Episode Summary

The Dong family faces turmoil as Grandpa Dong recovers from surgery, but Erlin hides from his responsibilities. Chen Ling is haunted by her past, leading to family conflict. Erlin confronts creditors but is saved by Feng Qiulan. Chen Ling pretends to be insane to ward off debt collectors. The family grapples with Chen Ling's impending legal trouble and the tradition of "大片肉(dà piàn ròu)" as Grandpa Dong passes away.

Spoiler Alert

"Green Hills Are Home" Episode 28: Drama Boils Over

Okay, so Grandpa Dong's surgery went okay, but Dong Erlin is basically MIA, hiding out at the hospital. Dong Dalin is livid. He sees his younger brother as completely useless, unable to step up when the family needs him most. The whole Dong family is in chaos, and Chen Ling is desperate for her husband, Dong Erlin, to take charge. But he's just turtling, refusing to face the music.

Dong Dalin tears into Dong Erlin, who then confronts Chen Ling. He's furious about her past actions and accuses her of still being stuck in her old ways. Chen Ling breaks down, begging for forgiveness. Dong Xin calls, demanding to know if Dong Erlin is coming home. Dong Erlin warns Chen Ling to keep an eye on their son and decides he's going to face everything alone.

But as soon as Dong Erlin gets home, BAM! He's surrounded by creditors led by a bald head. Luckily, Feng Qiulan and Wang Binzi show up just in time. Feng Qiulan threatens to call the cops, and the bald head and his crew scram. Dong Xin is furious with Chen Ling for letting his aunt take the heat. He basically disowns her, telling her she's no longer his mother.

Heartbroken, Chen Ling drives back to Yagou Village. As soon as she gets home, Sis-in-law Feng and others block her in the courtyard. Chen Ling gets pushed to the ground, hits her head, and starts acting crazy, yelling and screaming, which scares off some of the creditors. Feng Qiulan and Dong Erlin rush over when they hear Chen Ling has "gone mad." Dong Erlin knows his wife is faking it.

Then, the county transportation bureau calls. Dong Erlin goes in Chen Ling's place, and he's gone all day. Dong Xin comes home, and Chen Ling cries, asking why he came back, worried she's ruined his life. But Dong Xin doesn't care and comforts her. Meanwhile, Dong Dalin and Wang Binzi track down Ma San, who gets arrested.

When Dong Dalin returns to Chen Ling's house, he reveals that Ma San sold her inferior goods. Chen Ling finally understands. Dong Dalin warns her that Ma San and Boss Lin will likely blame everything on her to reduce their own sentences, especially since she's a major shareholder in the project. He urges her to turn herself in. Chen Ling is devastated and lashes out at Dong Dalin. But then, the creditors start banging on the door, demanding their money. Dong Dalin tells Chen Ling that if she doesn't face this, Dong Erlin and Dong Xin will be harassed by creditors every day. For her husband and son, Chen Ling decides to surrender to the police.

Auntand some others confront Feng Qiulan, hoping to get their money back. Sis-in-law Feng and her group go after Dong Erlin and Dong Xin. Dong Xin cleverly reveals that their car is at Sis-in-law Feng's house, so Auntand the others chase after her. Grandpa Dong learns about Chen Ling's situation and becomes seriously ill. Before he dies, he praises Dong Xin as a good kid who will be successful.

Dong Dalin and his wife, along with Dong Erlin, are at Grandpa Dong's bedside. Dong Yan and Dong Peng are rushing home from the city. Grandpa Dong tells Dong Erlin to remember the 400,000 yuan he owes his brother and sister-in-law and to keep the family together, no matter what. He also tells him to bring Chen Ling back. Dong Peng arrives in time to see his grandfather before he passes away, but Dong Yan and Zhang Kun are too late. Dong Yan is heartbroken and filled with guilt.

Afterward, the village starts talking about the Dong family preparing big slices of meat. This is an old tradition where someone who's bankrupt offers a feast to settle their debts, but it also means the family will lose face in the village. Zheng Qiangzi sees the villagers heading to Dong Erlin's house and calls Dong Dalin.