Chinese Drama 2023
Gen Z (Hou Lang) – Chinese Drama Review & Summary
- Genre: Medical Drama, Chinese Medicine, Youth, School
- Release Date: 14 May 2023
- Origin: China
- Cdrama: 40 Episodes
Cast
- Zhao Lu Si as Sun Tou Tou
- Wu Gang as Prof Ren Xin Zheng
- Luo Yi Zhou as Ren Tianzhen
- Li Bai Hui as Xu Meng
- Zhu Jun Lin as Zhao Li Quan
- Yan An as Liu Zi Hong
- Alina Zhang as Yang Xiao Hong/Roubeika
- Jiang Shan as Song Ling Lan
- Zhou Cheng Ao as Peng Shi Yan
- Ju Hao as Liu Chang Qing
- Dai Lu Wa as Tian Xing Xing
- Xi Mei Juan as Zhang Ji Ru
- Li Guang Fu as Song Yi Ren
- Cao Ke Fan as Wu Shan Dao
- Zhao Zi Qi as Cheng Ying
- Tian Lei as Wu Yu
Quick Precis
Sun Tou Tou is a feisty young woman who got into trouble while fighting injustice.
She was rescued by Prof Ren Xin Zheng who learned her miserable life story. He encouraged her to study Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It was not smooth sailing as Prof Ren’s son, Sun Tianzhen was causing her some grief but over time they learned to get along and learn more about Chinese Medicine and how to promote it further.
Snippets
- Wow, it has a super cast except for Luo Yi Zhou who is a newbie, but hold on he is well trained in classical dance. He is currently studying acting at the Central Academy of Drama.
- The cast will be getting a crash course in Chinese medicine before filming starts sometime in December 2021.
- 4 December 2021: Rumour is getting louder that Liu Haoran will be the Male Lead. Yes!!!!!❤️❤️❤️
- This is an S+ drama from Youku which means it will have a big budget! Yey
- 23 December 2021: Booting ceremony is expected to be held in early January 2022. Male lead is still up in the air.
- 14 January 2022: The booting ceremony is to be held next month. It looks like that LuSi will carry this film under her young shoulders because as per the current rumour, Luo Yi Zhou is likely to be the male lead. Let’s wait and see.
- 3 February 2022: Apparently, there are major changes to this drama. It is not a romance drama but more on the history and know-how of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sounds interesting. Let’s go!
- 4 February 2022: It looks like Huang Zhi Zhong is to be replaced by Wu Gang, who is also a fine actor.
- 8 February 2022: Rumour has it that filming will begin on the 10th of February 2022.
- This is really an exciting project for Zhao LuSi. The male lead is basically Wu Gang. Working with Wu Gang means LuSi has made it as an A-List actress.
- 10 February 2022: The cameras have opened. Ready to shoot for 120 days.
- 7 June 2022: It is a wrap after 118 shooting days.
- 19 December 2022: The drama has obtained a distribution license for 40 Episodes. It is good to go.
- Hou Lang has been retitled as Gen Z.
- 9 March 2023: Another rumour, another day! Apparently, it will now be released on 19 April 2023.
- 1 May 2023: Rumoured for 14 May 2023 broadcast
- 24 May 2023: After 11 days of broadcast, Houlang reached Youku’s 10,000 rating.
- Awards & Nominations
- 2023 Asian TV Awards
- Nomination for Best Screenplay
- Nomination for Zhao Lusi as Best Actress
- Nomination for Luo Yizhou for Best Supporting Actor
- Shortlisted for the 14th Macau International TV Festival.
- 1 January 2024: Gen Z won “Outstanding Drama Series of the Year” in China TV Drama Awards 国剧盛典 2023 Awards Ceremony broadcast by Anhui Satellite TV !!!
- Liu Yizhou won Outstanding Actor of the Year for his role in Gen Z.
- Houlang (Gen Z) was awarded the Quality Drama of the Year at the 2024 TV Series Quality Ceremony
- 2023 Asian TV Awards
Episode 1
I love it. I have gotten used to the release of 5 to 6 episodes of new dramas so I was rather feeling bereft when there were only two episodes of Hou Lang. I was left wanting more.
It was such a treat to see Zhao LuSi in a new drama again. And these first two episodes did not disappoint.
The synergy between Zhao LuSi and Wu Gang is really captivating. A new actor, Luo Yizhou is a revelation. He can really act.
There are many familiar faces that make this drama a real gem.
Anyway, Sun Tou Tou grew up in an orphanage. After getting a high school education, she decided to live on her own and be totally independent at eighteen.
She is a feisty young woman, who champions justice. However, her often do-gooding gets her into trouble, and often ends up being chastised by the police.
I must say despite only a brief scene of Du Chun as a traffic police officer reprimanding LuSi’s Sun Toutou, they showed so much chemistry. I hope they work together in a full drama in the not-too-distant future.
Now at 20, Tou Tou had become savvy at navigating life, though sometimes she sails close to the wind.
Sun Tou Tou cooks as well as deliver the food. She was doing her usual deliveries and her first stop was to deliver a takeout to a university student, Ren Tian Zhen.
Because she was stopped by the police, she was late and her customer was having none of it. He told her to keep her food. To Sun Tou Tou’s fury, Ren Tian Zhen would not listen to her explanation but just walked away so she called him back and threw the food on his head. The chicken noodle soup dripped on his rather elegant suit.
Poor Ren Tian Zhen had to attend his thesis interview in a very casual red t-shirt instead.
