Interviewer: Can you tell us about the recent incident in Suzhou, specifically the knife attack that took place in Zhangjia Alley?
Liu Yang: It was absolute chaos. I saw a woman in distress, and my instinct kicked in. I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing—I felt a responsibility to act. If something happened to her, I knew I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself.
Interviewer: That’s incredibly courageous of you. What actions did you take?
Liu Yang: I grabbed my umbrella and rushed to confront the attacker. In that moment, it was all about protecting her.
Interviewer: How did others around you respond?
Jiao Yuanshi (store manager): When I heard the commotion, I ran to assist Liu Yang. I grabbed a long iron spoon from my store to fend off the attacker. Along with Liu Yang and a few other bystanders, we managed to drive him away, which bought enough time for the police to arrive.
Interviewer: It sounds like a true community effort. What motivated you to take action?
Liu Yang: It’s pretty straightforward—I just wanted to help someone in need. When people come together in a crisis, it strengthens the sense of justice and fosters a safer environment for everyone.
Interviewer: You shared a powerful sentiment. Can you talk more about the impact of collective actions like this?
Liu Yang: Definitely. Acts of kindness tend to multiply when more people step in to help. That day, many joined us, embodying the idea that “virtue is never alone; it always has neighbors.”
Interviewer: It’s inspiring to hear about such heroism. How would you describe the emotional drive behind your actions?
Zhu Haiyi: There’s a profound strength in bravery and morality. I jumped over four meters into a reservoir to save three people in just three minutes. Honestly, I didn’t think about anything other than the lives I could save.
Interviewer: Your commitment to saving lives is truly admirable. Do you think there are policies that could better support those who act heroically?
Jiao Yuanshi: In Guangdong, there’s discussion about revising regulations to broaden the definition of who gets protection when they act courageously. It’s vital to recognize and reward our heroes properly, so they have the support they need when risking their lives for others.
Interviewer: How can society continue to nurture this culture of heroism?
Liu Yang: By celebrating acts of bravery, we can inspire others. Recognizing individuals on lists like the “China Good Person List” and sharing their stories helps cultivate an environment of strong moral character.
Interviewer: What does this reveal about the future of community values?
Zhu Haiyi: As President Xi Jinping has stated, if our nation strives for higher moral standards, there is hope for our future. If more people embrace these ideals, we can work together to build a harmonious society.
Interviewer: Thank you all for sharing your experiences. Your dedication to bravery and fostering community is truly commendable.