Chunlan lost both her parents and became an orphan. Sent to a remote mountain village as an educated youth, she married a local farmer named Niu Er. There was no love between them; married life was only about carrying on the family line. Her three children were little “crawlers” in the countryside, but when they set out for the city, each made a life of their own. Her eldest daughter, Xiuxiu, studied hard, became a top blue-collar professional, and found a happy marriage. Her second daughter, Xiaomei, was vain and pleasure-seeking. She became a mistress, a “seductress.” When true love came along, she couldn’t hold on to happiness, and her story ended in tragedy. Her youngest, Haihai, had his first love fall apart, but then luck turned his way. After getting “rich overnight,” he threw himself into a life of pleasure. Cunning and sycophantic, he made his way through officialdom and the business world, becoming a consummate operator.
The story follows the three siblings through their very different lives, focusing on Xiaomei and Haihai’s remarkable lives and adventures. The plot is intricate and full of twists, with a large cast of interconnected characters. It features bonds of family stronger than blood, friendships worth risking everything for, and tearjerking romance. There are power struggles in officialdom, ruthless competition in business, and selfless love...
