Episode Summary
In a flashback to the 90s, Chen Pengqian struggles to convince stubborn villagers in his hometown to relocate for a development project. His boss pressures him to speed things up and also sends him to bribe an environmental official for a land reclamation permit. Later, Chen takes his daughter to find sea frogs, but they only find a dead one due to severe river pollution.
Spoiler Alert
Back to the 90s
We start with a flashback to the early 1990s. The Shenglqiang Group is ready to develop Dasha Village in Shenzhen's Futian district. Chen Pengqian works for the company. He actually grew up in Dasha Village. So, naturally, the bosses send him to convince the villagers to move. The deal sounds pretty good on paper. The company promises new apartments and a big chunk of cash for relocation.
Most villagers are on board. They sign the agreements without much fuss. But a few holdouts refuse to leave their hometown. Chen tries everything. He talks until his throat is dry. It doesn't work. The villagers almost beat him up. He gets scared and runs away.
Stuck in the Middle
Chen runs out of ideas. He goes to his childhood friend, A-Tao, for help. But A-Tao can't do much either. His own cousin is one of the stubborn holdouts. Chen doesn't want to give up. He goes back to knocking on doors.
Manager Jia puts the pressure on. He tells Chen to hurry up with these last few families. The project is falling behind schedule. Chen has no choice. He forces himself to go back and beg the villagers again.
The Bureaucracy Game
Manager Jia gives Chen a new mission. He needs approval for a mangrove land reclamation project. He has to see Deputy Director Wang at the Environmental Protection Bureau. Chen goes to see Wang first thing in the morning. He tries to ask about the benefits of eco-friendly reclamation. Wang has zero patience for this. He brushes Chen off with a few words.
Chen goes back to report to Manager Jia. Jia is not impressed. He realizes Chen went to see the official empty-handed. He tells Chen to grab some gifts and go back.
A Sad Discovery
Chen finishes work and goes home. His daughter, Linlin, wants to go observe sea frogs. Chen takes her down to the river. The pollution is terrible. Chen searches for ages. He finally finds one sea frog. It's already dead. He and Linlin bury the frog together.
