Episode 1 recap: # Grandpa Men Refuses to Move
In the first episode, Grandpa Men lives in a centuries-old courtyard that is now considered a cultural relic. The community plans to reclaim the property for preservation, but Grandpa Men is adamantly against moving. Director Xia Mei Zhen sends Zheng Xiang Yang to speak with him again, though Zheng feels there’s nothing more he can do since Grandpa Men is set on staying.
Xia Mei Zhen asks for details, and Zheng explains that Grandpa Men simply refuses to budge. He Jing Yun and Jiang Chuan visit Grandpa Men’s home, but before they can even enter, they are turned away. Grandpa Men, dressed in traditional Peking opera attire, blocks their way.
Upon returning, He Jing Yun shares the experience with Zheng, noting they didn’t even get a chance to speak. Zheng thinks it would be better to postpone their visit. However, Xia Mei Zhen insists they need to act quickly to avoid a court summons, so they both head to Grandpa Men’s place.
Grandpa Men asserts that no matter what they say, he will not move. He offers an exorbitant entrance fee of $8,000 for visitors, which they obviously cannot accept. He Jing Yun and Jiang Chuan take turns explaining that this renovation project is essential for preserving the historical significance of the property, as it has numerous issues and complaints from neighbors.
Zheng Xiang Yang empathizes with Grandpa Men’s attachment to the house after so many years, but he points out that if Grandpa Men doesn’t leave, the house will only deteriorate further. Grandpa Men remains unconvinced, expressing that he feels insecure about leaving.
Jiang Chuan suggests taking Grandpa Men on a motorcycle ride to see his future home, but Grandpa Men refuses to go. Xia Mei Zhen believes there must be a deeper reason for his reluctance. She decides to consult Mr. Huang, an expert in folk culture.
Mr. Huang, who has authored a book on cultural relics, joins Zheng Xiang Yang and the others to talk to Grandpa Men. He explains that the house originally belonged to the Yang family before being transferred to the Men family. Grandpa Men reacts angrily, claiming Mr. Huang is mistaken. Mr. Huang challenges him to provide proof of ownership.
It happens to be the Winter Solstice, and Xia Mei Zhen prepares dumplings, distributing them to everyone. When Zheng Xiang Yang visits Grandpa Men, he clarifies that Mr. Huang’s information isn’t entirely accurate; the property has undergone a change in ownership, and there’s a 10-year gap in its historical records.
Xia Mei Zhen inquires about their progress, and Zheng suggests that Grandpa Men’s emotional ties may be linked to the property’s ownership. They should take the time to clarify who truly owns the house, which could help resolve Grandpa Men’s concerns.
With time running out, Xia Mei Zhen urges Zheng and the team to hurry. After researching, they discover the house has a rich history, having been home to famous figures like Mei Lanfang, which explains Grandpa Men’s pride and refusal to leave.
Comments(Episode 1)