I thought I'd share this lovely story with you today. A beautiful tribute to kindness, friendship and love that bridges the gaps of age, language and culture. Goodness exists my friends and we see it here in this story and here on BCF every day. Thank you all for your friendship.
I've copied/pasted the story from one source here because the ads on the site are insane and make the story difficult to read, but I will add the links to two sources for this story at the bottom and you will find additional photos of the two men and their family.
Repaying kindness — a 14-year story of great devotion
In 2008, a 77-year-old British man named Hans was taken in by a young Chinese man, Song Yang, who decided to care for him and see him through his final years.
What exactly happened between them? Why would Song Yang be willing to support a foreigner who had no familial ties to him?
In truth, though they were not related by blood, their bond was even stronger than that of family.
In 1999, a young man from Zhengzhou, Song Yang, had just turned 19 when he set off alone to study in the UK in pursuit of his dreams.
However, upon his arrival, his situation was extremely difficult. With no place to stay and facing high rental costs, he had no choice but to share a cramped space with his classmates. The room was so small that it could only fit a single bed, leaving Song Yang with no option but to sleep on the floor.
The harsh living conditions made life unbearable for Song Yang—he couldn’t eat well or sleep properly. So, he decided to look for another way out, hoping to find a more affordable and suitable place to live elsewhere.
It was during this search that he unexpectedly met the person who would change his life: Hans.
Originally, Song Yang had planned to take the subway to London. However, being new to the country and unfamiliar with the local transport system, he accidentally boarded the wrong train.
Sometimes, fate works in mysterious ways. On that wrong subway ride, Song Yang happened to notice a frail, white-haired elderly man who looked pitifully lonely. That man was Hans.
Seeing Hans struggling alone with many heavy bags, Song Yang, driven by his kindness, immediately rushed over to help him carry them.
This unexpected act of assistance deeply moved the elderly British man, and he struck up a conversation with Song Yang. During their chat, Hans learned that the warm-hearted young man was from China and was going through a difficult time, without a stable place to live.
Grateful for Song Yang’s help, Hans invited him to his home as a gesture of appreciation. Despite the invitation coming from a stranger, Song Yang didn’t refuse. Perhaps it was an instinctive sense of warmth and trust that made him feel Hans was reliable. Moreover, he also wanted to help the old man carry his things home.
Upon arriving at Hans’s house, Song Yang was taken aback by the elderly man’s living conditions. Hans lived alone in a small 40-square-meter apartment, which was cluttered and in complete disarray.
Out of sympathy, the hardworking and kind-hearted Song Yang took the initiative to clean the house and even prepared a delicious Chinese meal for Hans.
Hans, who had long been lonely and without support, was deeply moved. For the first time, he experienced the joy of companionship and care. So, he made an invitation to Song Yang:
"Song, if you’re willing, come live with me. I won’t charge you rent, and we can split the living expenses equally. We can take care of each other—you help me, and I help you."
For Song Yang, this offer was like a lifeline in a desperate situation. Without hesitation, he accepted Hans’s invitation, moved into his home, and began a new chapter of life together with him.
Hans not only solved Song Yang’s housing problem but also, without realizing it, became a pivotal figure in his life.
Hans not only helped him solve the problem of accommodation, but before he knew it, Hans became a noble man in his life.
After moving in with Hans, Song Yang’s financial burdens eased significantly—he no longer had to worry about rent.
Grateful for Hans’s kindness, he took the initiative to handle household chores. He cooked meals, did laundry, cleaned the house, and even gave Hans massages.
Song Yang’s presence completely transformed Hans’s life. The once-lonely old man now lived in comfort and happiness. Even the neighbors noticed the change—Hans looked different, his energy was revitalized, and his spirits lifted. Every day, he radiated newfound joy.
For any relationship to last, mutual effort and support are essential.
Song Yang cared deeply for Hans, and in return, Hans treated him like family. Whenever Song Yang faced difficulties, Hans did everything he could to help. In fact, without Hans’s support, Song Yang’s academic journey in the UK would not have gone so smoothly.
During their time living together, Hans regarded Song Yang as his own child. He helped him improve his English, assisted in finding a suitable university, and even accompanied him to handle his enrollment procedures. Thanks to Hans’s support, Song Yang successfully gained admission to an undergraduate program.
One particular incident left a lasting impression on Song Yang.
One day in 2001, on his way home from school, Song Yang was involved in a serious car accident. He lost consciousness on the spot.
The accident left him severely injured—he lost three teeth, and his jaw was dislocated. The driver who caused the accident took him to the hospital and notified his "family member," Hans.
When Hans arrived at the hospital, he not only took care of Song Yang but also helped him report the incident and demand compensation from the driver.
Although the police determined that the driver was fully at fault, the driver refused to take full responsibility. Feeling helpless and alone, Song Yang was ready to compromise.
But at that moment, Hans stepped forward. He helped Song Yang find a lawyer, and despite a difficult legal process, they eventually secured the rightful compensation he deserved.
To Song Yang, Hans was more than just a landlord—he was like an elder and a family member, giving him a sense of warmth and belonging in a foreign land.
For eight years, they took care of each other like family. Wanting to ensure that Hans could enjoy his later years in peace, Song Yang made him a heartfelt promise: he would take care of him for the rest of his life.
After living together for eight years, Song Yang completed his graduate studies and was preparing to return to China for work. But he never forgot his promise, and he couldn’t help but worry about Hans.
Wanting Song Yang to leave without concern, Hans reassured him: "Song, I’m old now, and I can’t travel far. Don’t worry about me. When the weather gets warmer, I’ll come visit you in China."
With a heavy heart, Song Yang returned to his hometown, Zhengzhou, carrying the weight of his concern for Hans. Even after leaving, he couldn’t set his worries aside. He asked a friend to look after Hans and frequently called to check on him.
