A SMALL act of kindness at a snack shop in Longgang District has gone viral after two recent university graduates received an unexpected refund for their meal.

On Aug. 16, the graduates ate at a Shaxian Delicacies restaurant in the district. After leaving, they discovered that the 13 yuan (about US$1.81) they had paid had been returned with a handwritten note that said “Keep going — this one’s on us!”

They shared the incident online, quickly drawing widespread attention and thousands of supportive comments praising the gesture.

The shop owner, surnamed Pan, said his business partner decided to refund the payment after overhearing the graduates discussing their job search.

“The amount isn’t much, but if we can offer a little warmth, it’s worth it,” Pan said. “We all face difficulties at some point. If it’s within our ability, helping others — even in small ways — can make life a bit sweeter.”

The two graduates said the surprise moved them to tears. “It was the first time we’ve felt this kind of warmth since starting out on our own,” they told Xinhua. “We wish the shop owners great success, and we believe everyone will get better and better.”

(SD News)