Phone calls and text messages from the Luoyang education exam authority. [Photo/Zhao Yijing's Sina Weibo account]

Many encouraging comments poured in for her in the middle of the night.

"Luck you. The staff members keep helping you so much. They just can't let you skip the exam," read one comment. "Have a good sleep and go for your test," read another. She also received many "Jiayou" comments.

"They did a really great and responsible job. Felt moved." "Tears on my face. They don't want to see exam takers' preparation and time spent end in vain due to the unexpected COVID outbreak. Thanks to all staff members who work hard to secure the exam." "Never give up and fight until the last second."

Zhao finished the two-day national postgraduate entrance exam as scheduled over the weekend.

"Zhao once said she wanted to give up the exam, and we respected her personal wishes, but I still sent the rearranged exam info and 'Jiayou' to her," said Chen Hefeng, from the Luoyang education exam authority.

"It's our duty to make every effort to serve the examinees. My colleagues and I feel very proud to hear Zhao finally showed up for the exam," Chen said.