S1 • E1
In 1977, 12-year-old Qiao Yicheng gained a younger brother. His father, Qiao Zuwang, spent all his time at the mahjong table, neglecting family matters. He casually named the younger son Qiao Qiqi. After the difficult birth of Qiqi, Yicheng's mother passed away. In the family's mourning hall, Yicheng, fueled by strong self-esteem and love for his mother, became as resilient as a little lion. He even clashed with the neighbors who gathered in the courtyard, gossiping about the situation.
S1 • E2
One day, Erqiang took his younger siblings to Aunt Wu's house, where they had a conflict with Yicheng, to sneak food from the wedding celebration. Yicheng promptly brought them back home and gave them a good scolding. It's tough to take care of the siblings for the young Yicheng. When Sanli fell ill, Yicheng carried her to the hospital to receive treatment and medication. After paying the fees, there was very little of their already limited living expenses left. Yicheng told his father, Qiao Zuwang, that they were running short on money, but Qiao Zuwang, who was busy playing cards, paid no attention.
S1 • E3
One day, Second Aunt brought a couple who, in their grief over losing their daughter, wanted to adopt a girl of a similar age. Simei, being the right age and sweet-talking with a lively personality, seemed like the perfect choice. They decided to adopt her and even bought her many things. When Qiao Zuwang told Simei, she was innocent and thought about the beautiful clothes at Mrs. Shen's home. She happily agreed.
S1 • E4
Yicheng worked hard to prepare for the college entrance exam. Qiao Zuwang returned after resolving work issues, carrying a rope. He tried to obstruct Yicheng's studies, asking him to come back and help share the family responsibilities while Yicheng's younger siblings were continually supporting him. Finally, Yicheng got into college, becoming a success story in the neighborhood, and Qiao Zuwang felt very proud of it.
S1 • E5
Erqiang was responsible for cooking at home and he was quite skilled at it. Simei had developed a sweet but inexperienced affection for the handsome boy who gifted her red reeds. Sanli and Simei had entirely different views and attitudes toward love. Due to her childhood shadow, Sanli was almost resistant to love, while Simei passionately pursued love and beauty. When Simei and the reeds boy were discovered by their teacher, Yicheng scolded Simei harshly and began to escort her to and from school.
S1 • E6
Uncle passed away after a prolonged illness. He was a good man throughout his life, besides the Qi's family, Yicheng also felt deeply saddened by his loss. Yicheng comforted Qi Weimin on the rooftop, asking him to take good care of Aunt. Weimin decided to take on more family responsibilities and chose to work at a magazine. On the other hand, Yicheng made the decision to continue his studies and pursue a master's degree. This time, he wanted to live for himself. Qiao Zuwang was unhappy with Yicheng's choice to continue his education, but Yicheng ignored his disapproval.
S1 • E7
Yicheng went to Beijing to find Simei but couldn't locate her. Simei had already happily attended the concert and returned to Nanjing. Yicheng, based on the address previously given by Teacher Wen, went to find Wen Ju'an. To his surprise, when Wen Ju'an saw him, there was no delight in her expression; instead, she seemed bewildered and uncomfortable. They had grown distant. Before Yicheng left, they arranged to meet in the evening. However, Wen Ju'an didn't show up, leaving Yicheng forlorn as he returned to Nanjing.
S1 • E8
Qiao Yicheng asked Qiao Sanli to invite Wang Yiding for a meal at their home. When Wang Yiding arrived, he busied himself with repairing the roof and a cabinet, earning the appreciation of Qiao Zuwang and Qiao Yicheng. Qiao Yicheng advised Sanli and Yiding to get along well and consider marriage when the time is right. Ma Suqin's husband barged into the Qiao's house, accusing Erqiang of having an affair with his wife, causing a scene. Erqiang openly admitted his feelings for Ma Suqin, greatly infuriating Yicheng. Yicheng demanded that Erqiang abandon these thoughts or not return home. Ma Suqin and her husband considered divorce, but she ended up hospitalized and subsequently resigned from her job to return to her hometown.
S1 • E9
Qiao Yicheng arranged a job for Simei at a binding factory. Yicheng successfully completed his graduate studies with excellent grades and started working as a reporter at the television station. This was a remarkable achievement for the Qiao family, and everyone was thrilled. Sanli and Wang Yiding used their own money to order a full set of suits for their brother, Erqiang gifted him leather shoes and a tie. Ma Simei excitedly declared that she wanted to accompany her brother to see celebrities in the future.
