Teen delivery rider living under bridge with dog wins public aid for tuition

A 19-year-old Chinese student who lived under a bridge with a pet dog while working as a food delivery rider to afford his tuition and daily expenses has received widespread support to attend college.

Tang Wei, from Xinhuang County in Hunan Province, recently secured a place at a vocational college in Changsha, the provincial capital. He is due to begin his studies in September.

Because his family faces financial difficulties and must care for his younger brother, Tang decided to spend the summer working in the city to fund his own education and living expenses, the Changsha Evening News reported.

In early May, he traveled to Changsha carrying only about 2,000 yuan (US$280).

Tang Wei in a still image captured from a video circulating on Douyin.

After purchasing basic necessities, including a suitcase, a tent, and sleeping gear, he was left with little money. He eventually found work as a food delivery rider, often spending more than 10 hours a day on the job.

Unable to afford rent in the city, Tang initially slept in his tent in a public park. After encountering troublemakers and facing heavy rains, he moved to a spot beneath a bridge. He reportedly owns only a few sets of clothing, including his delivery uniform.

Tang made the journey with his pet dog, Bobo, whom he has raised since receiving him as a puppy from his grandfather, the Shanghai Daily reported.

His first week of work brought in just 200 yuan, half of which was used to compensate a motorist after Tang's electric bicycle accidentally scratched their vehicle.

Tang’s story gained attention when a reporter from the Changsha Evening News encountered him and wrote an article. The story quickly spread online, prompting residents and businesses in Changsha to offer assistance.

Donations of money, food, and daily necessities soon followed. Animal welfare volunteers also stepped forward to help care for Bobo, offering dog food and boarding for the pet if needed once Tang begins college.

Tang Wei feeds his dog, Bobo, after receiving help from locals in Changsha City in this still image captured from a Douyin video.

A manager at a major manufacturing company in Changsha subsequently offered Tang a three-month temporary position guarding a storage facility. The job comes with free accommodation and meals, allowing him to save most of his earnings for school, as reported by the Xiaoxiang Morning Post.

The manager stated he was impressed by Tang's perseverance and wanted to provide him with an opportunity to support himself through honest work.

Tang hopes to pursue a future related to writing.

He shared his love for literature, noting he studied humanities in high school, read many classic works, and has written poetry, essays, novels, and screenplays, according to the Xiaoxiang Morning Post.

He plans to work hard to save enough for tuition and living expenses before starting university, and he will continue to take his dog with him wherever he goes.

"I need it more than it needs me," Tang told the Changsha Evening News.

Expressing gratitude for the support he has received, Tang said he intends to study hard and one day repay the kindness shown to him by the people of Changsha.

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