A video clip went viral online earlier this month after Ren Xuming, a student who took the gaokao, China's national college entrance examination, in Dingzhou, Hebei province, emerged after the second day of testing and greeted his mother, who had waited patiently in the hot weather.

In a touching scene, she handed him a bottle of water as they embraced and walked away together. Other parents had dressed up for good luck, but Ren's mother wore the ordinary orange uniform of a sanitation worker.

As they walked side-by-side, both broke down in tears, a mixture of relief, hope and joy.

Ren received his score a few days ago — 470, which was good enough to be accepted for an undergraduate college education.

"Very good. His hard work has paid off. We are satisfied," Ren's mother said.