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In 2011, under a pedestrian bridge in Shenzhen, the bustling traffic contrasted sharply with the busyness of pedestrians. On the overpass, a ragged and haggard-looking teenager sat on a railing, holding a sharp fruit knife tightly in his right hand, his eyes full of determination.
The persuasion of the onlookers and the police failed to dissuade him from committing suicide.
I'm Liu Wenxiu, a girl working in Shenzhen. I couldn't help but feel heartache when I saw the appearance of that teenager. Based on what he was dressed and how he looked, I guess his life must have been a rough one, with a lot of hardships, just like when I was a child.
I was born into a family where my parents often quarreled, and I was raised to take on the task of caring for my sick sister, and I rarely had the opportunity to have fun. In 2010, my parents divorced, and I was forced to leave school and come to Shenzhen to work to support my family.
When I was 18 years old, I was so desperate that I tried to commit suicide by slitting my wrists. Luckily, my mother found me in time and took me to the hospital**, which saved my life.
Looking at the resolute teenager on the overpass, I immediately remembered my own experience. I can totally understand the desperation in his heart, he is in desperate need of help. At this critical moment, even a simple hug or a kind word of comfort can change a person's fate.
I understood that I couldn't sit idly by at this time, I had to step forward and do something.
I mustered up the courage to lie to the police and say that the teenager was my boyfriend. The police hesitated, but finally gave way to me. I cautiously approached the boy, his eyes blank and unguarded against me.
I took a deep breath and kissed him violently on his chapped lips.
At that moment, I felt his body stiffen and then relax again. I took a step back, and he climbed down from the railing in a daze, allowing the police to take him away for further control.
It was only later that I learned his name, Xiang Yang, a 16-year-old boy from Sichuan. Because this incident attracted attention, I also received temporary attention because of my courage to save people.
I don't regret my decision at the time. Because I deeply understand that feeling of despair. I was on the brink of life and death with nothing.
After the 2010 wrist cut, my mother found out and took me to the hospital in time to rekindle hope for life. Today, as a responsible and capable person, I decided to save others, so I mustered up the courage to kiss Xiangyang.
Although many people don't understand my actions, I know that sometimes a warm hug, a smile, and a kind word can help someone on the verge of breakdown.
The moment he sat on the flyover, he was already telling people about the pain and despair in his heart.
I don't feel like I've done anything heroic. I just can't stand the bad stuff happening and I just sit on the sidelines. It's like when you see someone drowning, your instinct will lend a hand.
It is my responsibility as a human being to accomplish this.
After Xiang Yang was rescued, I gradually learned about his painful background. It turned out that Xiang Yang was a child who had lost his mother, and his stepmother and father always beat and scolded him for no reason.
He is thin and smiling, probably because of his poor family environment.
In 2011, 16-year-old Xiang Yang left home and came to the bustling city of Shenzhen with hopes and dreams to find his life value. He is looking forward to finding a job in this vibrant and energetic city that can change his destiny and leave that family full of pain.
Although he worked hard, his strength was too small to do a lot of physical work, so he spent all his savings in half a month and still didn't find a regular job.
Xiang Yang wandered the streets under the scorching sun, he waited for an opportunity, but never came. Eventually, in desperation, he climbed onto the bridge and decided to end his short and painful 16-year life.
I was very shocked by what happened to Xiangyang, and I deeply felt that we were all children who came out of poverty, but I at least had the occasional care from my mother, which allowed me to persevere in the midst of hardship.
I deeply understand and sympathize with Xiang Yang, who is wandering alone, lonely and empty inside, and often prone to negative emotions. I could fully feel his pain and despair.
Maybe my kiss, like a mother's comfort, made Xiang Yang suddenly realize that there are still people in this world who care about him. At this moment, he may have awakened the desire to live again.
This time, I decided to take action, giving him a glimmer of hope.
After the news of Xiang Yang's suicide attempt spread, many well-meaning people came to the rescue. Some companies not only provided employment opportunities, but also generously provided him with the necessities of life. And netizens also gave him love and warmth, and kept sending living expenses.
With everyone's help, Xiangyang gradually got rid of the predicament of life and started his own business.
At the same moment, my life took a turn for the better. I was praised and rewarded by the unit for my courage in saving people. What was even more comforting to me was that my parents felt guilty for my rash actions when I was younger.
They retook responsibility for me and my sister, and said that they would fully support me on my part-time job, and I was finally able to work and live without worries, and I was no longer as scared as before.
A special bond has been formed between me and Xiangyang, and we will regularly communicate with each other to discuss the problems we are facing and our future plans. We have become the most resonant bosom friends of each other.
I always encourage him to be strong, and he will also pay attention to my situation.
In 2018, I attended Xiang Yang's wedding, and I was glad to have a happy smile on his face, because I knew that my care and support had helped him regain his courage and tenacity in life.
Having not experienced such a desperate situation, it is difficult to face life correctly.
After the wedding, Xiang Yang hugged me and said "thank you" softly. I hugged his emaciated body tightly. It was at this moment that I realized the joy of saving others and the meaning of being human.
I firmly believe that my love will surely wait for me at some point in the future.
On the flyover that day, we all had the commonality of hard-working people with broken families. We have all faced death in close proximity in despair, and yet we have all miraculously chosen to live again.
I gave Xiang Yang a kiss, and I was inspired by his perseverance. We supported each other, gave love and support, and finally walked out of the trough of life and walked towards light and hope.
"A Kiss to Save Lives" is a story that takes place in 2011, and although it is short-lived, it makes people feel the power of love and tolerance, and the deep meaning of supporting each other, which still warms people's hearts today.
It teaches us that even in the darkest moments of life, it can be completely turned upside down by a single care.
I sincerely hope that all of you who are in trouble can meet your own "Liu Wenxiu" and rekindle the fire of hope in your heart. Because none of us should be alone in the darkness.
Remember, you're not alone. In this world, there is always someone who cares about you and is waiting to hug you.