Xiao Cui, 18, suffers from a rare condition that has caused his facial muscles and skin to droop, making his look like a lifetime older than he is. If you see him for the first time, you will be sure that he is at least 80-years-old but in fact he is only 18-years-old. Xiao is a senior at a top high-school in Harbin, China. Doctors have yet to understand his condition, let alone find a way to stop it or undo its effects, so Xiao has no option but to accept it and stay positive.

In a video that went viral in China last month, Xiao says that he noticed the first symptoms during middle school and that his face has been getting saggier ever since. Fortunately, the mysterious condition has no negative effects on his health and thanks to the support of his family and friends, he has been able to accept that there is more to life than a youthful look. Xiao is one of the best students at his high-school and is even called ‘Superman’ by some of his friends for his ability to excel in various fields.

The young man says that sometimes people poke at him and make fun of his looks and it also gets to him sometimes, but he knows the only way to overcome his situation is to stay positive. “I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t bothered by my appearance, but I have always been a positive person, it is my greatest strength,” Xiao Cui said. Xiao is currently studying and hopes to get accepted at Beijing University or Tsinghua University, two of the most prestigious learning institutions in China.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 07, 2018 12:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).