But Hans always insisted he was fine. It wasn’t until he was hospitalized that Song Yang’s friend called and told him the truth—Hans’s condition was deteriorating rapidly. In just a few months after Song Yang left, he had lost more than 20 pounds.
Upon receiving the news, Song Yang was deeply shaken. He couldn’t sit still any longer. Without hesitation, he told his parents that he wanted to bring Hans to China to take care of him. Understanding the deep bond between their son and Hans, his parents offered no objection.
After arriving in China, Hans was already in critical condition. Song Yang immediately arranged for him to receive the best medical care. With the dedicated care of Song Yang and his family, Hans gradually recovered.
Once Hans regained his health, Song Yang began to consider whether he should send him back to the UK. After all, Hans had access to a well-established social welfare system there, including free healthcare and a pension.
When Song Yang asked Hans about his wishes, Hans looked at him with deep emotion and said:
"Song, I am not truly British. I have no family in the UK. You are my only family. I want to stay in China and live with you."
Song Yang held his hand tightly and firmly replied, "We are family. I will never forget the kindness and support you gave me in the UK. I will always take care of you and make sure you live a happy and peaceful life in your later years."
And Song Yang was true to his word.
After some time living together, Hans had completely integrated into Song Yang’s family. Everyone treated him as one of their own, showering him with care and affection.
However, Song Yang soon faced another challenge—he had reached the age to marry. He worried that his future wife might not accept Hans, as taking care of an elderly man would inevitably be a burden.
To address this, he made it a condition for marriage: any woman he dated would have to accept Hans as part of their family.
At first, he feared that this requirement would make it difficult to find a wife. But to his surprise, a kind and compassionate woman was deeply moved by his story. She agreed to marry him and wholeheartedly joined him in caring for Hans.
After getting married, Song Yang quickly had a child. Hans was also very happy and treated Song Yang's child as his own grandson. The family lived together harmoniously and joyfully.
Song Yang's wife is a nurse. In 2010, Hans fell seriously ill again and was completely paralyzed at the worst point. It was his wife who continuously assisted in taking care of him with great care, and it was through her efforts that Hans made a miraculous recovery.
Song Yang's wife said that she and her husband hardly had any time alone together, as her husband always took Hans with him wherever he went. Even when they were watching TV at home at night, Hans would sit between them.
Over time, if Hans was not at home on any given day, Song Yang's wife would feel uncomfortable. Hans had already become an integral part of their lives.
Because of a promise, Song Yang's family gave this lonely British elderly man a warm home.
In 2012, Hans' visa in China was about to expire, and Song Yang did everything he could to help Hans obtain a permanent residence visa. However, just as Song Yang was running around dealing with the visa issue, an unexpected event occurred.
On December 2, 2013, Hans passed away due to heart failure. Before his death, Hans was always grateful for the care he received from Song Yang's family. On his deathbed, he said:
"Thank you, China. Thank you, Chinese people. I want to rest in China."
Song Yang was deeply saddened by Hans' passing. Song Yang's mother said that for a long time after Hans' death, Song Yang was unable to recover from his grief.
To ensure that the elderly man could be laid to rest in peace, Song Yang contacted the Swiss Embassy in China. With the help of the embassy, on December 15, 2013, Song Yang and his family held a funeral for Hans in accordance with Chinese customs.
In his eulogy, Song Yang wrote: "Hans was a shooting star in my life, suddenly arriving and suddenly leaving. He will forever live in our hearts…"
At Hans' memorial service, the Swiss Embassy representative, Hu Xiaofeng, read the eulogy:
"Song Yang from Zhengzhou, Henan, China, and his family have taken great care of Mr. Hans, who was alone, and spent the happiest moments of his life with him. Song Yang also fulfilled his promise to Mr. Hans to 'care for him in his old age,' demonstrating a story of human compassion that transcends borders, truly embodying the traditional virtues of the Chinese people. On behalf of the Swiss Embassy in China, I would like to express our gratitude to Song Yang and his family, and also thank the loving city of Zhengzhou for nurturing such a noble citizen."
In accordance with the elderly man's wishes, Song Yang purchased a burial plot for Hans in Zhengzhou, allowing him to rest in the China he loved. Though not a blood relative, Song Yang became like family to Hans, fulfilling his promise. This is a bond of affection that transcends national borders.
2012 was an unforgettable year for Song Yang. His story was reported by newspapers, online media, and television. Song Yang and his family even appeared on the CCTV program "Promises Across the Seas", touching the hearts of countless people.
However, amidst the countless voices of praise, some netizens raised doubts and started to question the elderly man’s financial situation. Many even searched online for the whereabouts of Hans' assets, suggesting that Song Yang’s care for the elderly man may not have been entirely selfless.
What I want to say is that those who question these matters are judging Song Yang by petty standards. A seriously ill elderly man couldn’t possibly have significant wealth. Even if he did, his numerous hospital stays and treatments would have drained any savings.
Amidst all the praise and attention, Song Yang responded to these doubts by saying: "I don’t seek fame or profit. I just wanted Hans to be laid to rest in peace. I haven’t gained anything from the media coverage. I’ve always longed for peace and quiet."
When the BBC in the UK learned about this story, they described Song Yang as: "A true gentleman from China."
Conclusion:
Song Yang is the pride of China. Two kindred souls, through their compassion, created a story of human affection that transcends borders. They were both blessings to one another. Song Yang's unwavering promise and noble character, rooted in gratitude and reciprocity, are qualities that the entire world can learn from.
Sources:
http://www.china.org.cn/china/2013-12/17/content_30919050_2.htm
https://inf.news/en/world/8ff1ad40d0bbca229a8e24fa63e83503.html/3
