This heartwarming tale of friendship is proof enough that there is still hope for the world. Chinese social media is abuzz with the story of a high school kid who has been carrying his disabled best friend at school – for the past three years!

When teenagers Xie Xu and Zhang Chi met for the first time at Daxu High School in Xuzhou, in northern China’s Jiangsu province, they made an instant connection. Soon, they were inseparable – to the extent that when Zhang found it difficult to navigate between classrooms, Xie decided to carry him around campus every single day.

“The story of the two students is so inspiring and touching,” said vice-principal Guo Chunxi. “They aren’t family, but Xie has been doing this for three years.”

Zhang, 19, suffers from muscular dystrophy – a debilitating condition that weakens the skeletal muscle and makes it difficult for victims to walk or even support their own weight. Getting around school with such a condition would have been unthinkable for Zhang, without Xie’s strong shoulders to rely on.

The two friends live in dorms near the campus, so Xie, 18, carries Zhang from their rooms to the school and back, and around school, about a dozen times each day. He also helps Zhang with other activities such as washing his clothes and getting his meals. Both of them are reportedly hardworking and top students in their year-three class.

“He is the most beautiful student,” Chunxi said about Xie. “He also exerts positive influence on other students, who readily help Zhang. With their assistance, Zhang has never missed out on one single class.”

The story has managed to melt the hearts of millions of netizens across China. “Piggybacking once isn’t hard at all, but what amazes us is that he’s stuck to it for so long! Good job!” a web user wrote.

“We should learn from their friendship,” another commented. “In today’s society, Zhang’s dedication is especially precious.”

via Shanghaiist