Meanwhile, Sun Tou Tou’s next delivery was to a woman who was calling for help as she was being beaten up. Sun Tou Tou did not hesitate to help. She beat up the man and broke his arm. When the police came, the woman, who happened to be the sister of the violent thug lied. She said that Sun Tou Tou attacked her brother because they gave her a low rating on the food delivery.
Sun Tou Tou is well known by the police as being of good character, but they can’t just let her go this time with just a warning as she did break the man’s arm.
Meanwhile, Professor Ren was given a dossier of the rightful heir to the Jiang Medical Sect. They found the successor to their master. The successor is a twenty-year-old girl who happened to be in jail.
Professor Ren knew he had to rescue the girl as they have been looking for the Jiang Sect heir for a long time.
After bailing her out with 100,000, Sun Tou Tou wanted to know why the Professor helped her. She told him that she was not selling her body or her kidneys.
She was told that she was the heir to the Jiang Sect.
Sun Tou Tou just laughed it off!
She was taken by Professor Ren to a coterie of white-coated Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors.
Sun Tou Tou was introduced as the Senior Aunt of the Group. She is the rightful heir to the Jiang Medicine Sect. Professor Ren ask Sun ‘Tou Tou to pay homage to her Jiang ancestors and then he asked everyone to bow and honour their Senior Aunt.
Toutou was completely gobsmacked at this point and then a familiar face appeared. But he refused to bow at her.
Episode 2
The guy was Ren Tian Zhen, the son of Professor Ren.
Ren Tian Zhen was rather rebellious because he thought his parents were too controlling. They made him follow in their footsteps into becoming a practitioner of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) without really giving him any choice or leeway to do what he wanted.
Professor Ren told him that they were not stopping him to do something else.
Ren Tian Zhen sarcastically opined he is now studying for his Ph.D, it was 20 years too late.
Despite, his temperamental nature, he knew he is a much-loved son and grandson.
He lives with Professor Ren and his long-suffering mother, Song Lin Lang, Grandad Song Yi Ren and Grandma Zhang Ji Ru. They are a family of TCM doctors. Their morning ritual over breakfast was to take each other’s pulse to monitor their health. So heartwarming and healthy😉
Professor Ren was determined for Tou Tou to come into the fold of TCM so he made her an offer she cannot refuse. He made her sign a contract so she can’t change her mind as she is rather mercurial at times.
Now, Professor Ren shocked his wife by telling her that he had resigned from his rather cushy job at the university. He wanted to open his own school and the inheritor will be the central figure.
Love this drama, the various relationships are heartwarming. Tou Tou and her best friend Tian Xing Xing are so cute especially when they were discussing the boy that Tou Tou wanted to become her boyfriend who happened to be Ren Tian Zhen.
Can’t wait for the next episodes 3-4.
Episode 3
This episode introduces some of the students for Professor Ren’s TCM school.
Professor Ren’s TCM school started recruiting students.
The first one to enroll was Rebecca or Roubeika as Tou Tou calls her.
Rebecca is a high-powered lawyer who just won her client more than 33 million RMB in compensation. The opposing lawyer admired and congratulated her but then he keeled over.
He died of a heart attack in front of her and she felt guilty for not being able to save him. She was really affected by it so she took a sabbatical and thought that TCM is the best way to learn first aid.
Then there was Zhao Li Quan who is a school friend of Ren Tian Zhen. Zhao LI Quan comes from a poor family in the village. Now that he had finished his degree, they expected him to find a job immediately so he could start shouldering the living expenses of the family and some of the villagers. However, finding a job is easier said than done. So he decided to get a practicum from Professor Ren’s TCM to enhance his CV.
Another friend of Ren Tian Zhen was Peng Zhi Yan who was a Western medical doctor. Peng Zhi Yan was on sick leave from the hospital so Ren Tian Zhen asked him to attend his father’s TCM. Tian Zhen encouraged Peng Zhi Yan to show off his Western medical knowledge in comparison with TCM.
Then, Tou Tou’s best friend showed up. Tian Xing Xing said that she is a nurse in the ER but she had always been interested in TCM. And of course, curious about the boy that Tou Tou was raving about.
Episode 4
It was not smooth sailing at the school, for one thing, the logistic is not properly planned just yet but the Professor relied on his wife to solve everything.
Professor Ren is very partial towards Tou Tou and yet very strict with his own son. He reasoned that Ren Tian Zhen had all the love and support of his grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends. While Tou Tou grew up alone.
He said that he will at least make Tou Tou a respectable lady even if she does not turn into the natural inheritor of the TCM they were hoping for.
Tou Tou showed not much interest in studying. She would often sleep during class but somehow Professor Ren did not mind at all, He was right not to be concerned because, despite Tou Tou snoozing during class, she hears the topic of discussion and understands it as realised by Roubeika later on.
Tou Tou, however, is a hard worker. She does labour without any question. She impressed her schoolmates with her knowledge of cuisine from different nearby restaurants. She could tell which food came from what restaurant by tasting it. They agreed that they were spending so much on rather substandard food so Tou Tou was teased to do the cooking. She gladly took up the challenge.
She, Ren Tian Zhen, Zhao Li Quan, and Peng Zhi Yan went to the supermarket to get supplies, woks, pots, and pans.
They met a girl who said that she runs a nail bar from across the road. Ren Tian Zhen did not have time for her but Tou Tou was polite and even friended her on WeChat which infuriated Ren Tian Zhen.
He told Tou Tou not to willingly give her account because she could become a victim of identity theft, they could go to her bank account and empty it.
