The May 12 devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province has left many children orphaned and destitute, but the courage and optimism shown by some young survivors has inspired and provided hope to the entire nation.

CRI Reporter Chen Xi talks to one such young survivor and shares his story with us.

Reporter:

"Give me a coke. With ice, please."

That's what Xue Xiao told rescuers after being put on a stretcher. The 17-year-old student was rescued after being trapped in a collapsed four-storey building in Mianzhu for 80 hours.

People were so moved by his optimism and passion for life that they nicknamed him "The Coke Boy".

Lying in a hospital bed in Chengdu, young Xue Xiao couldn't help but smile when his rescuer came to visit. The man who pulled him out of the debris, surnamed Chen, promised Xue Xiao a special get-well-soon present.

"Promise me you'll stay happy and optimistic no matter what. This is a gentlemen's pact, all right? That day, you asked me for a coke. Today, I want to let you know that I will try my best to build a new middle school for you. A brand new one that will not collapse."

People all over the country are streaming in to see Xue Xiao with all kinds of gifts such as cans of coke, flowers and fruit, but he considers Mr. Chen's encouraging words the best present he got. He says his rescuer has inspired him to put the needs of others before himself.

"A man should think about others before himself. Everyone should help those who are less fortunate."

"I want to thank everyone for their concern. With all the care and encouragement, I will be strong and face life with optimism."

Chen Xi, CRI News, Cheng Du, Sichuan Province