S1 • E10
Qiao Yicheng and Ye Xiaolang's relationship was growing, and this marked Yicheng's first serious romantic relationship. Qi Weimin and Chang Xingyu, as alumni, frequently crossed paths at school, and their relationship became even closer, making their time together thoroughly enjoyable. During a ride home, Wang Yiding kissed Sanli, but she was instantly shocked and pushed Yiding away. The childhood trauma still haunted her, preventing her from having close interactions with man.
S1 • E11
Qiao Yicheng and Ye Xiaolang's relationship continued to deepen. When Yicheng went out to buy food, Xiaolang noticed his interview transcript, which left her deep in thought. Qiao Zuwang had a business meeting with friends where they assured him that everything was well-organized. After this, Qiao Zuwang established his company and conducted his first fundraising presentation. Qiao Simei went for a job interview at a hotel. Nervous in the face of her competitors' impressive performances, she spontaneously performed a lively dance. Her outgoing and cheerful personality won over the interviewer, and she was successfully hired.
S1 • E12
When Qiao Yicheng learned of Qiao Zuwang's fundraising plans, he was consumed with anger and insisted that his father cease immediately. However, Qiao Zuwang remained steadfast in his convictions and disregarded the advice. Yicheng's emotions ran high as he brought up a past deal between him and Li Heman. He mentioned the distressing episode when Sanli was harassed by Li Heman, and to Yicheng's astonishment, Qiao Zuwang had accepted money from Li Heman to resolve the issue. Yet, the money had been used for business ventures that ended in significant losses. This revelation swiftly conjured up painful memories for Sanli, and Erqiang intervened to stop the conversation. Yicheng and Ye Xiaolang took a walk by the river, where Yicheng shared stories about his younger siblings. Xiaolang was deeply envious and spontaneously expressed her desire to marry Yicheng. Faced with this sudden proposal, Yicheng hesitated for a moment but eventually decided to tell her about his family's situation. He stated that if she didn't mind, he would marry her. Touched by his sincerity, Ye Xiaolang was moved to tears and accepted with a smile. In addition, Second Aunt considered remarrying, a notion her children found hard to accept. She firmly stated that if they didn't drop the idea, she would not return home.
S1 • E13
Qiao Yicheng and Ye Xiaolang's wedding was a simple affair, with only parents and close relatives and friends invited. After a few rounds of toasting, Xiaolang's father requested financial assistance for her younger brother, which left Yicheng in a difficult position. Erqiang deeply missed Ma Suqin and reminisced about their past experiences. Xiaolang wanted to introduce her colleague's niece to Erqiang. Yicheng delicately raised the topic, worried that Erqiang might refuse. To his surprise, Erqiang agreed immediately. Furthermore, while Qiao Simei was shopping, she unexpectedly encountered a middle school classmate who was in the military. His uniformed appearance left her enamored.
S1 • E14
Qiao Erqiang met with his prospective date, Sun Xiaomo, and they both felt awkward and at a loss for words. After her night shift, Qiao Sanli, followed by Wang Yiding, felt secure in his silent presence. Back home, Qiao Simei spoke of romantic fantasies, leading Sanli to involuntarily reminisce about the experiences she had shared with Wang Yiding. Overwhelmed, she couldn't help but shed tears. Suddenly, Ye Xiaolang resigned from her job, which left Qiao Yicheng surprised and puzzled, leading to a argument between the two. Sun Xiaomo unexpectedly expressed her desire to break up, and Qiao Erqiang respected her decision.
S1 • E15
Qiao Zuwang had a telephone installed in their home, and he proudly showed it off to Qiao Yicheng. Qiao Sanli tried to call Qiao Simei at her office, but was informed that she had taken leave for her wedding. This news left Yicheng, Erqiang, and Sanli very anxious. After some effort, they managed to contact Simei, only to be told that she was about to board a train to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to marry Qi Chenggang. Yicheng thought Simei might face some hardships but Erqiang admired her courage for doing what she wanted, believing that it was worth it even if it meant facing difficulties.
