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THE CITY CHRONICLE
January 26, 2025
Civilian Scales Balcony to Battle Fire, Save Resident
By: Yin Yu
A fire broke out Sunday afternoon in Puqi Apartments and was subsequently put out by an unidentified individual, who also rescued a resident in danger.
The man scaled the building’s fire escape to reach Xie Lian, 31, who lives in the eighth-floor apartment where the fire started. The cause of the blaze was a “cooking incident,” according to Xie Lian, an account the local fire department has corroborated.
“I don’t have the best luck with cooking,” Xie Lian said in an interview with The Chronicle. “I looked away from the stove for just a moment and all of a sudden there were flames.”
Within minutes of the fire starting, a mysterious figure in red appeared on Xie Lian’s balcony with an offer to carry the resident down the fire escape he had just climbed up. This man, known only by the nickname “San Lang” to Xie Lian, also managed to put out the fire just as the city fire department arrived on the scene. He could not be reached for comment.
“I was trying to put the fire out, but I seemed to be making it worse, especially since I never got around to replacing my broken fire extinguisher,” Xie Lian said. “San Lang knocked on my balcony door and asked if I needed assistance getting down, and I said I just needed a bit of help taming the fire, so he lent a hand.”
By the time firefighters made it up to Xie Lian’s apartment, this “San Lang” had smothered the flames and was on his way out to buy Xie Lian a new fire extinguisher.
“We certainly commend the efforts of this young man to help someone in need, but we don’t necessarily want people to get ideas about putting out building fires themselves instead of just evacuating and waiting for the firefighters,” Fire Chief Pei Ming said in a statement. “In the event of a fire, if you do not have a working fire extinguisher or other means of quickly putting out the fire, your first priority should be getting out of there.”
When asked why evacuating was not a priority, Xie Lian said he is no stranger to starting kitchen fires.
“I didn’t think it was that serious, so I thought I might as well try to put it out to save the firefighters the hassle,” he said.
The unknown man could not be reached for comment, but Xie Lian expressed gratitude for his efforts.
“I’d never met him before, but he’s clearly good in a crisis, so I’m glad he happened to show up on my balcony today,” he said. “It’d be a pleasure to see him again, should the occasion arise — though hopefully under less fiery circumstances.”
[Read More]
Top Comments:
bright: Chivalry isn’t dead, I suppose! What a nice story.
nowornever: personally if a stranger climbs up my balcony i’m dropkicking them off it whether my apartment is on fire or not
wakeup: I wonder if this will lead to a rise in people attempting to put out fires themselves.
THE SPECTACLE
January 26, 2025
UNHINGED VIGILANTE INTERFERES WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT EFFORTS
By: Qi Rong
The Fire Department strongly condemned the actions of an unknown vigilante who made clumsy efforts to put out a fire at Puqi Apartments on Sunday evening. The suspect trespassed on a local resident’s balcony with the clear intent of interfering with Fire Department operations and barring the resident from escaping.
“We don’t necessarily want people to get ideas about putting out building fires themselves instead of waiting for the firefighters,” the City Fire Chief warns.
After the trauma of this event, the local resident declined to comment on the matter. The vigilante’s identity is unknown and purposes are unclear.
Tianyan Kai, who also lives in Puqi Apartments, witnessed the strange man scaling the building’s fire escape to trespass while the other residents evacuated.
“I can spot a suspicious character from a mile away, and he was definitely suspicious,” the neighbor says. “I thought it was extremely odd that he had identified the source of the fire so quickly before the fire department had even gotten there.”
Asked about the resident who set the fire in the first place, Tianyan Kai says life has not been peaceful since this resident moved in one month ago.
“From what I’ve observed, disaster seems to follow him everywhere. It’s too bad he came to live here,” he says. “And now he’s bringing this strange wannabe-firefighter into our midst. I’m quite concerned.”
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COMMENTS
othersideofhollywood: What an moron. No respect for firefighters at all.
wow: so did they manage to put out the fire??? did the whole building burn down?
yougotnothingtolose: THIS GUY SHOULD BE ARRESTED
THE STAR
January 27, 2025
Dashing Hero Daringly Scales Balcony To Save Man In Distress
By: Shi Qingxuan
With a kitchen engulfed in flames and no firefighters in sight, Xie Lian’s last hope was the unknown hero who climbed up his building’s fire escape to put out the fire.
“Of course I was grateful for his help,” said Xie Lian, a 31-year-old resident of Puqi Apartments, where the dangerous blaze broke out on Sunday afternoon. “He’s really quite a resourceful person—and charming too.”
So who is this knight in fireproof armor? That’s the most interesting part—no one knows! Xie Lian says the only name he gave is San Lang, a nickname, and no one on the scene has reported recognizing the dazzling young man. Xie Lian isn’t the only one he’s charmed, either; even the fire department had words of praise for this anonymous local hero.
“We certainly commend the efforts of this young man to help someone in need,” said Fire Chief Pei Ming in a statement.
The Fire Department did not respond to requests to discuss his heroics further, but the city is all abuzz with news of this mystery man.
“I didn’t know climbing a fire escape could be so sexy,” gushed Jian Lan, who lives in the building next to Puqi Apartments and watched the whole scene. “He really does give ‘hot firefighter’ a whole new meaning.”
Asked if his rescuer was handsome, Xie Lian’s blush was fiery indeed.
“I’m not sure I was focused on such things in the moment, what with my entire kitchen on fire, but I suppose he was quite good-looking, yes,” Xie Lian said with a shy laugh.
