(Li Renzhi, on the left, attends class)

“I hope that people can be kinder to delivery workers, because when you open the door, you may see my mama, the apple of my father’s eye,” Li Renzhi, a 13-year-old student said loudly to his classmates while standing on the roof of his middle high school in Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu province.

The short speech quickly went viral on Chinese social media after it was played on a TV reality show called “Speak out! Teens.” Audiences and netizens gave Li’s heartwarming speech the thumps up, which also stirred online discussion about how to best behave toward people who work in the service industry.

“I think everyone should respect those who work hard, and your grateful heart is the most precious reward to their dedication. Everyone is loved and should be loving others in return,” said Li in the speech.

Li’s mother was both moved and surprised after hearing his speech, and appreciated his support and understanding for her career.

(A selfie of Li's mother. Photo courtesy of Li's mother)

As China’s online food order service flourishes, the number of delivery workers in China has increased to over 8 million until 2018, according to iiMedia Research. The “gold rush era” of food delivery services not only showcases the industry’s prosperity, but brings to light the social stigma toward logistic employees, as some people dislike them for being low-income people and others are offended by their frequent violation of traffic rules, which has evoked public concern over road safety.