(Ecns.cn)--For the past 17 years, 89-year-old Liu Shenglan, who lives in a small village in Yantai, Shandong Province, has barely eaten any meat or bought any new clothes.
Seemingly such a stingy guy, the poor grandpa is in fact quite generous, and has donated every penny he has made to poor students all over China, reported the Shandong Business Daily on July 18.
"He constantly helps others, but leads a dog's life himself, even worse than a beggar," said Liu Shaojiang, one of Liu's relatives.
Liu's house is quite shabby. Almost nothing can be spotted inside his rooms except a brick bed with worn-out cotton quits, several boxes, some dirty prize ribbons, and broken trophies.
About 17 years ago, Liu happened to read a report on assistance to poor students, and has since started sponsoring these kids, first in nearby cities and then from all over the country.
Once he even sponsored 50 students at the same time with a 300-yuan ($46) monthly salary.
However, Liu himself only survives by getting leftover vegetables from the local markets.
"He hasn't eaten any meat for a while," said Liu Shaojiang.
Not long ago, a boss from a local tobacco company donated 6,000 yuan ($928) to Liu, but Liu soon sent it to the poor students.
To save more money for the kids, Liu rejected the idea of going to a nursing house.
One of Liu's most valuable assets are his bags full of remittance bills and letters.
"I don't remember how much I have donated and how many letters I have received," said Liu, adding that "I really hoped they would reply to me after getting the money. But some did not write back, and that usually worried me a little bit."
In his relatives' eyes, Liu is quite an obstinate old man. "We could never understand him. He never thinks of himself," said Liu Shaojiang. "He is just so stubborn."
