Financial straits forced Yang to drop out of school. "Li Shuai knew nothing about it and thought I had transferred to another school," Yang said.

Yang's mother continued to pay Li's tuition fees, and sent money for her monthly expenses to her grandmother. After the national university examination in 2009, Li's grandmother asked her to visit Yang's mother in appreciation for her many years of support.

"It was the first time I had visited his home, which had moved from Changchun proper to the countryside in the aftermath of their financial straits," Li said. "It was only then I got to know they had lived a hard life for many years. I was moved that they let Yang Kai drop out and helped me finish my high school."

Li discovered that Liu ran a home caring for a dozen elderly, disabled residents, and that many lived there free of charge. She decided to pursue her undergraduate studies in Changchun so she could help them.

During her first year at Jilin Business and Technology College, she helped the family care for the residents in her spare time. Upon graduation two years ago, Li worked for a real estate company for a year. But because Liu was in poor health and the home had added more elderly residents with mental health issues, Li resigned in August to work there full time.

The home now has 52 residents, but only five pay for their keep. The family also receives government assistance and donations from public-spirited people. Six caregivers, including Liu, Yang and Li, attend to the residents. Li brings their meals and feeds them.

"Many of Li Shuai's college classmates do not understand why she works at the old people's home. But she replies it is meaningful to help those in need," said Liu, 49.

Li and Yang were married on Oct 2.

"As a matter of fact, we had been in love for years before the wedding," Yang said.

Li said she never expected to fall in love with Yang, who is a man of few words.

"He has touched my heart as a considerate man. Whenever I say something, he takes it seriously and does it, even if I have forgotten it," she said.

Contact the writers through huangzhiling@chinadaily.com.cn

Li Shuai takes care of an elderly man at the home caring center run by her family in Changchun, Jilin province. Zhang Yingnan / for China Daily

(China Daily 01/08/2016 page7)