Pingtan, a coastal county in Fujian Province known for its scattered islands and coastal scenery, is home to a barber whose selfless act has become a heartwarming local story. Yang Zi, a hairstylist with a passion for his craft, has turned his mobile toolkit into a symbol of kindness, traveling across the islands to offer free haircuts to residents aged 65 and above. 

Yang's journey in the haircare industry has not been smooth. During the lowest point of his career, his brick-and-mortar shop saw only one customer a day, leaving him overwhelmed by pressure and self-doubt. "I thought about giving up countless times," he recalled. What kept him going was his passion for the profession and the reactions of his clients. "Every time a customer lights up with surprise and satisfaction after a haircut, I feel all the hard work is worthwhile," Yang said. That sense of recognition became his guiding light amid hardship.

Yang's dedication to the elderly is a debt of gratitude, repaid from his own childhood. After his parents moved away for work when he was 11, he was raised by his sister in a humble home. "Neighbors often brought us warm meals," he shared. "That kindness did more than feed us—it showed me the profound impact of a simple act." Those memories forged a deep connection to his community, especially its older residents, inspiring him to give back with the skills he has.

Carrying his tools to streets and communities across the islands, he aims to give every elderly resident in Pingtan a neat haircut. For Yang, each snip of the scissors is more than a grooming service—it is a small act of companionship for those who may need it most.