Tang Wei, from Xinhuang County in Hunan Province, recently secured a place at a vocational college in Changsha, the provincial capital. He is due to begin his studies in September.
Because his family faces financial difficulties and must care for his younger brother, Tang decided to spend the summer working in the city to fund his own education and living expenses, the Changsha Evening News reported.
In early May, he traveled to Changsha carrying only about 2,000 yuan (US$280).
Tang Wei in a still image captured from a video circulating on Douyin.
After purchasing basic necessities, including a suitcase, a tent, and sleeping gear, he was left with little money. He eventually found work as a food delivery rider, often spending more than 10 hours a day on the job.
