In the early 1990s, China's reform and opening up led to rapid economic development, especially in the special economic zones in the south, such as Shenzhen. The city has rapidly transformed from a small fishing village into a modern metropolis, with high-rise buildings springing up like mushrooms. Behind these towering buildings, there is the blood and sweat of countless unknown builders. Many of them come from remote rural areas such as Daozi Township, Leiyang City, Hunan Province, and they have paved the way for the city's glory, but at the same time, they have paid a heavy price for it.
On a cold morning in 1993, Cao Bin and his fellow villagers boarded a train to Shenzhen. Shenzhen, a place full of dreams and opportunities, is a battlefield for Cao Bin to change his fate.
Cao Bin's younger brother, Cao Manyun, has been working on a construction site in Shenzhen for several years. He was the pride of his family, and the first salary he sent home cheered up the whole village. When Cao Bin arrived in Shenzhen, he was not greeted by his former healthy younger brother, but a young man with a yellow face and thin muscles and a cough.
In a modest worker's dormitory, Cao Manyun revealed his work to his brother. "Brother, the work here is not as good as the family thinks. We are wind drillers, and every day we have to punch holes in the hard granite, and our faces are covered in dust. Cao Manyun's words were full of helplessness.
Cao Bin looked at his younger brother, and a complex emotion surged in his heart. He decided to stay and fight with his brother. Together, they join the construction team of the Diwang Tower, an iconic skyscraper that is expected to be the tallest building in Asia.
Every day, Cao Bin, his younger brother and other co-workers stand in holes nearly four or five meters deep with heavy drilling rigs in hand. Their task was to drill deep blast holes in the granite, which were then filled with explosives for blasting. The job is dangerous and arduous, but every time they see the gradually rising building, they feel an indescribable sense of pride in their hearts.
As time passed, Cao's health deteriorated. His breathing became increasingly difficult, and each cough felt like he was trying to completely pull the air out of his lungs. One day in 2000, Cao Bin heard the word "pneumoconiosis" during a break. He began to wonder if this was his brother's illness.
After some investigation, Cao Bin learned that pneumoconiosis is an occupational disease caused by long-term inhalation of silica-containing dust. He realized that this could be the future he and his brother were facing.
Day after day, life for Cao Bin and his younger brother became more and more difficult. Cao Manyun's condition is getting worse and worse, and he even needs his brother's support to walk. Cao Bin was so heartbroken by his brother's condition that he decided to take him home for the Chinese New Year and seek medical treatment after the Chinese New Year.
On the way home, passing through the towering high-rise buildings in Shenzhen, Cao Bin lost the pride he once had, only heaviness and worry. Cao Manyun's wheezing sound almost became the background sound of the journey. The scenery outside the car window quickly receded, and Cao Manyun suddenly whispered: "Brother, I can't stand it, it's too uncomfortable." ”
Cao Bin's heart was like a knife after hearing this, he knew his brother's pain, but he still persuaded him: "Hold on, let's find a doctor after the Spring Festival." ”
Cao Bin and Cao Manyun returned home, and the whole family sat together, although the atmosphere was warm, but Cao Manyun's illness cast a shadow on the reunion. After the Spring Festival, they began to seek various treatments, but the treatment of pneumoconiosis was not easy, and Cao Manyun's condition did not improve much.
In the spring of 2005, Cao Manyun died peacefully in the hospital due to complications of pneumoconiosis. His death brought endless grief to Cao Bin and his family, and also made Cao Bin deeply reflect on his choices and efforts over the years.
After the death of his younger brother, Cao Bin began to actively participate in the protection of the rights and interests of pneumoconiosis patients, hoping to win more attention and legal rights for workers like his brother. His actions gradually attracted the attention of society and became part of the protection of labor rights.
Sublimation at the end
The story of Cao Bin and Cao Manyun is the epitome of countless people who are struggling in the construction of first-tier cities. They use their sweat and health to create the glory of the city, but often ignore their own rights and health. This story reminds us that the seemingly glamorous high-rise buildings behind it are built on the sacrifices of countless ordinary people like Cao Manyun. In the pursuit of economic development, we should not forget the well-being of the workers who provide us with our labor. Social progress is not only reflected in the forest of high-rise buildings, but also in the dignity and health of every worker.