My Destiny resumo, enredo, sinopse

Sinopse de My Destiny

Fang Wanzhi, a woman born in the 1970s from "Shenxianding" in the southwestern mountainous region of Yuxian, faced emotional and family upheavals. At the age of 20, she dropped out of college and moved to Shenzhen. During her early working years, she met her close friends Li Juan and Hao Qianqian. Together, they faced challenges, and as Shenzhen developed, they progressed from working in jobs to engaging in foreign trade and eventually starting their own toy brand.

Despite experiencing business setbacks and betrayals from people like Huang Yaodong and Yan Ziwei, they firmly established themselves in Shenzhen. Fang Wanzhi always maintained a fighting spirit, attending night classes and learning English to improve herself. She actively seized the opportunities brought by the wave of reform and opening up, constantly striving in her life of reinvention. Those around her, influenced by her, also found happiness.

When she entered middle age and her company successfully went public, she handed over the business to her team and returned to her hometown with the orphan she adopted, Fang Miaomiao, and her close friend Gao Xiang. They settled down in Shenxianding, the starting point of her fate.

Resumos de My Destiny

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Fang Jingyu, a doctor and the principal of a nursing school, travels to the remote village of Shenxian Peak for a medical mission. Her seven-year-old daughter, Fang Wanzhi, insists on joining her, fascinated by the winding mountain roads that seem to vanish into the mist. In the medical tent, Jingyu treats a woman named He Xiaoqin, who is brought in by her husband, Yang Sanjin. Jingyu notices numerous injuries on Xiaoqin’s body and suspects domestic abuse or even human trafficking.

However, Xiaoqin denies being a victim, explaining that her family has lived on Shenxian Peak for generations. While Jingyu is called away for an urgent consultation, Xiaoqin gazes at Wanzhi with a strange intensity. She tells the young girl that she once had a little sister who would have been Wanzhi's age if she were still alive. Xiaoqin’s son, Yang Hui, interrupts the moment, warning Wanzhi to stay away because his mother is mentally ill and might scratch her.

Despite his warning, the kind-hearted Wanzhi allows the woman to gently touch her face. Later, while Wanzhi and Yang Hui are out in the fields, a chaotic military paratrooper exercise nearby causes a bull to charge toward them. A villager named He Yongwang throws himself in front of the animal to protect Wanzhi, suffering a serious injury to his back.

When Jingyu goes to thank him and offer compensation, she is stunned to recognize him as the man from her past. Seven years earlier, Jingyu had helped He Yongwang’s wife, He Hua, deliver a baby at her own home because they couldn't reach a hospital in time. It was a difficult birth, but Jingyu saved both mother and daughter. However, He Yongwang and his wife already had two daughters and were desperate for a son.

The next morning, they abandoned the newborn girl and fled. Jingyu, unable to leave the child, adopted her and raised her as Wanzhi. Her husband, Meng Siyuan, the Vice Magistrate of Yu County, fully supported the decision. He loved Wanzhi as his own and even encouraged her to keep the Fang surname to honor Jingyu’s family. When Wanzhi is eight years old, she rescues a younger boy named Li Yudan from a group of school bullies.

The boy is frequently teased because his name literally means "Fish Egg"—a reflection of his mother’s job selling fish and his late father’s job selling eggs. Since his mother is illiterate, Wanzhi takes it upon herself to rename him Li Xingke, drawing from a poetic line about a wayfarer that her father loves. Wanzhi adopts him as her "little brother," and he begins coming to her house to do his homework.

His mother is deeply grateful and often brings fresh fish to the Meng household. She is initially unaware of Siyuan’s high ranking but eventually learns that her son is being tutored in the home of the Vice Magistrate and a school principal. Siyuan welcomes the boy, telling Wanzhi that a brother eating at his sister's house requires no excuse. By the time Wanzhi is fifteen, she is still looking out for Li Xingke.

When she discovers that he and several other students from Yu County are being extorted by three local thugs, she organizes a meeting at her house while her parents are away. She rallies the other victims, reminding them that people from Yu County do not allow themselves to be bullied. Wanzhi leads the group to confront the thugs, using her father’s influence as a deterrent.

One of the bullies, recognizing her as the daughter of a high official, calls her the "Princess of Yu County." Wanzhi successfully intimidates them into apologizing and swearing never to bother her peers again. However, when the parents of the other students come to Jingyu to express their gratitude, the truth about the fight comes out. Jingyu is far from proud; she scolds Wanzhi for relying on her father's status and for her growing vanity.

She punishes Wanzhi by making her copy the word "Vanity" thousands of times, lecturing her on the importance of proving one’s value through character rather than birthright. Wanzhi and Li Xingke eventually enter the same university together. Li Xingke’s feelings for her have evolved beyond those of a brother, but he struggles to find the right moment to tell her.

Meanwhile, Wanzhi becomes intrigued by a senior student named Han Bin, a talented and famous figure on campus whose father is a high-ranking provincial official. During a campus broadcast, Han Bin reads an anonymous essay titled "Vanity in the Autumn Wind," which Wanzhi had written but left unsigned. Later, at a literary competition, Han Bin serves as a judge and recognizes Wanzhi’s writing style in her winning entry, "Four Seasons in a Small Town."

He approaches her, praising her work and expressing a desire to visit Yu County himself. He takes Wanzhi for a ride on his motorcycle and treats her to dinner at an expensive buffet, where he casually reveals that he is already aware of her father’s identity as the Vice Mayor.

Han Bin and Fang Wanzhi share an intimate dinner where Han Bin admits he used his position in the Student Union to look into her background. He mentions that even his father considers her father, Vice Mayor Meng Siyuan, to be the most promising young official in the province. Han Bin explains that coming from a prominent family requires him to be cautious about who he dates, and he asks if he needs her parents' approval to be her boyfriend.

Wanzhi playfully tells him that her parents don't interfere in her personal life. Later, Li Xingke pulls Wanzhi aside to warn her that Han Bin is unreliable and has a history with multiple girlfriends. Wanzhi dismisses his concerns, arguing that it would be more suspicious if someone as talented as Han Bin hadn't dated anyone before. She teases Li Xingke about his own lack of a girlfriend.

Her evening is interrupted when a dorm staff member informs her of an urgent call from her father. Meng Siyuan tells her that her mother, Fang Jingyu, has suddenly fallen ill and is vomiting blood. Distraught and unable to find a train ticket at such a late hour, Wanzhi accepts Han Bin’s offer to drive her home. He arranges for his brother's driver to make the four-hour trip, seeing it as an opportunity to finally meet her family.

Upon arriving at the hospital, they are met by Meng Siyuan and Director Xiao. Wanzhi’s father is cold toward Han Bin, especially after learning his identity. While Wanzhi rushes to see her mother, Meng Siyuan instructs Director Xiao to take Han Bin to a guesthouse, effectively dismissing him. In the hospital room, Fang Jingyu tries to reassure Wanzhi, claiming that the medical facilities in Jianglin are excellent because the staff are her former classmates and students.

Wanzhi introduces Han Bin as her boyfriend, but when she goes to bring him in, she finds he has already been sent away. This sparks a heated argument with her father. Meng Siyuan insists that Han Bin is not right for her and demands they break up. Wanzhi later calls Han Bin to apologize for her father’s behavior.

Han Bin is understanding, telling her he will return to school and handle her leave of absence so she can focus on her mother. Fang Jingyu realizes her time is short and tells Wanzhi about a letter she left with Meng Siyuan that contains important information. She reassures Wanzhi that although her own illness is hereditary, it will not be passed down to her.

After her mother passes away, many come to pay their respects, including Li Xingke, who offers Wanzhi a comforting embrace. Following the funeral rituals, Wanzhi asks her father for the letter, but he refuses to give it to her, suggesting she should read it years later when she is more mature. Their relationship becomes increasingly strained. Wanzhi is also troubled by a misunderstanding involving a family friend, Mrs. Li.

Meng Siyuan explains that Mrs. Li and her husband were their closest friends, and that Mr. Li had tragically died in a car accident just a day before Fang Jingyu. Despite his attempts to explain the mutual grief, Wanzhi remains cold. One night, Wanzhi trashes her father's study searching for the letter. When Meng Siyuan returns from a business dinner, visibly ill from drinking, he finally relents and hands over the envelope.

The letter reveals a shocking truth: Wanzhi was adopted from Shenxian Peak, and her foster parents always viewed her as their own. Overwhelmed by the revelation, Wanzhi faints. Meng Siyuan, who had been waiting outside the door, rushes her to the hospital. While she recovers, Director Xiao visits and explains that Meng Siyuan only drank so heavily at the dinner to secure funding and suppliers for the Jing River Bridge project, a major national undertaking.

He emphasizes how much her father has sacrificed, even keeping the news of his wife's death private to avoid dampening the mood of the business guests. Wanzhi eventually shares the letter with Han Bin, who strongly advises her against visiting Shenxian Peak, fearing it could damage her father’s political career. He argues that her identity as the Vice Mayor's daughter is vital to his future. However, Li Xingke takes a different stance, supporting her desire to find her roots.

He immediately buys her a train ticket. Wanzhi travels to Shenxian Peak alone and finds He Yongwang, the man who saved her from a goat years ago. He admits he is her biological father and confesses that her birth mother, He Hua, died shortly after Wanzhi was born. He explains that they abandoned her out of poverty, hoping she would have a better life with an educated family in the city.

He expresses no regret, claiming it was the best decision for her future. He Yongwang then takes Wanzhi to meet her sisters. Her eldest sister, He Xiaoqin, is mentally ill, having never recovered from the trauma of losing her youngest sibling and a failed engagement. Despite her condition, Xiaoqin seems to recognize Wanzhi. Her second sister, He Xiaoju, is more practical and opportunistic.

Upon learning of Wanzhi's status in the city, Xiaoju immediately asks if Wanzhi's influential parents can help find a stable job for her daughter, Zhao Jun. Wanzhi provides her university address before leaving the village behind.

As Fang Wanzhi prepares to leave Shenxian Peak, Yang Hui, the son of her biological sister He Xiaoqin, catches up with her to see her off. Having played together as children, Yang Hui leads her along a shortcut that saves twenty minutes, ensuring she reaches the bus before dark. During their walk, he shares his dreams of enlisting in the army to eventually attend a military academy, as his family cannot afford college despite his top ranking in school.

Fang Wanzhi encourages his ambitions and insists he take three envelopes, each containing one thousand yuan, for his grandfather and aunts. Although he initially refuses, her firm insistence convinces him to accept the gift. Fang Wanzhi intends the gesture to ease her conscience, but the money inadvertently causes trouble. He Xiaoju’s husband, Zhao Dazhi, is a greedy man who sees the cash and realizes they now have a powerful connection to use for their own benefit.

Upon returning to school, Fang Wanzhi tells Han Bin about her trip to Shenxian Peak. Han Bin becomes agitated and angry, fearing that her association with her biological family will diminish her status as the Vice Mayor’s daughter and cause him to lose face with his own parents. He argues that their relationship involves their respective families' standings and, citing the complexity of her changing background, suggests they take a break.

Devastated by the breakup with her first love, Fang Wanzhi drinks with Li Yudan to drown her sorrows. However, her heartbreak is short-lived. Han Bin pre-records a bilingual recitation of a poem for the school radio station as a grand romantic gesture. He meets her afterward, claiming he was impulsive because he feared his parents' disapproval but ultimately wants to be with her regardless of the difficulty. Fang Wanzhi, moved by his words, agrees to reconcile.

The connection to Shenxian Peak soon resurfaces when Zhao Dazhi arrives at the school accompanied by several village cadres, including the village chief and a militia captain. They bring local produce like sweet potatoes and eggs as gifts, hoping to use Fang Wanzhi to reach Vice Mayor Meng. They explain the village's dire situation, recounting a tragic incident where a woman and her newborn died because a flooded road prevented them from reaching a clinic.

Moved by their plight, Fang Wanzhi contacts Director Xiao for help. Director Xiao agrees to assist them and provides an address for them to visit in Jianglin City. Fang Wanzhi later receives a letter from the village committee expressing their gratitude and calling her a saint. When she shares the news with Han Bin, he remains pragmatic, noting that Director Xiao would not have helped without her father’s implicit influence.

He urges her to return to Yu County for her mother’s thirty-fifth-day memorial to thank Meng Siyuan in person and mend their strained relationship. Fang Wanzhi originally plans to take the train back with Li Xingke, but Han Bin intercepts them at the dormitory with his car. He mocks Li Xingke, calling him a "fishmonger's son" and an outsider who is merely trying to use the Vice Mayor’s influence for his future career.

Han Bin pressures Li Xingke to cancel the train tickets, and a discouraged Li Xingke eventually departs. To further ingratiate himself, Han Bin prepares a set of rare, limited-edition classic books as a gift for Meng Siyuan before driving Fang Wanzhi to Yu County. Once they arrive, Fang Wanzhi decides it is too soon to present the gift and leaves the books at the house.

During a visit to Principal Fang’s grave, Meng Siyuan apologizes to his daughter for his cold attitude since his wife's passing. He reveals that several groups of people from Shenxian Peak have been using his name to demand special treatment at various government offices. Fang Wanzhi expresses deep regret, admitting she had asked Director Xiao for help once, though Meng Siyuan notes that the specific request was for a clinic he had approved years ago.

When Fang Wanzhi mentions that Han Bin drove her home and speaks highly of his maturity and support, Meng Siyuan becomes wary. He tells her that Han Bin’s older brother, Han Shuang, had attempted to bribe him with a bag of cash in September to secure a construction project. Fang Wanzhi realizes with a shock that September was the same month she met Han Bin. That evening, Fang Wanzhi meets Han Bin at a high-end restaurant in Yu County.

Han Bin, unaware of what she has learned, begins discussing his brother's construction company and their plans to split profits. He talks about buying multiple luxury apartments in the provincial capital once the deal is secured through her father’s influence. Realizing his affection was a calculated lie, Fang Wanzhi confronts him. Han Bin drops his facade, insulting her appearance and calling her a "village orphan" who would be nothing without Meng Siyuan.

Fang Wanzhi slaps him across the face, declares that he is unworthy of love, and ends the relationship for good. She later calls Grandma Yu, asking her to tell her father that he was right and she was wrong, but she feels too ashamed to face him and returns to school by train. Back at the university, Fang Wanzhi’s troubles escalate when Han Bin’s long-time girlfriend, Wenwen, confronts her in the cafeteria.

Wenwen publicly denounces her as a fraud and a village girl who seduced her boyfriend, eventually throwing a bowl of soup over Fang Wanzhi. A physical struggle ensues, and Han Bin arrives, siding with Wenwen and demanding an apology. As the conflict turns violent, Li Xingke intervenes to protect Fang Wanzhi and stabs Han Bin with a knife. Li Xingke is taken into police custody and faces criminal detention, while Han Bin is hospitalized in a coma.

Fang Wanzhi uses her savings to pay for Han Bin's medical expenses and meets Li Xingke’s mother, who reveals that her son had chosen this specific university just to stay near Fang Wanzhi. Seeking a way to help Li Xingke, Fang Wanzhi meets with Han Shuang, but the older brother refuses to show mercy, threatening that Li Xingke will pay with his life if Han Bin does not survive.

Following the stabbing of Han Bin by Li Xingke, Han Shuang is deeply skeptical of Meng Siyuan’s reputation as an honest official. Seeing how easily Fang Wanzhi pays for the most expensive hospital ward and medications, he is convinced that a vice mayor’s salary could never cover such costs. Meanwhile, Li Xingke’s mother is desperate to help her son.

She attempts to visit Han Bin to beg for a settlement that might lighten the sentence, but she is turned away because of her low social status as a fishmonger. When she seeks help from Meng Siyuan, she finds he is entirely consumed by a critical provincial engineering project and unable to intervene. Fang Wanzhi visits Han Bin herself, but he remains cold and refuses to negotiate, directing her to speak with his brother instead.

Fang Wanzhi reaches out to Han Shuang, claiming she is acting on behalf of Meng Siyuan to secure a dinner meeting. They meet at the very restaurant where she and Han Bin had their first date. During the meal, Han Shuang admits that the relationship was a calculated move, though he claims Han Bin eventually developed real feelings for her.

