Chen Ying and her boyfriend kiss each other through glass wearing masks. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

A photo showing a couple kissing each other through glass while wearing masks went viral recently on Chinese social media. Behind the photo, the love story of nurse Chen Ying and her boyfriend from eastern China’s Zhejiang Province has warmed the hearts of countless netizens.

Chen and her boyfriend had planned to get married on Feb 14, but the sudden coronavirus outbreak disrupted their plans. Despite her young age, Chen applied to fight the epidemic at the frontline on her own initiative.

On the first day of the Chinese New Year, Chen and five other colleagues returned to work. Her mother could not help crying when she heard this, and tried to persuade her against taking the risk, but Chen said, “I have chosen this career, so I have to stand forward at this time.”

Chen Ying talks with her boyfriend through glass on an intercom. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

Deep red marks are left on Chen Ying’s face due to the long periods of time wearing protective suits. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

Chen then became one of the first batch of medical staff working in negative-pressure isolation wards. Working as a frontline medical worker is no easy undertaking. The long periods of time wearing protective suits left deep red marks on her face.

After hearing about Chen’s situation, her boyfriend Huang Qianrui rushed to the hospital to see her. They finally met after 11 days apart. “Let me look at your face. Are you feeling better? I miss you so much,” said Huang. They talked through glass using an intercom, their eyes suddenly turning red from the tears.

Chen Ying talks with her boyfriend through glass on an intercom. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

A medical worker works in a negative-pressure isolation ward. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

In the face of the epidemic, Huang chose to give her girlfriend his unconditional support, and promised to marry her as soon as the outbreak was over.