The 1980s: I Cleared the Golden Triangle to Earn My Bride Price

In 1983, on the eve of the crackdown, young people sent to the countryside are flocking back to the cities.

Li Weiguo, a local ne’er-do-well, awakens an “All-Purpose Search System.” He originally plans to save up enough for the three big-ticket items and a bicycle so he can get married, but unexpectedly embarks on a legendary life.

At first, he simply helps Aunt Wang from the production team find her missing egg-laying hen, and helps the supply and marketing cooperative recover a stolen bicycle. Everything is wholesome and down-to-earth.

Then one day, Su Wan, the most beautiful educated youth in the neighboring village, goes missing. A ransom letter from the border shatters the peace: “Want her back? Bring five thousand yuan to the southwestern frontier…”

For the girl he holds dear, and for the hefty reward, Li Weiguo takes a hunting rifle and ventures alone into the chaotic southwestern borderlands.

He tracks through the jungle, raids bandit dens at night, and single-handedly wipes out a gang of thieves!

When he emerges from the mountains covered in blood, carrying Su Wan on his back, the whole county is in an uproar!

After that, his search assignments grow more and more outrageous:

Head to the northwestern desert to find the data for a missing nuclear warhead? Search the remote mountains for a crashed enemy reconnaissance plane? Go to Hong Kong to find stolen national treasures?

Or lead a team deep into the frozen wilderness just to recover lost survey blueprints?

Li Weiguo: “Chief, I really just wanted to earn some money for the bride price and build a tiled-roof house. I never meant to become a first-class hero!”

Until

Ding! The National Security Bureau is keeping an eye on you!

Ding! The Northwest Nuclear Research Institute has sent you a special appointment!

Ding! The Army-wide Martial Arts Tournament wants you as its head instructor!

From the village ne’er-do-well to a recipient of the Republic Medal, Li Weiguo looks at the wall covered in honor banners and helplessly spreads his hands:

“Officer, that counts as self-defense, right?”