Episode Summary
Zhang Jianguo and He Jiali officially become a couple, leading Tang Weimin to leave for a remote work assignment. The He family prepares for Jiali and Jianguo's wedding, which proceeds despite the death of Premier Zhou and news of Tang Weimin's injury.
Spoiler Alert
The He family warmly welcomes Zhang Jianguo, and the dinner is a joyous occasion. After the meal, He Changsheng and Liu Meixin encourage their daughter, He Jiali, to personally see Zhang Jianguo off. On the way back, Zhang Jianguo, who is an orphan, expresses his happiness at being part of such a lively family. He hopes to see He Jiali more often, and she readily agrees.
Liu Meixin finds herself increasingly fond of Zhang Jianguo, believing him to be a far better match for her daughter than Tang Weimin. He Changsheng also approves of Zhang Jianguo and tries to arrange for He Jiali to invite him to a movie, providing two tickets. However, He Jiali subtly declines.
Later, Tang Weimin once again tries to pursue He Jiali, hoping to rekindle their relationship. Zhang Jianguo witnesses this and, mistaking Tang Weimin for a thug harassing He Jiali, easily subdues him. The misunderstanding is cleared up, and Zhang Jianguo tells Tang Weimin that the decision to marry or be in a relationship rests solely with He Jiali.
Zhang Jianguo is soon invited back to the He household, bringing gifts for everyone, including a Shanghai brand watch for He Jiali. He explains it's a birthday gift, and He Jiali accepts. After a few drinks, Zhang Jianguo presents a heartfelt confession letter, expressing his true feelings. He Jiali reciprocates, and they officially become a couple.
Realizing his relationship with He Jiali is over, Tang Weimin volunteers for a construction project at a hydropower station in Chen Village, Jing County, Anhui, a posting that could last several years. Zhang Qiufang rushes to He Jiali, hoping she can persuade Tang Weimin to stay. However, He Jiali states that they have no relationship, and it would be inappropriate for her to intervene.
On her way home, He Jiali encounters Tang Weimin. She kindly inquires about his departure, but Tang Weimin defensively asks what Zhang Jianguo has that he doesn't. He Jiali replies that she feels secure with Zhang Jianguo. Before leaving, Tang Weimin takes a "wedding photo" with Zhang Qiufang at a photo studio and she sees him off.
At the dinner table, He Changsheng and Liu Meixin decide that He Jiali and Zhang Jianguo should get their marriage certificate as soon as possible. The younger sister also praises Zhang Jianguo. The next day, Zhang Jianguo comes to the house to declare his intention to marry He Jiali, promising to treat her well for the rest of their lives. The other sisters are thrilled and offer their blessings. The couple takes photos at the same photo studio.
In the winter of 1975, He Jiali brings her mother and sisters to see the apartment allocated to her and Zhang Jianguo for their marriage, which greatly pleases Liu Meixin. The family enthusiastically prepares bedding and a dowry. When Zhang Jianguo arrives with his comrades to pick up his bride, neighbors gather to admire the scene, creating a lively atmosphere.
He Jiali and Zhang Jianguo cook a meal in their new home, overwhelmed with emotion at having a place of their own. Zhang Jianguo thanks He Jiali for giving him a home and promises that he will always consider the He family's affairs as his own, helping to share their burdens as the eldest brother-in-law. Meanwhile, Liu Meixin assigns sleeping arrangements for the sisters, with the second eldest, He Jiawen, suggesting they take turns sleeping in the eldest sister's bed.
The He family discusses wedding plans, initially scheduling it for January 10th at the Foreign Trade Bureau's canteen. However, when Liu Meixin delivers an invitation to the Tang family, she learns that Tang Weimin's wedding is also scheduled for the same day. Liu Meixin wants to change the date, but He Changsheng insists on sticking to their original plan, refusing to let the Tang family's wedding dictate their schedule.
The He family makes a bright red outfit for He Jiali for the wedding. But, with the passing of Premier Zhou, all units are busy with mourning activities, and the bright red outfit is changed to a plain checkered jacket. The Tang family unexpectedly doesn't hold their wedding at the Foreign Trade Bureau's canteen, but the He family's wedding proceeds joyfully. However, news arrives that Tang Weimin has been injured in the line of duty.
