Summary
The article tells the story of August 15, 2010, when Yu Xianguo, a former Navy serviceman, jumped into the turbulent waters at the Jiaojiang Pier in Taizhou, Zhejiang, and rescued 2-year-old Zheng Yan, who had fallen into the water. Afterward, Yu Xianguo declined any reward, only accepting a flag of gratitude. Over the following 16 years, Zheng Yan's family maintained contact with Yu Xianguo, and at every milestone in her academic journey and life, Zheng Yan would share her good news with her benefactor. This year, Zheng Yan was admitted to Peking University. The moment she received her admission notice, she rushed back from Yunnan to Jiaojiang to personally deliver the wonderful news to Yu Xianguo. Through a chronological narrative and direct quotes from those involved, the article recreates the heroism in a moment of danger and gratitude that transcends time, conveying the enduring echo of simple kindness.
Main Points
* 1. Yu Xianguo jumped into the river 16 years ago to save a drowning child.
On August 15, 2010, former Navy soldier Yu Xianguo unhesitatingly jumped into the undercurrent at Jiaojiang Pier during ebb tide to rescue 2-year-old Zheng Yan. He did not publicize the incident afterward, only accepting a flag of gratitude.
* 2. Zheng Yan, the rescued girl, was admitted to Peking University and personally thanked her rescuer.
Over 16 years, the two families maintained contact. Zheng Yan wrote a thank-you letter when she entered middle school. This year, after being admitted to Peking University, she made a special trip from Yunnan back to Jiaojiang to share the wonderful news with Yu Xianguo, her gratitude enduring to this day.
* 3. The story reflects the value of kindness and enduring gratitude.
Yu Xianguo viewed rescuing someone as a casual act, while Zheng Yan transformed her gratitude into motivation for hard work, repaying the life-saving kindness with her admission to a top university. This mutual journey across time warms people's hearts.