Tou Tou said that she had nothing to worry about because there is no money in her account and the girl was rather cute, so it was a win-win for her.
Ren Tian Zhen left her in disgust.🤣
Anyway, Tou Tou saw the girl fall down near a product display. The three boys noticed as well. Ren Tian Zhen immediately got his acupuncture needles to treat the girl.
Back at the school, Tou Tou’s cooking got the thumbs up from everyone and Professor Ren was particularly delighted with the beef dish.
Tou Tou recounted what happened at the supermarket and how brilliant Ren Tian Zhen was. The boys told the symptoms which made Professor Ren and Song Lin Lang suddenly alert They asked almost simultaneously where the girl was now. Tou Tou said that she might have the contact of the girl from WeChat. They rushed out to find the girl.
Ren Tian Zhen later on reported that the girl was now safe but Professor Ren scolded him. He said Tian Zhen almost killed a girl. Poor Tian Zhen was depressed and felt so low.
Tou Tou knocked on the boys’ room to ask if they have an extra doll with them because when she tried to order one, all she could find were sex dolls.
But the boys were serious and told her that the girl, Xu Meng, was operated on; one of her fallopian tubes was removed. They said that Xu Meng had an ectopic pregnancy.
Episode 5
Ren Tian Zhen felt so guilty about Xu Meng he was ready to leave his apprenticeship but then Tou Tou told him that he should feel proud of himself for his willingness to save people. Xu Meng did not die and why is she even pregnant at such a young age?
This is what I love about Tou Tou, no filter whatsoever when she talks.
Tou Tou and Ren Tian Zhen were always at each other’s throats. Peng Shi Yan was teasing Tou Tou about having perfect legs, and perfect skin but her face…
Ren Tian Zhen joined in and said that Tou Tou looks like a man.
Tou Tou had him in a headlock. Ren Tian Zhen ended up doing a split on the ground while Tou Tou was astride him. 🤣🤣🤣
Lin Lang saw them and told them to stop being silly.
Roubeika complained that Tou Tou took her thing without permission and called Toutou a thief, she said that she hated Tou Tou for touching her things and she wanted another room.
She was told that there were no rooms available anymore. She would not give up so she requested that she becomes a day boarder rather than sleeping at the school dorm.
Professor Ren said that the purpose of full boarding was for everyone to get to know themselves from the eyes of others. Roubeika understood.
Peng Shi Yan could not help asking Tou Tou why Professor Ren takes her side all the time.
Tou Tou cheekily said that she is Professor Ren’s Senior Aunt so he must show her respect.
Anyway, the apprentices were taken to the mountains for the Qingming Festival to sweep the grave of their ancestors. They were sweeping the grave of a legendary TCM doctor.
Episode 6
Professor Ren and Lan Ling understood why Tou Tou was playing up all the time. She wanted to be the centre of attention having grown up in an orphanage. She was testing the water with how much she could get away with but they know that she will calm down eventually after she feels more secure and achieve a sense of belonging.
Tou Tou tried to run away one night but got hopelessly lost in the dark forest. Then she was stung by a swarm of bees.
Professor Ren and Ren Tian Zhen found her. Tian Zhen could not help laughing at Tou Tou’s swollen face.
Tou Tou felt so sorry for herself; she promised Professor Ren that she will not run away again, she will listen to the lectures and not fall asleep in class, and she will be the best student.
Professor Ren took her promises with a pinch of salt but he was quite hopeful.
He treated Tou Tou’s swollen face with herbs but she complained that it was too cold. Professor Ren remembered a solution. He asked someone to pee. Apparently, wee is medicinal and warming. 🤣🤣🤣
Tou Tou was not having it at first but she was so stressed and tired that she fell asleep. Meanwhile, Professor Ren told Tian Zhen to apply the peed herbs to Tou Tou’s face.
Tian Zhen was only too happy to comply.
I love this drama. Tou Tou is over the top but somehow, Lusi made her ultra adorable.
Episode 7
Tou Tou was chatting up Tian Zhen when Meng Meng’s father turned up at the clinic. He wanted help from Professor Ren and Tian Zhen regarding Meng Meng who he said had lost her mind.
She does not go to school anymore, barely eats, and does not talk.
Professor Ren and Lan Ling went to visit Meng Meng and found her out of control and very frightened. They realised that she was on a trajectory of taking her own life.
When Tian Zhen found out how ill Meng Meng was, he volunteered to be in charge of her treatment. He moved her into their house.
This gave Professor Ren the idea of ordering Tou Tou to move into their house as well. He convinced Lan Ling that it was the perfect solution because Tou Tou could help look after Meng Meng who needed 24/7 surveillance.
Episode 8
Tou Tou was in trouble with the police again after she assaulted a patient’s relative who was attacking Tian Xing Xing at the ER of a hospital.
Professor Ren had to bail her out again but she cheekily told him that it did not cost as much as before.
There was a paraplegic girl who came with her mother to seek help from Professor Ren. Unfortunately, the person who run the girl over was also in the clinic.
So it was another rumble and poor Tou Tou got caught in the middle of it again.
It was a sad story all around. Apparently, the driver lost control of her car because she got distracted when she spotted her husband giving his mistress a new Ferrari. Not long ago he surprised her (wife) with a Ferrari wallet for her birthday, which she just now realised was a freebie from the purchase of the mistress’ new car.😭😭😭
Professor Ren made Zhu Xia (Ding Jian Xi’s mother) believe that Cheng Ying died.
Episode 9
Zhu Xia was inconsolable because she did beat up Cheng Ying and she was scared that she will end up in jail leaving Jian Xi to fend for her self.
