In July 2019, Zhong was awarded the title of "National Model Ex-service Member."

He joined the PLA in 2003, and retuned to his hometown in 2007 after four years of military service. In 2008, he set up his ecological company. He has since offered jobs to 3,000 ex-servicemen, and donated 430 million yuan to social public welfare undertakings.

He is Zhong Lizhao, born in 1984. In May 2022, Zhong was awarded the title of the "Most Beautiful Volunteer in China."

The imprint of 'olive green'

Zhong was born into a farmer family in the old revolutionary area of Hailufeng in Guangdong Province. His parents divorced when he was two years old. He grew up with his father, but he also got help from the local government and neighbors.

Zhong joined the army at 19. Cognizant of the fact that "the more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war," he was strict with himself in everyday training: when others ran with a burden of 10 kg, he carried 15 kg; while others ran 5 km, he would run 10 km. He was rated as an "excellent soldier" in recognition of his excellent performance in his first year of enlistment.

Recalling his military days, Zhong's eyes sparkled with light: "My company was a hero company. All risked their lives to combat drugs and smuggling."

In an anti-smuggling operation, Zhong's squadron lay in ambush for two days and two nights until the smuggling ship appeared. After the warning shot was ignored, the squadron leader gave an order, and Zhong and his comrades-in-arms stormed the smuggling ship and seized all drugs and smuggled goods. Unfortunately, a platoon leader fell overboard during the fight and died a glorious death. "The platoon leader was gone in this way. We could no longer see his smiling face." This unforgettable experience was etched in Zhong's mind. He made a vow thereafter: Life is precious, and can never be wasted.

In his 4-year military service, Zhong had several brushes with death, and shrapnel is still embedded in his legs. He regards these scar marks as the "medal of honor" for a soldier.