Jiang Enlan's journey is one for the books! At 72, this Shandong restaurateur from Zhangjiatun village has finally repaid over 2 million yuan in debt, a commitment forged decades ago. Starting in the 1980s with just 200 yuan and a pushcart, her honest and hard work transformed a small stall into the thriving "Dazhong Fast Food."
But life threw its share of challenges. After her husband, Zhang Pinggao, invested their savings in a woven‑bag factory that eventually collapsed, debt piled up to nearly 1.65 million yuan. In May 2004, following his passing due to late‑stage liver cancer, Jiang faced relentless pressure to repay every single yuan. Determined not to leave this burden for her sons, she vowed, "I will repay every yuan. If I die before I finish, my sons will carry on."
Undeterred, Jiang reopened her restaurant alone. Rising at 4 a.m. every day, she handled everything herself—from purchasing ingredients and cooking to washing dishes and balancing the books. Even after surgeries for varicose veins in 2010 and a high‑risk heart procedure with six stents in 2014, her resolve never wavered. Her community rallied around her, with neighbors offering groceries, placing orders, and contributing to her repayments. 💪🙏
After 20 years of relentless effort, Jiang made her final payment in June 2024. Now, with a refreshed restaurant front and plans for renovations, the faded scroll bearing the words "Yi Nuo Qian Jin" (One Promise Worth a Thousand Gold) serves as a constant reminder of her unwavering commitment. Her two sons now enjoy stable jobs in Jiaozhou, while her grandchildren pursue bright futures in Qingdao.
This inspiring tale reminds us that with determination, honesty, and community spirit, even the steepest challenges can be overcome. Jiang Enlan's story is a beacon of hope for anyone chasing a better tomorrow. 🌟
Reference(s):
72-Year-Old Shandong Restaurateur Clears Over 2 Million Yuan Debt After Two Decades
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