A video of a 66-year-old disabled carpenter has gone viral on Chinese social media after his nephew Tang Hao shared the man's inspiring life story on short-video platform Bilibili on Monday. Using the name "Yigecaixiang", Tang uses witty storytelling in the 11-minute video to convey the experiences of Erjiu, which means second-oldest maternal uncle. The man, who uses a cane due to a longtime disability, is portrayed as a common hero who never bows to life's difficulties, but strives instead to lead a full and meaningful life.
The film is currently the most watched video on Bilibili, China's top video app, and has attracted over 28 million views and 188,000 comments as of Thursday morning. Commentators online said the short film was “healing” and “inspiring” and called the old man an “ordinary but great” person.
Erjiu was a bright kid whose life took a dramatic turn when a botched treatment he received for a high fever left him with a lame leg. After the medical mishap, the man learned carpentry and used the skill to support himself and his family.
Remaining single his whole life, Erjiu adopted an abandoned girl in the village and raised her. He even saved a large sum of money from his meager income to finance her marriage.
Erjiu is now a full-time caregiver for his mother and a handyman in the village. Tang said his uncle is always ready to help fellow villagers repair any broken items such as furniture, electric appliances, door locks, stoves, or toys for children.
Erjiu's story of self-reliance and tenacity not only moved Tang, but it's also touched the hearts of millions of online viewers. Erjiu's story epitomizes the lives of millions of average people, and the story of his experience resonates with the public and inspires people to admire his strong spirit, which also inspires people to move forward.
Commenting on the unexpected popularity of his video, Tang said: “It may have attracted a lot of views, but that is because my uncle lived his life well, not because I wrote a decent story.”
It is only when they are near the end of their lives that people come to realize that the biggest regret in life is always regretting the past.
▌從二舅這裏，我看到了我們這個民族身上所有的平凡、美好與強悍。
I've seen from Erjiu the characters that make up our nation's identity: unassuming, kind and tough.
▌都説人生最重要的不是糊一把好牌，而是打好一把爛牌，二舅這把爛牌，打得是真好。
The main thing that matters in life is not the cards you were dealt, but how you play them. Erjiu was dealt a bad hand, but he played his cards beautifully.
He couldn't give Ningning a good or decent education, but now she is the most filial one in the village. Apparently, the best way to teach your kid filial piety is to take good care of your own parents.
▌老病是生死之間的必要演習。
In aging and sickness, we are making the preparations to move between life and death.
A line of text scribbled on the first page of the notebook shows a quote: “Be determined, fear no sacrifice, and surmount every difficulty to win victory.” Sure enough, the path of his life will definitely lead to victory.