She begged Professor Ren to foster Jian Xi. But the professor refused. She begged on her bended knees to help her. She was really heartbroken so Tou Tou nudge Professor Ren to come clean and tell the truth.
Zhu Xia was so relieved to find out the truth. Finally, she forgave Cheng Ying. She was so grateful to Professor Ren, she offered to work at the clinic to do the accounts as she was a retired accountant.
Poor Zhao Li Quan asked Professor Ren for a favour. He explained that his parents are coming over for a visit. He wanted Professor Ren to pretend that Li Quan is employed at the clinic rather than just a student apprentice.
`Professor Ren refused because he said he does not lie. (But he did when he made Zhu Xia believe that Cheng Yi died🤣)
Episode 10
This episode is Ren Tianzhen most hateful part. Well, I hope he has a bit of redemption because he was totally evil in this episode.
He waylaid a very cheerful Sun Toutou who has a big crush on him. It was easy to detain the girl with a promise of lots of alcohol, and the chance of a tete-a-tete with her crush. Ren Tianzhen purposely plied her with cans of beer as well as his grandparents’ prized 30-year-old Shaoxing wine She got so drunk and fell asleep on the bench overlooking a river nearby, he left her and went back home alone.
The household only found out that Toutou was not in the house when the medicinal herb that was on the boil dried up breaking the earthenware pot almost causing a fire.
Grandma was able to contain the near calamity but because of the smoke alarm, everyone was woken up.
Tianzhen immediately went to hug Mengmeng to assure her that everything was alright.
Dr Song said that Toutou volunteered to make Mengmeng’s medicine. When they called her, Toutou was not there and Tianzhen pretended not knowing anything about where Toutou was.
Episode 11
Tou Tou was a hit during the TCM forum attended by the big wigs of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Even Tian Zhen was impressed.
But he was rather envious of his father’s relationship with Toutou his protegee.
Episode 12
Professor Ren got the brunt of the ire of influential investors when he refused to make money for them.
Liu Chang Qing who convinced Professor Ren to use his property for free as a school for TCM had suddenly sent in contractors to renovate the school and dormitories so he could rent it out. He did this dastardly act without prior notice to Professor Ren.
The Professor was forced to cancel the lessons.
Episode 13
As the student are on a break from school, they went bonding by going to a seafood eatery. Unfortunately, the food did not agree with them. They were all stricken with food poisoning.
Dr Song prepared herbal medicine for them all but Peng Shi Yan could not help saying that they have bacterial infections and needed antibiotics rather than herbal medicine.
Professor Ren asked who started it all. No one really said who it was until the lecture got more and more heated so Toutou said that it was her. She was craving seafood grill so she asked her classmates to go with her.
Professor Ren got annoyed and accused her of trying to play heroin. He then said that it seems she was now a shark in his small pond so he expelled her.
Toutou left.
Dr Song spoke with Professor Ren about it. Professor Ren was rather upset that his star student left but he had too much pride to call Toutou back.
Professor Ren asked Tian Zhen if he had spoken to Toutou lately.
Tian Zhen was so unconcerned and said no. This infuriated Professor Ren and scolded his son for being uncaring to his classmate. Tian Zhen could not help but say that it was the Professor who drove Toutou away.
I hope Lusi and Luo YiZhou will work again in the not so distant future. They are so cute together.
Despite being away from school, Toutou continued studying and practising her calligraphy after Tian Zhen made sure she took school works with her when she left.
Uncle Tao who is a father figure to her at her delivery work had a severe back pain. So Toutou went to see Professor Ren if he could look at Uncle Tao. Professor Ren did not make it easy for her but he saw the Toutou was a different girl from when he first knew her. She is calm and no longer prone to arguing too much, but still, she is not a pushover.
Uncle Tao was seen by Dr Dong, the TCM massage therapist. Uncle Tao was amazed that he really felt better, good as new.
Episode 14
Dr Dong and Uncle Tao both encouraged Toutou to apologise to Professor Ren so she could return to school.
But Toutou is as prideful as Professor Ren, so she thanked the Professor rather than apologise.
Toutou was in trouble again with her delivery. A diamond engagement ring was misdelivered because of an incorrect address. It was not really not Toutou’s fault but she took it personally and knelt down in front of the woman she deliver the ring to.
It was trending and Tian Zhen showed it to Professor Ren who was appalled to see a kneeling Toutou. Tian Zhen could not understand how his father would be upset when Toutou behaved so humbly.
The Professor said Toutou should not be kneeling submissively afterall she is the inheritor of the Jiang Sect.
Anyway, the police got involved and warned the woman who would not return the ring that they are waiting for CCTV from the building supervisor and if they found out that she took the ring it would be larceny. The woman found the ring immediately.
Professor Ren was really missing Toutou which was making Tian Zhen smile in secret. He can’t help but enjoy watching his father squirm for missing Toutou and yet being too supercilious to admit it.
Tian Zhen told Toutou that his Grandma misses her and wished for her to apologise to Professor Ren and come back.
Uncle Tao told her not to lose this opportunity. He then bought her a beautiful moped as a going-away present.
Toutou apologised. Not sure who is happier about her return, her or Professor Ren because they were both smiling happily.
The scenery in this drama is so beautiful, especially the forests and woods and the OST, wow. I love the scenes
Episode 15
Toutou stole a chicken so she could cook it and find out what a beggar chicken taste like. She concluded that the book was wrong, beggar chicken was not tasty at all.
