📖 Written by: MSY

🗓️ Published on: December 10, 2025

Friendships Across Borders: How Stories Connected Me With a Lifelong Friend

When I first stepped into the world of sharing manhua online, I imagined it would be a simple passion project — even though in reality, I often found myself working day and night, juggling panels, chapters, and deadlines. I thought it would remain a quiet hobby where I stayed behind the scenes. What I never expected was that this hectic journey would lead me to a friendship that crossed distance, culture, and circumstance — a connection that began with manhuas but grew into something warm, supportive, and lasting.

🌍The Unexpected Beginning

Back in 2019, I received a message on Facebook from someone who read the series I worked on. She told me she enjoyed the stories I posted and appreciated the effort that went into preparing each chapter. To my surprise, she was from the same country and even the same state as me. Although she is Chinese, she grew up unable to read or speak the language. But manhua brought her happiness, and that was our first connection — two people from different backgrounds, brought together by our love for storytelling.

She was an only child raised in a single-parent household. Even though we had never met in person, her messages carried such sincerity that I found myself looking forward to our chats. At first, she simply reached out to share her thoughts about the episodes she liked or ask about updates. Slowly, our conversation grew beyond manhua.

🤝A Partnership Born Naturally

Our collaboration began almost accidentally. She would point out small errors, give feedback, and help make my work cleaner. Over time, becoming part of the process happened naturally. In 2020, the pandemic arrived and changed everyone’s lives. Lockdowns shut down workplaces, and she suddenly found herself unemployed with no clear direction.

At that time, I needed help handling a growing number of projects. She needed something to stay busy and motivated. So I offered her the chance to join me in preparing chapters. It wasn’t just about tasks — it was about giving her something meaningful during a time when the world felt uncertain.

What touched me most was her gratitude. She thanked me for giving her a chance, but in truth, I was the one who felt thankful. Her dedication, consistency, and kindness supported me through a very chaotic period — and although I could have continued working on the series alone, having her by my side made everything lighter and far more meaningful. Through this shared work, she regained her confidence, and by late 2020, she secured a full-time job. Since then, she has become busy with her career and is no longer able to help, but our friendship remains unchanged.

🎁More Than Work — A Quiet, Steady Friendship

What started as project collaboration soon developed into a genuine friendship. Our conversations shifted from story-related discussions to daily life — food we liked, things that made us laugh, holiday plans, little struggles we experienced, and even the C-dramas we were watching along with the Chinese actors and actresses we liked.

Even though we had never met face-to-face, our bond felt real. We exchanged gifts during Chinese New Year and birthdays, and even small surprises for no particular reason at all. She even prepared thoughtful gifts for my son, which touched me deeply. Those gestures reminded me that friendship doesn’t require physical presence — only sincerity.

Sometimes life places people in your path exactly when you need them, even if the meeting happens behind a screen.

💔Standing By Through Hard Times

Recently, her life took a difficult turn. She had to undergo appendix surgery and spent time in the hospital recovering. Hearing the news worried me deeply, but she faced it bravely, healing slowly day by day.

Not long after, she shared something even heavier — her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She tried to stay strong, but I could feel the sadness and exhaustion behind her messages. Knowing she is the only child in her family, I can only imagine the pressure she carries.

I can’t take away her pain, but I try to be there for her in the small ways that matter: listening, encouraging, and praying for both her and her mother. Sometimes emotional support means holding someone’s hand quietly from afar.

🌟What This Journey Taught Me

Looking back, I realize that sharing manhua was never just about releasing chapters or entertaining readers. It became a bridge — connecting people, building trust, and forming relationships that would never have existed otherwise.

This friend, whom I met by chance online, reminded me that kindness is powerful, even when delivered through messages on a screen. She taught me how meaningful it is to support one another during difficult times, even without meeting in person. And she showed me that real friendships aren’t limited by distance, age, or background — sometimes the heart simply recognizes another heart.

As we continue living our own lives, I hope the road ahead becomes brighter for her. I pray for her mother’s recovery and for strength to guide them through the challenges they face. I also hope she knows how grateful I am for her companionship all these years.

Friendship across borders is real. And sometimes, the connections we least expect become the ones we cherish the most. Even as I navigate my own health challenges now, remembering this friendship reminds me that I am not alone, and that the impact we have on others stays with us forever.