In 2006, Chen took part in the Sichuan Games of Disabled Persons held in Chengdu, where he won the men’s singles badminton title. Later, he competed in the badminton event at the games held in 2010 and 2014, winning silver in the latter.

His competition experiences made him realize he was not alone, seeing many disabled people who cherish life and work hard.

Chen opened the clothes shop with his wife Zhu Xiuqiong, who learned how to make Qiang ethnic costumes and the embroidery of the Qiang ethnic group when she was 13 years old.

Life, for a time, was better. However, a magnitude-8.0 earthquake hit the county on May 12, 2008, devastating the town and Chen’s clothes shop.

This time Chen did not lose hope. “The earthquake had influence on me. Many neighbors were distressed, but I felt I had to keep on living since I survived the deadly earthquake,” he said.