Teen Lives Under Bridge, Community Gives Him Fresh Start

When Tang Wei arrived in Changsha, China with just $300, his loyal dog Bobo, and a dream of attending college, he never expected the city would transform his life.

The 19-year-old from rural Hunan province needed to earn money for tuition before classes started in September. With his family struggling financially and a younger brother at home, Tang felt responsible for funding his own education.

He bought a tent, sleeping bag, and basic supplies with his limited cash. Then he found work as a food delivery rider, cycling through the city each day with Bobo trotting alongside him.

The first week was brutal. Tang earned only $30, then lost half of it compensating a car owner after accidentally scratching their vehicle with his electric bicycle.

When hooligans harassed him at a public park, Tang moved his tent under a bridge to escape heavy May rains and unwanted visitors. He owned just four sets of clothes, including his delivery uniform.

Tang raised Bobo from a month-old puppy, a gift from his grandfather years ago. "I need it more than it needs me," he told reporters who discovered his story.

Sunny's Take

What happened next shows how one person's courage can unlock a community's compassion.

After the Changsha Evening News shared Tang's journey, donations of money and supplies poured in from city residents. Animal welfare volunteer Wang Jing offered dog food, a kennel, and promised to care for Bobo during the school year if needed.

A manager from Sany Group, a local manufacturing company, offered Tang something even better than donations. The three-month position guards a storage area and includes free meals, air-conditioned housing with WiFi, and a salary of thousands of yuan monthly.

"I think he is kindhearted and endures hardship," manager Fan explained. "I want to offer him a chance of earning money through his labour."

Tang, who dreams of becoming a writer and has already read domestic and foreign literature, accepted gratefully. He now lives in the company dormitory with Bobo, saving nearly every yuan he earns for his education.

"I have made up my mind to work hard and study hard," Tang said. "In the future, if I am capable, I will repay Changsha. It is such a warm city."