89-year-old retired Chinese teacher Mo Xunru holds the money and letter from his former student Shao Guohua. [Photo/Chengdu Economic Daily]

Despite half a century having passed, Shao Guohua never forgot the film ticket his teacher gave him that warmed his heart when he was a boy, reported Chengdu Economic Daily.

Shao entered primary school in Zigong, Sichuan province, in 1960. Back then, sports and watching movies were the students' favourite passtimes.

Once, the school organized a trip to the movies for the students, and many of Shao's classmates signed up for it. But the boy had no money to buy the 0.05 yuan ticket.

When his classmates lined up to enter the movie theatre, the boy stood alone outside.

Then Shao's Chinese teacher Mo Xunru spotted him and bought a ticket for him.

Despite having forgotten what movie it was, Shao never stopped being grateful to his teacher.

"Teacher Mo earned forty or fifty yuan a month back then, so a 0.05-yuan ticket may not be a big deal for her. But for me, it affected me deeply," said 63-year-old Shao.

After graduating from primary school, Shao moved to another city along with his parents. In the following decades, he tried to find his former teachers and classmates, but failed.

It wasn't until this year that Shao visited his teacher Mo Xunru after 50 years.

The reunion was emotional, said Shao, who is a retiree himself now. He said the 89-year-old Mo "did not hear well anymore" and seemed to not recognize him at first sight, "but was still as kind as she used to be".

Shao left 1,000 yuan ($150) to his teacher as well as a letter which reads: "Dear Teacher Mo, wishing you good health. Your student: Shao Guohua."