China teen shares top university acceptance with hero who saved her from river 16 years ago

Sixteen years after being rescued from a river as a toddler, a young girl from eastern China earned a spot at the prestigious Peking University and shared this significant milestone with the man who saved her life.Yu Xianguo, 66, from Taizhou in Zhejiang province, is a retired naval serviceman who served five years in the military, according to mainland media outlet Xinhuanghe.In August 2010, two-year-old Zheng Yan was travelling with her grandparents on a three-wheeled vehicle as they prepared to board a ferry. As they approached the vessel, the vehicle suddenly collided with a pillar.Zheng’s grandfather sustained a leg injury, while her grandmother struck her head and lost consciousness. The force of the collision propelled the toddler into the river.Pictured here with baby Zheng and her family immediately after the rescue. Maintaining a deep connection for over a decade, Zheng’s family has continued to celebrate the bond they share with Yu’s family. Photo: The PaperAt that moment, Yu was on his way to work. Upon hearing that a child had fallen into the water, he immediately rushed to the scene, jumped from the dock into the river, and held the girl above the surface until bystanders were able to pull her to safety.Yu quietly left afterwards, changed his clothes, and went to work as usual.When Zheng’s parents later tracked him down to express their gratitude and offer a cash reward, he graciously declined, stating: “I was just doing what anyone would do.”Instead, he accepted only a red pennant of appreciation that read: “Bravely saving a life, with noble character.”For more than a decade, the two families have remained closely connected. Yu noted that Zheng’s parents regularly sent holiday greetings and visited his family.Yu, left, who declined monetary rewards, chose to accept a red pennant that honours his courageous act, stating, “Bravely saving a life, with noble character.” Photo: The PaperAfter graduating from primary school, Zheng sent Yu a heartfelt thank-you letter, saying, “Without your help, I would not be who I am today. I will study hard and become someone who can contribute to society, so that the risk you took to save me was not in vain.”Further ReadingOn July 20, Zheng shared the exciting news with Yu that she had been admitted to Peking University’s French language programme. After receiving her acceptance letter, she and her parents visited Yu to celebrate this achievement with him.Zheng’s mother expressed her pride in her daughter’s accomplishment, adding that Zheng hopes to pursue a double degree in the future.The Zheng family expresses their gratitude to Yu, celebrating her top university acceptance together. Photo: The PaperYu stated that his family was thrilled for her. Reflecting on the past, he told local media that he never anticipated that a simple act of kindness would lead to such a lasting bond.The story has resonated widely on mainland social media platforms.One online observer commented: “Yu’s act of kindness has finally blossomed into something beautiful. He helped preserve a talent for the country.”Another wrote: “Zheng and her family understand the importance of gratitude. Surviving such a disaster, she is destined to have a brighter future.”