That same year, Zhang Fengshou, a villager living on a subsistence allowance, also passed away.

He had specifically instructed the village committee regarding his final affairs, saying he had lived on subsistence allowances his whole life, and wished to donate his corneas after his death to make a contribution.

Zhang Dingcai, 43, who registered as a donor in May 2019, said he drew inspiration from Zhang Wei and the love and generosity of his family.

A car accident over a decade ago left Zhang Dingcai wheelchair-bound, but he faces life with optimism and positive energy.

He said that as a person with a disability, he has received a lot of care and wanted to give back to others. "It would be a noble thing if my life could live on in someone else after I'm gone," Zhang Dingcai said.

These notable acts of selflessness have set the example for others in the community. Luo said when villagers talk about Xing Changxi, Zhang Wei, and Zhang Fengshou — they say the three donors' lives were not lived in vain.

"Now, discussing organ donation is as ordinary as discussing farming," he said.