The young man dresses as though he is middle-aged in a retro style that includes a slick pompadour haircut, wide-shouldered jacket, striped shirt, colourful tie and black leather gloves.

For about a year, only a few dozen people a day would listen to his singing in a live-streaming session.

But since May, Guo has become an online celebrity after his version of Promise, a song made popular in the mid-1990s by Taiwanese singer E-Jun Lee, won the hearts of many on mainland social media.

His hometown of Heze, a previously little-known place, instantly grasped the opportunity to raise its profile on the internet.

The result was that tens of thousands of people, mainly tourists, gathered in the station square to watch Guo’s performance.

Local authorities rapidly repaired a road near the area, and telecoms operators sent made sure there was a good internet connection in the immediate environs.

Tens of volunteers were allocated to distribute free bottled water and peonies to tourists, as Heze is known as China’s peony hometown

While many people are attracted to Guo’s image and singing style that are unusual for a young person, people online are also intrigued by his life story.

Guo was born into a poor rural family. His mother died when he was 10 and he was sent to live with his aunt when his father formed a new family.

He dropped out of school at 13, and had at a variety of jobs, including delivering food and selling shoes.

In his spare time, he enjoyed singing and spent six yuan on a book about techniques so he could polish his skills.

In 2019, he met Su Chang, who fell in love with him for his tenacity and work ethic. She was not put off when she learned about his humble background, lack of academic education and small income. The couple is now engaged.

On Su’s advice, Guo began his barbecue business that year.

Guo said he was grateful to Su and also to her family, which supported their union and did not ask for a bride price – an old Chinese custom still prevalent throughout the mainland.

Guo saw his followers on Douyin skyrocket from 100,000 on May 10 to 4.8 million a week later.

“I intended to harvest a wisp of spring breeze, but now I have got a whole season,” he said, expressing astonishment at his fame.

“As long as there are audiences watching my live-streaming, I am happy and satisfied because I am doing what I like,” he said.

Guo will not be giving up his day job though, because he and his fiancée say they understand how fleeting fame can be.

“Online fame is not reliable. It’s just like floating clouds. What is most important is to stand on solid ground and do solid work,” Su said.