Episode Summary
He Changsheng dies in a tragic accident, leaving his family devastated. He Jiayi and Ouyang Bao go to Shanghai and become intimate. The family struggles to cope with the loss while keeping the news from He Changsheng's elderly mother, He Wen, who eventually learns the truth and faints from shock.
Spoiler Alert
Just when everyone is panicking about a power outage at the hospital, a nurse emerges from the delivery room with good news: mother and baby are doing well! As if on cue, the lights flicker back on, filling the room with joy. Chen's mother, taking the timely arrival of electricity as an auspicious sign, suggests the name "Chen Guangming" (meaning "bright future") for the newborn, which Chen Weiguo and He Jiawen happily accept.
In the early spring of 1984, He Changsheng prepares a lavish feast for his daughters and sons-in-law. He proudly announces that he has officially become a member of the Communist Party. Everyone raises a toast to celebrate. Chen Weiguo, his second son-in-law, suggests that He Changsheng capitalize on the changing times and his excellent skills in leather processing to start a business. He even jokes that He Changsheng could become a "ten-thousand-yuan household" (a term for the wealthy in that era). However, Zhang Jianguo thinks it's better to wait until retirement to consider such ventures.
Meanwhile, He Jiali takes it upon herself to play matchmaker for her younger sister, He Jiayi. He Jiayi, excited about the prospect, dresses up for the meeting. But when she arrives, she mistakes a handsome guy in the pavilion for her date, only to realize the real match is a chubby man with glasses. Disappointed and frustrated by her family's matchmaking choices, He Jiayi impulsively decides to go to Shanghai. Ouyang Bao, who is secretly in love with her, decides to accompany her.
Later that evening, He Jiayi lies to Liu Meixin, and the next day, she and Ouyang Bao board a train to Shanghai. At the guesthouse, the owner tells them only one room is available. He Jiayi insists on having two rooms, and the owner eventually offers them a small communication room, a scene witnessed by one of their colleagues.
In the middle of the night, He Jiayi goes out to fetch water and sees Ouyang Bao reading an adult magazine. Ouyang Bao apologizes and confesses his feelings for her. He Jiayi, touched by his sincerity and realizing he truly cares for her, gives in to her feelings, and they have an intimate encounter.
Back home, He Changsheng tells Liu Meixin that his mother, He Wen, will be returning from their hometown soon. However, he has to go on a business trip to Zhenjiang to collect leather and won't be able to meet her. Liu Meixin is delighted about her mother-in-law's arrival, as they share a close, loving relationship, unlike many other families. The next day, He Changsheng leaves for his trip, and Liu Meixin slips him some extra money.
After fifteen long years, He Wen arrives by boat, and Liu Meixin, along with the children, welcomes her. That evening, He Wen and Liu Meixin share stories, but He Wen feels uneasy, her right eyelid constantly twitching. At the same time, He Changsheng tragically dies in a car accident while trying to save a young boy, the candies he bought for his family scattered around him.
Liu Meixin is still unaware of her husband's fate, only knowing that she needs to go to Zhenjiang. Since Liu Meixin can't leave, Zhang Jianguo and Chen Weiguo go in her place. They are devastated to see He Changsheng's body. Soon, He Jiali receives a call from Zhenjiang and learns of her father's death. After the initial shock and tears, she informs He Jiawen, and the sisters decide to break the devastating news to Liu Meixin.
To protect He Wen from further grief, the family initially tries to hide the truth. However, He Wen senses something is wrong and persistently questions them. Before they can respond, He Changsheng's factory leaders arrive to offer condolences, revealing the tragic news of his death. Liu Meixin and the others break down in tears, and He Wen, overwhelmed by the shock, faints.
That night, the family gathers. Zhang Jianguo says he and Chen Weiguo will handle the compensation from the accident and the factory's bereavement benefits. Everyone, from He Wen to Liu Meixin and the daughters, is consumed by grief. He Jiali, though heartbroken herself, tries to stay strong and support the family. Chen's mother visits to comfort Liu Meixin, reminding her that she must stay strong for her young children.
He Jiali arrives at the house and, after sending Chen's mother off, announces that she will be staying with them for a while. Liu Meixin, knowing how much her husband loved his eldest son-in-law, suggests that he should take charge of family matters, but He Jiali and He Wen decide to handle things themselves for the time being.