He demands that Fang Wanzhi clarify the incident at school by framing Li Xingke as a mentally unstable stalker who acted out of jealousy. This, he explains, would allow school leaders to dodge responsibility and ensure Han Bin's postgraduate future remains intact. Furthermore, he pressures her regarding the Jing River Bridge project, asking for her father’s endorsement and promising her a share of the profits.

He ends with a threat, mentioning the box of books Han Bin gave her for her father, claiming those books have the power to ruin Meng Siyuan’s career. At the school’s scheduled assembly for her self-criticism, Fang Wanzhi chooses to tell the full story instead of following Han Shuang’s script. She speaks of her childhood in Yu County with Li Yudan and admits that being called the Princess of Yu County once fueled her vanity.

She then exposes how Han Bin’s pursuit of her was a sham designed to get close to her father, revealing his cruel remarks about her not being special. To the shock of those present, she plays a recording of Han Shuang attempting to trade her father's influence for legal leniency. She also mentions the box of books and her intent to turn it over to the discipline inspection department.

Her bravery wins the support of her peers and Professor Xu, who offers to defend Li Xingke for free, noting that Han Bin’s injuries are legally considered minor. Fang Wanzhi concludes by taking full responsibility and asking for her own expulsion, while begging the school to preserve Li Xingke’s student status so he can finish his education after serving his time. The fallout is immediate.

On a train ride shortly after, Han Shuang confronts Fang Wanzhi and demands the tape, offering to drop his involvement in Li Xingke’s case in exchange. Fang Wanzhi remains undeterred, daring him to kill her right there. When she finally returns home to Yu County, Grandma Yu informs her that Meng Siyuan discovered 500,000 RMB hidden inside the books.

He had initially been happy with the gift, but upon finding the cash, he flew into a rage and took the box to the authorities to confess the situation and surrender the money. Meng Siyuan also confronts Han Shuang at his office, making it clear that as a Party member with principles, he will never let the Han family profit from state funds, even if it means his own ruin.

Fang Wanzhi eventually finds her father at the grave of her foster mother, Fang Jingyu. Meng Siyuan is a broken man, having spent the night reflecting on his perceived failures as both a leader and a father. He believes Fang Wanzhi intentionally brought the money into their home to trap him in the Han family's scheme. He expresses deep disappointment, stating that she has tarnished the reputation of the Fang family, which had served Yu County for generations.

Despite her attempts to explain, he tells her that he has resigned and no longer considers himself her father. He refuses to let her use the title, turning his back on her and leaving her alone at the gravesite. Devastated and feeling she has no place left, Fang Wanzhi decides to leave her old life behind. In 1995, she travels to Shenzhen to start over.

Living in a cheap hostel where residents celebrate even the smallest successes, she begins the grueling process of job hunting. However, her lack of a degree proves to be a significant obstacle. At a job fair, she meets Gao Xiang. Initially, she mistakes him for a recruiter and tries to impress him with her high grades from her three years of teacher training. Gao Xiang informs her that he is actually recruiting students for continuing education programs.

He warns her that she cannot list herself as a college graduate on her resume when she only completed two and a half years, as being caught would lead to her being blacklisted by employers. He suggests she obtain a diploma through his program to act as a foot in the door for future work. Later, while back at the hostel, Fang Wanzhi receives a phone call regarding a potential opportunity.

After leaving her home and abandoning her studies, Fang Wanzhi arrives in Shenzhen alone, carrying only her college dropout certificate. At the Job Fair, she faces immediate rejection. An interviewer dismisses her because she lacks a complete degree and the necessary credentials, ignoring her plea that she still possesses the qualities of a college graduate. Even the basic roles of a shop girl or waitress seem out of reach.

While wandering, she encounters a hotel worker who offers a job that seems questionable, which Wanzhi flatly refuses. She also meets Gao Xiang, a recruiter for the Academy of Continuing Education. Gao Xiang uses Wanzhi's incomplete resume as a negative example for his students, mocking the importance of a diploma. Wanzhi defends herself and the working class, arguing that street cleaners and delivery cooks contribute just as much to the city as anyone else.

When he continues to follow her, she threatens to call the police. Her luck changes when she accidentally bumps into Liu Zhu, a delivery worker for a construction site cafeteria, causing him to spill soup. Though she offers to pay for the damage, Liu Zhu dismisses her, frustrated by his own bad luck. Wanzhi follows him back to the site where she meets Mr. Hu, a construction official.

Mr. Hu is currently criticizing Liu Zhu for the numerous typos on the cafeteria's menu, such as writing "Mu Xu Pork" as "Mo Shu Pork." Seizing the opportunity, Wanzhi presents her resume. Mr. Hu is impressed by her beautiful handwriting and her willingness to work hard despite her background. Despite his initial concern that the job is beneath a college student, Wanzhi insists she can handle the hardship and promises there will be no more typos.

Mr. Hu instructs Liu Zhu’s father, Mr. Liu, to hire her. Wanzhi signs a formal labor contract with Mr. Liu, agreeing to work until the Spring Festival for a monthly salary of 1,240 yuan, including subsidies. Mr. Liu explains that while the pay isn't the highest in the Special Economic Zone, the work is intense and they don't keep slackers. Wanzhi is then taken to the female workers' dorm, a cramped container house.

She immediately clashes with her roommate, Hao Qianqian, who is hostile about the limited space and tries to throw Wanzhi’s luggage out. The conflict is de-escalated by the arrival of Li Juan, a blunt but fair woman from Northeast China. Li Juan reveals that Wanzhi, at twenty-one, is the youngest of the three. Despite the cold reception from Qianqian, who views Wanzhi as a "smiling tiger," Wanzhi tries to remain polite and apologizes for the misunderstanding.

The workload at the cafeteria is grueling. Li Juan teaches Wanzhi how to prep leeks quickly for hundreds of workers, emphasizing that time is more expensive than the vegetables themselves. Wanzhi proves herself to be a quick learner, even inventing a way to pickle the leftover scraps so they won't go to waste. Her presence and her "service with a smile" make her popular with the laborers, which only fuels Qianqian’s jealousy.

When the cafeteria is ranked first in an overall ranking, Mr. Hu asks the crew to take on seventy additional workers, bringing the total to 330 people. In exchange, they are promised a year-end bonus equal to fifty percent of their salary. While everyone is excited about the money, Wanzhi worries about dragging the team down, but Li Juan encourages her, noting that she is already doing better than Qianqian did when she first started.

Sensing the growing tension in the dorm and Liu Zhu’s obvious interest in her, Wanzhi makes a calculated move. When Mr. Liu assigns her to go on supply runs with Liu Zhu—a much easier task than staying behind to prep food—Wanzhi fakes severe motion sickness. She claims she has run out of medicine and needs her family to mail more, allowing Qianqian to take her place in the truck.

Later that night, Wanzhi is so exhausted from the heavy labor that she cannot even eat. Liu Zhu, concerned for her, has Li Juan deliver a special bowl of noodles he prepared with two hidden eggs. Li Juan sees through Wanzhi’s lie about the motion sickness and realizes she was trying to avoid walking on eggshells around Qianqian.

Wanzhi explains that since they all share a room, it is better to let things slide, as Qianqian likely never had anyone care for her growing up. Meanwhile, Wanzhi’s adoptive father, Meng Siyuan, finishes his affairs at home and travels to Shenzhen to find her. He eventually tracks her down to the construction site, where he is heartbroken to see his daughter covered in grease and soot, performing backbreaking labor.

He repeatedly pleads with her to return home and finish school, but Wanzhi firmly refuses. She is determined to stand on her own feet without relying on him further. Their encounter ends in an argument, leaving Meng Siyuan to remain in Shenzhen to keep a quiet watch over her. He also receives news regarding the legal aftermath of Wanzhi's earlier troubles; Li Xingke has been sentenced to three years in prison and expelled from school for the stabbing incident. Meng Siyuan visits him in prison, where Li Xingke remains resolute, telling Meng Siyuan not to worry about Wanzhi and vowing to retake his exams once he is released.

Hao Qianqian shared her bittersweet past with her friends, revealing that she was born to a mother from Sichuan and a father from Zhejiang. Her father had divorced her mother shortly after her birth simply because she was a girl. After running away as a teenager to find her mother, she was eventually left with her grandmother.

Her childhood was spent collecting scrap metal with her grandfather in the city, and she never had the chance to attend a single day of school. Despite her lack of education, Hao Qianqian was proud of her resilience, having learned to earn money through singing and dancing at a young age to buy the pretty clothes she desired.

She had initially come to Shenzhen with dreams of becoming a professional singer, but the high level of competition intimidated her, leading her to settle for a kitchen job that paid a steady thousand yuan a month. Meanwhile, Meng Siyuan took decisive action to clear Fang Wanzhi’s name. He returned to the university and delivered a scathing rebuke to the administrators who had previously presided over the biased disciplinary hearing.

He questioned their integrity as educators, pointing out how they had fanned the flames of power by attempting to shield Han Bin and even planning to give him an award for bravery. Following his intervention, the school no longer moved forward with Fang Wanzhi’s expulsion. Meng Siyuan eventually tracked Fang Wanzhi down to the crowded, noisy kitchen of a Shenzhen construction site.

Standing before his daughter, the once-imposing father was humbled by the sight of her exhaustion and her worn, injured hands. He offered a sincere apology, admitting he had been too impulsive and had failed to understand the full truth before losing his temper. He informed her that Han Shuang was now under investigation and that her tape recording had been a key piece of evidence. He pleaded with her to return home and finish her education, but Fang Wanzhi refused.

She insisted that she was not a child and wanted to prove her worth by living her own life without relying on his influence. The encounter took a tense turn when Meng Siyuan tried to insist on taking her back. The kitchen staff, including Liu Zhu, misunderstood the situation and moved to protect her, even threatening to call the police on the stranger. To deescalate the conflict, Fang Wanzhi finally identified him as her father to the onlookers.

While she used the title to defend him, she still could not bring herself to address him as "Dad" directly. Seeing her determination and the support of her new friends, Meng Siyuan relented. They made a pact: Fang Wanzhi would stay in Shenzhen for one year to find her place, but if she could not settle in by then, she would return to her studies. The legal consequences for Li Xingke were finalized with a three-year prison sentence.

Due to the criminal nature of the offense, the university could not retain his student status. Meng Siyuan visited him in the detention center, where he found the young man remarkably composed. Li Xingke harbored no resentment, viewing the three-year wait as a mere delay before he could retake his exams. It was revealed that he had scored well above the requirement for top-tier universities but chose the normal college specifically to remain close to and protect Fang Wanzhi.

As life continued at the construction site, Li Juan’s relationship with Captain Zhou reached a turning point. With his decommissioning only months away, Zhou wanted to make their relationship official. Li Juan was hesitant, fearing her family’s heavy financial burdens—including her sick father and young siblings—would be too much for him to bear. Fang Wanzhi advised her to be completely honest, noting that trust is the foundation of any lasting bond.

When Li Juan confessed her concerns, Captain Zhou remained steadfast, assuring her that they could overcome any obstacle together. The couple celebrated their commitment by treating Fang Wanzhi and Hao Qianqian to a seafood dinner. During a rare three-day holiday, the three friends headed to an outdoor night market to celebrate. Hao Qianqian, ever the free spirit, decided to make extra money by singing for the patrons at the food stalls.

Her performance attracted attention and tips, but it also drew the unwanted interest of a drunkard. The man tried to force Fang Wanzhi to sing for him as well, and the situation nearly turned violent until Gao Xiang, who happened to be dining nearby, stepped in to help. After the scuffle, Hao Qianqian counted the significant amount of money she had earned in just one night. Witnessing this, Fang Wanzhi, who had spent her time in Shenzhen working grueling shifts to prove her independence, began to reconsider her own path toward self-reliance.

Following her decision to stay in Shenzhen and forge her own path, Fang Wanzhi looked for ways to maximize their earnings alongside Hao Qianqian and Li Juan. Inspired by Hao Qianqian’s stage presence, Wanzhi proposed a professional upgrade for their street performances. She argued that a smart investment in professional equipment, like microphones and speakers, would yield higher returns.

While Li Juan was hesitant, Wanzhi and Hao Qianqian encouraged her, noting that her loud, soulful voice would make her a favorite among the laborers, dubbed the "Workers' Friend." They planned their strategy: Hao Qianqian and Li Juan would be the stars, while Wanzhi would handle the song requests, collect the money, and use her "signature smile" to charm the customers into ordering more songs. The search for equipment proved demoralizing.

They were rejected by five different audio shops; one owner's wife even chased them away, accusing them of flirting with her husband. When Li Juan suggested giving up to spend the rest of their holiday taking photos at Window of the World, Wanzhi stood firm, insisting that success only comes to those who persevere through hardship. Their persistence led them to a Job Fair, where they encountered Gao Xiang, a representative from the Academy of Continuing Education.

Recognizing Wanzhi from a previous encounter, Gao Xiang was struggling to meet his recruitment quota. Wanzhi saw an opportunity and negotiated to rent his promotional speakers and microphones for their evening shows. Gao Xiang proved to be a savvy partner. He agreed to provide the equipment, backing tracks, and technical support in exchange for a one-third cut of the profits.

Wanzhi secretly planned to cover his share out of her own portion so that Li Juan and Hao Qianqian’s earnings wouldn't be affected. Beyond the gear, Gao Xiang provided a crucial legal safeguard: a Temporary Performance Permit. He explained that charging for performances without one was a violation of market regulations, a detail the girls had completely overlooked. With the paperwork settled and the equipment tested, they were ready for their professional debut.

The performances at the street food stall were a resounding success. Hao Qianqian’s polished rendition of "Rose, Rose, I Love You" set a glamorous tone, while Li Juan’s powerful voice during "The Yellow Earth Slope" brought the crowd to a fever pitch. Wanzhi managed the chaotic flow of requests with grace and a constant smile. When a guest at Table 11 insisted that Wanzhi sing, she honestly admitted her lack of talent but offered to recite lyrics instead.

She improvised a moving speech about the journey of leaving home to chase dreams, which resonated deeply with the workers. She even found a way to weave in an advertisement for Gao Xiang’s school, helping him distribute business cards to an interested audience. As the holiday drew to a close, the trio celebrated their success. In just three days, they had earned 910 yuan each, including a bonus from the stall owner who was delighted by the increased business.

Gao Xiang, impressed by Wanzhi's integrity and the success of his own recruitment drive, returned her share of the money. He confessed that her help had allowed him to finish a three-month task in just three days. On the final night, a regular customer who had watched them for three days finally approached Wanzhi. He asked her to sing "Tell Me Please." Despite her being tone-deaf, he insisted on hearing her voice.

The man eventually broke down, revealing he had spent three years of grueling labor in Shenzhen to save for a bride price, only to return home and find his first love married with two children. Moved by his story, Wanzhi shared a symbolic toast with him and offered a comforting hug to soothe his heartbreak. However, the transition back to their regular jobs at the construction site canteen was fraught with tension.

Liu Zhu, the son of the canteen contractor Mr. Liu, had developed an obsessive infatuation with Wanzhi. One morning, after Wanzhi had slept in following their celebration, Liu Zhu brought her pear soup to help with her hangover. His affection quickly turned into harassment as he grabbed her from behind, confessing that his mind was full of her every night. Wanzhi reacted with sharp indignation, seizing a kitchen knife to defend herself and ordering him to stay back.

The commotion brought Mr. Liu running, who chased his son out in a fit of rage. Later, Mr. Liu attempted to resolve the matter through a mix of bribery and pressure. He touted the Liu family's wealth, mentioning their five tiled-roof rooms, livestock, and a new tractor, promising Wanzhi that she would manage the household and the money if she married Liu Zhu. Wanzhi remained unmoved, stating firmly that she was there to work, not to find a husband.

When Mr. Liu’s tone turned condescending, implying she was a simple girl from the mountains who didn't know her own luck, Wanzhi offered to quit on the spot. The situation only defused when Hao Qianqian let slip that Wanzhi was the daughter of a mayor. Terrified of the legal repercussions for his son's actions against someone of such high status, Mr. Liu’s attitude shifted instantly to one of groveling apology.

