Student volunteers help elderly couples turn back the clock

Stories shared

Gong Houbin and Zeng Xiangzhen married in 1975. Gong, a teacher, supported the family financially, while Zeng took care of household chores.

During their photo shoot in Qianjiang county, Hubei, the couple shared stories from their youth, with Gong saying he saved up for a long time to buy Zeng a pair of fashionable nylon stockings.

"I remember it was a pair of blue stockings. At that time, nylon stockings were more expensive than cotton ones," Zeng said.

Dressed in a suit, Gong stood beside Zeng, who wore a white wedding gown. He said he hoped she stayed in good health so that they could spend the rest of their lives together.

The Dream Fulfillment Plan has not only made elderly couples' dreams come true — but it has strengthened young university students' views on love and relationships.

Zhao Chen, 21, a junior student taking part in the program for the second consecutive year, said, "We get to know about the commitment and loyalty these couples have toward each other despite the hardships they have faced in life."