‘Hang in there’: Chinese boys offer US$1.5 to struggling store owner, sparking wave of support

Three boys from southeastern China offered 10.5 yuan (US$1.5) to a convenience store owner on the brink of closing, igniting a wave of public support.Five years after borrowing money to establish his convenience store in Guangzhou, Chen decided to shut down the shop as business continued to decline.On August 12, three primary school boys visited the store, as they often did, to buy drinks. During a casual conversation, they learned that Chen was preparing to close the establishment.One boy suggested that Chen take his business online, while another proposed they combine their pocket money to support him.The trio then counted their savings and placed 10.5 yuan on Chen’s counter, despite his persistent refusals, before running off with a message of encouragement: “Hang in there!”The trio seen discussing how to help struggling store owner Chen before pooling their limited resources on his counter. Photo: BaiduThe sight of the crumpled banknotes brought Chen to tears.After enduring five years of hardships without breaking down, he stated that the children’s genuine act of kindness was what finally caused him to lose his composure.The moment was captured by the store’s surveillance camera and subsequently uploaded by Chen, quickly going viral online.Netizens praised the boys for their kindness, while local residents shared videos of themselves visiting the store and supporting Chen.Chen’s landlord also stepped in, reducing his monthly rent from 5,500 yuan (US$820) to 4,500 yuan.A regular customer set up a stall outside the store selling lemon tea and grilled sausages, donating all proceeds to Chen.The crumpled banknotes left on the counter brought store owner Chen to tears, moving countless online users after he shared the CCTV footage of the heartfelt gesture. Photo: QQ.comJunjie, one of the three boys, also returned to assist in attracting customers by selling goods.Further ReadingJunjie’s father, Wei Sheng, told the SCMP that he was pleasantly surprised by his son’s gesture, viewing it as a simple act of goodwill.“I taught him that giving roses leaves a sweet fragrance on your hands. Helping others is also helping yourself,” he said.Wei, a cement worker at a property management company, and his wife, who works two jobs, have instilled in Junjie the values of independence. During the summer holiday, the 11-year-old often prepares his own meals.Junjie noted that he had never forgotten the complimentary drink Chen once gave him and donated the 3.5 yuan he had on that day, despite having only 15 yuan for his daily meals.Praised for their kindness, the boys inspired local residents to visit the store, showing their support for Chen by sharing videos of their visits. Photo: BaiduOn August 17, Chen took the three boys to KFC and went fishing with them to express his gratitude, giving each boy a red envelope.Although Chen has not yet revealed the store’s future, he has already begun live-streaming and selling products online.“The three little ‘angel investors’ are changing my fate,” he told local media.One online observer commented: “Running a bricks-and-mortar store is challenging these days. For Chen, the three children are a ray of light in the darkness.”Another suggested that Chen rename the shop “10.5 convenience store” and involve the boys in small-scale charity activities to keep the spirit of kindness alive.