This daring rescue may have begun with a kitchen fire, but are the flames of love burning even after it’s been extinguished?
[See more!]
Tell us your thoughts!
thisbandisback: OMG. Absolute peak romance. No notes.
alleyesonme: what in the wattpad
perfectharmony: did they exchange numbers?!?!?! i guess it doesn’t really matter since apparently san lang knows where he lives and can climb up to his balcony but STILLLLLL
THE CITY CHRONICLE
February 1, 2025
Civilian Climbs Tree to Free Man Caught on Branch
By: Yin Yu
An unknown individual climbed a tree Saturday to provide assistance to a man stuck on one of the branches.
Xie Lian, 31, who was trying to rescue a cat, got his clothing snagged on the top branch of a tree in Yushi Park early Saturday and was unable to free himself without the clothing potentially ripping off. Someone walking their dog nearby called emergency services for help, but before the fire department arrived, an unnamed civilian had already climbed the tree himself to free Xie Lian. He could not be reached for comment.
“He’s a really good climber,” Xie Lian said of his rescuer, whom he only knows by the nickname San Lang, in an interview with The Chronicle. “I’m not a bad climber myself, but I didn’t really account for getting stuck, so that was a bit of a miscalculation.”
As for the cat, it jumped down with ease once Xie Lian got to the top branch and is now safe as well, according to Xie Lian.
“In hindsight, I don’t think the cat was actually trapped up there,” Xie Lian said. “So that was a bit of a miscalculation too.”
The fire department advises caution when it comes to scaling trees to perform a rescue on your own.
“You know, we’re not going to say, ‘Don’t climb any trees to save others. That’s a stupid thing to do,’ but we do want to emphasize the risks of doing so yourself rather than waiting for help,” Fire Chief Pei Ming said in a statement. “Rescuing a cat or another person is obviously a very kind thing to do, but that’s our job. You can call us rather than risk serious injury.”
As for “San Lang,” he is reportedly the same man who put out a kitchen fire in Xie Lian’s apartment on Jan. 26, but they are otherwise not acquainted.
“I suppose I can call him a friend now that he has helped me out of a tough spot twice now,” Xie Lian said. “It would be nice to meet under more auspicious circumstances next time, though.”
[Read More]
Top Comments:
unsaidemily: Wow, what are the odds of rescuing the same person twice? Great story.
wakeup: It seems silly to climb up there for a cat when cats can climb much better than us humans.
standtall: running into someone like this twice by “accident” is kinda sus. it’s giving stalker maybe???
THE SPECTACLE
February 1, 2025
INTERLOPER CLIMBS TREE TO SPITE FIRE DEPARTMENT
By: Qi Rong
The City Fire Department strongly condemned the actions of an unwanted meddler who prevented them from rescuing a local man stuck in a tree in Yushi Park on Saturday morning. The interloper climbed the tree himself to interfere with Fire Department operations for unknown reasons.
“Don’t climb any trees to save others. That’s a stupid thing to do,” the City Fire Chief warns. “Call us rather than risk serious injury.”
After the trauma of this event, the local man who was stuck declined to comment on the matter. The meddler’s identity is unknown and purposes are unclear.
Tianyan Kai, who happened to be walking by the park, witnessed the strange man scaling the tree to cause trouble and recognized him as the vigilante who trespassed on the scene of a fire last week in Tianyan Kai’s apartment building.
“I recognized him right away as bad news,” Tianyan Kai says. “Clearly he has some nefarious purposes we do not yet know, and they seem to be concentrated on my neighbor for whatever reason. I only hope he can see the truth before it’s too late.”
Asked if the neighbor might be an accomplice to this vigilante’s schemes to spite local law enforcement, Tianyan Kai said this possibility cannot be ruled out.
“First he’s starting a fire, then he just happens to get stuck in a tree? I think that is very suspicious,” Tianyan Kai says.
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COMMENTS
wow: damn is the guy still stuck in the tree?
othersideofhollywood: Who spends their time just trying to mess with law enforcement? What a sad life.
yougotnothingtolose: ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. LOCK HIM UP ALREADY
THE STAR
February 2, 2025
Animal Lover Rescued From Tree By Lionhearted Liberator
By: Shi Qingxuan
Is there anything more swoonworthy than someone going out on a limb for you—literally? Local man Xie Lian may not have fainted out of the tree when his mysterious rescuer climbed up to save him from the branch caught on his pants, but he was certainly impressed.
“San Lang was very helpful,” the 31-year-old said of his savior, referring to his nickname. “I got stuck up there trying to help a cat, and I was just pondering the best way to get myself unstuck without too much embarrassment when he just climbed up to help me all of a sudden. He’s really quite efficient.”
The Fire Department praised the efforts of both men in an online statement, saying: “Rescuing a cat or another person is obviously a very kind thing to do.”
Xie Lian found himself in this predicament only because his gentle heart compelled him to climb to the rescue of a helpless kitten; though he managed to save his new feline friend, part of the branch snagged the back of his pants and prevented him from moving. Luckily, this San Lang is not one to leave Xie Lian hanging—a sentiment already proven by the hero’s daring firefighting efforts that saved Xie Lian’s life from a fire in his apartment last Sunday.
“It was a nice surprise to see him again,” a blushing Xie Lian admitted. “I guess it’s lucky that we managed to cross paths again so soon.”
Was it luck, or the hands of fate intervening to bring these two together? It may be too soon to tell.
