Some people didn't understand Lin, wondering how he can afford to help others.

"It's not enough to just make money," he said. One must do more.

To earn enough money to subsidize the students, Lin sleeps only six hours a day — a pattern he adopted on the first day he sold squid. He was able to open a walk-in restaurant and is on duty there 365 days a year, except when he is sick.

In addition to paying off his debts and spending on basic living expenses, Lin's income has gone to public donations and helping poor students over the years.

"As long as I can do it, I will always stick to the public good," he said.

Quite a few people have made progress in life with Lin's help. His two sons, for example, have married and his debts are about to be paid off.

The future is always bright if people try to move forward, he said.

Sun Siyan contributed to this story.