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An enduring friendship between a Chinese young man and an old Swiss man has become a popular story in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. [file photo]

A 14-year-long friendship between a Chinese young man and an old Swiss man has become a popular story in Zhengzhou, Henan Province.

The funeral for the 80-year-old Swiss man was held on Sunday, and was attended by a large crowd of local people, news.cnr.cn reported.

Amid all the people grieving in the funeral procession, one man stood out -- 34-year-old Song Yang.

Song met Johann Hodel on the bank of the River Thames in London in 1999. Then aged 19, he was studying business management at Thames Valley University, and was on the go all day trying to find somewhere to stay. As a newcomer to the West, Song was also at a loss.

Hodel (who Song also later referred to as Hans) was struggling to carry a lot of things near a subway station when the young Chinese man passed by. "He was elderly and had difficulty getting about, so I came over to give him a hand," recalled Song.

It was the start of a 14-year relationship.

Hans was born in Switzerland in 1933. His mother died when he was three, and his stepmother did not treat him well, so he had a lonely childhood.

Hans made a living washing cars and as a barkeeper before moving to London at the age of 58. He worked in the Royal Opera House until his retirement. He had no relatives or friends, and never married.

Hans showed the Chinese teenager around London and invited him to his home, not far from the university. Song cooked a meal for Hans, who then invited him to stay for free if he would do simple household chores.

From then on they depended on each other to eke out a living. Hans taught Song English and helped him find part-time jobs to pay his tuition fees, while Song did housework.

"We helped each other. Hans helped me to adapt to the local way of life," said Song. "Sometimes my friends from China visited me and Hans would offer his bedroom to the guests and sleep on the sofa."

One day in 2001, Song was involved in a road accident. He injured his head and three of his teeth got knocked out. He had no one to turn to for help, other than to call Hans, who immediately rushed to the hospital to take care of him. Hans even helped Song win a lawsuit and get compensation.

"You look after me now, and I will look after you, too," Song promised.

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