{
  "id": 2922673,
  "title": "‘Hang in there’: Chinese boys offer US$1.5 to struggling store owner, sparking wave of support",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/hang-in-there-chinese-boys-offer-us-1-5-to-struggling-store-owner",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T02:28:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3365006/hang-there-chinese-boys-offer-us15-struggling-store-owner-sparking-wave-support"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Three boys in southeastern China presented a Chinese businessman with US$1.5 in an attempt to aid his struggling convenience store, sparking a wave of public support. The incident unfolded five years after Chen, the store owner, established his convenience store in Guangzhou, but faced declining business. On August 12, Chen received a visit from three primary school boys, who were regular customers, to purchase drinks. During their conversation, one boy suggested Chen transition his business online, while another proposed they pool their pocket money to support him. Despite Chen's repeated refusals, the trio pooled their savings and placed 10.5 yuan on his counter, before exiting with a message of encouragement: \"Hang in there!\" Chen's tears were triggered by the sight of the banknotes. The emotional act was captured on surveillance camera and quickly spread online, with netizens commending the boys for their kindness. Chen's landlord temporarily reduced his monthly rent and a local customer established a stall outside the store, donating all sales to Chen. Junjie, one of the boys, returned to assist Chen in attracting customers. Junjie's father, Wei Sheng, praised his son's gesture, emphasizing the importance of helping others. Chen expressed gratitude for the boys' assistance and treated them to KFC and fishing, presenting each with a red envelope. Chen, although uncertain about the store's future, began live-streaming and selling goods online. The boys' act of kindness is seen as a beacon of hope for Chen in the midst of his difficulties.",
  "summary": "Three boys from southeastern China offered 10.5 yuan (US$1.5) to a convenience store owner on the brink of closing, igniting a wave of public support. Five years after borrowing money to establish his convenience store in Guangzhou, Chen decided to shut down the shop as business continued to decline. On August 12, three primary school boys visited the store, as they often did, to buy drinks.…",
  "key_points": [
    "Three Chinese boys offer US$1.5 to struggling convenience store owner",
    "Incident sparks wave of public support and kindness",
    "Boys' act of generosity helps Chen's business"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The boys' selfless act has galvanized a support network for the store owner, with his landlord and local customers offering tangible help and Chen finding new ways to adapt his business.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}