Episode Summary
In 1983, Fugui dies while trying to save the Chengqian family and get a doctor for his wife in labor. His wife gives birth but dies, asking that her son be named Zhao Chuxi and given to a good family; Chengqian takes on this responsibility. In 2006, Zhao Chuxi, now grown, faces tragedy when young Ping'an dies due to lack of medical access. Determined to make a better life, Chuxi heads to Jiacheng, where he thwarts thieves and finds work, unaware that he's being exploited.
Spoiler Alert
The series premiere opens in the winter of 1983, with a blizzard raging. A wealthy man named Fugui braves the snowstorm, desperately seeking a doctor for his wife, who is experiencing a difficult labor. On his way, he stumbles upon a car accident involving the Chengqian family. Demonstrating incredible selflessness, Fugui rescues Chengqian, his daughter Lele, and attempts to save Chengqian's wife. Tragically, the car plunges off a cliff, taking Fugui and Chengqian's wife with it.
Later, the village chief leads a search party for Fugui but finds Chengqian and Lele instead. They're brought back to the village, where the chief assures Chengqian that the search for Fugui continues. However, news arrives that Fugui's wife is in dire condition. Overhearing the grim prognosis, Chengqian accompanies the chief. Fugui's wife, knowing her husband is likely lost, makes a final, heartbreaking decision: save the baby. Her last wish is for the child to be given to a good family and to be named Zhao Chuxi. Chengqian, moved by the tragedy and Fugui's sacrifice, steps forward to take on this responsibility.
Fast forward to 2006, and another heavy snowfall blankets the mountains. Zhao Chuxi, now a young man, sets out to get medicine for little Ping'an. On the treacherous journey, he and his sister encounter wolves, managing a narrow escape. Sadly, they return too late; Ping'an has passed away. Grief-stricken, Zhao Chuxi and his sister visit their parents' graves. Chuxi laments the lack of a road to the village, realizing how it could have prevented Ping'an's death. His sister often tells him that he can save the village, but he has his doubts. He states his intention to make his fortune in the city of Jiacheng, determined to return only when he is "rich and honorable."
Zhao Chuxi soon hitches a ride to Jiacheng. He dreams of returning a successful man to his sister. Arriving in the bustling city, he spends the night in the truck to save money. His vigilance pays off when he catches thieves attempting to steal fuel. Unfazed by their bribe attempts, he calls the police, earning their praise.
Zhao Chuxi's journey in the big city begins. He's determined to make his mark, inspired by his sister's words and the encouragement of a newspaper vendor who sees his own past struggles in the young man. The vendor directs him to the labor market. There, a foreman notices Chuxi's honesty and connects him with a man named Qiang, unaware that they plan to exploit him as a middleman. Chuxi, naive but optimistic, is simply happy with the promise of food and lodging, eager to meet Qiang and start his new life.