Toutou spent the holidays at Professor Ren’s house. It was not like a holiday because she still had to study.
Professor Ren told Toutou to go with Tian Zhen who was going to the library. But Toutou found out that he was not library bound but actually on his way to indulging his passion for extreme sports.
Tian Zhen sold his agarwood amulet but he told his family that he lost it.
Grandma was upset because it was a family heirloom and she was running out of ancient materials to make an amulet because Tian Zhen kept losing them.
Toutou rather let the cat out of the bag when she found out how much was the amulet. She said that if only she knew, she would have bought it back.
Dr Song went to redeem it the next day and found Toutou waiting outside the shop. They found out that they were too late. It has been sold.
Episode 16
Dr Song was really upset about the loss of the pendant which was noticed by Professor Ren.
Professor Ren went to confront and scold Tian Zhen. It escalated when the grandparents interfered. They said that Tian Zhen is a late bloomer, he is yet to fully grow.
Professor Ren said that Tian Zhen is not a late bloomer but just useless. Harsh!
Toutou interrupted the worsening argument and confessed to taking the pendant. She sold it to pay off a poker game debt. This is of course a lie.
Professor Ren told her to go into the garden and do a squat. Later on, Tian Zhen joined her but she told him to go inside because if she fainted she needs him to carry her inside.
She did faint. Professor Ren and Dr Song saw to her but later Tian Zhen was left to look after her. He was curious why she covered for him.
Toutou told him that every little problem in the house was because of him. She then said that Professor Ren nit-pick every little thing that Tian Zhen does wrong because his father really loves him. While she gets away with big problems because Professor Ren was caring for her because of duty. This part made me tear up again for the second time!😭. She further added that the Professor had high hopes for Tian Zhen so he should not let him down.
Meng Meng’s parents called Tian Zhen to let him know that Meng Meng had disappeared.
They found Meng Meng hiding under the stair cupboard at Ren’s house.
Dr Song was so worried about his latest escapade. She called a family meeting excluding Toutou and Meng Meng which displeased Tian Zhen.
Dr Song said that two girls living in the house in untenable so Meng Meng should go home, afterall she has parents.
Tian Zhen disagreed and even said that if they force out Meng Meng, he will rent an apartment to live with her. She is his patient.
Dr Song was so annoyed with Tian Zhen which was making Professor Ren smirked. Dr Song said that she had spoiled Tian Zhen for 20 years.
Professor Ren had a talk with a rather troubled Reoubeika. Professor Ren said that Roubeicka should learn to share herself and her feelings otherwise she will implode.
Episode 17
Toutou was concerned that Tian Zhen will really move out with Meng Meng. She asked Tian Zhen if he had really fallen for Meng Meng.
He said that Toutou was asking nonsense, Meng Meng is his patient. He said that he knows his mother. She will give in in the end as she always does.
This shocked Toutou and called Tian Zhen an ingrate. She was forced to say that Tian Zhen and Professor Ren do not value Dr Song at all.
As expected, Dr Song caved in nd said that Meng Meng can stay.
It was the start of autumn or the first frost, They went into the mountain and alter a long trek they had chicken soup with aconite. It had to be cooked for four hours because it is poisonous but so nourishing and healthy.
Liu Chang Qing came to the clinic with his son. He asked Professor Ren to write a sick leave for his son, who is suffering from depression, but he was not really.
Liu Zi Hong wanted to leave school so he could try being an idol full time.
Episode18
Professor Ren asked Toutou’s opinion. She said that it was detrimental for a young healthy guy to ask for a medical certificate for mental illness as it could affect his future prospect.
Professor Ren said that Toutou is spot on.
Rebecca met the wife of the man who died on the steps of the courthouse. She blamed Rebecca for her inability to help her husband.
Now, in the pouring rain, she was assisting the woman to give birth in the open.
Toutou was disappointed with Professor Ren that he had been lying to Jian Xi. There is no cure for her condition. The 300-year-old tile soaked in a child’s pee does not cure Jian Xi’s inability to walk.
Professor Ren had to explain that it was something to do with compassion as well as giving a reason for Jian Xi to not give up.
Episode 19
It was the New Year’s holiday. Tou Tou had really become a family member of the Song-Ren family. They were having a good time as Tou Tou is a hyper girl.
She and Tian Zhen had a good time teasing each other.
As it was the new year, the Jiang Family disciples from abroad came to pay respect to Toutou as the new inheritor.
Meanwhile, poor Zhao Li Quan who went back home to his family was being treated like a cash cow, though he was impoverished.
His parents were trying to marry him off to the village head’s daughter but he told then that he has a girlfriend already. In his mind, Xing Xing is the girl of his dream. He was missing her as he watched the fireworks in his hometown.
Episode 20
Whoa, we are halfway through the drama already.
Toutou found out that Xing Xing was ill so she rush back to look after her. they got talking about love and life.
Xing Xing said that love is not compatible with her. It was just too stressful. They also talked about Zhao Li Quan. Xing Xing said that being in a relationship with him would be more trouble that it’s worth. He has so much baggage which she can’t deal with.
Tou Tou said that Li Quan is very hardworking and may even surprised them when he becomes a self-made man.
Xing Xing made a promise to Toutou that when they grow old and still both unattached, then they should live together. She will cook while Toutou washes the dishes.
Toutou half agreed but said she will cook while Xing Xing washes the dishes. They said as long as they are together.
The TCM class was forest foraging for herbs again. They were looking for all sorts of hers when they found a prized ginseng.
