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Chen Si, the 25-year-old Shanghai food delivery rider who made headlines for claiming to have earned 1.02 million yuan (approximately $157,000) in three years, has been hospitalized following a traffic accident. The incident has reignited discussions about the pressures and risks faced by China's gig economy workers.
On September 18, 2024, Chen confirmed on social media that he had suffered a fractured femur after colliding with a car while making deliveries in Shanghai's Jiading district. "Apart from my leg, I'm doing fine," Chen stated, urging the public to respect his privacy and refrain from spreading rumors.
Chen's rise to fame began when he shared his extraordinary earnings, sparking both admiration and skepticism online. He described working up to 18 hours a day, starting at 5:50 AM and finishing at midnight, with minimal personal expenses. Chen's story highlighted the potential rewards of the gig economy but also raised concerns about unsustainable work practices.
A platform representative had previously verified Chen's earnings, confirming his status as a top performer among delivery riders. However, Chen himself cautioned against others attempting to replicate his intense work schedule, emphasizing the importance of working within one's limits.
Netizens have expressed mixed reactions to Chen's accident:
One user commented, "He's truly impressive, but it's also genuinely exhausting. The key point is that his success isn't easily replicable. Not every rider can become a 'delivery king'."
Another added, "1.02 million yuan is the price of hard work, but it's not something an average person can emulate. Just sleeping only 3 hours a night is beyond what most people can handle."
A third netizen observed, "All the money earned might end up going to the hospital. Health should always come first."