S1 • E16
Simei returned to Nanjing, reuniting the family. She knew that Yicheng was still upset with her, so she took the initiative to apologize and act coquettish, and Yicheng didn't press the issue further. Yiding secretly came to the Qiao family to visit Sanli, and the Qiao family warmly welcomed him. Sanli also hugged Yiding, and the two made up and confirmed their relationship. Erqiang continued his relationship with Sun Maoli, but there were hidden tensions in their relationship.
S1 • E17
Ye Xiaolang sensed that Qiao Yicheng didn't want his younger siblings to know about their plans to go abroad, which left her somewhat dissatisfied. Sanli asked Yicheng for a loan to help Yiding pay the penalty for canceling a contract. Erqiang and Sun Xiaomo got married, but neither of them felt joy. Sun Xiaomo fell ill again and, in her daze, remembered her past with Director Chen, shedding silent tears. Erqiang was also gloomy and had not forgotten Ma Suqin. Qiao Zuwang fell victim to another scam and accumulated enormous debt. Unable to repay, the creditors took away household appliances from the Qiao family, leaving Yicheng furious. Ye Xiaolang wished to study abroad and secretly underwent an abortion and concealing it from everyone. The Qiao family believed it was a miscarriage and felt deeply sorry for her. After comforting Ye Xiaolang, Yicheng locked himself away in sorrow for a long time.
S1 • E18
Ye Xiaolang had an unexpected miscarriage, and she wasn't in good spirits, casting a gloom over the entire house. Wang Yiding voluntarily handed his paycheck to Sanli, which didn't sit well with Yiding's mother. While Xiaolang stayed home to study English and prepare for the TOEFL exam, the TV-loving Simei was engrossed in watching television until late at night. Xiaolang burst out of her room, expressing her displeasure to Simei and setting specific limits on the TV's usage in the house.
S1 • E19
Erqiang moved in with Xiaoma's family, and Xiaoma's mother thought he was too simple-minded. Ye Xiaolang successfully obtained her visa, and she apologized to Yicheng for her abortion, leaving him with mixed feelings. Qiao Zuowang's matter gradually settled down, and the Qiao family's children planned to move back into their old home. Sanli and Yiding obtained their marriage certificate and planned to travel for their wedding. Yang Lingzi, taking advantage of the absence of family members, invited Qiqi to her house to watch a movie. Ye Xiaolang's younger brother got into trouble, and his parents went to Yicheng, requesting him to settle the matter privately. Ye Xiaolang was furious when she heard this. She believed that the money she had worked so hard to earn was not obligated to pay off her irresponsible brother's debts. She questioned why she should sacrifice her future for them. Yicheng patiently comforted her, assuring that he would find a way to handle the situation.
S1 • E20
Sun Xiaomo constantly found fault with Qiao Erqiang, and Erqiang had never lost his temper in response, yet he was labeled as spineless. Sun Xiaomo had to go on a business trip with Director Chen and told Erqiang to reflect on himself, suggesting that he couldn't spend his whole life in the book shop. Ye Xiaolang had a premonition that Qiao Yicheng might not accompany her abroad, and she began to worry about how to maintain their relationship. Qiao Sanli became pregnant, and Wang Yiding had learned a lot about pregnancy, even applying oil on Sanli at night to prevent stretch marks. Ye Xiaolang was finally leaving for abroad. Qiao Yicheng reminded her to take care of herself. Xiaolang also advised Yicheng to think more about his own future. In addition, since Qiao Erqiang had reconnected with Ma Suqin, he often visited her tofu shop. Ma Suqin believed that he should spend more time with his family, but in Erqiang's heart, she was his mentor, and helping her was his duty.
S1 • E21
Sun Xiaomo became pregnant, and the child was Director Chen's, but he refused to admit it. Sun Xiaomo was utterly disappointed in this man, yet she hadn't informed Erqiang about her pregnancy. Yicheng turned to drinking and singing to cope with the depression caused by Ye Xiaolang being abroad. Wang Yiding's money was taken by his mother to support his younger brother, so he had to engage in street vending to make ends meet. Yang Lingzi became pregnant, and her mother, along with her aunts, scolded and beat Qiao Qiqi.