Rebecca was on a blind date when she was spotted by Peng Shi Han who was also on a blind date. He can overhear what Rebecca and her date were talking about which interested him a great deal. So as soon as her date left, he left his own date and went to sit at Rebecca’s table.
Tou Tou put ribbons on tree trunks as a guide.
Episode 21
Director Liu cajoled Tian Zhen into showing him where the ginseng root in the forest was. It was a fine specimen and would be much sought after. This might be the solution that Professor Ren could keep his school.
This convinced Tian Zhen to go traipsing in the mountain in the dead of the night with Director Liu and a very concerned Tou Tou, who tried to persuadeTian Zhen not to go as they were prohibited by Professor Ren to dig up ginzeng in the mountains.
Anyway, as she can’t convince him, she tagged along to keep him safe. But in the end, it was Tian Zhen who protected her when a deadly poisonous snake almost bit her but because he covered her hand with his, he got bitten instead.
Tou Tou applied first aid on Tian Zhen, remembering that antidote usually can be found near where a snake had attack. They were rescued by their classmates and Professor Ren.
But still, Tian Zhen’s life hanged on the balance for a while watched by Professor Ren and Dr Song who was getting more stressed and irate. She convinced herself that it was all Tou Tou’s fault. Tou Tou had not changed. She was still the troublemaker that she was.
When Tian Zhen was out of danger, Professor Ren and Dr Song went to see the students. Toutou was so concerned that even Meng Meng was worried about her.
Dr Song, however gave Toutou the full force of her anger. She demanded Toutou to leave the mountain. When Toutou tried to explain that it was not her fault but Director Liu, Dr Song cut her off.
Professor Ren had no choice but to tell Toutou to go down the mountain to calm Dr Song.
This scene made me cry when Toutou being Professor Ren not to chase her away.
Professor Ren told Zhao Liquan to escort Toutou down to the village.
They were half way through the mountain when Toutou insisted that Liquan turns back to check on Tian Zhen who she was worried about. She told Liquan to tell Tian Zhen to call her.
She was almost at the village when she heard a distressed shout from a man whose son had an epileptic attack. She save the boy and the father was so grateful to her and calling her doctor.
Tian Zhen finally woke up and explained that it was idea to dig up the ginseng and Toutou went with him against her will.
Dr Song felt so guilty and Professor Ren could not help but rub it in by telling her that Dr Song that she lost control which goes against TCM. Dr Song told them to find Toutou as it was getting dark. She was so worried that they can’t contact Toutou.
Anyway, Professor Ren told Dr Song to go back home while he and Tian Zhen would look for Toutou.
And they found her. She was so pleased despite seeing the worried look on their faces. She told them that she had found out what she wanted in life. She wanted to be a doctor and Professor Ren will be her master for life.
Episode 22
I must say I did not like this episode. My favourite Professor Ren was shamelessly infuriating. Because Director Liu reneged on the free school and dorms for the TCM apprentice, the Professor suggested to Dr Song that they should sell their house.
Dr Song was shocked and vehemently refused to sell the house, reminding him that he did not even pay anything towards the house as it was given to them by her parents upon their marriage.
Professor Ren said that the rewards will be in heaven. They had to support the apprentice.
Master Song Yi Ren agreed with Professor Ren but still, Dr Song refused to budge so Song Yi Ren suggested selling his house instead. Zhang Ji Ru agreed because her husband is the decision-maker and supports everything he says.
They gave the house deed to Professor Ren. Song Yi Ren said that he can see Professor Ren as being famous one day.
Dr Song relented later and gave Professor Ren their own house deed and took back her parents’. She said that it was too shameless to make her parents homeless at their age.
The missing ginseng root turned up. It was returned by Liu Zi Hong.
Episode 23
Liu Zi Hong was shocked when he was scolded for his good deed. Toutou told him that he actually unknowingly sabotaged an investment. He did bad, really bad.
A Caucasian woman who was fluent in Mandarin came to consult Professor Ren regarding her chronic cough and lung ailments.
Professor Ren who asked Toutou to shadow him, asked the woman, Jasmine or Mo Li Bai her medical profile.
He told Ms. Bai that Good Health is characterised by being able to eat well, sleep well, and pooping regularly.
Ms. Bai is enthusiastic in proceeding with the treatment with Professor Ren.
When he heard that Ms. Bai was staying at the Hyatt Hotel, he encouraged her to find a cheaper hotel near Qibu Clinic.
Meanwhile, Roubeika has found an alternative classroom/dorm room at a heavily discounted rent because she promised to provide legal services for the landlord.
Despite the good price, Professor Ren still needed the money for rent. He asked Dr Song which house they were selling.
Dr Song said that if they sell their house then they had to ask Mengmeng and Toutou to leave.
Professor Ren knew then that Dr Song was willing to sell their house in order to get rid of Mengmeng. He could not help asking his wife why she was so against Mengmeng who might become a future daughter-in-law.
Dr Song said that if that happens she will expel Tianzhen as well, out of sight out of mind.
Professor Ren teased her that it looks like she might lose a son and a husband.
Dr Song just laughed at him about the husband bit.
Episode 24
Dr Song was just about to meet up with the real estate agents to sell the family house when she was stopped a rather jubilant `Professor Ren with excited Toutou and Tianzhen.
Professor Ren told her not to bother with the sale of the house. He then showed her a cheque for $200,000. He said that Mo Li Bai gave him the money as a medical fee and contribution towards his TCM apprenticeship program. Apparently, Mo LI Bai is Jasmine from the Lauder family. She is absolutely loaded.
