His selfless conduct struck a chord with the public and inspired many young people. Chen Xiaoxiao, 16, is one of them. "He is, without doubt, worthy of all the honors he has been given," says Chen, a student from the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. "He represents many Chinese people, whose seeming ordinariness cannot stop their beautiful, lovable qualities from shining through. In every corner of the country, workers like him are contributing to their communities, allowing extraordinary tales to blossom out of their ordinary everyday lives."

Although he has won high praise, Zhang Yu has never forgotten his initial aspiration and mission. Now, as a delegate to the Provincial People's Congress in Hubei, he wants to speak for his colleagues and improve their living conditions. Since electric scooters are common in the urban areas of Wuhan and sometimes disturb local traffic, he is now pooling collective wisdom on the issue and making proposals to tackle the problem. His efforts are aimed at protecting the safety of riders, including his direct colleagues who spend most of their time on the roads.

"As a member of the Communist Party of China, I will stick to its motto of serving the people with my whole heart and soul forever, no matter what position I take and what job I do," says Zhang Yu.