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In a heartwarming story of digital connection, a tweet from US netizen Brecken Neumann, which read, "guys, isn't this just how the world is supposed to be?" went viral, garnering 7.8 million views on X. This led to a bond between two families: Brecken's family in the southern US state of Mississippi and RongRong's (a pseudonym) family in Shanghai, China. Their online interactions have now turned into a real-life meeting, with Brecken sharing his booked flight tickets to China on Xiaohongshu (RedNote) last Wednesday, revealing plans to visit Shanghai by the end of March. Brecken expressed that RedNote had been instrumental in shaping his plans, pushing his trip to China higher on his list of priorities.
This connection comes at a time when American users are flocking to RedNote, as US TikTok users anxiously await the outcome of a critical ruling by the US Supreme Court regarding TikTok’s future. On January 14, a simple "Hello" on RedNote marked the beginning of the bond between Rong’s family in Shanghai and Brecken’s in Mississippi. After exchanging messages on the platform, the two families found they had a lot in common, which led them to add each other on WeChat. Shortly after, Brecken’s wife joined the conversation, and the four of them established a WeChat group called "World Family."
The new digital friends have found much to share in their group chat, including breakfast ideas for their children, tips on parenting, and comparisons of the cost of living in their respective countries. They also exchange stories about their pets and talk about their work meals. "We're around the same age, so we have a lot in common. It really feels like we're good friends," said Rong.
Brecken expressed his excitement about the growing friendship, saying, “It feels amazing because it just shows how many of us are really here to enjoy this short life we have on this Earth together, with our families and kids.” He also noted how incredible it is to form friendships that transcend national borders.
Rong shared Brecken’s enthusiasm, adding that she always knew the families would meet one day. She mentioned that both families love Disney, and they’ve already planned a visit to the Shanghai Disney Resort. Other activities are still being discussed, but the excitement is palpable.
Brecken, who admitted to not knowing what to expect when joining RedNote, shared that the platform's welcoming environment had far exceeded his expectations. "I didn’t know what to expect before coming to RedNote, but everyone is warm and welcoming," he said. He emphasized that the diverse interactions taking place on the platform demonstrate the power of technology in building a global village.
For Rong, it’s not just their personal story that excites her but the broader trend of international communication that RedNote has helped facilitate. "The platform built by RedNote has broken down the invisible walls between countries, allowing for a more genuine and deeper understanding of each other," she explained.
Rong concluded by quoting the lyrics, "You and me, From one world, Forever we are one family." She reflected on how the world, in her eyes, should function like one big family—united by love and peace.
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