Chinese man reunites with family after 25 years in total isolation to honour a promise

A Chinese man in his 60s has finally reunited with his family after spending 25 years in isolation to honor a promise. Li Guoyou, 63, recently received his renewed hukou booklet, China’s official household registration, at a police station in Pingtan, a town in southwestern Sichuan province. This marked his official identity registration in his hometown after nearly three decades away. Li left home at the age of 24 in 1987, moving to Guangzhou in southern China in search of better work opportunities. Over time, he gradually lost contact with his two brothers, his only family after their parents died. He returned home once in 1997, but did not meet his brothers, who were both working elsewhere. He left behind a landline number, which his family tried to dial repeatedly in the years that followed, but to no avail. In 1998, Li migrated to Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province in northern China, where he met a highway restaurant owner named Lin. Lin took Li in as an employee, providing him with a means to make a living. During this time, Li became close to Lin and eventually made a promise to take care of her house should she ever need to travel abroad. The promise was made during a period of personal hardship for Lin, who was preparing to move overseas for medical treatment. Li honored his promise by staying in the house, maintaining it, and ensuring its upkeep over the years. Despite the distance from his family and the challenges of being isolated, Li remained committed to fulfilling his word. His dedication to the house and the promise he made to Lin became a central part of his life, shaping his decisions and daily routines. The house, located deep in the mountains, became a place of solitude for Li. It was far removed from the bustling cities where he had previously worked, yet it offered him a sense of purpose. Over the years, the house saw regular visits from Lin, who would return periodically to check on its condition. These visits were brief, often lasting just a few hours, but they reinforced the bond between them and reminded Li of the importance of keeping his promise. Li’s story gained attention locally, though it was not widely publicized until recent months. Neighbors and local officials began to recognize the significance of his actions, particularly the lengths he went to maintain the house and uphold his commitment. His decision to return to his hometown and re-register his hukou booklet signaled a turning point in his life, marking the beginning of his reconnection with his family. Family members, upon learning of Li’s return, expressed surprise and relief. They had long believed that Li had abandoned them, unaware of his continued efforts to fulfill his promises. The reunion was emotional, filled with moments of reflection and reconciliation. While the past could not be undone, the act of returning and reconnecting brought a sense of closure to Li’s journey. As Li settles back into his hometown, he faces the challenge of rebuilding relationships and adjusting to a new normal. His story serves as a testament to the power of promises and the impact of individual choices on personal and familial lives. What lies ahead for Li remains uncertain, but one thing is clear, he has chosen to embrace the present and honor the commitments he made in the past.