Meanwhile, Mengmeng seemed to be having some problems which she can’t tell Tianzhen who was now more focused on Toutou as a new guy had joined the apprenticeship and showing interest on Toutou.
Toutou noticed that Mengmeng was behaving weirder than ever so she asked Tianzhen if anything was the matter with Mengmeng. She could not help asking if Tianzhen was dating Mengmeng.
Tianzhen, however, just laughed it off.
Again, Mengmeng became the subject of conversation between Dr Song and Professor Ren. Dr Song does not like Mengmeng at all for her son.
When Dr Song mentioned Toutou about the affairs of the heart, Professor immediately dismissed it as nonsense as Toutou is completely clueless.
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Episode 27
Poor tragic and complex Mengmeng took her own life.
Episode 28 – A Go Back to Episode😉
This episode is a panacea after the sad passing of Mengmeng.
TianZhen was so gutted with the death of Mengmeng he went walkabout. Dr Song, Professor Ren and the Grandparents were worried for him as they did not know where he went or would go.
Toutou said she knew so she went after him. She found him as he was just about to bungee jump. The bungee jumping was closed because of safety reasons. And without Toutou, TianZhen would have drowned.
Toutou run so fast to save him and castigated him for being irresponsible.
Tianzhen said that he wanted to know how Mengmeng felt as she jumped to her death. He then said that Mengmeng was his only his patient and just like a little sister to him.
Poor Toutou collapsed from the onset of a perforated stomach due to the extra exertion from running at the speed of light to save Tianzhen.
Tianzhen carried her to the nearest village; he was advise by the town pharmacist that it was unsafe to drive to the hospital from their remote area.
Toutou asked Tianzhen to make her a prescription. Tianzhen was very hesitant but Toutou more or less told him that she might die if he hesitated any longer. He prescribed her with a rather high dosage of the toxic rhubarb and peony.
TouTou willingly took it but she got worst. Tianzhen called Professor Ren who dictated the prescirption to Dr Song who was sitting nearby. When Professor Ren started scolding Tianzhen for the high dosage, Toutou grabbed the phone and turned it off.
Professor Ren went to wake Master Song Yi Ren and asked if the presciption issued by Tianzhen is viable.
Song Yi Ren at first was concerned with the high dosage but when he found out that the patient was Toutou, he said it was fine.
He then said to Zhang Ji Ru that the prescription should work after all. Toutou is the successor. So this will be her baptism by fire.🤣
Tianzhen could no longer or want to hide his feelings. So he confessed to Toutou. He said that he like like but he was not pressuring her. It was his feeling.
This reminded me of Mo Shan Shan in Evernight 2, where she said that she loves Ning Que but her love was her own feeling and almost independent of Ning Que. It was just her inner emotion being expressed.
Anyway, despite telling Toutou that he just really want to tell her how he feels for her, he followed her to the toilet to ask her what her answer was.
Toutou had always liked him so she said yes but she had a proviso before starting their dating relationship. All big decisions will be her domain while small decisions will be up to him.
Tianzhen was just too happy to agree though he asked her what constitute a big decision.
Toutou updated Professor Ren with their condition in the village. Dr Song was rather adamant that they shoud go and help Tianzhen and Toutou who had been asked to treat the ill people of the village.
Professor Ren told Dr Song that it was about time that they let Tianzhen be the doctor that he is.
Episode 29
I love love love this drama. The story is very flawed but it is actually the imperfection of this story and scenario that makes this drama more interesting and intriguing. It would make you think and if you are a member of a social media, you cannot help but put forward your own take on this drama. You may make friends or make your friends now your enemy by discussing this drama. Nevertheless, it is good because it will make your grey matter active.😉😉😉
Anyway, Toutou called Xing Xing and confessed that she had accomplished her mission. Xing Xing was clueless what Toutou was talking about so Toutou reminded her of their conversation a year or so ago that the reason why she was joining TCM was because she wanted Ren Tian Zhen.
Xing Xing was overjoyed for Toutou. Toutou made her promise to keep it secret. Xing Xing was way too excited so she told Zhao Li Quan about it.
Li Quan took the opportunity to confess to Xing Xing about his own feelings for her.
Xing Xing said that she likes him too but nothing could ever happen to them because it is not viable to be together. They are both too poor and responsible for their family. Being together would not make them happy.
Poor Li Quan was downhearted but he had really anything that he could say that would make the situation better for him and Xing Xing.
Toutou and Tian Zhen are back. They were finding it hard to keep their love secret because Tianzhen could not keep his hand to himself.🤣🤣🤣
Poor Jian Xi was missing Meng Meng so much. She wanted to know why they seemed to have forgotten Meng Meng so soon and so easily.
Toutou said that they miss Meng Meng as well but as Master Ren said, the living are more important.
Jian Xi complained of coldness in her legs which shocked and gladdened her mother. It means Jian Xi is finally getting sensations in her legs. The 300-year-old tile boiled in a child’s urine concoction works! LOL. It is about mind over matter.
Roubecka was very interested in finding out about preparation for getting pregnant. Peng Shi Yan is like a puppy and very supportive of her interest.
Professor Ren got a call from Zhu Chang Min’s wife to say that her husband in dying in the hospital and wanted to see him.
Professor Ren took Toutou with him. Professor Ren knew that he can’t do anything for Mr Zhu anymore so he gave Mr Zhu a bead to take him to the other side in peace.
Toutou was very quiet on their drive home. Master Ren wanted to know why. He said that there are five blessings in life: Longevity, Wealth, good health, cultivating virtues and passing the final test.