In the aftermath, the three women gathered to discuss their long-term future. Hao Qianqian, buoyed by their recent success, proposed that they resign and form a permanent singing group called "Workers' Friends." She dreamed of moving from food stalls to high-end nightclubs and eventually releasing an album. Li Juan was hesitant, fearing the disapproval of her boyfriend, Captain Zhou. Wanzhi, ever the pragmatist, pointed out that while their stint was fun, they lacked professional training.

However, she acknowledged that they couldn't stay in the canteen forever, especially since Mr. Liu planned to retire after Liu Zhu eventually married. The three friends made a pact to always stick together and look out for one another as they navigated the uncertainties of life in the city.

Fang Wanzhi continued her diligent work at the construction site cafeteria, despite the recent awkwardness following Liu Zhu's unwelcome advances. Her focus remained on her duties until she received a letter forwarded by her classmate Wang Jia. In a brief note, Wang Jia explained that while she usually filtered out the many letters from Shenxian Peak that were likely asking for favors, this specific one was from Wanzhi’s nephew, Yang Hui, and was marked as urgent.

Inside the letter, Yang Hui detailed a heartbreaking dilemma. He had passed the physical examination for the Air Force, and the doctors had confirmed that his condition was perfect for becoming a pilot—his lifelong dream. However, his father, Yang Sanjin, had forbidden him from going. Following an accident three months prior where a rock crushed his leg, Yang Sanjin was now disabled and unable to work away from home.

He insisted that Yang Hui stay to work and pay off the heavy debts incurred from building their new house. Yang Sanjin even lamented that if Yang Hui’s mother, He Xiaoqin, were not mentally ill and "unfit," he would have forced her to sell blood to satisfy the creditors who were threatening to seize their home.

Desperate, Yang Hui begged Wanzhi to use her influence as an elder to change his father’s mind, promising to work hard and pay the family back once he was in the service. The letter left Wanzhi deeply troubled. Despite the exhaustion of her job and the harsh treatment from her boss, who favored his own son and assigned her the most grueling tasks, she felt she had to help.

She turned to Li Juan and asked to borrow 1,100 yuan, which, added to her own savings, would make 5,000 yuan. Hao Qianqian was vocally opposed to the idea, calling Wanzhi’s relatives a "bottomless pit" and warning her that she might be getting scammed by people who had abandoned her as a child. Wanzhi, however, stood firm.

She believed in Yang Hui’s character and felt a sense of duty toward her eldest sister, He Xiaoqin, who had once searched for Wanzhi after she was abandoned. Li Juan, touched by Wanzhi's sincerity, not only agreed to the loan but even tried to chip in an extra 200 yuan as a celebratory gift for the nephew’s bright future, though Wanzhi felt she could only accept the loan.

With the 5,000 yuan sent home, the family debt was cleared, and Yang Sanjin finally relented. Yang Hui left for the army with the pride of the village behind him. However, the peace was short-lived. He Xiaoju arrived at the new house and, seeing its splendor, immediately suspected that Wanzhi had provided the funds. She confronted Yang Sanjin, accusing him of hoarding money that should have been shared equally among the sisters.

During the heated argument, He Xiaoju revealed to the fragile He Xiaoqin that her husband had been "cheating" the money out of Wanzhi. The shock caused He Xiaoqin to fall ill again, as she was devastated by the idea that her younger sister was being burdened by their hardships. Determined to get more money, He Xiaoju and her husband traveled to Wanzhi's university.

They were blocked from entering and eventually met Wang Jia, who informed them that Wanzhi had dropped out half a year ago. When they pressed for her location or employer, Wang Jia strictly refused to provide any information, stating that Wanzhi no longer wished to receive their letters.

Frustrated but undeterred, He Xiaoju concluded that Wanzhi must have landed a prestigious job through her father’s influence as Mayor and decided their next step was to find Meng Siyuan or the Mayor himself. Back in Shenzhen, life continued in the shadow of impending departures. Captain Zhou’s engineering corps had completed their construction tasks and were preparing to leave. Before his departure, he and Li Juan visited a voluntary blood donation van.

He wanted to commemorate their relationship and their time in Shenzhen by donating blood together, as the city had recently introduced new regulations for voluntary donors. Wanzhi supported the idea, recalling how her own foster mother, Principal Fang, had secretly donated blood nineteen times to save others. To help the girls with a mouse problem in their dorm, Captain Zhou also brought them a cat he had rescued from the construction site.

Wanzhi named the cat "Little Friend," remarking that in a strange city like Shenzhen, friends were what they needed most. On the day the troops were set to leave, Li Juan, Hao Qianqian, and Wanzhi rushed to the site with bags of fruit for the soldiers. Captain Zhou gave Li Juan a fountain pen as a keepsake.

Amidst the cheers of his men, who jokingly called her "sister-in-law" and wished them a happy marriage, Li Juan sang a heartfelt song as the trucks pulled away. She began counting the days until his official discharge, expecting a letter every few days and planning for a wedding during the Spring Festival. She even asked Wanzhi and Hao Qianqian to be her bridesmaids.

However, the joy was shattered when a group of officials, led by Mr. Hu, arrived at the cafeteria. Mr. Hu, a veteran who had bonded with Captain Zhou, broke the news that Zhou Shuchun had been caught in a landslide while traveling home after his discharge. In a final act of heroism, he had sacrificed his life to save a family of five. Li Juan collapsed upon hearing the news.

After she regained consciousness, Mr. Liu arranged for Wanzhi to accompany her to Captain Zhou’s hometown to bid him a final farewell. Mr. Liu and Liu Zhu provided 1,000 yuan as a gesture of support for the journey. At the funeral, the family of five that Captain Zhou had saved came to pay their respects, expressing deep remorse that such a "great captain" had died for them.

Li Juan, though grief-stricken, told them that seeing them safe would have been all he wanted. She then met Captain Zhou’s blind mother. Seeing the elderly woman’s condition, Li Juan officially addressed her as "Mom" and vowed to take care of her for the rest of her life. The mother tried to give Li Juan the allowance money that her son had sent home over the years, which she had saved for her future daughter-in-law. Li Juan initially refused but eventually accepted the bond, deciding then and there to take the mother back to Shenzhen to live with her.

Captain Zhou’s mother refused to move to Shenzhen, insisting she would not become a burden to Li Juan. Respecting her decision, Li Juan arranged for the local government to care for her in a nursing home. Before departing, Li Juan took the stipends that Captain Zhou had faithfully sent home over the years and donated the entire sum to the nursing home to ensure his mother was well looked after.

Back at the construction site, Li Juan remained paralyzed by grief. To help her rest, Fang Wanzhi went to the clinic and obtained sleeping pills, which she gave to Li Juan by claiming they were special medicine to treat a broken heart. After a long, deep sleep, Li Juan awoke and threw herself into work, even washing the bedsheets for the other two women.

She explained that she had to remain strong for her family and the family she had gained through Captain Zhou, recalling his belief that human will could overcome any hardship. The quiet of the site was soon interrupted when Hao Qianqian suddenly acquired a pager. She frequently hurried away to "make phone calls" when it buzzed, but she was actually sneaking into Liu Zhu’s room. Their relationship had quietly developed since their trips into town to buy groceries.

When Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan eventually discovered the truth, Hao Qianqian confessed and revealed that she was suffering from morning sickness. Though surprised by the speed of the romance, the friends offered their blessings. Liu Zhu was a reliable man, and his family possessed enough resources to ensure Hao Qianqian would be well cared for after they married. As the Lunar New Year approached, work at the site stopped and the canteen prepared to close.

Mr. Liu returned from the finance department looking defeated, explaining that the new director, Mr. Wang, refused to pay the promised year-end bonuses. Because there was no written contract, Director Wang ignored the previous administration’s verbal agreements. Mr. Liu urged the group to accept the loss for the sake of peace, but Fang Wanzhi and the others refused to let their hard work go unrewarded.

While at a restaurant for breakfast, Fang Wanzhi encountered Gao Xiang, who showed her his press credentials and mentioned he had also studied law. He continued to urge her to enroll in night school, but Fang Wanzhi used the opportunity to ask about the legality of their missing bonuses. Gao Xiang explained the difficulty of pursuing a case without a contract and witnessing the high turnover of site workers, yet he promised to look into the matter.

Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan later confronted Director Wang in his office. He remained stubborn, accusing them of being greedy temporary workers who were already paid more than officials in inland cities. Fang Wanzhi countered that they worked sixteen-hour days and had the highest-rated canteen in the group. Outside, Hao Qianqian staged a dramatic scene, stuffing her clothes to make her belly look larger and brandishing a bottle she claimed was pesticide.

She threatened to take her life and her child’s if they weren't paid. The commotion drew the attention of Mr. Hu, who had been brought back to the station by Gao Xiang. Mr. Hu reprimanded Director Wang for his outdated mindset, stressing that the group’s reputation in the Special Zone depended on credit and the principle of more work for more pay. He ordered Director Wang to sign the contracts and release the bonuses immediately.

The "pesticide" was revealed to be nothing more than a sour drink Hao Qianqian had been craving. With the bonuses finally secured, the group gathered to distribute the money. Mr. Liu felt he didn't deserve a share since he hadn't stood up for them initially, but the girls insisted that as their leader, he should receive a portion.

As the others prepared to catch their trains for the Spring Festival, Fang Wanzhi decided to stay in Shenzhen during the holiday to look for a higher-paying job, even as Gao Xiang tried once more to convince her that a proper degree would be her best path forward.

With the Spring Festival approaching, the construction site cafeteria where the three women worked has officially closed. Having successfully secured their year-end bonuses, Li Juan and Hao Qianqian prepare to head home, tearfully saying their goodbyes at the station. Hao Qianqian promises to page Fang Wanzhi frequently, while Li Juan vows to pick her up when she returns on the eighteenth.

Fang Wanzhi, determined to make her own way, decides to stay in Shenzhen and finds a modest room in Buji Town. She negotiates the rent with her new landlady, Pei, who is busy with a mahjong game. Although the room lacks a kitchen and the bathroom is far away, Fang Wanzhi secures a three-month lease after charmingly convincing Pei that her presence as a "Lucky Star" might help the landlady win more games.

Meanwhile, Meng Siyuan travels dozens of hours by train to Shenzhen, hoping to take his daughter home for the holidays. He arrives at the quiet construction site only to find the cafeteria empty. After leaving his ID with the guard to gain entry, he discovers Fang Wanzhi’s withered flower arrangement. He carefully rearranges the flowers and leaves a note, expressing his regret at missing her but reminding her that Yu County will always be her home.

Later, Fang Wanzhi calls Grandma Yu from a public phone and learns her father had come looking for her. She rushes back to the site, but he has already departed. Reading his note, she realizes she is truly on her own for her first Lunar New Year in a strange city, viewing it as a necessary cost for her future. At the train station, Fang Wanzhi spots a flyer for a high-paying caregiver position.

She meets a driver who is desperate to find a replacement for his boss’s father so he can return to Shaanxi to be with his wife. Despite having no professional experience, Fang Wanzhi mentions that her mother was a nursing school principal and that she grew up surrounded by medical knowledge. Seeing her sincerity, the driver offers her triple pay—four thousand yuan for the twenty-day holiday period.

Fang Wanzhi insists on a formal labor contract before beginning the job at the hospital. Her patient is Jia Zhihuai, who is recovering from a gastrectomy. Fang Wanzhi provides meticulous care, turning him frequently to prevent bedsores and monitoring his liquid diet. However, trouble arises when Jia Zhihuai's daughter, Ms. Jia, arrives.

Finding Fang Wanzhi resting on the sofa, Ms. Jia creates a scene, accusing her of neglect and even suggesting that her good looks make her a "flirt" trying to seduce her wealthy father. Despite the Head nurse’s defense of Fang Wanzhi’s professional conduct—specifically her knowledge of electrolyte imbalances and diet restrictions—Ms. Jia fires her.

Fang Wanzhi maintains her dignity, demanding the three days of pay stipulated in her contract for wrongful termination, and declines a long-term job offer from the Head nurse, stating that hospital work is not her ultimate goal in Shenzhen. The situation changes when Jia Youcai, the patient’s son, uses the address on the contract to find Fang Wanzhi’s new home. He apologizes for his sister’s behavior, explaining that she couldn't even manage two hours of care before giving up.

He asks Fang Wanzhi to return and offers her the full salary in advance. Fang Wanzhi agrees to help but refuses the money until the work is finished. Back at the hospital, her diligence pays off when she notices Jia Zhihuai choking. Her quick response allows the medical team to perform suction, preventing a dangerous lung infection. Jia Zhihuai is deeply grateful, realizing she saved his life.

In a separate setting, Hao Qianqian finds herself at odds with the strict traditions of her in-laws, the Liu family. During a holiday banquet, she is told that women are not allowed to drink, leading to a confrontation where she threatens to return to Shenzhen. Her husband, Liu Zhu, eventually relents, promising to change the family rules to keep her happy.

By the Lantern Festival, Jia Zhihuai has recovered significantly and tries to hire Fang Wanzhi as his permanent caregiver with continued triple pay. Fang Wanzhi politely declines, explaining her desire to build a career beyond caregiving. She eventually places a long-distance call to Meng Siyuan and Grandma Yu to wish them a late happy New Year.

She informs her father that she has found a better-paying job and is doing well, though she still struggles to call him "Dad" during their conversation. To show his gratitude, Jia Youcai visits Fang Wanzhi's home to pay her final wages and presents her with artistic flowers. He insists on taking her for tea in his vehicle. Fang Wanzhi is surprised to find that his personal "car" is actually a large, spotless mini-bus.

As he drives her through the city, Jia Youcai reveals that he owns a major transportation business with dozens of such buses running the route between Shenzhen and Guangzhou. He explains that he had been driving the routes himself over the holiday because all his regular drivers had gone home, taking advantage of the peak travel season to earn as much as possible.

Following their dinner together, Caizai treated Fang Wanzhi to an elaborate seafood feast featuring large crabs, whelks, and rare lobster. During the meal, he formally invited her to become the deputy general manager of his transportation company, claiming she would only need to oversee the existing staff. However, his true intentions surfaced when he admitted he had been divorced for five years after his previous wife left him due to poverty.

Now wealthy, and encouraged by his father, Caizai was actively courting Wanzhi, even referring to the position as one reserved for the "future Mrs. Jia." To highlight his status, he boasted of owning 30 cars and 11 houses. Wanzhi, seeing through his attempt to buy her affection, jokingly suggested she would only agree if he transferred all his current and future assets into her name.

The proposal visibly unsettled Caizai, who later tried to bargain with her on a mini-bus, offering two cars and two houses as a compromise. Wanzhi firmly rejected him, explaining that a marriage must be built on love, not property. Undeterred by her lack of a job, Wanzhi visited the talent market. She attempted to apply for a position at a Finance and Economics university, but was rejected because she lacked a postgraduate degree.

There, she encountered an admissions assistant from the Academy of Continuing Education who had been following her. He offered her a permanent role as an admissions assistant, but his pitch was insulting; he analyzed her "failures" in Shenzhen—citing her university dropout status and her time spent as a canteen helper—as a way to use her as a negative example to convince others of the importance of further education.

Wanzhi took offense, defending her choices and her time at the construction site as a period of luck where she met her best friend. She cursed his recruitment efforts before walking away. Back at her lodgings, Wanzhi faced pressure from her landlord, Pei. Claiming she was losing money and feared her husband's reaction, Pei demanded Wanzhi pay a full year’s rent upfront instead of the three months they had agreed upon.

Knowing Wanzhi was unemployed, Pei offered a trade: if Wanzhi paid the year’s rent, Pei would secure her a job at a garment factory and allow her to use the refrigerator for free. Despite her reservations, Wanzhi complied and was taken to see the line leader, Zhang Li. Though Wanzhi admitted she had never worked in a garment factory and was only in the city for six months, Zhang Li decided to take a chance on her.

