors.
In August 2018, Lele underwent an eight-hour operation while Ye waited outside. The surgery succeeded, restoring his hearing and reconstructing his outer ears.
On June 7, after completing his skills-oriented college entrance exam, Lele came home and knelt before Ye. He kowtowed three times, a solemn Chinese tradition expressing filial piety and deep gratitude.
Ye helped him to his feet and gently told him to rest. The Alibaba Foundation later awarded the family 10,000 yuan to support Lele's education.
Sunny's Take
Lele plans to study mechanical manufacturing at university, hoping to give back to society the way his community gave to him. His story reminds us that family isn't always about blood, but about showing up every single day with unconditional love.
One social media user captured it perfectly: "Even some biological parents might not have done what Ye did. She is a truly great mother."
Lele's gratitude and sense of responsibility already shine brighter than any exam score.
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Based on reporting by South China Morning Post
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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