Never giving up hope

Chen Jianming's leadership stems from his practical experience. "He talks based on fact, not theory," Chen Ying recalled, citing his early success in locating missing persons due to his natural sense of terrain.

"In 2015, at the Paojiang training base, he personally demonstrated some skills, showcasing a level of professionalism that amazed me," she said.

Wolfpack Emergency Response now has over 200 members from various industries, functioning like a family, ready to mobilize for missions.

During the Myanmar operation, they brought essential gear such as demolition tools and lighting drones, collaborating with official teams despite road damage and resource shortages, restoring hope to Mandalay's residents.

This mission also garnered local community involvement. The local Chinese Chamber of Commerce volunteered as translators, facilitating communication between rescue teams, officials and residents. Overseas Chinese volunteered under the scorching sun to deliver food and water to the rescue teams, even driving them through damaged roads.

Upon their departure, volunteers eagerly took photos with the team members, forming lasting cross-national friendships in the wake of the catastrophe.

Chen's dedication to rescue work might be rooted in her childhood trauma and family experiences. At 12, she lost her brother to illness and was resented due to the family's gender biases. At 26, a month after her wedding, her father passed away suddenly, leaving her to care for her mother and grandparents.