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Tell us your thoughts!
perfectharmony: OMGGGGGGGG the plot thickens!!!! so i guess they didn’t exchange info but fate brought them together again anyway?!?!! what are the odds omg
edgeofgreat: I am once again asking for someone to track down this San Lang so I can know if he’s hot or not! Please pleeeaaase be hot
flyingsolo: this is so cute!! i’m giggling
THE CITY CHRONICLE
February 6, 2025
Man Saved From Frozen Lake by Nearby Civilian
By: Yin Yu
An unidentified individual ran across a frozen lake Thursday afternoon to rescue a local man who had fallen in.
Xie Lian, 31, had been skating on Banyue Lake when the ice cracked beneath him and he fell through into the water. Emergency responders received a report of the incident from a nearby skater and were on the scene within minutes, but Xie Lian had already been pulled from the freezing water by an unnamed civilian, who could not be reached for comment.
“It wasn’t really that cold, honestly,” Xie Lian said in an interview with The Chronicle. “It was a little tricky getting out, but I was intending to just pull myself up when suddenly San Lang was lying there on the ice holding out a hockey stick, so that was pretty convenient for me.”
Local authorities are strongly encouraging people to check the ice conditions before they try to walk or skate on frozen water. They advise bystanders to proceed with caution if trying to rescue someone from the ice, in case they fall in too.
“It can be extremely dangerous to try to perform a rescue yourself and can complicate the rescue for emergency responders if you fall in as well,” Police Chief Shi Wudu said in a statement. “But if you see someone fall through the ice, of course the natural response is to want to save them. The way this young man performed the rescue is exactly the way you should go about it if you feel someone’s life is in imminent danger.”
Calling for help is usually the best action you can take as a bystander, according to the police chief, who advises not to go near the weak patch of ice at all if you can help it. Refer to this article for the steps to take if you or someone around you falls through the ice.
“San Lang,” as Xie Lian calls his rescuer, has been identified by Xie Lian as the person who also saved him from a kitchen fire and being stuck in a tree in recent weeks. His real name and identity are unknown to law enforcement officials, but Xie Lian calls him a good friend.
“We only seem to meet in very unfortunate moments, but I would consider us friends nonetheless,” Xie Lian said. “I owe him a home-cooked meal, at least, after all his help.”
[Read More]
Top Comments:
finallyfree: woooooooow what a crazy story!! who needs emergency responders when you have a random hockey player(?) on hand to rescue you lol
bright: I find these human interest stories very enjoyable—it’s amazing how someone can pull off such a brave feat for a total stranger.
unsaidemily: That sounds very frightening. Luckily someone was nearby to step in quickly to pull him out. This is why I don’t let my children go ice skating.
THE SPECTACLE
February 6, 2025
MEDDLING BYSTANDER COMPLICATES ICE RESCUE
By: Qi Rong
The City Police Department strongly condemned the actions of a disruptive bystander who prevented them from rescuing a local man who fell through the ice in Banyue Lake Thursday evening. The unauthorized vigilante sought to interfere with Police Department operations for potentially nefarious reasons.
“It can be extremely dangerous to try to perform a rescue yourself and can complicate the rescue for emergency responders if you fall in as well,” the City Police Chief admonishes.
After the trauma of this event, the local man who fell in declined to comment on the matter. The presumptuous bystander’s identity is unknown and purposes are unclear.
Tianyan Kai, who lives 5 miles from the lake, said this is likely another act by the suspicious individual who has a history of interfering with emergency responders.
“What does he stand to gain from bothering a man who fell in the ice?” Tianyan Kai says. “He must be trying to send some sort of message to law enforcement that he intends to sabotage their efforts and turn public opinion against them. The police may need to track down this potential criminal and arrest him.”
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COMMENTS
yougotnothingtolose: DESPICABLE BEHAVIOR. WE NEED TO BAND TOGETHER TO STOP HIM
wow: so did the guy die in the ice??? that’s crazy
othersideofhollywood: If I witnessed something like this, I would perform a citizens arrest. No one should be doing the police’s job for them.
THE STAR
February 7, 2025
Imperiled Skater Lifted From Icy Waters By Guardian Angel
By: Shi Qingxuan
Perhaps no one is more familiar with the feeling of being on thin ice than Xie Lian, who on Thursday had a dramatic fall through a frozen lake and managed to survive only because of his devoted rescuer.
Xie Lian, a 31-year-old who sought to go skating on Banyue Lake for a bit of recreation, thought the worst thing to befall him would be a broken ankle. But the lake gods had other plans for him that day, and if not for the enigma known as San Lang, he might not have lived to tell the tale at all.
When San Lang offered Xie Lian the hockey stick he would use to pull him out of his icy prison, Xie Lian said he was more relieved about seeing his “friend” again than being saved from certain death.
“Obviously I had some problems to attend to, but in the moment I was just really pleased to see San Lang’s face,” Xie Lian said, no doubt referencing how handsome his rescuer is. “And he seemed to want to take charge of the situation, so I was happy to let him pull me out of the water.”
The Police Chief sung his praises in a new statement: “The way this young man performed the rescue is exactly the way you should go about it if you feel someone’s life is in imminent danger.”
After San Lang’s heroic efforts to free Xie Lian from the ice, he wrapped his rescuee in a blanket and gave him a cup of hot chocolate, all before law enforcement even showed up.
“He also offered to give me CPR,” Xie Lian recalls wistfully. “Even though I told him I had never been drowning, he still wanted to. Isn’t that nice of him?”
