On the NIT campus, students can often see a guy riding a bike with another guy sitting on the back. The one who’s on the back is Zhu Li, who suffers from infantile paralysis and who can only walk with the help of crutches. The other rider is Zhu’s roommate, Ding Bingqiang, who has been helping Zhu get to his classes for more than a semester.

Both Zhu and Ding major in software engineering. When Zhu was a freshman, his classmates, under the guidance of school counselors, took turns picking him up before class and bringing him back to the dorm after class. When Zhu became a sophomore, his roommate Ding volunteered to be his “carrier”. Whenever they needed to go to a class, Ding would take Zhu to the teaching building by bike, and then help him walk to the classroom. When it was time for a meal, Ding would take Zhu to the school canteen, help him get seated, and then bring him what he wanted to eat.

“He’s a good guy -- very considerate and patient,” said Zhu of Ding. “He is always by my side whenever I need help. Sometimes, I feel a bit uneasy about our arrangement because I am afraid that it bothers him, but when I would see the sincere smile on his face, I always feel much better.”

When talking about Zhu, Ding showed great respect. “He is very optimistic, even though he is disabled,” said Ding. “He always looks at the bright side of life, and he studies hard. He has won several scholarships. His positive attitude towards life has really impressed me, and has encouraged me to study harder.”

As the saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Zhu and Ding have become bosom buddies, and they hope to maintain their friendship forever.