"It is not easy for my mom. I am useless," slurs Lu Cuilan in an armchair, with tears blurring her eyes. Lu attempted suicide several times after her father's death, but her mother has helped her make peace with her situation.

"As long as I have a breath, I will try my best to take care of her," says Zhang firmly. "It is useless to complain. It is better to do something."

Zhang herself has serious arthritis, and has fainted several times because of overwork.

Chen Weiming says Zhang has a lot of dignity and seldom seeks help from others. The largest donation she received: two packs of old clothes from a businesswoman surnamed Lin.

"In their 60s and 70s, the Mao-era old workers like Zhang are forgotten by the city. But she serves a good example of dignity, sympathy and commitment for the young," says Lin.

Over the years, the local government has boosted the monthly pensions for her and Wei from 300 to 550 yuan, raised her daughter's subsidy from 200 to 800 yuan, and now pays a large share of their medical bills.

"I really appreciate the government's help," she says again and again. "I do not want to create trouble for the authority as long as I can work."

When asked about her model citizen conferment, Zhang says: "I am just doing what the heavenly god asks me to do."

Huo Yan contributes to this story.