One wonders: is ice the only thing Xie Lian fell in that day?
[See more!]
Tell us your thoughts!
igotthemusic: “he also offered to give me cpr” is the gayest thing i’ve ever heard actually
thisbandisback: I cannot BELIEVE they met again! That’s incredible. At this point it’s destiny, right?
edgeofgreat: Is he a hockey player or did he just happen to have a hockey stick with him? If he plays hockey I bet he’s hot. Please I need a picture
THE CITY CHRONICLE
February 14, 2025
Zoo Patron Tackles Escaped Crocodile
By: Yin Yu
A crocodile escaped from its enclosure at Ghost City Zoo on Saturday and was subsequently incapacitated by a unnamed visitor.
Zoo patron Xie Lian, 31, was standing in front of the crocodile exhibit when 4-year-old Zhu broke free from her habitat. When the crocodile appeared to move toward Xie Lian, another patron tackled Zhu and clamped her mouth shut, preventing her from going any further until zoo staff intervened to return Zhu to her enclosure. The man, identified by Xie Lian with the nickname “San Lang,” could not be reached for comment.
“It all happened rather fast, but I was never particularly concerned for my life,” Xie Lian said in an interview with The Chronicle. “I feel like Zhu just wanted a taste of freedom, so I don’t blame her at all. And San Lang was very capable, of course. He didn’t even hesitate, and he made sure not to harm her at all.”
After the intervention by “San Lang,” Ghost City Zoo employees quickly secured the reptile. Zoo officials did not disclose whether her escape route has been determined, but the zoo reported that an investigation is being conducted and no injuries occurred.
“Our staff acted efficiently and followed all protocol to secure the animal safely,” zoo officials said in a statement. “We could not have foreseen that one of our patrons would act so quickly, and we do appreciate the attempt at heroism. However, Ghost City Zoo wishes to emphasize that visitors are strongly encouraged not to tackle any zoo animals unless absolutely necessary.”
Wildlife expert Yushi Huang also cautions untrained individuals against attempting dangerous stunts with crocodiles.
“Their temperaments are unpredictable, and they can be incredibly dangerous when provoked,” Yushi Huang said in an interview with The Chronicle. “That said, this patron managed to deescalate a very perilous situation without any injury to the crocodile, himself or others, while the actual trained employees were who-knows-where. The zoo has a lot of explaining to do here, in my opinion.”
[Read More]
Top Comments:
nowornever: what the actual fuck?!?!?! i am never going back to this zoo ever again are they crazy
finallyfree: how could they possibly not know how a crocodile escaped from its exhibit?? nah that’s too wild
standtall: I guess having a potential stalker isn’t too bad if they’ll wrestle crocodiles for you
THE SPECTACLE
February 14, 2025
ANIMAL ABUSER ATTACKS INNOCENT REPTILE
By: Qi Rong
An unidentified patron at Ghost City Zoo attacked a crocodile on Saturday, wrestling it to the ground in an unprovoked assault.
It is unclear how this violent individual came into contact with the crocodile, and fortunately the reptile managed to avoid injury. Zoo officials strongly condemned the actions of this unwanted visitor, though it is unclear whether they have taken action to ban him from the premises.
“We could not have foreseen that one of our patrons would act so,” zoo officials lament. “Ghost City Zoo wishes to emphasize that visitors are not to tackle any zoo animals.”
After witnessing the trauma of this event, zoo visitors declined to comment on the matter. The attacker’s identity is unknown and purposes are unclear.
Tianyan Kai, who has visited the zoo before, says there is no reason a patron would need to tackle an animal at the zoo.
“The enclosures are all very well secured, the last I checked,” Tianyan Kai emphasizes. “I can’t think what this is other than an act of pure malice. I wouldn’t be surprised if the perpetrator were banned from the zoo for life.”
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COMMENTS
othersideofhollywood: Banning him for life would be a mild punishment. Really he should have been fed to the crocodile for dinner.
yougotnothingtolose: JUST DISGUSTING. ANIMAL ABUSE IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE I THINK. HAS HE BEEN CHARGED?
wow: wait so the crocodile is fine but did the guy get injured?
THE STAR
February 15, 2025
Brave Warrior Battles Bloodthirsty Beast in Romantic Rescue
By: Shi Qingxuan
The only thing more romantic than a zoo date on Valentine’s Day? Heroically preventing a crocodile from devouring your date at the risk of your own life. Such was the case Saturday at Ghost City Zoo when 31-year-old Xie Lian’s date wrestled an escaped crocodile to prove his mettle—and perhaps his worth as a suitor?
“I don’t know if I would call it a date, exactly,” Xie Lian denied halfheartedly. “We just happened to run into each other at the zoo and wanted to spend time together. Does that make it a date?” Asked whether he was aware it was Valentine’s Day, Xie Lian was again full of sheepish denial. “How nice,” he said. “I didn’t know that, actually, but San Lang certainly made it a memorable one.”
Zhu the Crocodile attempted a daring getaway but was stopped by Xie Lian’s San Lang before she could reach him. The Valentine’s Day Victor, as some people are calling him, gently wrestled her away from his date and prevented any injuries to Xie Lian, herself or others.
Zoo officials were amazed by the bold and speedy rescue, saying in an online statement: “We could not have foreseen that one of our patrons would act so quickly, and we do appreciate the ... heroism.”
The zoo did not disclose how the crocodile got out of its habitat, nor whether San Lang is eligible for some type of “Patron of the Month” award, should it exist.
