Episode Summary
Dong Dalin takes responsibility for Dong Erlin's debts, uniting the family. They work to repay the villagers, with support from relatives. Chen Ling's past is revealed during a prison visit. The Dong family establishes a green farming cooperative, leading Yagou Village towards prosperity. Chen Ling is released from prison, and the family reunites, recommitting to each other.
Spoiler Alert
"Green Hills Are Home" Episode 29: Family, Debts, and a Fresh Start
Okay, so things are still super tense at the Dong household. Episode 29 opens with the creditors and villagers back at Dong Erlin's door, demanding their money. Dong Erlin is completely defeated, ready to slaughter a pig for one last extravagant meal before... well, who knows what. But just as he's about to do it, Dong Dalin steps in!
Dalin makes it clear that debts need to be paid. He announces that he'll be taking responsibility for Erlin's debts. This act of brotherly love and responsibility really gets to the villagers.
Grandma Dong is heartbroken but relieved to see Dalin bringing Erlin back into the fold. Meanwhile, Dong Xin discovers that Chen Ling (his mom) has a whopping 1.5 million yuan in her bank account. He wants to use some of it to help Dalin, but Dalin insists on paying off the villagers first. Dong Xin, filled with emotion, kneels before them in gratitude.
The next day, Dalin gathers all the creditors. Since he doesn't have enough to pay everyone, he proposes a plan: pay off those from other villages first, then their own; distant relatives before close ones. Dong Yan and her husband, Zhang Kun, even sell their new apartment to help Erlin pay off his debts.
Dalin is so proud of his sister's maturity. He promises everyone that he'll pay off all the debts within three years. Moved by Dalin's commitment, the relatives and friends agree to wait patiently, without charging interest. Erlin also steps up, taking responsibility and handing over the money to the creditors.
Later, Dong Xin visits Chen Ling in prison. He tells her that he took the money from the card to pay everyone back. Chen Ling's reaction is unexpected. She reveals that she hoarded the money because of her own impoverished childhood. She didn't want her son to suffer the same hardships. As Chen Ling walks away, Dong Xin tearfully calls out to her.
Despite Chen Ling's imprisonment, the Dong family doesn't give up. Instead, they find a way to thrive. With financial support from Lüfeng Company and favorable policies from the Township Government, the Dong family leads the villagers in green farming, eventually establishing the Green Sea Cooperative. At the inauguration ceremony, Township Head Wang Zhiyuan praises Dalin's efforts, calling him the leader in Yagou Village's fight against poverty.
Dalin recounts the hardships of setting up the cooperative, from land transfer issues to overcoming technical challenges. He promises to transform Yagou Village's barren hills into a lush, green paradise.
Fast forward a few years, and the green farming cooperative is thriving. On the day before Chen Ling's release from prison, Dong Erlin visits Grandpa Dong's grave. Dalin asks Erlin about his plans. Erlin says he will never forgive Chen Ling. Dalin reminds him that Chen Ling is a strong woman who chose Erlin, and that he should fulfill his responsibilities as a husband and father. He also reminds Erlin of Grandpa Dong's last wish.
When Chen Ling is released, the entire Dong family is there to greet her, except for Erlin. Grandma Dong welcomes her back with tears in her eyes. Chen Ling immediately visits Grandpa Dong's grave and asks Erlin for a divorce. However, Erlin reminds her of Grandpa Dong's last wish and promises to stay with her as long as she doesn't abandon him. Chen Ling is moved and embraces Erlin.
Jiang Menglian invites Dalin to participate in a green health product exhibition. Dalin is hesitant, but with encouragement from Jiang Menglian and Feng Qiulan, he expresses his commitment to protecting the land. His speech is so inspiring that it moves the audience to tears. Dalin imagines Grandpa Dong watching from the audience, giving him a proud look and applauding. Under Dalin's leadership, the family unites and embarks on a path to prosperity.
