But that does not mean that people have forgotten the important role that Li played in bringing attention to the deadly virus. More than 10 months after his death, his presence is still very much alive. In early December, there were more than 1 million comments on his latest Weibo post; only posts from China’s most popular stars got the most responses. However, the feelings that lead people to honor him have evolved.
At first, Weibo users accessed Li’s page to express apologies and solidarity. But more recently, they expressed thanks. “Next Chinese New Year, I will be able to return home to Wuhan and be reunited with my family. Dr. Li, thank you, ”commented a Weibo user. Others simply visit his Weibo page to talk to him – about everything from who they have a crush on, how their day went and what their wishes are for next year.
After reading his thousands of previous Weibo posts and learning more about the warm and gentle soul he was, hundreds of thousands of strangers now consider him a friend or equal, even if they have never met him. Months after his death, Li is being remembered for what he was like for most of his life: not a global hero, but a lover of fried chicken and soapy TV dramas, just like most Generation Y Chinese.
It is said that in ancient times people went to the forest to find a “tree hole”. They would tell their secrets to the hollow tree and then fill it with mud so that the secrets would be sealed forever. Li’s Weibo account has become, in a sense, a hole in a modern day tree – a place for people to share and trust. (Most people on Weibo don’t use their real names.)
The only time that Weibo saw anything like this kind of very public but very personal demonstration was eight years ago, after a young Chinese woman suffering from depression died of suicide and left her last words on Weibo. Netizens who also struggled with depression accessed their page to share their frustration and despair.
Most people visit Li’s page for strength. “Wenliang, allow me to call you that. I feel so powerless when it comes to life and work, and I always want to change. I think you had those moments too. Next spring, I am leaving this city, I am already 40 years old, but I can still muster courage. I should follow my heart, do you agree? “a user posted.
Your Weibo has attracted a series of life stories – happy and unhappy, confused and determined – as people cry, vent, make wishes and seek solace. People also read each other’s stories and encourage each other. If the vibe was mostly one of sadness 10 months ago, optimism gradually found its way back – with a young doctor from Wuhan, perhaps unlikely, introducing him and helping a nation to cope.
As one commentator said, “2020 was difficult for me, but I managed to resist. Although there are other difficulties ahead, I believe that things will get better and better. “