The factory was desperately short-staffed because many veteran workers were struggling to find tickets back to Shenzhen after the Spring Festival. Wanzhi was assigned to the assembly line at station number two, making buttons. Zhang Li warned her that the schedule was urgent due to an order from Hong Kong and that she could be fired at any moment if her speed didn't improve. Wanzhi struggled with the electric sewing machine, falling far behind.

This drew the ire of Xu A'nan, an experienced worker who wanted the position for her own relatives and hometown friends. Determined not to fail, Wanzhi worked through her lunch breaks and stopped drinking water altogether to avoid wasting time in the bathroom. Her dedication was noticed by a colleague known as Three, who defended Wanzhi when Zhang Li reprimanded her for being slow.

Touched by her effort, Zhang Li gave Wanzhi a ten-minute break and some water, though she remained honest about the difficulty of the work for someone with Wanzhi's background. The situation improved when Li Juan returned to Shenzhen. She brought Wanzhi a gift of pancakes with braised pork from her mother and was soon introduced to Zhang Li. Li Juan, having studied as a tailor for two years, proved to be an expert on the assembly line.

Zhang Li was so impressed that she hired Li Juan immediately and eventually invited the two friends to dinner. Over expensive seafood, Zhang Li expressed her admiration for Li Juan's skills and mentioned that the factory manager, Huang Yaodong, had wanted her to fire "slackers" to make room for returning veterans. Zhang Li admitted she had considered firing Wanzhi or Three but ultimately refused to let them go because their work had become steady.

She then confided in them that she intended to recommend Li Juan for the newly created position of assistant line leader. Shortly after, Factory Manager Huang Yaodong addressed the workers to announce a massive success: the factory had secured a major processing order for "Fire Phoenix," a prestigious brand under the Hong Kong New Phoenix Group. He promised a significant bonus for everyone if the order was completed on time but threatened immediate dismissal for anyone who caused delays.

When the time came to announce the new assistant line leader, Zhang Li was shocked when Huang passed over Li Juan to name Xu A'nan instead. Huang claimed the decision was made after consulting other factory leaders, but Wanzhi noted the suspicious eye contact between Huang and A'nan. Afterward, Wanzhi suggested to Li Juan that A'nan had used an improper relationship with the manager to secure the promotion. Li Juan cautioned her against spreading rumors that could ruin a girl's reputation, prompting Wanzhi to reflect on how cynical and shrewd she had become since arriving in the city.

Xu A'nan’s promotion to assistant line leader only intensifies her resentment toward Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan. Knowing the two are inseparable, A'nan schemes to frame Li Juan, believing that getting her fired will force Wanzhi to leave as well. Wanzhi happens to overhear A'nan discussing this plan with her friends and begins keeping a close watch. Her suspicions are confirmed when she witnesses A'nan deliberately sabotaging Li Juan’s work by cutting the threads on finished pants.

When A'nan attempts to dock Li Juan’s pay and threatens her with dismissal, Wanzhi intervenes, revealing the scissors A'nan used to frame her sister. A heated argument erupts, and in the ensuing struggle, Wanzhi strikes A'nan. Manager Huang, who shares a suspiciously close relationship with A'nan, arrives and immediately fires both Wanzhi and Li Juan without listening to their side of the story.

The two sisters leave the factory behind, refusing to stay in such a toxic environment where A'nan and the manager often dine together in his private office. They pick up various odd jobs to survive, working in kitchens and helping out at street food stalls. While working as waitresses at a hotel, Li Juan is tasked with delivering mosquito coils to a guest in room 2213.

The guest, a regular known for his predatory behavior, attempts to bribe Li Juan with four hundred yuan to stay in his room. When he tries to touch her, Li Juan sternly rebukes him and flees. Despite her being the victim of harassment, the guest files a complaint. The hotel manager, strictly following the terms of the employment contract, dismisses Li Juan.

Wanzhi refuses to let her sister leave alone and resigns as well, threatening to report the hotel's unfair practices to the labor bureau. Returning to their rental home, the sisters find Xiao Guoqing and Wanzhi’s father, Meng Siyuan, waiting for them. Meng Siyuan, who traveled to Shenzhen with a provincial inspection team, is so exhausted from his duties as the lead engineer for the Jing River Bridge that he falls asleep on the doorstep.

During their brief reunion, he presents Wanzhi with a certificate of enrollment from her university, which documents her excellent academic record and current leave of absence. He tells her that since coming to Shenzhen was her decision, she must use her own capabilities to prove it was the right one. After Wanzhi prepares a simple meal of instant noodles and sees them off, Li Juan discovers twenty thousand yuan hidden under the bedding.

Though Wanzhi initially considers returning the money, she realizes her father left it out of love and decides to keep it as capital for their future. Inspired by her father’s words about truly making one's way in the city, Wanzhi decides they should stop drifting between menial jobs and start their own business. They spend a week conducting market research, dressing up to visit high-end shopping malls and expensive restaurants to understand local consumption habits.

They eventually decide to sell clothing, but their lack of a proven sales record makes it difficult to secure a supplier. When they look into renting a stall at the bustling Dongmen market, they meet a man known as Gold Tooth who manages several locations. However, the annual rent is a staggering five hundred thousand yuan, a price they cannot possibly afford.

Settling for a less popular street with lower foot traffic, Wanzhi and Li Juan purchase a wholesale lot of clothes and set up a modest stall. Business is initially stagnant, and they struggle to attract any customers. A young woman at a neighboring tea stall, who has many regular clients from local factories, offers them advice on how to read customers and build a loyal base.

Encouraged, the sisters begin hawking their wares more aggressively, even moving their goods into busier areas to catch the eyes of passersby. This practice violates market regulations, leading to a fifty-yuan fine from a market administrator. Gold Tooth mocks their struggle, even making a bet that Wanzhi will end up as his girlfriend if she fails to make a profit. By the end of three months, Wanzhi calculates their earnings and finds they are still operating at a loss. Despite the setback, she insists on paying Li Juan her promised salary, taking the financial hit herself.

Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan found themselves in a difficult position as their clothing business in Shenzhen hit a major roadblock. The "Fire Phoenix" styles they had invested in turned out to be years out of date, leaving them with stagnant inventory and mounting financial pressure. While Li Juan worried about the potential for fines while trying to sell at other people's stalls, a chance encounter changed their fortunes.

They ran into Li, their former supervisor from the assembly line, who had recently been fired. Li revealed that she had been ousted by Xu A'nan, who was now involved with Factory Manager Huang Yaodong and was filling the factory with workers from her own hometown. Despite her own troubles, Li provided a crucial lead: Workshop Three had a massive canceled international order of high-quality garments.

Huang Yaodong was desperate to recoup his capital and might sell the stock at a reasonable price. Wanzhi immediately called the manager, playing on a past acquaintance involving a seafood dinner and karaoke. When Wanzhi arrived at the factory to inspect the goods, she was met with hostility from Xu A'nan. Xu A'nan attempted to sabotage the deal by mocking Wanzhi’s past as a "line girl" and falsely claiming the police had been called.

Wanzhi remained composed, throwing down twenty thousand yuan in cash as a show of good faith. Her determination convinced Huang Yaodong to kick Xu A'nan out of his office to proceed with the negotiation. The terms Huang Yaodong set were grueling. He demanded a total of 358,400 yuan for the entire warehouse of stock. Wanzhi was required to pay 159,200 yuan within three days to take thirty percent of the goods, with the full balance due in six days.

Wanzhi signed the contract, but the massive financial gap weighed heavily on her. Her attempt to secure a bank loan failed because she lacked collateral and a guarantor, and the processing time was far too long. Wanzhi then sought out Jia Youcai. He misunderstood her intentions at first, offering her houses and money if she would become his girlfriend. Wanzhi firmly rejected the notion of being kept, explaining that she wanted to borrow money for her business.

Jia Youcai eventually offered twenty thousand yuan, which he framed as the "price of pursuit," but Wanzhi insisted on treating it as a formal loan with ten percent interest. Meanwhile, Li Juan managed to scrape together two thousand yuan from her fellow workers, though she hesitated to ask Hao Qianqian, who seemed to be in low spirits. In a moment of desperation, Wanzhi called her father, Deputy Mayor Meng.

Though he expressed his love and Grandma Yu offered to send food from home, Wanzhi could not bring herself to ask for the money. She realized that her father was an honest official who likely didn't have such a large sum, and she didn't want to burden him with her struggles in Shenzhen. Wanzhi eventually swallowed her pride and went to see Gao Xiang at his academy.

Gao Xiang, now a vice-principal, initially lectured her, calling her business move a form of "gambling" and "speculation" rather than a scientific venture. He criticized her for lacking a diploma and a background in economic management. However, after their heated exchange, he revealed that he had secured 130,000 yuan from four of his contacts. He insisted on a formal contract and interest for each lender. With this funding, Wanzhi finally secured the first batch of garments.

Even their landlady, Ms. Pei, who had previously refused to lend a penny and feared Wanzhi would default on rent, changed her tune and helped move the boxes once she realized the potential for profit. During this frantic period, Yang Hui arrived in Shenzhen from the hometown. He found Wanzhi and delivered troubling news: her cousin Zhao Jun had vanished after a falling out with her family. Wanzhi promised to help find her despite her own overwhelming schedule.

To drive sales for the new stock, Wanzhi organized a promotion at a local mall. Hao Qianqian, who had recently arrived in Shenzhen after leaving her baby with her in-laws, took to the stage. Dressed in trendy denim, she sang and danced to draw a crowd, successfully turning the promotion into a high-energy event. However, the success was short-lived when several thugs interrupted the show. They harassed Hao Qianqian and tried to provoke a fight by throwing money at her.

Gao Xiang intervened to protect her and was nearly beaten in the ensuing chaos. As the scene descended into a brawl, Wanzhi looked on, feeling the immense weight of the challenges that came with building a future in the city.

Fang Wanzhi finally secured a large shipment of denim goods worth nearly 360,000 yuan from Director Huang. However, despite the high quality of the merchandise, the reality at Dongmen Market was harsh. During the first morning of the exhibition, foot traffic was sparse, and she managed to sell only seven items. With a massive second payment looming in just a few days, the pressure of a potential financial collapse weighed heavily on her.

When Hao Qianqian returned to help, she suggested they return to their roots as a singing group to make money. Fang Wanzhi saw a better opportunity: she decided to use Hao Qianqian’s talent to save the business. She convinced the market administrators to let her set up a temporary stage, branding Hao Qianqian as a famous singer from Southeast Asia who was visiting Shenzhen privately.

Fang Wanzhi argued that such an attraction would revitalize the entire street and bring in the crowds that the struggling market desperately needed. Impressed by her initiative, the administrators not only approved the stage but also allowed her to extend the sale until ten at night, even offering an electrician to set up lights. The plan worked brilliantly. Crowds gathered as Hao Qianqian performed "My Future is Not a Dream," and sales began to climb.

However, the event was nearly derailed when a drunk man recognized Hao Qianqian from her days singing at street food stalls. He mocked her "international star" persona and attempted to harass her, offering two hundred yuan to touch her. Gao Xiang tried to intervene but was shoved aside and insulted. Just as the situation escalated, Yang Hui and his fellow soldiers arrived in uniform.

Yang Hui stood his ground, warning the man that his actions constituted a criminal offense in a public space. Faced with the authority of the soldiers, the harasser apologized and fled. After the crowd settled, Fang Wanzhi remained cold toward Yang Hui, assuming he had traveled to Shenzhen just to ask for more money as he had in his previous letters.

She even tried to give him a small amount of cash as "wages" for helping and told him not to expect a penny more. It was then that Yang Hui revealed the truth. He hadn't been asking for money for himself; a close comrade had been paralyzed during training, and the soldiers were desperately trying to raise funds for his family. Yang Hui had even borrowed an advance on his allowance from his superior to contribute.

Realizing she had deeply misunderstood him, Fang Wanzhi was overcome with guilt. To help his aunt, Yang Hui and his comrades stayed at the market for two nights, sleeping on cots and guarding the stock so Fang Wanzhi wouldn't have to move the heavy goods back and forth. Before leaving to return to his unit, Yang Hui entrusted Fang Wanzhi with a personal mission. He gave her a photo of Zhao Jun, the daughter of her second aunt.

Zhao Jun had fled to Shenzhen after a falling out with her mother, who favored her son. Fang Wanzhi promised to look for her, though she knew finding one person in a city as large as Shenzhen would be a daunting task. Despite the success of the stage performances, Fang Wanzhi realized that selling the denim piece by piece to individual customers was still too slow to meet her repayment deadline.

Gao Xiang also informed her that one of the students he had borrowed money from needed 30,000 yuan back immediately for an emergency. Seeing her predicament, a local tea vendor suggested she contact Gold Tooth, a powerful wholesaler in Dongmen. Fang Wanzhi went directly to Gold Tooth's territory. When he caught her trying to pitch her goods to one of his regular clients, she didn't back down.

Instead, she sat down for herbal tea with him and honestly explained her urgent need for fund recovery. Impressed by her boldness and the quality of her goods, Gold Tooth proposed a deal to buy out her entire inventory. They agreed on a price with a twenty-five percent markup. To protect Gold Tooth's reputation and pricing, Fang Wanzhi agreed to clear her stall within three days and wait before listing any new stock.

With the wholesale deal finalized, Fang Wanzhi successfully cleared all the denim stock. She paid Director Huang the full balance of the contract and returned the borrowed funds to Gao Xiang's students. This venture marked her first significant profit since arriving in Shenzhen, firmly establishing her as a capable businesswoman.

As the three sisters celebrated their success over a meal, the accountant at the factory addressed her for the first time as "Boss Fang," signaling her new status in the competitive world of Shenzhen trade.

After clearing her debts and securing her first significant profit in Shenzhen, Fang Wanzhi began her search for Zhao Jun using the photograph provided by Yang Hui. While she and Li Juan were at home, Li Juan noticed the girl in the picture and realized she was the same worker they had encountered at the factory. This revelation confirmed that Fang Wanzhi’s niece was indeed the quiet girl who had been working under the harsh supervision of Nan.

Meanwhile, Fang Wanzhi was invited to a meal by the market management office. Fearing they had discovered that Hao Qianqian was not actually a famous singer from Southeast Asia, she prepared herself for a confrontation. When she arrived, she proactively apologized to the director for the deception used during her sales promotion. However, to her surprise, the director was not angry.

He called it a celebration, explaining that Hao Qianqian’s performances had doubled the market’s foot traffic and increased sales for every stall. He even offered Hao Qianqian a three-month contract with a daily performance fee and a commission on sales. Hao Qianqian was ecstatic, feeling that her childhood dream of being a star was finally coming true. Success, however, began to change Hao Qianqian. She started dressing provocatively, drinking heavily, and frequently staying out all night.

She even showed off a new mobile phone she claimed was a gift from a friend. Li Juan was deeply troubled by this behavior, feeling it was a betrayal of Hao Qianqian’s husband, Liu Zhu, and her father-in-law, Mr. Liu. While Fang Wanzhi argued that Hao Qianqian was an adult with her own freedom, Li Juan could not let the matter rest.

One morning, while they were heading to the market, Li Juan faked a foot injury and sent Fang Wanzhi to a pharmacy to buy a specific red ointment in a white bottle. As soon as Fang Wanzhi was gone, Li Juan rushed back to their residence to confront Hao Qianqian. A heated argument broke out when Li Juan questioned who Hao Qianqian had been sleeping with.

Hao Qianqian retorted that she was now the "Queen of Dongmen" and deserved someone like the wealthy Mr. Gold Tooth rather than a husband she had never truly loved. The argument turned physical, and the two women were soon brawling. Fang Wanzhi, sensing something was wrong when she couldn't find the specific medicine Li Juan described, returned home just in time to pull them apart.

With the relationship between the two women fractured, Fang Wanzhi realized they could no longer live together. She told Hao Qianqian to move out, but requested that they maintain a level of public decorum so as not to become the laughingstock of the market. Hao Qianqian packed her things, revealing that someone had already rented a place for her. Before leaving, she met Fang Wanzhi privately to ask her to pass a message to Li Juan.

