Chen Siqi vankchensq@163.com BETWEEN 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day, Jiang Xiaoxi, a hardworking 24-year-old food delivery woman, is at her busiest time. She navigates the bustling area of Shajing in Bao’an District, amidst towering high-rises and narrow streets in urban villages, to ensure the prompt delivery of delectable meals from local eateries. Since she joined Meituan, China’s most popular food delivery platform, in 2018, Jiang has managed approximately 70,000 food and beverage orders and covered over 120,000 kilometers — an average of more than 1,000 orders per month. Jiang’s tenacious spirit was apparent during an interview with Shenzhen Daily, in which she shared her favorite catchphrase — “you will reap the rewards of your hard work.” Her dedication has not gone unnoticed, as she has been honored as one of the top 10 food delivery drivers in Shenzhen. A resilient young leader Hailing from Shaoyang City in Central China’s Hunan Province, Jiang came to Shenzhen in pursuit of better financial prospects for her family. Her exceptional work performance and outstanding customer feedback swiftly propelled her into a leadership role. She became a team leader at the young age of 21. Despite initial skepticism from her teammates about a young woman’s ability to lead a team, Jiang’s aptitude and results spoke for her. Jiang outperformed her teammates by successfully delivering 128 orders to their destinations in a timely manner in a single day. All members of her team sincerely acknowledged her achievement. “My colleagues often playfully nicknamed me, but when it came to work, they were always serious,” Jiang said. Currently, she leads a team of 43. No pain no gain Dressed in Meituan’s signature yellow uniform, Jiang rides her electric bike as her daily routine. While she, like any young woman, aspires to maintain her sense of beauty, her occupation has left lasting marks. Calloused hands from navigating her e-bike and scars from falls serve as reminders of her unwavering commitment. One challenging night in 2018, Jiang lost her way, her e-bike battery was low, and the navigation did not work. Wandering in the dark night, Jiang suddenly burst into tears. “Why would I delivery food? I miss my mom!” Jiang thought to herself. Wrestling with desperation, she pressed on, eventually finding her way home by 2 a.m. Despite adversity, Jiang’s determination drove her to persevere in her role. This setback transformed into a valuable learning experience, leading her to meticulously chart the intricate paths within her service area and noted the various challenging terrains and buildings without lifts. “Climbing stairs is exhausting and time-consuming. Understanding these buildings’ layouts and urban landscapes will aid in optimizing my routes,” said Jiang, who also generously shared this information with her colleagues through WeChat groups. Within four months, Jiang familiarized herself with the Xinqiao Metro Station’s surroundings in the Shajing area, becoming a human map for the 5-kilometer radius of the station. Her dedication bore fruit when she topped the daily order delivery list one day in 2019. Heartwarming stories Upon her arrival in Shenzhen, Jiang initially worked in a factory. Encouraged by an older colleague who found a new job in food delivery, Jiang followed her to become a food delivery woman and gained invaluable guidance from her. “After I got familiar with the job, I have also helped others as a reward, which gives me a sense of fulfillment,” Jiang said. She has assisted in dispatching orders, facilitated the transportation of items for other delivery personnel unable to ascend the stairs, and supported her colleagues in resolving issues such as malfunctioning e-bikes. One notable incident occurred during a stormy day last September when a shop received several orders, but there were scarcely any delivery personnel available. When Jiang noticed this, she motivated her teammates to assist the shop in fulfilling the orders because she recognized that the items, which included rice and oil, might be necessities for the customers. Jiang attributed her personal growth to the recognition and inclusivity she experienced in Shenzhen. “I would like to bring my mom and little brother here because Shenzhen offers far more opportunities than one might expect,” she said. | 