A bike courier named Xu Lu, who became well-known after appearing in an interview stating that she had previously majored in journalism at a prestigious national institution, has cleared up doubts about her life, after many believed she had made the story up.

The public's interest was first aroused after an interview appeared some time ago, and commentators began to discuss whether it was true that a graduate from one of China's most prestigious universities could be engaged in the delivery industry.

A previous Chengdu Business Daily report said that Xu entered Peking University in 2000, majoring in journalism. After graduation, she worked in Beijing for a decade with a high income and then went back to her hometown Shifang, a small city in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The report said that in 2013, she joined Yuantong Express, one of China's largest express delivery companies. Now, her branch employs over 20 staff.

Surprisingly to many, in addition to directing the branch, she also sends express parcels herself, as a bike courier.

However, some netizens questioned why they did not find her name on the university's admission list in 2000, sparking claims that the story was untrue.

However, on March 15, Xu clarified misunderstanding by posting a picture of her original diploma.

In a follow-up interview with Beijing Youth Daily, Xu sent the reporter a picture of the diploma, which shows she did attend night classes and finished the study plan at the School of Journalism and Communication of Peking University as a college-upgraded student, albeit from 2004-2007, not in 2000, as she had stated.

On March 15, the Publicity Department of Peking University gave a response, approving Xu's explanations.

Xu further told the reporter that her life and work have been influenced due to the initial reports and that she hoped to return to her normal routine immediately.

Asked whether she had concealed her real identity, she answered, "Actually, I was reluctant to speak about it and just focused on my experiences of starting my career."

"I had told our company leader that I would only speak about my own career in the interview," she said. "Today he expressed his support to me in a phone call and I'm thankful to him."

"Frankly, becoming renowned online was not my intention. I just want to focus on my work and hope to bring the public positive energy, because many people still look down upon our industry," she further argued.

"Apart from my heavy tasks, I have to take care of my child and parents, but I feel happy," she said.

"I have declined almost all interviews recently," she added. "The picture of my degree can clarify all things and I will keep silent, because speaking too much may lead to misunderstanding."

(Source: Beijing Youth Daily/Translated and edited by Women of China)

Editor: Arnold Hou(women of China)