Why would a sugar mill in a small city in Guangdong suddenly become a national sensation on the Chinese internet? It was not because of a new product or a flashy advertisement, but because of a promise that went beyond the cold logic of business.
Across the sugarcane fields of South China, a bumper harvest recently turned into a challenge for local farmers. With large quantities of fruit sugarcane facing a severe sales slump, many farmers watched anxiously as a year of hard work risked being left in the fields.
At this critical moment, Chen Yao, Chairman of Yaoming Sugar Mill (耀明糖厂) in Huazhou City, Guangdong Province, stepped forward with a decisive gesture. Despite the financial risks, Chen made a firm decision: "We will buy every single stalk of unsold sugarcane. No matter how much there is, we will take it all."
The promise triggered a large influx of deliveries, with more than 300 trucks forming long queues outside the mill. Seeing the difficulties faced by drivers waiting in their vehicles, the mill provided free meals, hot water, and even bathing facilities. Chen also offered a subsidy of 10 yuan per ton for vehicles waiting for more than 24 hours. His simple explanation, "It's what we should do," has earned the mill the nickname "Warmest Sugar Mill" across the Chinese internet.
A decades-long legacy of dedication
For Chen Yao, this act of kindness was no isolated gesture. As the "Honorary Village Chief" of Daling Village in Huazhou, he has personally invested more than 7 million yuan to build roads and improve the village environment. He also spearheaded the development of the local Huajuhong industry (the dried peel of a special pomelo from Huazhou, Guangdong), helping transform his small hometown into a leading national hub for the medicinal product.
Beyond infrastructure, Chen is also known as a "Big Dad" to 136 orphans. For nearly 20 years, he has supported their daily lives and education, helping 40 of them enter universities or graduate schools. His dedication to the future of Huazhou's youth is also reflected in his donation of Yaoming Primary School and a kindergarten. He also helped launch the one-yuan school bus initiative across 17 towns.
The true spirit of an entrepreneur
From helping farmers in difficulty to supporting orphans and revitalizing his hometown, Chen Yao has spent decades proving that a person's worth can be measured by their contribution to society. Seeking neither fame nor reward, he carries out his responsibilities with sincerity and kindness.
Author: Dong Han
Photo: Nanfang Plus
Video footage: Diyi Xianchang (第一现场), Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus
Video editor: Dong Han, Dong Tianjian, Wang Yueying