Xie Lian did not disclose whether he has made plans to see San Lang again after such a successful Valentine’s Day outing.
[See more!]
Tell us your thoughts!
alleyesonme: this has to be like one step removed from fighting a dragon to free the prince from his tower
flyingsolo: may this type of love find me immediately (pls)!!!
thisbandisback: OMG. Now that is a story for the grandkids!! Glad to hear no one was hurt.
THE CITY CHRONICLE
March 11, 2025
Man Falls Down Cliff, Gets Saved by Hiker
A local man was rescued by another hiker Saturday morning after some loose rocks dislodged beneath his feet and caused him to fall about 20 feet down a cliff in Yong’an Valley.
After Xie Lian, 31, managed to grab onto a ledge to prevent himself from falling further, a civilian reportedly used the climbing equipment in his backpack to secure a rope to a nearby tree and rappel down the cliff to Xie Lian. The man, identified only by the nickname “San Lang,” was subsequently able to help Xie Lian get back up the cliff to safety. No injuries were reported by either party. The civilian rescuer could not be reached for comment.
“San Lang is very strong,” Xie Lian said in an interview with The Chronicle. “He didn’t even break a sweat, actually.”
Nearby hikers reported the situation to emergency services, but it had already been resolved by the time authorities arrived. The fire department advises hikers to observe extreme caution when trying to perform a rescue of this sort without any formal training.
“Look, we’re very relieved it worked out, but it easily could’ve gone wrong and ended with both parties falling down the cliff,” Fire Chief Pei Ming said in a statement. “In the moment, it may seem like it’s a very heroic thing to do, but if you’re untrained, the best thing to do is usually to wait for help if possible.”
This incident was the latest in a series of rescues reportedly carried out by “San Lang,” all of which have involved him aiding Xie Lian. The pair were initially strangers when “San Lang” first climbed up to Xie Lian’s balcony to put out a kitchen fire on Jan. 26, but they have since become friends, according to Xie Lian.
“I have rather bad luck, and San Lang is always prepared, so we make a pretty good match, actually,” Xie Lian said. “I just feel bad he’s always the one doing all the work.”
[Read More]
Top Comments:
wakeup: This is an example of why emergency supplies for hikers are very useful.
unsaidemily: This man works amazingly well under pressure. I can’t even imagine keeping a cool head in this situation!
nowornever: personally if a man rappels down a cliff for me i’m making out with him but that’s just me
THE SPECTACLE
March 11, 2025
MAN LIKELY PUSHED OFF CLIFF BY WANNABE HERO
By: Qi Rong
A man fell off a cliff in Yong’an Valley Saturday morning under suspicious circumstances; sources say he was most likely pushed by a nearby delinquent, who then staged a dramatic rescue. It is not clear whether he did this to send a message to local authorities or because he realized there were witnesses nearby.
The Fire Department strongly condemned his actions, saying the ploy was not only dangerous but also stupid. “It easily could’ve gone wrong and ended with both parties falling down the cliff,” the Fire Chief criticizes.
After the trauma of this event, the local man who was victimized declined to comment on the matter. The evildoer’s identity is unknown and purposes are unclear.
Tianyan Kai, who lives 30 miles from the valley and has driven past it before, said he suspects the criminal in question planned this event meticulously to make a mockery of local law enforcement.
“Why would he just happen to be carrying climbing equipment? I haven’t been hiking myself, but I see no reason for that other than a plot to make emergency services seem incompetent,” Tianyan Kai says. “Clearly, this young man holds a deep grudge against authorities and won’t stop until they stop him.”
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COMMENTS
yougotnothingtolose: WHY HAVE THE POLICE NOT ARRESTED HIM
othersideofhollywood: This guy clearly gets some kind of thrill from taunting law enforcement. Who knows how he’s going to escalate next?
wow: yo wait so did the guy who fell off the cliff live? is he injured?
THE STAR
March 12, 2025
Knight In Shining Armor (And Climbing Gear) Rappels Down Cliff to Save His Beloved
By: Shi Qingxuan
Falling for someone has never been so literal as in the case of Xie Lian and his (suspected) sweetheart known by the nickname San Lang, who rappeled down a cliff without a second thought when Xie Lian’s life hung in the balance 20 feet below.
The 31-year-old Xie Lian fell victim to dislodged rocks on a hiking trail through Yong’an Valley and fell to his near-certain death. San Lang geared up with the climbing equipment he likely brought in case of this very circumstance—Xie Lian’s luck being, of course, dreadful—and wasted no time getting down to his (suspected) love and practically carrying him back up the cliff.
“I don’t think I’ll comment on the nature of our relationship,” Xie Lian said enigmatically. “But as for the rescue, yes, it was very impressive, of course. To answer your other question, I was not tempted to ‘swoon,’ as you suggest. Also, I think if I had done that I would’ve fallen the rest of the way down the cliff, and it would be a lot of work for San Lang to rappel all the way down.”
The Fire Department reported delight about the swift and successful rescue. “[We’re] very relieved it worked out,” Fire Chief Pei Ming said in a statement. He added, “[It’s] a very heroic thing to do.”
This marks San Lang’s fifth confirmed occasion of rescuing Xie Lian from peril, with the other instances ranging from firefighting to arboreal assistance to crocodile combat. He has declined all interviews and not yet consented to be photographed, so he remains largely a mystery to everyone but his (presumed) lover Xie Lian.