She admitted her mother had passed away recently and, despite their fight, she still considered them her only family. She also confessed that while she was seeking a divorce from Liu Zhu, her relationship with Mr. Gold Tooth was mostly for show, and she believed she had found true love elsewhere. Fang Wanzhi’s attention soon shifted back to Zhao Jun. She found the girl at the factory, where she was being bullied by Nan and her cousins.

Zhao Jun had been forced to buy breakfast for the group every morning with her own meager earnings. When Fang Wanzhi tried to intervene and encouraged her to contact her family, Zhao Jun reacted with resentment. She blamed Fang Wanzhi’s previous interference for her current mistreatment and claimed her parents only cared about her brother, Zhao Kai. Fang Wanzhi persisted, telling her that her family had come to Shenzhen looking for her.

The situation grew more complicated when Fang Wanzhi’s sister, He Xiaoju, arrived in Shenzhen with their father, Mr. He. They had traveled a long distance with their border passes and introduction letters, but their intentions were far from selfless. He Xiaoju wanted Fang Wanzhi to use her connection with Meng Siyuan to secure a job for her son, Zhao Kai, at a state-owned food factory.

During a breakfast of char siu bao and dim sum, He Xiaoju complained that Fang Wanzhi had not been fair with her money in the past, giving thousands to their other sister while leaving her with nothing. Fang Wanzhi was incensed. She pointed out that Zhao Kai was only fifteen and unqualified for the job they were demanding.

She also berated He Xiaoju for her complete lack of concern for Zhao Jun, whom He Xiaoju assumed was still working in Yu County. Fang Wanzhi revealed that she had severed ties with Meng Siyuan and refused to help, telling them to leave Shenzhen immediately. The next morning, Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan arrived at the market to find Mr. He lying on the ground under their stall.

He Xiaoju was hiding nearby, using their father as a tool to blackmail Fang Wanzhi into helping. Mr. He refused to get up, claiming he would stay there until the matter was resolved. Despite Li Juan’s concern that the market security or police might get involved, Fang Wanzhi refused to yield to the emotional blackmail. She decided to close the stall for the day and go home, telling Li Juan to ignore them. As Li Juan attempted to leave, He Xiaoju stepped out from the shadows to stop her, determined to get a message through to her sister.

He Xiaoju refused to take Mr. He home unless Fang Wanzhi used her connections to find a job for her son, Zhao Kai. Realizing Xiaoju was intent on staying at her garment stall, Wanzhi left the elderly man there for two nights. Although she provided him with food and a folding bed, she knew she had to find a way to resolve the situation without giving in to Xiaoju's demands. Wanzhi eventually devised a plan with Gao Xiang.

While she was working at the market, Gao Xiang and several of his students, dressed as street thugs, arrived at the stall to demand payment for a massive debt. Wanzhi pretended to be penniless and claimed her father had come from their hometown specifically to pay off her creditors. When Gao Xiang dismissed Mr. He as looking more like a beggar than a wealthy man, the thugs threatened to destroy the stall.

Terrified but protective, Mr. He grabbed a stick to defend Wanzhi, even pleading with the group to give his daughter more time to settle the debt. Watching from the shadows, He Xiaoju became frightened by the prospect of the 100,000-yuan debt and rushed in to drag her father away, effectively ending her attempt to stay at the stall.

With the ruse successful, Wanzhi paid Gao Xiang the 100,000 yuan she actually owed the students who had invested in her business, promising to settle the interest later. Gao Xiang was struck by her resilience, though he noted that the biological ties to her family remained complicated. The following day, Mr. He found Wanzhi near her home. Still worried about her financial situation, he insisted she take his meager life savings.

Wanzhi tried to return the money, but he threatened to return to her stall and stay there indefinitely if she did not accept his help. The tension shifted to Zhao Jun when Wanzhi took Mr. He and He Xiaoju to the garment factory. They arrived just in time to see Zhao Jun being bullied and struck by Nan, an assembly line leader. Mr. He rushed to protect his granddaughter while Wanzhi threatened to call the police, forcing Nan to retreat.

However, He Xiaoju showed no concern for her daughter's well-being. Instead, she demanded money from Zhao Jun to pay for her son's house renovations. Zhao Jun revealed she had saved 20,000 yuan—everything she had—and gave it to her mother to "buy her freedom," declaring they were now even. Wanzhi offered Zhao Jun a place to live and a job at her stall, but the girl refused.

Zhao Jun explained that she knew Wanzhi had been abandoned by their family and did not want to be another "poor relative" dragging her down. Wanzhi grew suspicious of how Zhao Jun could have saved such a large sum in only a year while also refusing to work night shifts at the garment factory. Fearing Zhao Jun might be involved in something illegal, Wanzhi and Li Juan followed her one evening.

They tracked her to a building with a faint pink light at the entrance, only to discover it was a temporary classroom. Gao Xiang was teaching a night class for students who lacked high school diplomas. He had been using Wanzhi's own story as a negative example of what happens to those without a proper education. Although Wanzhi was annoyed at being used as a cautionary tale, she was relieved to find Zhao Jun was simply pursuing her studies.

As the Lunar New Year approached, Li Juan prepared to return home. Wanzhi gave her a significant bonus, dividends for her shares in the business, and a new mobile phone as a memento of their partnership in Shenzhen. On the night of the Little New Year, Wanzhi waited for Gao Xiang at a dumpling restaurant. He arrived two hours late after helping his students get to the train station.

Since the restaurant owner was closing to catch her own train, the two took their order to a rooftop. They ended up eating the cold dumplings, which Gao Xiang jokingly referred to as "dumpling sashimi," while celebrating the holiday together.

Fang Wanzhi spent her Lunar New Year's Eve on a rooftop eating cold dumplings with Gao Xiang, but the quiet holiday didn't last long. Soon after, Hao Qianqian arrived at Wanzhi’s doorstep in a state of despair. She had been dating a married man who abandoned her the moment his wife appeared, leaving Qian with nothing but the clothes on her back.

Despite their past friction, Wanzhi showed compassion, giving Qian the dividends she had earned from her earlier promotional singing. Qian was moved by the gesture and begged to stay for a few days, promising to leave before Li Juan returned from her hometown. The situation grew more complicated when Liu Zhu arrived that same evening, carrying their young son, Dahu.

He had come to Shenzhen to find his wife, accusing her of marriage fraud for being gone six months without a word. Wanzhi stepped in to prevent any violence, warning Liu Zhu that she would call the police if he tried to take Qian by force. However, once Qian saw her son and heard Dahu’s cries, her maternal instincts took over.

Seeing her husband and child, she broke down in tears, and Wanzhi allowed the family into the house to reconcile. To Wanzhi’s surprise, Li Juan returned early from her own family visit, her mother having insisted she come back to keep Wanzhi company. The group ended up sharing a tense but ultimately warm New Year dinner.

While Liu Zhu was busy chopping meat in the kitchen, Qian quietly apologized to Juan for her past behavior, and Juan chose to forgive her. To protect the stability of the family, Wanzhi and Juan kept Qian’s recent romantic scandals a secret from Liu Zhu. The next morning, the couple departed for their hometown, with Wanzhi and Juan providing lucky money for Dahu and gifts for Liu Zhu’s parents.

Shortly after the holiday, Wanzhi was summoned to the market management office. Director Ma informed her that Dongmen Market would undergo a massive two-year renovation to become a pedestrian street. While she received compensation, the two-year hiatus meant she had to find new opportunities. Li Juan considered taking a factory job, but Wanzhi refused to let her settle for that, insisting they should build a business together.

She pulled Juan into a series of market research trips across Shenzhen to find their next move. Their search led them back to Huang Yaodong, who was looking to transform his business from a cheap supplier into an independent clothing brand. Despite Juan’s reservations about Huang’s personal character, the duo agreed to cooperate with him to tap into the national market. They divided their efforts, with Wanzhi reaching out to her college classmate Wang Jia to set up networks.

Wanzhi took charge of the south while Juan handled the north. Their hard work paid off quickly; within two months, they reached a milestone of 100,000 yuan in sales, ensuring that Juan's siblings would never have to worry about tuition again. However, their business success came with a cost. Li Juan had been skipping her night school classes to manage the expansion, prompting an angry visit from Gao Xiang.

He blamed Wanzhi for leading Juan astray and insisted that education should not be sacrificed for money. Wanzhi defended their choices, pointing out that the school allowed five years to complete the coursework and that they were in a critical stage of their startup. As another Lunar New Year approached, Wanzhi chose to remain in Shenzhen again. Gao Xiang arrived to drive Li Juan to the station, and during the trip, he expressed deep concern over Wanzhi’s recent business moves.

He had discovered that Wanzhi had taken out a three-million-yuan bank loan to go "all-in" with Huang Yaodong. He warned her that Huang’s reputation among former workers was poor and that the financial risk was immense. Wanzhi remained resolute, arguing that as a national distributor, she had to stand or fall with the manufacturer. Before the holiday fully set in, Yang Hui, now an Air Force Academy cadet, made a surprise visit to Wanzhi during a layover.

He came to repay the money she had lent him when he first enlisted. Beyond the debt, he spoke of Zhao Jun, noting that she was a good girl who stayed away from trouble but was incredibly lonely. He asked Wanzhi to look out for her, and Wanzhi promised to do her best. Later, Wanzhi and Gao Xiang returned to the dumpling shop, where the owner’s family had come to visit, finally allowing them to enjoy a hot meal together.

On New Year's Eve, Fang Wanzhi reached out to Gao Xiang with a last-minute request. Her relative, Yang Hui, had been unable to locate her niece, Zhao Jun, during a layover in Shenzhen. Since Zhao Jun was attending night school, Fang Wanzhi hoped Gao Xiang could use his connections there to find her. Gao Xiang noted that Zhao Jun had recently earned her vocational degree and was working hard at a demanding new job he had recommended.

Despite the short notice, he agreed to help, though he jokingly reminded Fang Wanzhi not to stand him up as she had done before. Fang Wanzhi, feeling apologetic, invited him to join them for the New Year's Eve dinner if he succeeded. While waiting at home for her guests, Fang Wanzhi was surprised by an unexpected visitor. Her father, Meng Siyuan, arrived at her door, having finished his duties as the director of the Jing River Bridge project.

He brought a variety of local delicacies prepared by Grandma Yu, including the specific pickles and chili sauce Fang Wanzhi had loved since childhood. He explained that Grandma Yu had moved to the countryside with her daughter due to her age. Overwhelmed by his presence and the memories of the past three years she had spent alone in Shenzhen, Fang Wanzhi finally addressed him as "Dad," a gesture that signaled the healing of their long-standing rift.

As they sat down to eat, Gao Xiang arrived, explaining that while he hadn't seen Zhao Jun personally, he had left messages for her through several leads. Meng Siyuan warmly invited Gao Xiang to join them, offering him some specialized liquor he brought from Guizhou. The two men quickly found common ground, discussing "Shenzhen Speed" and the development of the Special Economic Zone.

Later, during a local tradition of exchanging red packets with neighbors and children, Fang Wanzhi spotted Zhao Jun outside. Zhao Jun admitted she had been working through the holiday for the extra pay and had hesitated to visit, not wanting to be a burden. Fang Wanzhi embraced her, insisting she join the family dinner. The night ended with a full table, as they celebrated a new beginning together. The festive mood was short-lived.

Shortly after the holiday, as Fang Wanzhi went to meet Li Juan at the station, she received an urgent call from Gao Xiang. He had heard rumors that Huang Yaodong’s factory was in serious trouble. Though Fang Wanzhi initially hoped it was just a misunderstanding, Zhao Jun arrived the next morning with devastating news: Huang Yaodong had fled, taking a massive amount of money with him and leaving numerous creditors in his wake.

Fang Wanzhi realized she had been scammed, a situation made worse by the three million RMB loan she had taken from the bank. In the wake of the crisis, Zhao Jun moved in with Fang Wanzhi to offer her support. She presented Fang Wanzhi with 13,000 RMB—all of her savings—as repayment for a small loan Fang Wanzhi had given her long ago.

Fang Wanzhi tried to refuse, knowing how hard the girl had worked for the money, but Zhao Jun insisted, explaining that while she once kept her distance to avoid being a "poor relative," she now wanted to stand by her family in their time of need. Gao Xiang also stepped up, arranging a dinner with Director Xu from the bank.

During the meal, Fang Wanzhi was surprised to learn that Gao Xiang held a postgraduate degree and was highly respected by his former classmates. Thanks to Gao Xiang's mediation and Director Xu’s willingness to help, Fang Wanzhi was given a chance to repay the loan over time rather than facing immediate legal action. Determined to recover, Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan refused to give up.

They decided to leverage the sales network they had built across ten cities and began seeking agency rights for other established clothing brands. Over the next six months of grueling work, they managed to pay back one million RMB of the principal along with three million in interest. Their resilience earned them the deep respect of those around them, including Gao Xiang. As the third anniversary of her mother's passing approached, Fang Wanzhi returned to Yu County.

At the grave, she found fresh offerings and correctly guessed that Yudan had visited. She soon learned that Yudan had been released early for good behavior after completing his undergraduate degree in prison and was now pursuing a master's degree in economics. When they finally met, Yudan confessed that his feelings for her had only grown, admitting that if they weren't like family, he would have pursued her long ago.

Fang Wanzhi gently reaffirmed that family was the most important thing to her, leading Yudan to accept her decision with grace. Reflecting on the year, Fang Wanzhi realized that her "animal year" had brought a destined trial, but with the support of her loved ones, she had finally moved past the hardships.

As the new millennium arrives, Li Juan returns from Shenyang to Shenzhen to celebrate Fang Wanzhi’s birthday. Along with Gao Xiang, they gather at a familiar street food stall, the very place where Wanzhi and Qian used to sing to earn money years ago. Gao Xiang invites Mr. Xu from the bank, who expresses his deep respect for Wanzhi.

He notes that the bank was aware she had been scammed in the past, yet she managed to pay back every cent of her loans through sheer hard work, establishing a solid reputation. Mr. Xu promises that the credit department will fully support her future endeavors. During the celebration, Qian makes a surprise appearance, dedicating a heartfelt song to Wanzhi, her "irreplaceable sister." With her debts finally cleared, Wanzhi begins to contemplate her future.

Li Juan, who has just finished her vocational diploma and applied for college, encourages Wanzhi to also complete her degree. However, Wanzhi feels a different calling. She wants to transition from being a small-scale vendor to working within a large corporation to learn about modern management and organizational structures. She decides to apply for the position of Assistant to the President at Hongtu Trading.

Before leaving her current business, Wanzhi promotes Li Juan to General Manager of Global Distribution for their apparel company, entrusting her with full responsibility despite Li Juan's initial hesitation. During her interview at Hongtu Trading, Wanzhi is honest about not having a college diploma, providing instead a verified certificate of her studies. Ms. Yao Qianyun finds her more trustworthy than candidates with fake degrees. The company's president, Yan Ziwei, personally conducts the final interview.

When Wanzhi highlights that her experience being scammed has made her exceptionally cautious and detail-oriented—perfect traits for an assistant—Yan Ziwei notes that former bosses usually have too much ambition for such a role. Wanzhi counters that without ambition, she never would have sought a position at such a prestigious company. Despite the tense exchange, Wanzhi is surprised to receive an offer for the job. Wanzhi’s first day is a steep learning curve.

Yao Qianyun briefs her on the strict rules: her phone must be on twenty-four hours a day, she must be discreet with trade secrets, and she must provide impeccable service to the president’s high-level clients. Wanzhi's first major mistake occurs during a dinner meeting between Yan Ziwei and a respected elder, Mr. Chen. Wanzhi calls for the driver, Mr. Huo, to bring the car around while the guest is still present.

This breach of etiquette infuriates Yan Ziwei, who promptly tells HR to fire the driver. Wanzhi attempts to take the blame, explaining she gave the order, but Yan Ziwei remains firm, telling her not to lecture him on how to do his job. Later, Mr. Huo tells Wanzhi not to feel guilty, as he had been warned about this rule many times before and simply had a moment of confusion.

