Summary
Highlights
Zhong Yuanzhao finds himself reborn in 1998 after witnessing his wife's infidelity. He decides to divorce her immediately, much to her surprise and his own relief, vowing to prevent the unfortunate events of his previous life.
Zhong Yuanzhao returns home to his family, expressing regret for his past neglect. He embraces his parents and siblings, promising to make up for lost time and provide them with a better life. He is then appointed director of the Retirement Office at the factory, a position his ex-wife's father, He Gui, tries to use to his disadvantage.
Zhong Yuanzhao uses his new position and a small bungalow from the school to start a dealership, selling innovative ice cream. His product quickly gains popularity, especially among students, allowing him to pay outstanding teacher pensions.
He Gui, Zhong's ex-father-in-law and the factory director, attempts to discredit and remove Zhong by transferring a close employee, Li Xuezhu, and trying to shut down Zhong's dealership. Xie Ningzhu, a high-ranking official, observes Zhong's resourcefulness and intervenes, hinting at bigger changes for the factory.
Zhong expands his product line to include cigarettes, strategically using it to identify and manage student smokers while boosting sales. He Gui's continued attempts to undermine Zhong backfire, leading to his removal as factory director and Zhong's promotion, supported by Xie Ningzhu.
Zhong acquires a struggling popsicle factory and enlists Xue Hong, a skilled martial artist, to help manage the expanded operations. He leverages his connections to gather a team and begins laying the groundwork for a broader business empire.
Zhong secures a partnership with Professor Zhu Qingyue from Jiangnan University to research and develop health products, beginning with a brain-boosting formula. He also arranges for his sister to study accounting at the university, anticipating future business needs.
Xie Ningzhu, feeling rejected by Zhong, confides in her sister, Yazhi. Meanwhile, Zhong's ex-wife, He Xiuling, and Yazhi are unknowingly lured into a human trafficking scheme by He Xiuling's current partner, Zhao Progress. Zhong, along with Xie Ningzhu's father, successfully rescues the women.
The rescue leads to the dismantling of a trafficking ring and underground casinos. He Xiuling expresses regret for divorcing Zhong. Zhong continues to grow his business, now focusing on health products, with the support of his new team and Xie Ningzhu's family.
Zhong's relationship with Xie Ningzhu deepens after he protects her from an unwanted suitor. His strategic business moves lead to the acquisition of both the Hualing factory and the canning factory, solidifying his position as a prominent entrepreneur.
With his business empire flourishing, Zhong Yuanzhao marries Xie Ningzhu. The story concludes with their wedding, symbolizing his success in both business and personal life, and his continued influence in the region.