“No, really, I have no comment,” Xie Lian said with a laugh. “San Lang is San Lang. He does what he wants to do. I’m not going to ask him to interview.”
[See more!]
Tell us your thoughts!
thisbandisback: If these two aren’t together, how am I supposed to believe in love?
flyingsolo: omg who is this divaaaaa
perfectharmony: do they have any idea how deeply invested i am in their lives?? i have no less than 400 follow-up questions. does san lang actually just follow xie lian around with a bunch of supplies to prevent any disaster that may befall him? i’m gagged ngl
THE CITY CHRONICLE
April 23, 2025
Hostages in Bank Heist Freed by Civilian
By: Yin Yu
Two armed robbers infiltrated Xianle Bank early Wednesday and took 12 people hostage in a standoff with law enforcement. While authorities were negotiating by phone with the perpetrators, an unidentified civilian accessed the bank through a hidden maintenance door to free one of the hostages before returning to get the other 11 captives to safety.
Two masked men entered the bank at approximately 9:30 a.m. and threatened the employees and patrons inside by firing warning shots. The robbers barricaded the primary exits, intending to hold everyone inside as hostages.
A witness outside the bank notified the police after hearing the gunshots; police officers arrived on the scene at around 9:45 a.m. before calling in a tactical response team to communicate with the hostage-takers, one of whom has since been identified as Lang Ying, 35.
While the response team managed to make contact with the men inside the bank at about 10 a.m., an individual unaffiliated with law enforcement gained access to a concealed maintenance passage to enter the bank. Without alerting the robbers, who were trying to gain entrance to the vaults, he managed to sneak one of the hostages back out through the same passage.
Bank patron Xie Lian, 31, who was freed at around 10:20 a.m., cooperated with law enforcement to give information about the situation inside the bank. His civilian rescuer could not be located until he returned from an unauthorized second trip inside to incapacitate both robbers and liberate the rest of the hostages.
Authorities entered the bank and found both perpetrators tied to a pillar; they have both been taken into custody pending charges. No casualties were reported.
“San Lang was worried about me, so he came to get me first,” Xie Lian said in an interview with The Chronicle, referring to his rescuer’s nickname. “Then he went back to clean up the rest of the situation, of course. I would’ve helped him, but the police seemed a little agitated, so I decided to chat with them while San Lang worked.”
The two know each other from several previous occasions of “San Lang” providing assistance to Xie Lian, including putting out a fire in his apartment on Jan. 26 and, more recently, saving him from falling down a cliff. Xie Lian has not disclosed the nature of their relationship, and “San Lang” could not be reached for comment.
Police Chief Shi Wudu expressed concern about civilians interfering with police operations.
“This was a very dangerous situation with armed robbers and hostages, and we cannot abide by untrained individuals involving themselves because they’re concerned about someone on the inside,” Shi Wudu said. “If anything had gone wrong, we could be looking at a dozen fatalities right now. We hope no one gets any ideas from this incident about playing the hero.”
Still, the chief also commended the man’s quick-thinking and ability to deescalate the situation.
“Maybe he should pursue a career in law enforcement,” Shi Wudu said. “He clearly has skills and a strong sense of justice, so perhaps he might consider performing these rescues lawfully and with extensive training.”
Xie Lian said that, to his knowledge, “San Lang” does not plan to switch careers, though he did not divulge his current profession.
“It’s more of a recreational activity for him, I think,” Xie Lian said. “And he doesn’t have a high opinion of law enforcement. No offense to them.”
[Read More]
Top Comments:
finallyfree: my level of chronic onlineness today is being disappointed i don’t have a stalker-to-lovers romance like this
wakeup: I hope my wife never sees this story or she will be asking me whether I really love her if I’ve never stormed into a bank hostage situation to save her.
bright: I wonder how he knew about the maintenance passage. This is a very resourceful young man. Why the disrespect for the police, though?
THE SPECTACLE
April 23, 2025
BANK ROBBERS’ POTENTIAL ACCOMPLICE DISRUPTS HOSTAGE RESCUE
By: Qi Rong
Police trying to negotiate with hostage takers at Xianle Bank Wednesday morning were thwarted by an unknown perpetrator who broke inside through a maintenance passage. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether he was acting as an accomplice to the robbers who initially invaded the bank, nor whether he managed to gain access to any vaults while inside.
The Police Department strongly condemned his actions, implying that his interference amounts to criminal activity.
“This was a very dangerous situation with armed robbers and hostages,” the Police Chief says. If not for law enforcement, he added, “We could be looking at a dozen fatalities right now.” Thankfully, with a tactical response team on site, the unidentified criminal could not harm any of the hostages.
After the trauma of this event, the hostages declined to comment on the matter. The robbers have been arrested but their potential accomplice remains at large. His identity is unknown and purposes are unclear.
Tianyan Kai, who recommends banking with Heavenly Credit Union instead, said the accomplice was likely trying to distract law enforcement with the hostages while achieving his malicious goals inside the bank.
“You know, if you put the original two robbers and the hostages front and center, that’s what the police are going to be looking at while you’re secretly accessing bank vaults and fleeing into the night,” Tianyan Kai says. “It’s a very cleverly evil strategy. The fact that he wasn’t even willing to stand with his partners in crime and get arrested with them is very telling of his character.”
Tianyan Kai suspects that at least one of the hostages was in on the plot as well.
“One of those hostages was an undercover robber, for sure. What better place to plant an accomplice than among the so-called victims?” Tianyan Kai says. “It’s almost 100% likely that someone was pretending to be a hostage to disrupt and confuse the situation more.”