S1 • E22
After Qiqi and Yang Lingzi got married, they lived with Yang's family. Qiqi learned from Yang's mother how to do household chores and take care of Yang Lingzi. Simei knew that everyone in her family was against her being with Qi Chenggang, but she was determined to be with him. So, she left for a honeymoon trip. Sanli still lived with her mother-in-law, and their relationship wasn't very good. Erqiang and Sun Xiaomo's relationship is drifting apart, putting their marriage in jeopardy.
S1 • E23
Erqiang and Ma Suqin encountered Sun Xiaomo at the skating arena, leading to a big scene. Erqiang proposed divorce to Sun Xiaomo, which shocked both Ma Suqin and Xiaomo. Simei and Qi Chenggang returned to Nanjing, and Yicheng told Simei the real reason behind Qi Chenggang's early retirement from the military. Simei, who had a stubborn personality, had to reluctantly express that she had already known and forgiven Qi Chenggang. Meanwhile, another incident unfolded in the Qiao family. Qiao Zuwang attempted suicide at home and demanded a monthly allowance of 2,000 yuan from the family, but Yicheng managed to negotiate it down to 900 yuan. Qiao Zuwang also wanted Qiqi to contribute, which led to a mockery from Yicheng. Upon learning that Erqiang wanted to be with Ma Suqin, Qiao Zuwang was furious and demanded Erqiang to leave the Qiao family. Qiqi and Yang Lingzi's child was born, but Yang Lingzi found the baby to be quite noisy. Sanli's child was also born, bringing great joy to the Qiao family with the arrival of these new lives. Erqiang found a job as a chef, and Simei happily began her long-awaited married life with Qi Chenggang.
S1 • E24
Yiding's mother, who was taking care of her grandson, became increasingly impatient, and Sanli frequently had arguments with her. Qiqi stayed at home to look after his child, with Lingzi's parents also helping, while Yang Lingzi was absent as she had gone to Shanghai. In Shanghai, Yang Lingzi found new pursuits and, upon her return to Nanjing, she asked for a divorce from Qiqi, which Qiqi agreed to. Simei became pregnant, and Qichenggang showed tenderness and care. His taxi business also thrived. Ye Xiaolang sent a divorce agreement from the United States to Yicheng. Yicheng wasn't surprised, and he signed it, restoring his single status. An accident occurred while Yiding was repairing a machine, and he was seriously injured and rushed to the hospital. The Qiao family rushed to the hospital immediately. However, Yiding's mother and brother took just one look and made excuses to leave, showing no apparent concern for Yiding.
S1 • E25
Yiding was discharged from the hospital, but the incident left him with a hidden ailment. This situation caused him to become moody and even led to arguments with Sanli. Fearing that he might be a burden to her, Yiding suggested that they consider divorce and maintain a more platonic sibling-like relationship. However, Sanli firmly rejected this proposal. Simei encouraged Erqiang to boldly pursue love. In response, Erqiang revealed his feelings to Ma Suqin, and finally, his dream came true as he married her. Meanwhile, Yicheng and Xiang Nanfang's relationship grew stronger over time, and they began to develop mutual feelings for each other.
S1 • E26
Sanli and Yiding painted and decorated their new home to start their new life. However, the hidden health issue caused by his work-related injury continued to torment Yiding. His temper remained unpredictable, and the atmosphere at home was extremely stifling. Simei started noticing that something was amiss with Qi Chengang, but she kept deceiving herself, pretending as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, Erqiang spent each day happily riding a tricycle to pick up Zhiyong from school along with Ma Suqin, making him feel truly content.
S1 • E27
Yiding's mother ended up in the hospital due to a severe dispute with her youngest son, Yining didn't visit her even once, leaving the responsibility of caring for her to Yiding and Sanli. In the park, Qiao Zuwang unexpectedly ran into a middle-aged woman named Qu Aying. Meanwhile, Qi Chengang had another affair, and Simei caught him in the act. The shock led to her premature labor, causing her to be hospitalized. Yicheng and Sanli, along with the rest of the family, were deeply distressed for Simei. Xiang Nanfang fell ill and went to the hospital, so Qiao Yicheng took care of her.
S1 • E28
Nanfang's older brother, Xiang Beifang, looks down on Qiao Yicheng because of his family background. However, Yicheng was genuinely committed to his relationship with Nanfang, and the two of them eventually got married, hosting a small wedding banquet. Yiding's mother passed away and left their house and most of her property to Yiding and his wife. Yining, Yiding's younger brother, threatened to take them to court, but Sanli didn't compromise. Erqiang opened a small restaurant, while Qi Chengang and Simei started a bookstore.
