Zhang Lianqin (L) and Li Xinwei attend a class at the Hongyazi junior middle school in Hongyazi Township of Xingcheng City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, May 8, 2023. Zhang Lianqin, 55, mother of Li Xinwei, lives in Liangjiatun Village, Hongyazi Township of Xingcheng City. As her daughter Li suffers from hearing impairment, Zhang has accompanied Li in studying at school ever since Li was enrolled into primary school, with barely a class missed. Zhang has sat near her daughter to act as Li's "ears" at the classroom.

The life of Zhang and her family is not well off. They live in a house of about 60 square meters, with certificates of merit of Li and pictures drawn by her hanging on the wall. Zhang's husband is disabled in his right hand, making a living at a public bathroom. Things like farming, doing chores, looking after Li and Li's grandmother who is elderly and sickly have fallen on the shoulders of Zhang.

In April 2015, Li received cochlear implantation in Shenyang, capital city of Liaoning Province. Meanwhile she has begun receiving the training of speaking by judging from mouth shapes. Hard as it is, Zhang has helped Li to practice in spare time with persistence and perseverance. After years of training, Li is able to speak a lot. "My mother has devoted herself into this family for years and years and has no time to dress herself," said Li, "I dream to become a costume designer one day so I can make a beautiful dress for her." [Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng]