Episode 1 recap: Li Zhang Huan and His Family Face Challenges
In the first episode, Li Zhang Huan, an agricultural genius, finally overcame the challenge of using grass instead of wood to grow mushrooms, bringing new hope to the impoverished villagers and earning the title of "Poverty Alleviation Champion." Freshly returned from Ningxia with accolades, he was greeted by his wife's carefully prepared delicious feast, celebrating his triumph.
However, this heartwarming moment was disrupted by their daughter Li Qian Ping's minor emotional outburst, as she felt her mother was overly indulgent towards her father. The wife gently explained that she wanted to treat him well as he had been working hard outside.
Before they could even start the meal, the wife suffered a sudden heart attack, sending Qian Ping rushing to get her medical attention. Meanwhile, Li Zhi Wei, the sister living in Singapore, was facing the challenges of the Asian financial crisis, with a heavy workload and immense pressure.
When Qian Ping called, Zhi Wei's initial reaction was to doubt the validity of the claim, fearing it might be a ploy for financial assistance. Qian Ping swore it was true, and Zhi Wei, still somewhat skeptical, decided to entrust a domestic friend to check on the situation.
Rushing to the hospital, Li Zhang Huan was relieved to learn his wife was out of danger. Aware of Zhi Wei's intention to return, he asked Qian Ping to inform her that it was unnecessary to hurry back, but Qian Ping was unwilling to do so. Zhang Huan had to call Zhi Wei himself, only to be met with her sharp retorts, implying that every penny she earned was rightfully hers, beyond question. Qian Ping then confided to Zhi Wei's friend about the family's difficulties, as Zhang Huan's research project had consumed massive resources, forcing the family to tighten their belts.
Simultaneously, the creditor Old Feng came demanding repayment, and Zhang Huan's brother Li Chang An pleaded for an extension, explaining their predicament. Upon learning that the research institute owed a huge equipment bill, Zhang Huan decided to use his award trophies and banners as collateral. Though moved, Old Feng ultimately refused, constrained by the family's dire circumstances.
Reluctantly, Zhang Huan proposed paying with mushrooms, but faced opposition from the workers, who had not been paid for months and desperately needed to cash out. Chang An revealed that the school's support was limited, with insufficient staff and the excess employees' salaries entirely dependent on self-funding, under immense pressure.
While caring for his wife in the hospital, Zhang Huan was consumed by guilt towards his family. His wife, though understanding his difficulties, yearned for the four of them to enjoy a simple, happy life together.
The momentous event of Hong Kong's return stirred emotions in the family across the miles. Zhi Wei's friend urged her to carefully consider returning home, as her burgeoning career in Singapore was thriving. Yet Zhi Wei was resolute, stating that while wealth and status could be regained, family bonds were irreplaceable.
On the other hand, Zhang Huan encountered a chilly reception at an academic conference, with a professor questioning the lack of academic depth in his research, focusing merely on the technical aspects. His friend Zheng Wei Long stood up for him, emphasizing that agricultural research should delve deep into the field, serving practical purposes. After the lively discussion, Zhang Huan confided to Chang An about the chemical institute's invitation, encouraging him to seize the opportunity.
These series of events have drawn the Lai family closer, as they navigate the challenges and cherish the moments of tenderness. Together, they face the ups and downs of life, eagerly anticipating the rainbow to come.
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