China's army of food delivery drivers get by with help from discount 'loving meals'

After the lunchtime rush, it's time for China's food delivery drivers to eat.

- By TIAN MACLEOD JI

Liu Lijie, halfway through a 13-hour workday, parked his electric scooter in front of a restaurant in Beijing for his go-to choice, lamb noodle soup with a side of pickles, for 12 yuan ($1.65), a discount of 6 yuan off the regular price.

The reduced-price meal is part of a movement that offers free or discounted meals to people in need, no questions asked.

Known as “aixincan” (eye-sheen-zan), or “loving meals,” they are available at some restaurants in major Chinese cities, home to large populations of migrant workers who come looking for jobs.

"There is a lot of pressure in life since I came to Beijing to work, so eating aixincan is both economical and practical," said the 40-year-old Liu, who arrived two years ago from nearby Shanxi province.

Eager to get back to earning money, he digs into his meal at a branch of the Yushiji restaurant chain without even stopping to remove his helmet, branded with the name of the popular Ele.me food delivery app.