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COMMENTS
wow: wait so how did the hostages get out? what actually happened?
yougotnothingtolose: SINCE WHEN DO WE JUST LET BANK ROBBERS GO FREE. CATCH HIM
othersideofhollywood: This guy deserves the death penalty.
THE STAR
April 24, 2025
Paragon Of Virtue Bravely Storms Bank To Repel Robbers, Liberate Lover
By: Shi Qingxuan
When vicious robbers took his lover hostage in a sudden bank heist, a local man wasted no time breaching a secret entrance into the bank to steal their thunder.
Xie Lian, a 31-year-old patron of the bank who was there to use the coin machine on Wednesday, found himself in a dangerous hostage situation when two armed men entered the bank and fired warning shots to get all the patrons and employees under their control.
“Honestly, I didn’t really feel that concerned,” Xie Lian admitted. “They seemed like amateurs, and I thought I could probably take them if necessary, but I figured it was better to bide my time to avoid anyone getting hurt. We played I Spy to pass the time.”
He did not need to wait long playing such a boring game, as his romantic partner was already outside preparing to rescue Xie Lian from the robbers’ clutches. San Lang—as Xie Lian affectionately calls him—located a hidden tunnel inside and whisked Xie Lian away without the robbers even noticing, confirming Xie Lian’s low opinion of their abilities. Then, as if that were not heroic enough, San Lang returned inside to beat up the men who dared threaten his beloved, tie them up, and free the rest of the people held hostage.
The police were extremely grateful to San Lang for doing what they could not, saying in a statement that they wished he worked for them. “He clearly has exceptional skills and a strong sense of justice,” the Police Chief said wistfully, neglecting to consider that San Lang is far too busy protecting Xie Lian from his catastrophically bad luck.
“San Lang is very dedicated to my safety,” Xie Lian confirmed. “I tried to tell him it’s very sweet but he really can leave me to my own devices, but I suppose I wasn’t very convincing.”
That sounds like an understatement, considering how many times these two have made headlines for averting all manner of dramatic disasters (see here for a full roundup). San Lang’s real name and identity may remain unknown, but his devotion is as unmistakable as his wide array of skills. Xie Lian may remain tight-lipped about the status of their relationship, but the two are clearly romantically involved. A witness who requested to remain anonymous reported seeing the two kissing inside the bank before San Lang spirited Xie Lian away.
“I don’t remember that specifically,” said Xie Lian, whose ears were extremely red at the question. He did not deny the allegation. “Is that really what your readers want to know, anyway? Wouldn’t they rather hear about the robbery?”
The robbery everyone wants to hear about is, in fact, how these two stole each other’s hearts.
[See more!]
Tell us your thoughts!
edgeofgreat: So many stories and still no picture of how hot this man is. At this point someone needs to take one for the team and hack the bank’s security cameras or something
alleyesonme: has this guy been secretly training for every possible type of crisis just in case his boyfriend happens to get taken as a hostage one day
igotthemusic: fellas is it gay to be “really dedicated” to someone’s safety to the point of breaking into a bank when they’re held at gunpoint? and then making out while you’re still in the middle of a hostage situation??? these two are 100% dating and just gaslighting the rest of us
THE CITY CHRONICLE
April 27, 2025
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I have reviewed the salient news coverage in your paper from the last few months and am writing to inform you of its many deficiencies.
First of all, nowhere in your articles about Xie Lian — a treasure among the useless trash we call a society — do you mention his extensive array of admirable qualities, of which I could name at least 800 off the top of my head. I find it hard to believe that you did not notice any of them in interviewing him, and furthermore I cannot see why your readership would be interested in such bland, incomplete coverage that neglects to paint a full picture of him.
Second, I reject the characterization in your coverage that Xie Lian needed to be “saved” or “rescued” in any of these situations. He is extraordinarily competent and skilled (both attributes that merited mention in your newspaper, by the way), so any assistance from others was provided not because he required it but rather because he deserves to have an easier life without exerting himself to deal with unnecessary matters. Your focus on this supposed “rescuer” detracts from Xie Lian’s own agency and perpetuates a false narrative that practically amounts to a smear campaign against him.
Third, in none of these pieces do I see a reason to mention or quote law enforcement or other officials who contributed nothing of value. No one cares about their opinions on situations they did nothing to defuse, nor do your readers benefit from being lectured about what they should or shouldn’t do to protect their loved ones.
Fourth, ... [Read More]
Tepid regards,
Hua Cheng
Concerned Citizen
THE CITY CHRONICLE
May 4, 2025
A Conversation With a Concerned Citizen
By: Yin Yu
The anonymous man behind a series of recent rescues (or “events not requiring but rather allowing for intervention,” as he has asked for them to be described), ranging from extinguishing a fire in January to freeing hostages during a bank robbery in April, has been the source of great speculation. The common denominator for all of these events was that the well-being of Xie Lian, 31, was at stake. The man who consistently refused to identify himself to police or claim credit for aiding Xie Lian was known only by the nickname “San Lang” until now.
Hua Cheng, 28, a local sculptor and author of passionate letters to the editor, has finally come forward for an exclusive interview with The Chronicle to discuss this series of unlikely events and Xie Lian, the man at the center of them all. Hua Cheng’s responses have been edited for brevity and clarity when necessary.
How did you first meet Xie Lian?
I happened to be passing by when I saw smoke from an apartment window and decided to offer my services.
