In an extraordinary tale of grit and frugality, a 25-year-old food delivery worker in China has managed to save a staggering sum of money, equivalent to over ₹1.3 crore, within just five years. The story of Zhang Xueqiang, who works in Shanghai, highlights the immense dedication and sacrifice possible in the modern gig economy.
From Debt to Determination: The Beginning of the Journey
Zhang Xueqiang's journey to becoming a top delivery executive began out of necessity. Before moving to Shanghai in 2020 to work for a major food delivery platform, he faced a significant financial setback. A breakfast shop he operated with a friend in his hometown of Zhangzhou had to close down, leaving him with a debt of 50,000 yuan (approximately US$7,000 or ₹5.8 lakh). This debt became the driving force behind his relentless work ethic.
The Relentless Routine of an "Order King"
To clear his debt and build savings, Zhang adopted a punishing schedule that would be unthinkable for most. His daily routine is a masterclass in discipline and endurance. He starts his delivery shifts at 10:40 am and works until 1 am the next day, amounting to over 13 hours of work daily. He maintains this schedule seven days a week, taking only a few days off during the Chinese Spring Festival holiday.
To ensure he has the energy for this marathon, Zhang prioritises sleep, getting a solid 8.5 hours of rest every day. His efficiency is legendary among his peers, who have nicknamed him "Great God" or "Order King." He often completes more than 300 delivery orders per month, with each order taking him an average of just 25 minutes to fulfil.
The Staggering Numbers: Distance Covered and Money Saved
The physical scale of Zhang's work is as impressive as his financial achievement. Over the course of his five-year delivery career, the cumulative distance he has covered while delivering food is an astonishing 324,000 kilometres. To put that in perspective, that's enough to circle the Earth over eight times.
In late November, Zhang shared a video on social media revealing his total earnings. As reported by the South China Morning Post, he had earned a total of 1.4 million yuan (approximately ₹1.65 crore) from his delivery work. After paying off his initial debt and deducting all his living expenses, he managed to save an incredible 1.12 million yuan (about US$160,000 or ₹1.32 crore).
His secret to saving such a large portion of his income is extreme frugality. "I do not have other expenditures except very basic daily necessities," Zhang told the Xinmin Evening News. He summarised his life simply: "I work for about 13 hours a day, seven days a week. Other than eating and sleeping, I spend all my time sending food to customers."
Zhang Xueqiang's story is more than just a financial success; it's a powerful narrative about sacrifice, goal-setting, and the sheer physical toll of the platform economy. While his level of work-life imbalance is not a sustainable model for most, it underscores the potential for income generation in the delivery sector and the profound impact of disciplined saving, offering a stark and inspiring case study for gig workers everywhere.
