China.org.cn | March 12, 2020
Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group:
Ms. Liao, you have been working as a reporter on the frontline of the battle against the epidemic for over two months. You immediately rushed to Huoshenshan Hospital, temporary treatment centers and many other places where the battle was taking place. Were you afraid? Also, could you share with us some stories from people you have interviewed that are particularly touching to you?
Liao Jun:
Thank you. It's the first time that I'm the interviewee. Actually, I would be lying if I said that I was not afraid at all. I've been to many places where patients were treated, such as Huoshenshan Hospital and temporary treatment centers, as well as communities and isolation sites. At the beginning, when I was not fully aware of the gravity of the epidemic, I interviewed some people without taking any preventive or protective measures. Some of those interviewees were later confirmed infected. In hindsight, I felt a bit worried about this. Later on, I heard that some of my friends were infected as well. That was the first time in my life that I prepared myself for death to come at any moment.
Regardless of this, in these months, I have been moved more than at any other time in my life by countless people and what they did. I was moved by the hard work and contribution of unsung Wuhan citizens, by the timely assistance of health workers from all over the country, like Doctor Yuan, and by Ms. Zhong, Ms. Zhang, Ms. Yang and all the other people who are still holding on at their positions in Wuhan for the sake of the general good. It is their forbearance, view of the big picture and persistence that support the whole city.
One of the most touching stories was of a young couple. The wife, Wang Xiaoting, is a doctor at a designated hospital in Wuhan. She hadn't been home since she began treating COVID-17 patients on January 23. For fear of infecting her family, she stayed in a hotel near the hospital. Since her shift was often at midnight, she had to walk to work in the dark. Concerned about Wang's safety, her husband insisted on escorting her, but she was worried she would leave the virus in their car if she let him drive her. They finally reached a compromise: Whenever she walked to work, her husband would drive behind her with the car lights on. They did this no matter how bad the weather or how late it was. I believe they embody the persistence of the people of Wuhan. I put this story in my article and carry it in my heart. I will cherish such stories forever. Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you for sharing, Ms. Liao. We still have time for one last question.