Chongqing - On the misty waters of the Yangtze River in Chongqing's Zhong County, the "Yuzhongke 2180" ferry is more than just a boat; it is a lifeline. As the last remaining passenger ferry in this river section, it serves as a "water bus" for elderly farmers traveling 30 kilometers from Yangdu Town to the county seat to sell their farm produce.

One business partner and manager of the ferry is Cao Lifang, known affectionately as "Sister Fang." Her younger sister, Cao Chaoping, is her capable helper. Originally purchased in 2013 so Sister Fang could stay near her children, the business faced a crisis in 2022 due to rising fuel costs and dwindling passenger numbers. "We thought it might be our last year," Sister Fang recalled.

However, the sisters turned to the internet. By sharing videos of the hardworking farmers—many in their 70s—they attracted a massive following. The resulting livestreaming income didn't just save the ferry; it transformed it into a floating community center. Today, the "Yuzhongke 2180" provides free breakfast to the farmers, some of whom even wake up at 3:00 AM to harvest vegetables and often skip meals to reach the market on time.

The ferry's low fare has remained unchanged, offering a spacious deck for the heavy baskets and shoulder poles that local buses refuse to carry. The impact has sparked a "kindness relay": volunteers now arrive weekly to help carry heavy loads, and the local government has renovated a market near the dock to reduce the walking distance for the elderly.

"Kindness is contagious," says Cao Lifang. "When you reach out a hand, more will follow."

As the new year approaches, a larger, safer vessel is set to take over the route. It will retain the name "Yuzhongke 2180," ensuring that the "down-to-earth" warmth and the smell of fresh vegetables continue to drift across the Yangtze.