Missing the train generally doesn't warrant headline coverage, but the plight of a Chinese businessman recently went viral on social media after he missed his ride -- in the middle of an interview.
The Hong Kong man, surnamed Lin, was set to be one of the first passengers to take the long-awaited high speed rail linking the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, which debuted on Sept. 23.
A local news reporter had approached Lin for a live interview on the platform at the station in the city of Changsha, central China's Hunan Province.
The two walked to the train cabin while the interview continued. /Screenshot via Weibo
At first, Lin looked uneasy to be on air, but eventually agreed and walked to the train cabin with the reporter. Seconds later, the sound of the doors closing prompted the two to speed up their pace, but it was too late.
Lin looked uneasy at first when asked to be interviewed. /Screenshot via Weibo
The footage kept rolling while the train pulled away in the background.
The news service then reportedly purchased another ticket for Lin to return to Hong Kong. The reporter also traveled with him.
The two later traveled together on the next train to Hong Kong and formed a bond. /Screenshot via Weibo
Despite the hiccup, a friendship was formed, the passenger said.
Lin, the passenger(L), and the reporter(R). /Screenshot via Weibo
Overall, the passenger said he was pleased to get home to Hong Kong quickly thanks to the new high-speed rail.