Over time, Wanzhi becomes more proficient, even catching subtle errors in English documents that others missed. However, a major crisis emerges when Yan Ziwei and other top executives travel to Hong Kong for a board meeting held on a cruise ship in international waters, leaving them without a phone signal for three days. During this time, Tong Fan, a manager at the company, pressures Wanzhi regarding a massive new order from the Yinshidai Group.

Mr. Gan, the head of Yinshidai, threatens to terminate their partnership if the deal isn't confirmed immediately. Tong Fan, secretly acting as a mole for Yinshidai, insists that Wanzhi use the president’s office computer to reply to the email and confirm the order. He appeals to her sense of duty, claiming the company's interests are at stake. Wanzhi performs her own financial analysis and calculates that the order could bring in eight million RMB in profit.

To save the relationship with a key client, she makes the unauthorized decision to confirm the deal via email, while also sending a detailed report of her reasoning to Yan Ziwei’s inbox. Upon Yan Ziwei’s return, the truth comes to light. Tong Fan had already accepted an offer from Yinshidai and stayed only to sabotage Hongtu Trading.

While Wanzhi thought she had secured a profit, she was unaware that material costs had actually doubled; by confirming the order at the original price, she had inadvertently committed the company to a significant loss. Yao Qianyun is livid and demands Wanzhi be fired for her overstepping. However, Yan Ziwei is impressed by Wanzhi's initiative, her emergency thought process, and the accuracy of the financial work she did with the limited information she had. Instead of firing her, he dismisses Tong Fan and instructs Wanzhi to see the traitor out, choosing to keep her on and help her learn from the high-stakes mistake.

After seeing off the dismissed Manager Tong, Fang Wanzhi returned to the office to face Ms. Yao. Acknowledging that her lack of experience regarding raw material price fluctuations led to a massive loss, Fang Wanzhi took full responsibility and offered to accept her own dismissal. However, Ms. Yao revealed that after reviewing the email Fang Wanzhi had sent to the President, the company realized the opponent had been exceptionally cunning and that internal management had its own flaws.

Impressed by her willingness to take initiative and her courage to lead, Ms. Yao informed her that both Hongtu Group and Mr. Yan were willing to give her a second chance. Relieved but still stinging from the betrayal she had experienced, Fang Wanzhi went for a run in the mountains to release her pent-up emotions. She vowed to remember this lesson and never be so easily deceived again.

Her commitment to the company soon paid off when Mr. Yan called her late one evening. He had been impressed by her suggestions for the company’s future business planning and the upcoming High-tech Fair. He invited her to a cafe to discuss the details, asking her to pitch her ideas to him as if he were the management board. Fang Wanzhi articulated a two-pronged strategy focusing on short-term gains and long-term technological advantages.

Her thorough explanation convinced the board of directors, including those who had previously opposed participating in the fair. Consequently, Fang Wanzhi was promoted to Vice President. Although she continued to fulfill her duties as the Assistant to the President, her salary was increased by two levels.

When she shared the news with Li Juan and Zhao Jun over a celebratory late-night snack, Li Juan teased her for referring to the President by his full name, Yan Ziwei, rather than his title. Li Juan sensed that Fang Wanzhi’s feelings for her boss were beginning to shift from professional respect to something more personal. Despite the promotion, Fang Wanzhi remained focused on the upcoming High-tech Fair, which turned out to be a massive success for Hongtu Trading.

The company secured four strategic agreements and orders exceeding 100 million yuan. As a reward, the company provided Fang Wanzhi with a bonus and a two-bedroom apartment in a prestigious community—the same one where Mr. Yan lived. Though she initially preferred staying with her friends, Fang Wanzhi changed her mind after realizing she might find Hao Qianqian there. She had previously spotted Hao Qianqian in that neighborhood with a man.

She took the keys from Ms. Yao and moved in, hoping to track her friend down. During a celebration at a street food stall with Li Juan and Gao Xiang, they were shocked to find Liu Zhu working as a cook. He revealed that he had traveled to Shenzhen five times over the past few years, desperate to find Hao Qianqian and bring her back to their son, Dahu.

He spoke bitterly of how she had fled after a domestic dispute, and his desperation had turned into a dark resolve to either take her home or end her life. Fang Wanzhi, concerned for everyone’s safety, promised to help him find her on the condition that he remain calm when they met. While living in her new apartment, Fang Wanzhi eventually spotted the man she had seen with Hao Qianqian.

She learned his name was Mr. Xu and discovered he was married. Using a clever approach, Fang Wanzhi befriended his wife, Mrs. Xu, under the guise of admiring her flowers. This pressure forced Mr. Xu to have Hao Qianqian contact Fang Wanzhi. When Hao Qianqian finally called, Fang Wanzhi demanded they meet that Sunday at their old residence. On the appointed day, Hao Qianqian arrived in a luxury car, carrying expensive liquor and acting as though nothing had changed.

Fang Wanzhi had also arranged for Liu Zhu to be there, though she urged him to stay quiet while the sisters spoke. Hao Qianqian defended her disappearance, revealing the misery of her life in the village. She explained that she had never legally married Liu Zhu and was treated poorly by his family, who only valued her for her ability to produce a son.

She refused to be trapped in that "valley" forever and handed Liu Zhu a large sum of money as child support for Dahu, declaring their relationship over. The situation turned violent when Liu Zhu, consumed by rage and rejection, pulled out a knife to attack Hao Qianqian. Fang Wanzhi instinctively stepped in front of her friend to protect her.

Just then, Gao Xiang arrived with a man named Li Yudan, who stepped in and grabbed the blade with his bare hand to stop the attack. Li Yudan, a fellow native of Yu County who had become a successful executive under Gao Xiang's mentorship, ignored his bleeding hand to de-escalate the situation.

Li Yudan managed to calm Liu Zhu down, convincing him to go to the hospital by pointing out that since Liu Zhu had caused the injury, he was responsible for the medical bills. This tactic safely removed Liu Zhu from the scene. Later, as Fang Wanzhi tended to his wound, Li Yudan joked about whether Gao Xiang might one day become his brother-in-law.

He then shared his own happy news, revealing that he had brought his girlfriend to Shenzhen and wanted Fang Wanzhi, whom he considered his elder sister, to meet and approve of her.

After the chaotic confrontation at the apartment, Li Yudan’s hand injury proves to be minor. He reassures Fang Wanzhi that he is fine and shares the news that he has a girlfriend whom his mother already approves of. From the hospital, Fang Wanzhi and Gao Xiang join Li Yudan and his girlfriend, Emily, for dinner. Fang Wanzhi is struck by Emily’s beauty, and the group shares a pleasant meal despite the day's earlier tensions.

Later that night, Fang Wanzhi stays with Li Juan. They reflect on Hao Qianqian’s situation, with Fang Wanzhi lamenting that their old friend chose to trade her freedom for a bride price to pay off debts. Fang Wanzhi tells Li Juan that if Hao Qianqian had simply asked, they would have given her everything they had to help her. The peace is shattered when Fang Wanzhi receives a frantic call regarding her niece, Zhao Jun.

She and Li Juan rush to Aimin Hospital to find that Zhao Jun has suffered a horrific industrial accident, losing four fingers on her right hand. A factory representative named Manager Luo is already there, but he is more concerned with paperwork than the girl's well-being. He pressures Fang Wanzhi to sign a labor contract termination agreement and a liability waiver, promising a payout only after the signatures are secured.

Fang Wanzhi is appalled by his callousness, especially when he suggests the factory isn't liable if Zhao Jun's ID was faked. Refusing to let the factory dodge its responsibilities, she rejects the deal and uses her own savings to pay for the emergency surgery. Fortunately, the surgery is a success, and the fingers are reattached. Gao Xiang arrives the next morning, having rushed back from a business trip in Zhuhai.

He is incensed by the factory's illegal tactics and vows to take legal action through labor arbitration or the courts to protect Zhao Jun’s rights. Meanwhile, Fang Wanzhi returns to work after missing a morning meeting. When the President learns of her family tragedy, he offers her a check for 200,000 RMB to assist with the recovery. Fang Wanzhi politely declines, insisting that the factory should ultimately be held responsible for the costs.

Unbeknownst to Fang Wanzhi, the President’s family has ulterior motives. His cousin, Ms. Yao, reveals that their family is looking for an ideal woman to act as a surrogate since the President’s wife is unwilling to conceive. However, Ms. Yao observes that the President seems to have developed genuine feelings for Fang Wanzhi, noting that he treats her with a level of care he has never shown other employees.

To support her further, Ms. Yao visits Fang Wanzhi during her overtime and suggests that once Zhao Jun is healed, a safe position as a quality inspector can be arranged for her at one of Hongtu’s subsidiaries. The situation grows more complex when Fang Wanzhi’s father, He Yongwang, arrives in Shenzhen to see Zhao Jun. He is devastated by his granddaughter’s injury, but it soon becomes clear that his own health is failing. He suffers from a persistent, bloody cough.

Fang Wanzhi takes him for an X-ray, fearing the worst, but the doctor diagnoses him with severe pneumonia exacerbated by a lifetime of smoking. Fang Wanzhi seizes all his tobacco and handmade pipes, making a solemn pact: if he quits smoking for good, she will finally forgive him for his past transgressions against her. He Yongwang moves into Fang Wanzhi’s luxury apartment but feels utterly out of place.

Worried that his coughing will keep his daughter awake, he tries to sleep on the balcony. Fang Wanzhi eventually forces him back inside by threatening to sleep on the balcony herself. The next day, while Fang Wanzhi is at work, He Yongwang’s cravings get the better of him. He wanders out in search of a shop and encounters the President, though he doesn't realize who the man is.

He Yongwang proudly tells him that his daughter works for a big company and lives in Building 18. The President leads him to the neighborhood clubhouse and offers to pay for a pack of cigarettes at the bar. However, remembering his daughter's promise of forgiveness, He Yongwang finds the strength to refuse the gift. As Zhao Jun begins her recovery at home, Fang Wanzhi brings up the quality inspector job at Hongtu. To her surprise, Zhao Jun turns it down.

Having been inspired by her aunt's success, Zhao Jun no longer wants to be a factory worker. She reveals a plan to open a 24-hour supermarket in Buji Town, a bustling area full of migrant workers whose needs she understands well. She explains that she already has classmates from night school who can act as suppliers and allow her to carry stock on credit.

Zhao Jun asks Fang Wanzhi to be her lead investor, promising to pay back the capital within a year. Impressed by her niece's ambition, Fang Wanzhi agrees to review the formal business plan.

Ms. Yao suggests that since Fang Wanzhi is currently burdened by her father’s illness and her niece’s medical bills, it is the perfect time to offer her enough money to agree to be a surrogate. Yan Ziwei find the suggestion distasteful, calling it taking advantage of her misfortune rather than a fair opportunity.

During a morning run, Yan Ziwei invites Fang Wanzhi to join him daily and asks her to book an elegant Western restaurant so he can treat a woman who is very important to him. Fang Wanzhi arrives at the restaurant early to handle the arrangements, only to realize that she is the guest of honor. Yan Ziwei presents a bottle of wine from her birth year, but Fang Wanzhi finds the gesture cliché and unappealing, prompted her to leave.

He catches up to her and apologizes, admitting his lack of dating experience. Fang Wanzhi laughs at his awkwardness and takes him to a street food stall instead, want him to experience a more grounded way of living. After dinner, they return to the apartment complex, and Fang Wanzhi feels a genuine sense of happiness. Later, Fang Wanzhi invites Yan Ziwei to her apartment for a home-cooked meal.

However, the evening takes an unexpected turn when her father, Meng Siyuan, arrives in Shenzhen. When Yan Ziwei is introduced to him, he discovers that Meng Siyuan is the Executive Vice Mayor of Jianglin City. Stunned by the revelation that Fang Wanzhi is the daughter of a high-ranking official rather than a desperate girl from the mountains, Yan Ziwei becomes visibly unsettled.

He abruptly leaves during the meal, claiming a family emergency, and immediately returns to Hong Kong to speak with his mother and grandfather. Soon after, Ms. Yao calls Fang Wanzhi into a meeting and informs her that the company wants her to resign. She offers a compensation package of thirteen months' salary but hints that Fang Wanzhi's resume contained misleading information about her family background. Seeking the truth, Fang Wanzhi waits for Yan Ziwei at his home.

He explains that his commercial marriage to Helen is one in name only; she lives in France and refuses to have children. His grandfather, the true power behind the group, has threatened to disinherit him if he does not produce an heir. Yan Ziwei admits that his family had targeted Fang Wanzhi because they believed her poor background would make her a willing surrogate, but he insists that he truly fell in love with her.

He tells her he is now proceeding with a divorce to pursue her legitimately. Fang Wanzhi is revolted by the idea that she was viewed as a breeding tool for his family. She rejects his explanation and resigns from the company immediately, refusing to accept any compensation. Fang Wanzhi decides to stay in her apartment but insists on paying the rent herself.

Her friend Li Juan stays with her for support and tries to encourage a relationship between her and Gao Xiang. Gao Xiang delivers a high-end stereo system to the apartment as a gift, and although he clearly has feelings for Fang Wanzhi, he admits to Li Juan that a failed relationship from his youth has made him too afraid to pursue women. Meanwhile, Zhao Jun’s plan to rent a restaurant space falls through when the landlord changes their mind.

She finds a new location downstairs in a building owned by Pei. Fang Wanzhi helps negotiate the lease by playing mahjong with Pei. By strategically feeding Pei the winning Red Dragon tile and letting her win, Fang Wanzhi charms the shrewd woman and convinces her to accept a rent-to-equity arrangement. They name the new business Shenxian Peak Supermarket after their hometown. On the day of the grand opening, Gao Xiang arrives with flower baskets to celebrate Zhao Jun's first business venture.

The grand opening of the Shenxian Peak supermarket was a festive occasion, marked by the arrival of Gao Xiang and Li Yudan, who had made a special detour to offer their congratulations. While the atmosphere was celebratory, a serious legal matter loomed in the background. A factory involved in Zhao Jun’s previous work injury had offered a substantial settlement to avoid a lawsuit, but both Zhao Jun and Fang Wanzhi stood firm in their refusal.

Wanzhi emphasized that for a factory girl, this was not about the money but about dignity and the safety of other workers. Gao Xiang, moved by their principles, agreed to represent them and see the lawsuit through to the end. With the supermarket operational, Wanzhi decided to give He Yongwang a job to keep him occupied. However, knowing his history, she asked Gao Xiang to draft a formal labor contract with a strict "no smoking" clause.

The terms were clear: if He Yongwang were caught with even a single cigarette during his three-month probation, the contract would be void, and he would face a penalty exceeding his wages. Though He Yongwang was initially confused by the need for a contract within the family, he eventually understood the legal necessity and agreed to the terms. Seeking to broaden her horizons, Wanzhi began attending night school.

During a lecture on the economic implications of China joining the WTO, she had a chance encounter with a man she had once comforted at the seaside food stalls. He was now happily married, and his wife ran a temporary nursery for the children of night school students. Wanzhi was struck by how the wife used toys to pacify the restless children. This observation sparked a business revelation.

Recognizing the massive demand and lack of quality in the current toy market, she decided to pivot from the clothing industry to toy manufacturing. Wanzhi and Li Juan spent the next year conducting thorough market research, traveling between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Gao Xiang supported her ambition by providing a list of influential alumni in the toy industry, including a key contact named Li Chunhai who had existing orders.

During a late-night meal with Gao Xiang, Wanzhi crossed paths with Hao Qianqian, who was now a successful insurance agent. Despite their rocky past involving a previous betrayal, the two women shared a tearful reconciliation, with Qianqian expressing her pride in no longer being dependent on men for her livelihood. When it came time to staff her new venture, "Wanjuan Story," Wanzhi demonstrated her growth as a leader.

Among the applicants was Li, the woman who had previously deceived Wanzhi and Li Juan over a batch of jeans. Rather than harboring a grudge, Wanzhi recognized Li’s experience as a line leader and hired her as the general manager of production. Wanzhi believed that those who had once fought alongside her in the markets of Dongmen were the best people to help her build this new empire.