What are your services, exactly? And who do you offer them to?
There is only one person in this entire world worthy of them. As for what they are, naturally they vary depending on the situation. If he’s thirsty, it means providing whatever he might want to drink. If he’s stuck on a broken ski lift, maybe it means hiring a helicopter. You have to be prepared to adapt to anything.
Why did you opt to remain anonymous for so long?
I don’t like to have the authorities or the media in my business. They’re meddlesome. Additionally, I firmly believe the spotlight should remain solely on the star of these events.
You don’t consider yourself the star, then, despite all your heroics?
I’m happy to be an accessory. Nothing I’ve done is that special, anyway; it only seems so because everyone in this city is inoculated to the incompetence of our law enforcement. I’m just providing a little assistance here and there so the person who is most important to me in the world doesn’t have to break a sweat.
Is there a reason you have such a problem with law enforcement?
They’re useless.
Have you had negative encounters with police that formed this opinion?
I don’t associate myself with the police, because they’re useless. Next question.
Can you describe the nature of your relationship with Xie Lian?
The nature of it is that it’s none of your business.
Haven’t you made it everyone’s business with all these public declarations of his importance to you through your actions?
I don’t see it that way. It’s not really my problem if you and your readers have to resort to prying into our relationship because there’s nothing fulfilling in your own lives.
That seems like quite a jump. Did you not expect that your actions would be newsworthy?
Perhaps they seem newsworthy because other people don’t have a drive to protect someone at all costs, but to me it’s just natural.
Is it mutual?
Of course it’s mutual. But if the reciprocation is not so flashy, the public naturally won’t be privy to it.
Let’s talk about your seemingly endless skillset. Where did you learn to subdue a crocodile or rappel down a cliff?
Just random things I picked up here or there. They’re not that special.
Most people would probably say they are special, actually.
Most people are incompetent, so that doesn’t surprise me.
If you have such a low opinion of people, why was your first instinct when you saw some smoke out of a random window to check on the person inside?
Perhaps I was just following the red string of fate.
Are you such a sentimental person?
Maybe I am.
Was your second meeting with Xie Lian a coincidence?
You could say fate led me to that tree as well.
But at some point you must have exchanged contact information, right?
Well, you can only rely on fate so much. Some things you have to make happen yourself.
Is it fate that you always happen to be around when Xie Lian is in peril?
That’s more like a function of will.
I find it interesting that you’re so determined to protect him and to be there when he’s in trouble, but you are adamant that you don’t consider it “rescuing.” Why is that?
I already explained in my letter that it puts the focal point on me when it should be on him. But I’ll add that the concept of “rescuing” implies that he has a one-sided dependence on me, and that’s never been what it’s like for us. He is nobody’s helpless victim, nor am I some type of savior. He has saved me in a million ways that are just for our eyes only, but we’re not passing back and forth some baton of who needs who more. I know who I am, and who he is, and we don’t have use for a ledger other people have created for us. What I do for him is not because he needs me to, but because I love him and I will express it every way I know how.
[Read More]
Top Comments:
nowornever: oh...ok. i feel super normal and chill about this. i definitely am not going to go jump off a cliff to see if anyone will rappel down to show their love and respect for me
perfectharmony: they’re my roman empire no one has any idea how serious they are to me they invented romance and healthy relationships and WE FINALLY KNOW WHO SAN LANG IS BUT I HAVE NO ONE I CAN TALK TO ABOUT THIS
bright: What a great interview! I love hearing his perspective. These two clearly share a deep and profound bond.
THE CITY CHRONICLE
September 22, 2025
Local News: Top Headlines of the Week
Man Trapped in Quicksand Assisted by Boyfriend
Local Tabloid Bankrupted in Defamation Lawsuit
[See More]
THE STAR
October 25, 2025
Wedding Announcements
It’s Official: The City’s Favorite Couple Has Tied The Knot
By: Shi Qingxuan
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng took the city by storm early in the year when they first made headlines for a romantic meeting amid a blazing fire. While the couple played it coy with the public, appearing in the news again and again for unlikely incidents and near-disasters they averted together while avoiding confirming their relationship, their love shined through every time—and now they have the wedding vows to prove it.
The Star received an exclusive scoop Saturday that the pair were bonded in matrimony at a local courthouse. Neither groom was available for comment at the time of publication as they presumably embarked on their honeymoon, but witnesses reported seeing Xie Lian and Hua Cheng leave the courthouse with a marriage certificate—and huge grins, too.
As the couple has had their ups and downs—literally speaking, from the the top of a tall tree to the depths of a frozen lake—they have gained admirers across the city who eagerly follow their appearances in the news. Both men are fairly private, however, and have chosen not to divulge many of the details of their relationship and personal lives. One thing they are happy to share is pictures of their two cats, E’ming and Ruoye—which we have put together in a slideshow at the bottom of this page.
We at The Star wish them the happiest of marriages and look forward to reporting on their future adventures. We would also like to request to be included on their mailing list should they choose to send out postcards from their honeymoon.
To see a full history of their most newsworthy moments so far, check out this article.
Tell us your thoughts!
igotthemusic: oh, to be married gay cat dads who save each other from falling off cliffs...what a life, what a life
flyingsolo: do they know that i’m obsessed with them and furthermore do they know that they have raised my standards for men to such astronomical heights that i will be single for the rest of eternity
alleyesonme: I gotta hand it to them: I’ve been following along since the beginning and wattpad really has nothing on these guys