Across China: Teenager rewarded for hit and 'not run'

ZHENGZHOU -- Chen Yifan, 17, a high school student in Central China's Henan province, never expected praise after he left a letter of apology and some cash at the scene of an accident.

Chen hit a luxury SUV on Feb 4 in Xinmi city on his way to deliver some food, leaving a 20 centimeter scratch and a broken rearview mirror.

With nobody else at the scene, Chen left all his money, 311 yuan ($45), for compensation, and a letter of apology.

"I am so sorry and feel sad I hit your car by accident. I am a student and doing a winter vacation job. I know the compensation is far from enough, but I really have no more money left. Sorry."

When the owner Xue Zhanmin found his car the next day, he was initially angry and called police, but after seeing the money and letter, he was touched by the student's honesty and decided to return the money.

"The money was all change. I guess the student was from a poor family. It is maybe a big money for him," Xue said.

Media reports about the letter soon went viral, with many web users trying to find the student.

Chen finally contacted the car owner.

"I saw the owner's telephone number on the car window, but I dared not call him. I was afraid to be blamed and decided to leave a short letter," Chen said. "I was relieved after I called him."

The teenager is a high-school student from a low-income family, and does part-time delivery jobs to earn money during vacations, earning 60-70 yuan per day.

Chu, Chen's mother, was proud after hearing of her son's actions.

"My son is a good boy and his behavior was right. We will definitely pay for the repairs," Chu said.

But Xue refused to accept money for the repairs, totaling 13,000 yuan.

"Some people would leave without words after hitting a car, but the boy left money and an apology letter. I was deeply touched by his behavior."

Xue has since offered 10,000 yuan to help fund Chen's future studies.

"He is a kind boy and should be rewarded for his honesty," Xue said.