As the Wanjuan Story factory officially opened its doors, Wanzhi received an invitation to a gala for a company called SkyMind. To her immense shock, she discovered that the founder was none other than Gao Xiang. She had known him as a teacher and a part-time journalist, but he was actually a prominent tech entrepreneur who had just secured another round of funding.

During the party, they shared a quiet moment where Gao Xiang encouraged her, noting that in the new era of Shenzhen, a degree was less important than the drive to innovate. Back at the supermarket, a conflict arose when Zhao Jun noticed that three packs of expensive cigarettes were missing from the inventory. Wanzhi, fearing He Yongwang had relapsed, confronted him and threatened to send him back to Shenxian Peak.

A hurt He Yongwang produced the missing packs, showing that every single cigarette was still there; he had merely bought them with his own money to smell the tobacco because he was curious about the flavor of such an expensive brand. Touched by his discipline and his efforts to quit for her sake, Wanzhi forgave him and even offered him a single cigarette as a "reward" that wouldn't count as a violation of his contract.

As the Lunar New Year approached, Wanzhi proved to be a generous boss, providing bonuses and paid leave for her workers so they could return home early. Her success drew the attention of a rival, Mr. Sun, who had previously tried to steal her staff. He visited the factory and offered to buy Wanzhi out, making condescending remarks about the difficulty of the toy business and her appearance.

Wanzhi coolly rebuffed him, suggesting that as an industry veteran, he should be mentoring newcomers rather than trying to squeeze them out, and even asked if he had any spare orders he could send her way. On New Year's Day, the neighborhood was filled with joy as Zhao Jun handed out red packets to the local children.

He Yongwang, who had successfully passed his probation and received a raise, took a long trip to Huaqiangbei to find a special gift for Wanzhi. He presented her with a gold necklace as a token of his gratitude for the insurance and care she had provided him. Li Juan returned early from her own family visit to surprise Wanzhi, and the group gathered for a traditional Northeast-style dinner.

As they toasted to the new year and the end of old restrictions, He Yongwang’s excitement was visible, though he quickly insisted on heading back down to the shop to keep a watchful eye on the business.

During the Chinese New Year celebration, Fang Wanzhi, Li Juan, Zhao Jun, and Gao Xiang gathered for a festive dinner. Amidst the holiday cheer, Gao Xiang announced that the Shenxian Peak Supermarket board of directors had decided to raise He Yongwang’s salary in recognition of his hard work and his initiative in volunteering for night shifts. Overwhelmed, He Yongwang insisted he already earned enough and had even cured his illness through their help, but Fang Wanzhi insisted on the raise.

She also instructed Zhao Jun to buy He Yongwang a bicycle, hoping it would encourage him to exercise while exploring the city. He Yongwang was delighted by the prospect of riding through the streets of Shenzhen, reflecting on how such a bicycle back in Yu County would have served as a grand dowry for his daughters. The new year brought challenges to Wanjuan Story.

While the return to work rate for staff exceeded ninety percent, a competitor named Mr. Sun began trying to poach staff by offering a ten% salary increase specifically to those from Fang Wanzhi’s factory. Business was also struggling; one major order had already been lost to Mr. Sun, and others were looking unstable. Li Juan noted that while there was some growth in the northern region, their lack of brand awareness kept prices low.

Facing a backlog of unsold inventory and sluggish sales, Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan made the difficult decision to shut down two production lines to save on capital costs. Trouble arrived in the form of Zhao Kai, Zhao Jun’s younger brother, who showed up at the supermarket with a rebellious attitude and brightly dyed hair.

He mocked the name of the supermarket and showed no respect to He Yongwang, who was so incensed by the boy’s appearance that he tried to forcibly cut his hair. Zhao Kai remained arrogant, telling Fang Wanzhi that he was destined for greatness and demanding an investment of eighty to a hundred thousand yuan to start his own business.

Zhao Jun revealed that their parents, He Xiaoju and her husband, had both fallen ill after being scammed out of their savings by a fraudster who promised Zhao Kai a job. Despite her frustration, Zhao Jun decided to keep Zhao Kai as a worker in the supermarket to keep an eye on him. During this time, Hao Qian visited the factory and introduced Fang Wanzhi to Mr. Wen, the general agent for a major international brand.

Mr. Wen had a large order available, but his quality standards were extremely high, and the contract required an unconditional cancellation if those standards weren't met. Furthermore, the factory would have to advance the funds for production. Li Juan and the others were wary, arguing that the low price and high risks made it a losing deal.

Fang Wanzhi saw the potential for the order to significantly increase their brand awareness, but she agreed to take two weeks to think it over. Fang Wanzhi attempted to guide Zhao Kai by suggesting he attend night school to earn a diploma, just as Zhao Jun had done. Zhao Kai refused, claiming school was harder than work and accusing everyone of bullying him because he had no friends in Shenzhen.

Fang Wanzhi eventually brought him to her home to let him see her apartment. However, while she was in the kitchen preparing fruit, Zhao Kai ransacked her bedroom. He stole the gold necklace that He Yongwang had gifted her, then fled to the supermarket where he stole ten cartons of expensive cigarettes before disappearing on He Yongwang’s new bicycle. Furious, Fang Wanzhi traveled back to Yu County to find him.

She visited He Xiaoju, who was distraught and housebound by grief. Xiaoju confessed through her tears that the money lost in the scam was the settlement money she had received for Zhao Jun's previous injury—money she considered as having "sold" her daughter. Fang Wanzhi warned her that if the police found Zhao Kai first, the consequences would be far more severe. Shortly after, Fang Wanzhi met Yang Hui, who was home on a ten-day leave from the military.

Together, they tracked Zhao Kai down. They found Zhao Kai at a cold drink shop owned by his girlfriend’s family. He was trying to give the stolen gold necklace to his girlfriend, but she dismissed it as ugly and cheap. When Fang Wanzhi confronted him, Zhao Kai remained defiant, claiming he had only taken things from his own family.

Yang Hui intervened, and when Zhao Kai insulted Yang Hui’s mother, Yang Hui delivered a swift and harsh beating to the boy. When Zhao Kai’s father tried to retaliate with a weapon, he was stopped by the arrival of Yang Hui’s father. Fang Wanzhi then laid out the full extent of Zhao Kai’s thefts in Shenzhen, leaving his parents heartbroken and ashamed. In the aftermath, the family discussed Zhao Kai’s future.

It was decided that he should join the army to learn discipline. Yang Hui noted that Zhao Kai had the right age and physical build for service, and he offered to spend the remainder of his leave training him before the upcoming recruitment cycle. Zhao Kai finally showed a sign of repentance; he asked Fang Wanzhi to be the one to shave his head as he prepared for his new life.

As his hair fell away, He Xiaoju wept for his lost youth, but Zhao Jun reminded her that his real life was only just beginning. Later, Fang Wanzhi shared a quiet dinner with her father, Mr. Meng, who had already been kept informed of her arrival by Gao Xiang.

Fang Wanzhi returned to her family home in Yu County after her time at Shenxian Peak. During a meal with her father, Meng Siyuan, and Grandma Yu, she enjoyed a taste of home while her father discussed the region's progress. Meng Siyuan revealed that he was overseeing several key projects, including the construction of a major road that would benefit over twenty villages and two towns.

He also explained that the frequent power outages Fang Wanzhi experienced at Shenxian Peak would soon be a thing of the past, as the old lines were being upgraded to ensure a stable supply within the year. While visiting her mother's grave to offer tributes, Fang Wanzhi and her father discussed the success of Li Xingke, who had recently appeared at an investment conference as a prominent entrepreneur and was now married.

Meng Siyuan used the occasion to nudge his daughter about her own future, suggesting that Gao Xiang would be a great match. Fang Wanzhi quickly deflected, telling her father not to worry about her personal life and even teasing him about finding a companion of his own. However, she did seek his professional advice regarding a potential business partnership back in Shenzhen. In Shenzhen, the business proposal from Wen Liang presented a difficult choice.

His terms were incredibly harsh, leaving no room for negotiation on price or quality, and requiring a significant upfront investment. Li Juan was adamantly against the deal, arguing that even their shrewd neighbor, Mr. Sun, had turned it down. The tension between the partners escalated until Li Juan declared that if Fang Wanzhi insisted on signing, she wanted her name removed from the factory and would leave the business entirely.

Seeking a better understanding of the man behind the contract, Li Juan asked Hao Qianqian to arrange a meeting with Wen Liang. During dinner, Wen Liang opened up about his past, explaining how he had struggled abroad since childhood and worked for twenty years to reach his current position. He admitted to being a "shrewd bastard" who was strict with contracts to ensure his own performance bonuses and the company's interests.

This honesty resonated with Li Juan, who began to see the logic behind the partnership. That night, the two sisters reconciled. Li Juan apologized for her outburst and acknowledged that a startup team could not always be perfectly democratic. Trusting Fang Wanzhi’s long-term vision, she gave her full support to the deal. Her faith was soon rewarded; once the factory was backed by a well-known brand, Li Juan found it much easier to secure new orders at higher prices.

The partnership proved to be the turning point the company needed, turning temporary losses into a promising future. As the Chinese New Year approached, the factory remained busy until the very end of the year. Fang Wanzhi showed her appreciation for the workers' efforts by distributing generous bonuses. Meanwhile, their neighbor Mr. Sun found his business failing.

Rather than taking advantage of his misfortune to expand, Fang Wanzhi invited him to dinner and proposed a partnership where he would manage production for her excess orders. She offered him a favorable profit split, a gesture that earned Mr. Sun's deep respect and made him realize that her success was rooted in her broad-mindedness. News arrived from the army in the form of letters for Zhao Jun, He Yongwang, and Fang Wanzhi.

Zhao Kai had matured significantly as a soldier and sent photos of himself in uniform. He wrote extensively to his sister about their childhood memories, touching her deeply with details she had nearly forgotten. Around the same time, Hao Qianqian celebrated a milestone by purchasing her own house. As the three friends gathered in the new apartment, they reminisced about their early days in Shenzhen when they all shared a single shipping container at a construction site.

Five years later, Fang Wanzhi’s business had grown to include several factories and hundreds of employees. During a meeting about registering a new trademark, she was unsatisfied with generic names. She drew inspiration from her memories of "Little Friend," a cat that had once lived at the factory but had since passed away. She proposed the name "Meow Meow Toys," based on the various sounds the cat used to make.

The name was a hit, proving to be both memorable for children and trendy for young adults. While traveling to a business dinner one evening, Fang Wanzhi recognized her taxi driver as Jia Youcai, her former boss from years ago. Jia Youcai had fallen on hard times after several divorces and bad investments in futures. He took the opportunity to apologize for his behavior in the past and for not helping her when she was in need.

Impressed by his enduring filial piety toward his late father and his willingness to work hard despite his losses, Fang Wanzhi invited him to become her personal driver. The episode concluded with the official approval of the "Meow Meow Toys" trademark across all categories. The brand's future looked limitless, with plans already in motion for animated films and mobile game collaborations. Surrounded by her loyal team and friends, Fang Wanzhi celebrated the official launch of the brand that would define the next chapter of her success.

Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan learn through a viral news report that Gao Xiang has sold his shares in SkyMind and cashed out. While the media hails him as a master of the business world for his clean exit, Fang Wanzhi is incensed. She immediately tracks him down and finds him celebrating at a large dinner. To her surprise, Li Xingke is also there and has taken over as the new Chairman of SkyMind.

Gao Xiang admits that he never felt suited for management and prefers the simplicity of being a teacher. He even jokes about working for Fang Wanzhi, but she is not amused. In her eyes, a true entrepreneur possesses unwavering tenacity, and she views his decision to walk away as a cowardly abandonment of his life's work.

Despite her harsh words, Li Xingke later clarifies that the company is thriving and that Gao Xiang’s trust in him was largely due to his relationship with Fang Wanzhi. As Fang Wanzhi continues to expand her brand, Meow Meow Toys, she sets her sights on the northern and international markets. Learning from Hao Qianqian that Wen Liang is currently in Shenzhen looking for work, she arranges a meeting.

Wen Liang candidly reveals that he was fired from his previous job; ironically, his past deal with Fang Wanzhi was so successful that he could never find another supplier to match her quality, leading to a steady decline in his performance. Recognizing his talent, Fang Wanzhi invites him to join her company as a partner rather than a high-salaried employee, a gesture of deep professional respect. Wen Liang initially asks for Li Juan's opinion, recalling her coldness from years ago.

Li Juan offers a sincere apology and affirms that Fang Wanzhi has the final word. A week later, Wen Liang responds with a massive, 100-page strategic proposal for the brand's global expansion. Impressed, Fang Wanzhi meets with him privately to offer him a portion of her own shares, wanting to permanently bind his expertise to the company. During a major product launch for Meow Meow Toys, Fang Wanzhi is surprised by the arrival of her father, Meng Siyuan.

He is in Shenzhen with a delegation from Yu County for a cultural fair and proudly introduces his daughter as the founder of a star enterprise to his colleagues. The delegates are thrilled to meet the woman who has become a symbol of success for their hometown. Fang Wanzhi urges her father to retire in Shenzhen, and Meng Siyuan agrees that home is wherever his children are.

Though he has to return with his group for now, he happily accepts a key card to her home, promising to move to Shenzhen once his official duties at the association are finished. Meanwhile, the era of the Shenxian Peak Supermarket in Shenzhen is coming to an end due to urban redevelopment. Gao Xiang takes commemorative photos for everyone as they prepare to move out.

Although the government has provided substantial compensation, Pei is heartbroken to leave the place where she has lived and built a community for decades. During a final meal of home-cooked local dishes, Zhao Jun surprises everyone by announcing her decision to return to Yu County. She plans to develop a fragrance extraction industry in the real Shenxian Peak, believing her hometown needs development just as much as Shenzhen.

Li Juan and the others are supportive, seeing the great potential in her plan. He Yongwang also decides to return home, noting that Zhao Jun still needs help with her hand and expressing a desire for his "fallen leaves to return to their roots." Gao Xiang eventually introduces Fang Wanzhi to his mother, an economics professor who has long admired Fang Wanzhi’s entrepreneurial journey.

During their lunch, the professor treats Fang Wanzhi with great respect, recognizing the immense social responsibility she carries in providing so many jobs. Gao Xiang later uses this connection to pitch a new idea: he wants to invest his recent windfall into Meow Meow Toys as it heads toward an IPO. He claims he wants to participate in the listing process as research for his doctoral dissertation, but he insists on working only as a part-time employee under her leadership.

Before leaving Shenzhen, He Yongwang takes one last bicycle ride with Fang Wanzhi. In a moment of deep vulnerability, he confesses the guilt he has carried for decades regarding her childhood, even calling his past actions a crime. He expresses his profound gratitude to the Fang and Meng families for giving her a better life than he ever could have. Fang Wanzhi, moved by his honesty, listens as he sings a song from their hometown.

Though she wants him to stay and retire in Shenzhen, she respects his loyalty to Zhao Jun and his desire to help build their future back at Shenxian Peak. After they say their goodbyes, she arranges for his beloved bicycle to be shipped back home to the mountains.

Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan were reflecting on the departure of He Yongwang when they realized they had not seen Hao Qianqian for several days. At the office, Gao Xiang, who was assisting with human resources, mentioned that the recent stock market volatility had caused severe distress for many, with some people even pushed to the brink of suicide.

Recalling that Qian had been missing for two weeks and was heavily involved in stock trading, the two women became deeply concerned. Li Juan tried calling her, but when the call went unanswered, they used a spare key card to rush into Qian's home. Inside the apartment, they found Qian lying in bed with medicine bottles on the nightstand.

Fearing she had taken an overdose of sleeping pills, Li Juan was about to call for an ambulance when Qian suddenly woke up. She explained that she hadn't actually taken any pills; in fact, she had simply been unable to sleep because she forgot to get her prescription, and she had finally drifted off after a few drinks.

Although she had lost a significant amount of money in the market, she assured them she had no intention of ending her life. Qian was visibly moved to see how much her friends cared for her. They decided to stay and keep Qian company. While Li Juan was preparing a meal, a knock at the door revealed Liu Zhu and his son, Dahu. Dahu had grown quite tall and wanted to see the mother he barely remembered.

