The very model of a model folk hero

A local villager arranges persimmons to be sun-dried. [Photo by LI KAI/SU GUI/FOR CHINA DAILY]

But as she got closer to locals, she felt they were like family members and thus part of her life.

"I try to resolve things on the scene as much as I can, and report it to higher ups if it's out of my hands."

One of her memorable experiences is a couple in 2014 who were on the verge of coming to blows about a touchy issue-getting a divorce.

Lei got the call at 8 pm and had to trek more than one hour along a bumpy and muddy road on a motorcycle to their home. On the way she sprained her ankle.

She then spent four hours with them helping them bury their differences and making peace with each other. It was 2 am when Lei rode home.

"It was difficult but worthwhile," she says, and the couple has never again brought up divorce.

Fuyao village is mainly populated by ethnic Yao and Han, who inevitably have run-of-the-mill conflicts. Lei says that quickly solving these problems, mostly caused by trifling matters and misunderstandings, promotes ethnic unity.

"No matter a thing is big or small, as soon as people call her, she's there to help villagers deal with it," says Lei Rongbi, an ethnic Yao villager.

Lei Rongzhen also set up a WeChat group to better answer inquiries from villagers, and worked the country's ethnic policy and knowledge into local folk songs, performed during major holidays.

The goal is to improve mutual understanding and respect among residents in the village.