[Republican-era ensemble cast + love of country and family + two strong leads + older top + sweet romance + pursuing love + powerful one bows his head + intense angst + tragic ending]
During the Republican era, Nanjing was home to two famous romantics.
I do not believe in Buddha, but I am willing to kneel at every temple in Nanjing, just to beg Heaven to return my wife to me.
Zhou Qingshi, courtesy name Changyu, was the eldest son and eldest grandson of the Zhou family, and ninth in birth order. In status and standing, he was the darling of Nanjing.
In outsiders' eyes, he was cold and proud, and seemed indifferent to worldly things.
Though he seemed indifferent, he had a soft spot for his next-door neighbor, Tong Xixue, who was nine years younger. In her presence, he was gentle as water and indulged her in everything.
Tong Xixue had once been his neighbor and the woman he interacted with most. When he returned from a trip abroad, she had become his niece, though they were not related by blood.
To help Zhou Qingshi obtain intelligence, Tong Xixue used the alias Tong Tong and drew the attention of Shen Mosang, a general in Nanjing. Zhou Qingshi and Shen Mosang had once served as comrades, but their differing beliefs eventually made them enemies.
The male lead has many secret identities. After becoming head of his family, he discovers during a mission that Tong Xixue is with the Military Statistics Bureau.
After a great fire, Tong Xixue disappears. He searches for her for nine years, personally visiting every temple in Nanjing despite not believing in Buddha.
He saves the country while searching for the woman he loves...
And Shen Mosang is no different from him.
When they meet again, they point their guns at each other. The male lead puts principle above family, only to discover in the end that she is a Communist spy planted inside the Military Statistics Bureau.
A woman who plays hard to get leaves him unable to resist her.
A reserved man, not one for sweet talk, but full of action.
Tong Xixue: Ninth Uncle!
Zhou Qingshi: Call me Brother Changyu. I only want to be your Brother Changyu!
Shen Mosang: Tong, in my next life, I want to meet you first.
Theme: Love knows neither gender nor age
[Orange Candy] I'm done with it. How charming is Zhou Qingshi?
What you do is cute, what she does is pretentious
People who like it are called cute, and people who don't like it are called cute.
Uncle Jiu, you are already twenty-seven.
[Orange Candy] I'm done eating it, who am I eating it?
Regardless of that era, a wealthy family always deserves a wealthy family.
[Orange Candy] It's time for two people who like each other to pretend like this
This feeling of youth...
No prototype, just random
[Orange Candy] Here comes the charm of the New Year