Summary
Highlights
Xu Erlong awakens from a past life of being exploited and resolves to never let his family take advantage of him again. He confronts his father and cousin, Xu Damin, who are trying to claim a demolition compensation that should be his. Erlong strategically breaks off his engagement with Zhou Ya, and then begins to gather sea cucumbers knowing their future value.
While collecting seafood, Erlong saves a child from drowning, earning the gratitude of Wang Bolin, a factory manager. This unexpected encounter leads to a deal where Erlong supplies 200 jin (about 220 pounds) of sea cucumbers daily at 50 cents per jin. He uses this opportunity to buy sea cucumbers from villagers at a lower price, ensuring a profitable venture.
Erlong's newfound wealth causes friction with his family, particularly his grandmother and Damin, who accuse him of hiding money. Erlong stands up to them, exposing Damin's irresponsible spending and Zhou Ya's infidelity, ultimately leading to their separation from the toxic family environment. He then secures a major deal to supply 1,000 jin of sea cucumbers daily to a city company.
Xu Damin attempts to sabotage Erlong's business by offering immediate cash for sea cucumbers instead of IOUs. However, Erlong's ability to pay off his debts and his new lucrative contract allow him to continue his business. He also cleverly uses a truck driver who had a breakdown, that Damin couldn't fix, to help him transport his goods, thereby solidifying his transportation network.
Erlong's past good deed of saving a girl from drowning indirectly leads to Li Yingtong, the girl he saved, thanking him. When Xu Damin attempts to claim credit for that rescue, Erlong's family tries to force Yingtong to marry Damin. Erlong intervenes and reveals Damin's character flaws, protecting Yingtong and further exposing his manipulative family.
Erlong uses his increasing influence to further expose his father's affair with Damin's mother. This leads to his mother finally divorcing his father, a bold move in their community. Erlong celebrates this newfound freedom with his mother and sister, promising them better lives and supporting his sister's education.
Erlong begins building a marine aquaculture farm, getting approval from the Fisheries Bureau with the help of Uncle Li, Li Yingtong's father. Damin, fueled by jealousy, tries to stop the project by inciting villagers against Erlong and then attempts to poison the fish farm. Erlong, having anticipated this, sets a trap to catch Damin red-handed.
Damin's attempted sabotage fails, leading to his arrest and the cancellation of his university admission due to his character issues. Erlong continues to innovate, implementing a new method to improve fish fry survival rates with Li Yingtong's advice. His success solidifies his reputation and wealth, becoming a 'ten-thousand-yuan household'.
Xu Damin, having lost everything, is abandoned by Zhou Ya, who values status and wealth. Erlong confronts Damin, highlighting the consequences of his greed and malice. In a turn of events, Erlong, surrounded by his supportive mother, sister, and Li Yingtong—who confesses her feelings—proposes to her, signaling a bright future free from the past's shadows.