Cover image via Douyin
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The gig economy can be a relentless machine, but for one man in Shanghai, China, it served as a vehicle for a total financial reset. Zhang Xueqiang, 25, has captivated the Internet after revealing he saved 1.12 million yuan (RM650,000) in just five years.
According to South China Morning Post, Zhang moved to the city in 2020 to take up food delivery work following the collapse of his previous business venture. His failed breakfast shop in Zhangzhou left him with a 50,000 yuan (RM29,000) debt, prompting his move to Shanghai.
To clear his arrears, Zhang committed to a gruelling schedule of 13 hours every day. He typically starts his shift at 10.40am and does not finish until 1am the next morning, taking breaks only during the Chinese Spring Festival.
To maximise his efficiency and earnings, Zhang does not walk to his destinations; he is constantly running. His supervisor, Yan, described him as a rare worker who is both extremely disciplined and thrifty.
"He is not talkative, just devoted himself to delivering food," Yan told the media.
During his busiest periods, Zhang completed more than 300 orders a month, covering a total distance of 324,000km since he began.
Despite earning a total of 1.4 million yuan (RM810,000), Zhang maintained a strictly frugal lifestyle
He said he had no expenditures other than basic daily necessities, allowing him to funnel nearly everything into his savings.
Having cleared his previous debts, Zhang now intends to invest 800,000 yuan (RM460,000) of his savings back into the food industry. He plans to open two breakfast shops in the first half of next year.
"I failed last time. I want to try it again," Zhang said. While many social media users praised his work ethic, others expressed concern that his income was earned by risking his life through overwork.