S1 • E29
After marriage, Qiao Yicheng moved to Xiang's house. Faced with Xiang Beifang's disdainful attitude, Yicheng felt very uncomfortable. He deeply realized the differences in their upbringing and social class. Qiao Yicheng returned to the old Qiao family home and called a family meeting, asking everyone to minimize their visits to Xiang's house and not trouble the Xiang family. Qi Chengang had another affair, this time with Meng Guizhi, a young female bookstore employee. They even secretly went on a trip together, hiding it from Simei. Meng Guizhi confessed the affair to Simei, and to make matters worse, she was now pregnant. Meng's family demanded a compensation of 150,000 yuan, threatening to accuse Qi Chengang of rape if he refused. Yicheng firmly refused to let his younger siblings lend money to Qi Chengang. Nanfang had to work in another city, and she was worried that being separated from her husband and living apart would lead to the same problem Yicheng had before. Qi Weimin advised Xiang Nanfang to seize this opportunity and trust Qiao Yicheng.
S1 • E30
Nanfang went to work in another city, and Yicheng saw her off, promising to have a serious conversation when she returned. Erqiang and Sanli both lent money to Simei, which angered Yicheng. However, he still negotiated with Meng's family to resolve the issue. Around this time, the SARS epidemic began, causing widespread panic. However, Qi Chengang went to Wuhu to meet Meng Guizhi and unfortunately contracted SARS. The Qiao family was quarantined in their old house, feeling like time had reversed, and the siblings reunited. On the last night of quarantine, Simei entrusted her older brother, Qiao Yicheng, to take care of her son. Despite the persuasions of the Qiao family, she was determined to go to the hospital to look after Qi Chengang.
S1 • E31
Simei went to the hospital hoping to take care of Qi Chengang, who had contracted SARS. However, the hospital didn't allow her to get close to the ward, and the police eventually escorted her back to the Qiao family. Simei discovered the text messages between Qi Chengang and Meng Guizhi, learning that Qi Chengang had gone to Wuhu to meet with Meng Guizhi, leaving her heartbroken. Qiao Zuwang went to the Xiang family to deliver a gift without Qiao Yicheng's knowledge in order to seek their help in arranging a fake work position for himself. When Qiao Yicheng found out, his pride was deeply wounded, leading to an intense argument with Qiao Zuwang. Qi Chengang recovered and was discharged from the hospital, but he was extremely frail. Realizing the depth of Simei's affection for him, he wanted to live a good life with her. However, to his surprise, Simei proposed a divorce.
S1 • E32
Xiang Nanfang returned and visited the apartment rented by Qiao Yicheng. She understood that it was difficult for Yicheng to live in the Xiang family's home and voluntarily proposed to live with him. Erqiang unexpectedly encountered Sun Xiaomo, who was already divorced, and she had an eight-year-old boy with her, which greatly shocked Erqiang. He was torn and wondered if the little boy with Sun Xiaomo could be his son. Sanli accompanied Wang Yiding to Beijing for medical treatment, so she brought her son, Wang Ruoxuan, back to the old Qiao family house. She asked Simei to help take care of the child. Qiao Zuowang, living alone in the old house, nearly caused a fire, leading the Qiao family's children to believe that they needed to hire a nanny to take care of him. Sun Xiaomo's mother asked Ma Suqin to support Erqiang and Sun Xiaomo, which made Xiaomo feel deeply guilty. Qiao Zuowang hired Qu Aying as a live-in nanny, and as they spent time together, a hint of twilight romance unexpectedly developed between them. Erqiang and Ma Suqin coincidentally met at the cinema. To their surprise, they found out that Qiao Zuowang and Qu Aying were also there, watching the movie together.