While Qian refused to face her ex-husband, she asked Fang Wanzhi to bring Dahu into the bedroom. Liu Zhu explained that his mother had passed away earlier that year, and the grief had caused Dahu’s grades to suffer. Instead of attending a vocational school, Dahu insisted on coming to Shenzhen to work, though his true motive was to find his mother.

Despite the years apart, Dahu harbored no resentment, knowing that the money his mother sent back had provided for him. Heartfelt and protective, Qian decided Dahu should not waste his potential on menial labor. After consulting with Gao Xiang over the phone and having Dahu speak with him as well, she decided to enroll the boy in an international school.

She planned for him to stay on campus during the week and stay with her on weekends, with the ultimate goal of sending him abroad for his studies, believing his high emotional intelligence and English skills would serve him well. Fang Wanzhi, remembering that Liu Zhu had given her her very first job opportunity when she arrived in Shenzhen, decided to return the favor. She offered him a position as a pastry chef in the factory canteen.

Liu Zhu was incredibly grateful for the chance to start over. He quickly proved his worth, and his noodles and steamed buns became an instant hit among the workers, earning him the respect of the entire staff. At the company, Gao Xiang suggested that the design team needed fresh blood and brought in several unconventional candidates for interviews.

One designer insisted on working only at night from home, while another, a semi-professional gamer, wanted to work twelve-hour shifts on weekends to keep his weekdays free for competitions. Fang Wanzhi was initially hesitant, fearing these eccentricities would disrupt the company's discipline. However, Gao Xiang convinced her to let him manage them in an independent studio. The creative gamble paid off when the new team produced highly imaginative designs that delighted distributors.

Grateful for his success, Fang Wanzhi invited Gao Xiang for a hike and offered him a reward, though he modestly requested that the bonuses go to the designers instead. The peace was interrupted when Qian was diagnosed with cancer. Though the tumor was benign, she kept the news to herself until she needed someone to sign her surgical consent forms.

She finally contacted Li Juan, who rushed to the hospital with Liu Zhu, followed shortly by Fang Wanzhi and Gao Xiang. The surgery went smoothly, and when Qian regained consciousness, she remained as stubborn as ever. She insisted that Fang Wanzhi threaten Liu Zhu with termination to ensure he never told Dahu about her illness, as she didn't want her son to grow up with the same sense of helplessness she felt as a child.

Qian remained firm in her resolve to cut ties with Liu Zhu, telling him that they could never be a family again. She urged him to stop living his life around others and to finally do something for himself. After two weeks, she was discharged just in time for Dahu’s weekend visit. Reflecting on her past with Li Juan, she admitted that her marriage to Liu Zhu had never been about love. They had simply been two lonely, exhausted people looking for a way to fill the void while working in the harsh environment of a construction site canteen.

Following her surgery, Hao Qianqian opens up to Li Juan and Fang Wanzhi about the truth behind her past. She admits that her relationship with Liu Zhu was never based on love; instead, it was born out of the crushing loneliness and exhaustion she felt while working in the construction site canteen. The pregnancy was an accident, and the idea of using a bride price to pay off her debts only occurred to her after she realized she was expecting.

Determined not to be trapped in a stifling environment for the rest of her life, she eventually chose to return to Shenzhen, even though she knew she might initially have to rely on men to survive. Li Juan, moved by her friend's struggle, promises to stop trying to match her with Liu Zhu, wishing only for Qianqian to live well on her own terms.

Meow Meow Toys achieves a significant breakthrough at the Cultural Industries Fair, with new orders surpassing the previous year’s total in just three days. However, the success brings internal friction. During a strategy meeting, Wen Liang expresses dissatisfaction with the international market's focus on low-end products. He argues that the company should not sacrifice its brand value for temporary profits and should instead fight for a place in the high-end market.

While Li Juan defends their domestic success, Fang Wanzhi handles the conflicting opinions with remarkable maturity. She encourages open dialogue, viewing these disagreements as a necessary part of the team's progress. Her leadership and vision earn her even deeper admiration from Gao Xiang. To expand their horizons, Fang Wanzhi arranges for Wen Liang and Li Juan to lead a team through Europe.

Upon their return, Hao Qianqian notices numerous photos of the two of them alone in cities like Paris and Amsterdam. When she playfully suggests they are a perfect match, Li Juan reacts with sharp agitation, feeling that such talk is a betrayal of the memory of her late husband, Captain Zhou. Despite Li Juan’s attempt to distance herself from him professionally to avoid gossip, Wen Liang invites her to dinner and makes a sincere confession.

He expresses his desire to care for her and help her move past her grief. Li Juan, however, remains firm in her heart. She tells him that her late husband remains an irreplaceable star in her life who taught her how to find peace in solitude. She gently but resolutely rejects his romantic advances, choosing to remain close friends and colleagues instead. As the Lunar New Year approaches, the factory continues to operate at full capacity to meet international demands.

On Little New Year, the company holds a celebration for the workers who have volunteered to stay through the holidays. Fang Wanzhi and Li Juan personally prepare dumplings for the entire staff. When some workers are surprised to see Fang Wanzhi rolling out wrappers so skillfully, Liu Zhu reminds them that her very first job in Shenzhen was as a helper in his father's canteen.

Fang Wanzhi speaks candidly about her past as a migrant worker, using her journey to inspire the women in the factory to never give up on their dreams. Among the workers is Zhou Chun'e, a pregnant woman who expresses her deep gratitude for the company’s generous treatment, which she says makes her feel like a respected professional. On New Year’s Eve, Fang Wanzhi returns home to a surprise visit from her father, Meng Siyuan.

He has traveled from their hometown to cook a reunion dinner for her. Though he accidentally breaks a plate and burns the fish, the two share an emotional evening. They reflect on the past, including the death of Wanzhi’s mother and the heavy burdens Meng Siyuan once carried as a project leader.

He tells her how proud he is that her enterprise now supports fifteen hundred families, reminding her that her responsibility to the community is just as significant as any public office. Wanzhi, finally understanding the weight of her father’s sacrifices, tells him how much she loves him as they watch the holiday fireworks together. The festive atmosphere is soon shattered by a call from a township government.

Zhou Chun'e and her husband were involved in a fatal motorcycle accident on a snowy mountain road just ten kilometers from their home. Both parents were killed, but their baby girl miraculously survived. Deeply affected by the tragedy, Fang Wanzhi travels to the remote village with Gao Xiang to pay her respects. Upon learning that the infant has no close relatives and faces being sent to an orphanage, Wanzhi decides to adopt the child.

Recalling a conversation where Chun'e had asked her to name the baby, Wanzhi names her Miaomiao. At Gao Xiang's suggestion, they decide the child should take Wanzhi’s surname, Fang, to ensure she grows up feeling fully integrated into her new family without being treated as an outsider.

Wanzhi officially completes the adoption of the baby girl she rescued. While she initially considers giving the child her biological father’s surname, Gao Xiang and the local officials suggest that the girl should take Wanzhi's surname instead. They argue that being named Fang Miaomiao will help her blend in and avoid being treated differently by other children as she grows up.

Wanzhi agrees and later writes a heartfelt letter to the girl, detailing her true parentage and the story of her biological parents, Chune and her husband. She entrusts this letter and a photo of the couple to Li Juan and Qian, asking them to keep it safe and deliver it to Miaomiao when she turns eighteen.

Wanzhi explains that she is acting now because she fears that, in the future, her own selfishness and deepening bond with the child might prevent her from telling the truth. As Meow Meow Toys enters its final preparations for an IPO, the sponsoring institution confirms that the company’s business structure and financial records have passed all necessary due diligence. Gao Xiang and Wanzhi decide that Li Juan must join the upcoming roadshow.

Though Li Juan is hesitant and feels her expertise is limited, Gao Xiang insists that as a co-founder who rose from the production line, her approachable image and first-hand stories are essential to showcasing the company’s corporate culture to investors. Wanzhi overrules Li Juan's desire to stay home with Miaomiao, noting that the IPO team has already collectively approved her participation. Meanwhile, a change occurs within Wanzhi’s household.

Miaomiao expresses a desire to return to Yu County with her grandfather, Meng Siyuan. Meng Siyuan admits that he wants to move back to his wife's hometown to be near her grave and to avoid being a distraction to Wanzhi while she manages the company’s listing. He reassures Wanzhi that he is in good health and promises to take care of Miaomiao, while the nanny, Xue, agrees to go along to assist them.

Wanzhi reluctantly agrees to the arrangement, promising to bring them all back to Shenzhen once the business pressure subsides. The company successfully lists on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, a milestone marked by a formal bell-ringing ceremony. Li Juan attends, not as a high-ranking executive, but as a representative of the ordinary workers who built the company.

Carrying a pen given to her by her late husband, Captain Zhou, she wonders if he would be proud of how far she has come. During the event, Wanzhi delivers a moving speech about the meaning behind "Meow Meow Toys," explaining that the name represents the wonder, vitality, and courage of children. She emphasizes that the company’s success marks a significant leap for the industry, moving from simple manufacturing to original Chinese creation.

Wanzhi later travels back to Yu County to visit her father and Miaomiao. She finds her daughter working hard on her calligraphy and performing well under her grandfather's tutelage. While Wanzhi brings Miaomiao back to Shenzhen to resume her life there, Meng Siyuan chooses to stay behind.

He reveals he is working on a biography of Su Dongpo, explaining that the project isn't for fame or publication, but rather a way for him to find peace and connect with the bold spirit of the ancient poet. Back in Shenzhen, Qian facilitates a meeting between Wanzhi and her son, Dahu. Dahu has graduated from Hong Kong University and has formed a team with fellow elite scholars from prestigious international universities.

They present Wanzhi with a plan for an artificial intelligence startup focused on consumer goods and children's products. Impressed by their pragmatic approach and high-level talent, Wanzhi decides to invest her own money into their venture immediately. She explains to Qian that a formal corporate investment would involve slow, complicated procedures, and these young entrepreneurs need to "sprint" rather than wait for bureaucratic approval.

On Miaomiao’s seventh birthday, Wanzhi goes to pick her up from school and unexpectedly runs into Xu A'nan. Her old rival is now working as a domestic helper, struggling to pay off debts left behind by the man who once cheated her. A'nan admits she used to be driven by a foolish need to feel superior to Wanzhi, but now she deeply respects Wanzhi’s character and success.

Wanzhi, showing no lingering resentment, offers A'nan her business card and tells her to reach out if she ever needs assistance. The birthday celebration at Wanzhi’s home is cut short by a brewing financial crisis. Gao Xiang and the other executives report that the company's stock price has surged by 42% in just five trading days, a movement that defies the company’s recent slowed growth and declining overseas revenue.

They realize that a group of seemingly unrelated funds has been manipulating the market to drive up the price. Gao Xiang identifies the mastermind as Hongwei Capital, a firm led by Yan Ziwei, Wanzhi’s former boss from her time at Hongtu Trade. Yan Ziwei refuses to negotiate with anyone except Wanzhi herself. When they finally meet, Yan Ziwei makes it clear that he isn't interested in simple stock arbitrage.

Instead, he wants to take control of Meow Meow Toys, fold it into his capital empire, and flip it for a massive profit. Wanzhi firmly rejects his proposal, stating that her focus is on the real economy and the welfare of her thousands of employees, which stands in direct opposition to his ruthless pursuit of capital gain.

Yan Ziwei warns her that she is in a precarious position, noting that her high equity pledge ratio makes her vulnerable to forced liquidation if the stock price were to suddenly crash.

Facing a predatory hostile takeover from Yan Ziwei, Fang Wanzhi stood firm during the board meeting. Yan Ziwei pointed out that her stock pledge ratio was dangerously high and that a sudden crash could lead to forced liquidation, stripping her of control. He mocked her for diluting her shares among the very migrant workers she started with, claiming that without such a move, his Hongwei Capital wouldn't even have had the chance to challenge her.

Wanzhi remained unmoved, declaring that the brand was built by the hands of those workers and would not be easily surrendered. She told him that if he wanted a war, she would fight to the very end without compromise. The battle took a toll on the company’s leadership. Gao Xiang, acting out of concern for the firm's survival, urged Wanzhi to consider a tactical retreat, warning that they were no match for the capital shark's resources.

He argued that throwing themselves into this "meat grinder" would only lead to bankruptcy. Wanzhi, however, viewed his pragmatism as a betrayal of their dignity. Furious, she told him that he could either fight alongside her or leave immediately. Feeling like a stranger in the city she helped build, she wandered the cold streets of Shenzhen, reaffirming her belief that one's backbone must never go soft. Amidst this corporate struggle, a heavier blow arrived from her hometown.

Uncle Xiao traveled from Yu County to tell Wanzhi that her adoptive father, the retired Vice Mayor Meng Siyuan, had been diagnosed with cancer three years ago. To avoid distracting Wanzhi during her company's IPO, the upright old man had chosen to suffer in silence, taking their daughter Miaomiao back to Yu County under the guise of writing a book. He had sworn those around him to secrecy, wanting to spare Wanzhi from witnessing his pain.

By the time Wanzhi rushed back, he had already passed away, leaving her only a final letter. In his letter, Meng Siyuan joked that his "final bit of stubbornness" had finally lost to death’s chessboard. He reflected on his life of service and his deep connection to the works of Su Dongpo.

He explained that he had insisted Wanzhi keep the surname Fang to honor her family’s legacy of sacrifice for the nation, reminding her that "a house that accumulates good deeds will have a lasting fragrance." He encouraged her to find a life partner who could both look at financial reports and enjoy the moonlight with her, specifically mentioning his approval of Gao Xiang.

His final words served as a spiritual anchor, teaching her that life, like the perfect dish of Dongpo Pork, requires a balance of the lean and the fat. While Wanzhi was away, the tide of the takeover turned. Li Juan revealed to Wanzhi that she had misjudged Gao Xiang; he had used all his personal funds to buy 3. 7% of the company’s shares to support her in secret. Furthermore, Wanzhi’s brother, Li Xingke, had intervened.

His investment firm became the third-largest shareholder, creating a three-way stalemate that neutralized Yan Ziwei’s aggression. Xingke explained that his group sought a win-win partnership rather than a takeover, as they believed in the growth of the toy industry. He even offered to leave his current position to help Wanzhi restructure and turn the company into China’s leading toy brand. Yan Ziwei made one final attempt to resolve the conflict by meeting Wanzhi personally.

Having recently divorced, he arrogantly proposed marriage, suggesting that she become his mother's daughter-in-law to inherit the family wealth and merge their toy divisions. Wanzhi was disgusted when she learned he had multiple children with different women who were never his wives. She told him that while wealth was a tool, using it to act without principles only made him a laughingstock.

As the founder of the company, she ordered the "capital thug" to leave her premises once and for all. In the aftermath, Wanzhi decided to take a much-needed break. She planned to return to Yu County with Miaomiao for an extended stay, coinciding with the opening of Zhao Jun’s new factory. She invited Gao Xiang to join them, acknowledging his role as Zhao Jun’s angel investor.

Li Juan and Qian also planned to go to pay their respects at Meng Siyuan’s grave. Li Juan, despite being pursued by the ambitious Wen Liang, chose to remain single. She had spent over a decade caring for the mother of her late partner, Captain Zhou, and refused to settle for someone who prioritized profit over people, deciding that her memory of a "good man" was worth more than a compromised future.

Before leaving for Yu County, Wanzhi finally reconciled with her past. Her biological father, He Yongwang, came to Shenzhen to see her, bringing a gold necklace he had bought with three months of his wages. As the white-haired, timid old man turned to leave, Wanzhi finally let go of thirty years of resentment. She called out "Lao Han," the local term for father, prompting him to turn back with tears in his eyes as he called her "little brat."

Standing later among the rapeseed fields of her hometown, Wanzhi reflected on her journey. To her, Yu County was the mountain—her foundation—and Shenzhen was the sea—her destination. Surrounded by her friends and family, she watched as Gao Xiang gathered everyone for a group photo, marking the beginning of a new chapter where her heart had finally found its home.