13-6-2023 (BEIJING) In a heartwarming display of love and determination, Cao Youyuan, a 20-year-old university student from Hubei, China, has been assisting her disabled father by delivering household appliances. Cao’s father, Cao Xiangjun, was diagnosed with polio during his childhood and suffered a leg fracture at the age of 14, resulting in increased difficulty in mobility. To alleviate her father’s burden, Cao started helping with the family’s appliance store deliveries during her high school years.
As a middle school student, Cao embarked on her first refrigerator delivery for a customer. Despite the challenging task, she persevered. Over the past six years, Cao, who is currently a sophomore at a university in Hubei, has been juggling her studies while shouldering the responsibility of transporting heavy appliances for her parents’ small-scale electronics store.
In an interview with Pengpai News, Cao explained the motivation behind her selfless actions. “Many customers require delivery services, but my parents’ store operates on thin profit margins, making it difficult to hire delivery personnel.” Thus, Cao, who may appear petite in stature, often finds herself carrying hefty refrigerators door-to-door. To date, she has successfully delivered over 1,000 refrigerators and other large household appliances.
Cao revealed that the heaviest refrigerator she has carried weighed 70 kilograms (154 pounds), limiting her ability to climb beyond the first floor. Nevertheless, she has developed techniques and skills over time to navigate the deliveries efficiently. Typically, she delivers one or two refrigerators per day, finding the work manageable and not overly exhausting.
Recently, a video of Cao climbing stairs with a refrigerator went viral, touching the hearts of many netizens. “The comments from these netizens have moved me, but I don’t feel particularly proud of myself because this is what I consider normal and natural,” Cao humbly expressed. Growing up in such an environment, witnessing her hardworking parents’ daily struggles, she considers assisting them as a natural part of life.
A few years ago, concerned about her physical exertion, Cao’s father took her for a medical examination. After receiving a health certificate from the doctor, he reluctantly allowed her to continue with the deliveries. “Having such a thoughtful and obedient daughter brings me great comfort. I also want to remind my daughter to prioritize her health and studies,” Cao Xiangjun shared with appreciation.
Cao Youyuan’s inspiring story has garnered positive reactions among Chinese social media users. One netizen commented, “She is an amazing daughter! She is beautiful both inside and out!” However, some expressed concern about her well-being, cautioning her to be careful when lifting heavy objects to avoid back injuries.