S1 • E33
Ma Suqin quietly left with Zhiyong, and Erqiang felt that fate was not on his side. In the end, he had to part with the person he loved the most. On the other hand, Qiao Zuowang informed his children that he was going to marry the nanny, Qu Aying. Ma Suqin decided to face it together with Erqiang, sharing the responsibility. At this moment, Sun Xiaomo finally revealed the truth that her son was not Erqiang's. During the Chinese New Year, because Qiao Zuowang was dissatisfied with Ma Suqin's status, Qiao Yicheng took his younger siblings to Erqiang's house to celebrate the New Year. There were many conflicts between Simei and Qu Aying and her son. With the support and consent of Qiao Laotou, Qu Aying confronted Simei. Qu Aying even convinced Qiao Zuowang to arrange for her son, Wenbin, to work and learn cooking at Erqiang's restaurant.
S1 • E34
Qiao Yicheng was promoted to the director of the Provincial News Center, and Chang Xingyu was transferred to the provincial radio station as the director of the News Center. Everyone's careers were thriving. However, Yicheng's health took a downturn, and he encountered Qiao Qiqi and his daughter, Qiao Yunzhi, in the hospital. It turned out that Qiao Yunzhi had been diagnosed with autism, and Qiqi took on the responsibility alone. Qu Aying brought her daughter-in-law to live in the old Qiao family house, causing dissatisfaction from Simei. Qiao Yicheng developed a kidney disease, and trouble arose in the Qiao family once again. Qiao Zuwang wanted to host a birthday banquet for Qu Aying. Many speculated that the two might take this opportunity to get married. Simei, who was already exhausted, was furious and wanted to stop it. However, Qiao Yicheng, who was weary, didn't want to get involved. Qiao Zuwang had an unexpected injury and was bedridden, relying on Qu Aying for daily care. Qu Aying's attitude toward him gradually changed, and she even began to exert control over him. Upon learning of the situation, Yicheng requested that the family members deposit their living expenses into a joint account and pay it monthly to Qiao Zuwang to prevent further disputes.
S1 • E35
Qiao Zuwang's health gradually deteriorated, and his children took turns visiting him. However, Qu Aying moved Qiao Zuwang to the living room and gave the bedroom to her son and daughter-in-law. When Simei saw this, she got into an argument with Qu Aying but was scolded by Qiao Zuwang, which made Qu Aying even more triumphant. Yicheng returned to the Qiao family and confronted Qu Aying, who didn't seem to care and acted as if she were the mistress of the Qiao family. In the past, Yicheng had discussed moving Qiao Zuwang to the living room to allow his sisters to have separate rooms from the brothers. However, Qiao Zuwang had refused. Now, he was willing to give it up to a stranger, which deeply saddened Yicheng. Later, Yicheng picked up Xiang Nanfang when she returned to Nanjing. To his surprise, he saw Nanfang being driven back by a young man who also gave her a bouquet of flowers. Yicheng revealed his health condition to Qi Weimin and asked him to take care of his siblings. Seeing Yicheng's dejected demeanor as he contemplated hiding his illness from his family, Qi Weimin became very angry.
S1 • E36
Qu Aying pressured and demanded that Qiao Zuwang marry her and leave the old house to her. In a confused state, Qiao Zuwang agreed. However, Qiao Zuwang suddenly passed away, and Qu Aying's plans fell apart. Yicheng took care of his father's funeral arrangements, his emotions a complex mix. He had shouldered the burden meant for his father since he was twelve, expecting to feel resentment and relief upon his father's passing. However, he found that grief surged within him like a tidal wave. Qu Aying refused to leave and attempted to seize the old Qiao family house. Yicheng showed her the property deed, indicating that the Qiao family had decided to bequeath the old house to Simei, a single mother. Yicheng also showed Qu Aying a note given by Qiao Zuwang to Qiqi, clearly recording every sum of money Qiao Zuwang had given to Qu Aying. The amount was substantial, and in the end, Qu Aying had no choice but to leave. Yicheng collapsed and was taken to the hospital. His siblings finally learned about his illness, and Xiang Nanfang also returned. His siblings hurried to find a suitable kidney donor, and in the end, only Qiao Qiqi was a match. Yicheng initially resisted accepting Qiqi's kidney but was eventually persuaded. His surgery was very successful. The old Qiao family house was slated for demolition, and the Qiao family's children returned to the house where they had grown up, gathering together in a lively manner to welcome the arrival of the new year.
Qiao Sanli
Qiao Erqiang
Qiao Qiqi
Qiao Zuwang
Qi Weimin
Ma Suqin
Qiao Zuwang
Wei Shufang
Xiang Nanfang
Qiao Yicheng