Passing the final test is about a peaceful death. Everyone should prepare for the final test throughout one’s life. Very existentialist. To really live, one must look death in the eye.
There was a surprise at Qibo Medical Clinic. Someone was looking for Doctor Ren but not The Doctor Ren the Senior but Ren Tianzhen.
The villager brought produce to thank the Miracle Doctor, Dr Ren the Younger.
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Episode 34
Toutou advised Prof Ren of her instuition that Zhao Li Quan has something to do with Wu Shandao’s condition.
Prof Ren was rather skeptical at first because Li Quan was a good student but he does trust Toutou implicitly so he told her to guard Shandao and not allow Li Quan in the room with Shandao
Episode 35
What a shocker of an episode.
Toutou absolutely mistrusts Lu Quan. Her suspicion was confirmed that he was untrustworthy when she found him in Shandao room in the middle of the night while she was waylaid. They had a confrontation and she told him what she thought of him.
The next day, many of Wu Shandao’s students were in the hospital to visit their master. Apparently, they were specially invited by Lu Quan.
Toutou said that they could see their master but Lu Quan was not allowed to go in. This escalated with Toutou telling everyone that Lu Quan was suspiciously present at the Shandao’s room in the middle of the night.
Lu Quan was annoyed and said she was imagining things. How could she tell the truth when she was a fake?
He then threw his evidence at her. That she was not a relation of the Jiang Sect. I must say, Lu Quan was really amazing. He was able to piece together the shredded document he stole from Dr Wu’s office regarding Toutou’s real origin.
Poor Toutou was shocked but then Master Ren with Dr Song and Roubecka turned up. Master Ren confirmed that Toutou is no relation to the Jiang Sect but she is still more qualified than anyone of them as a successor because she is his daughter.
No one was more shocked than his wife, Dr Song, who walked out.
Poor Tianzhen did not know what was going on.
Back at home, Song Yi Ren and Zhang Ji Ru were talking about what happened. Song Yi Ren said that there was no real problem. They had just gained another grandkid.
Zhang Ji Ru was aghast by what her husband said. She told him that she feels for their daughter. Song Ji Ren who is old school reminded her that their daughter must listen to her husband.
Song Yi Ren was actually more worried about completing their ritual. He told his wife to boil the Winter Solstice Soup. His wife actually ignored him.
Prof Ren apologised to Song Yi Ren who calmly told him that he believes in him when he was his student and when he married his daughter. His trust in him has never changed. He then told Professor Ren to start boiling the Winter Solstice soup.🤣
Episode 36
Lin Lang told her mother that she was not even angry but so disappointed with Ren Xin Zheng. Her mother understood her but commented that she envies Lin Lang because she still has the ability to feel whereas if Song Yi Ren had told her that he had another child somewhere, she would welcome the child without any feeling.
The one who feels the most about Prof Ren’s fathering Toutou was Tian Zhen. He was heartbroken. He told his father that he had lost the most important person in his life. As he can’t bear to be with his father, he decided to move out to their other house. He asked his grandma to give him the key.
As it was Winter Solstice, he asked his Grandma for extra dumplings and soup. Grandma knew that he was asking for the food for Toutou. He told Grandma that poor Toutou is all alone but at least she should not starve.
OMG, I cried buckets during the next scene when Toutou ate the dumplings. She was so tearful as she tucked in while on the opposite wall, Tian Zhen was crying silently missing her but knowing they could never be together.
Dr Wu is now awake but pretended that he had lost his mind but when he was alone with Professor Ren, he finally confessed that he never had amnesia, but he was scared because he had lost his voice. He then said that his accident might have been more than that and that Li Quan might have pushed him. He also told Professor Ren that Li Quan tried to give him a bank card in exchange of the bidding information but he refused it. Li Quan might still have the card or have given it to his parents.
Professor Ren wanted to know how Dr Wu would like to solve the case. Call the police or what?
They decided that they will try to give Li Quan a second chance because when he tried to suffocate Dr Wu, he stopped himself and was really upset with himself. So he was not altogether bad.
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Episode 39
5 June 2023: Today is the penultimate and finale of Houlang. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride.
Prof Ren collapsed and was concerned that he had Corona Virus. Dr Song assured him that it was the Corona but rather he was over fatigued.
Prof Ren was trying to make up with Dr Song but she was playing hard to get, but then rightly so, He was such an unthinking beast for taking her feelings and emotions for granted.
The Professor became soppy and tried to be romantic but Dr Song was not having any of it. He then commented that she really does not love him anymore.
Dr Song said how can he still say such a thing when he has a love child.
Professor Ren did not give up and used emotional blackmail of being really sick and throwing up blood. He said that he was afraid he was not going to live long.
This got to Dr Ren who went out to cry.
The reformed Li Quan got a call from Xing Xing. She had come to Wuhan as a volunteer to be near him. He was concerned for her safety but she told him she was ok.
The situation between Tou Tou and Tian Zhen were so heartbreaking. Though they are missing each other terribly, they could not be together as it stands.
Roubeika and Peng Shi Yan led the Live Streaming project to help and educate people under lockdown.
Prof Ren was feeling sorry for himself for being useless. While everyone was working hard on the frontline, he was in bed sick.
Dr Song said that he had done his bit. She then said why he had not contacted Tou Tou.
Professor Ren said that he purposely did not contact Toutou because once she knew that he was ill she would have come to Wuhan without any second thought.
This only made Dr Song annoyed and said that Toutou is all Xin Cheng cared about, not her son, not the parents, and not her.
Dr Song cheered up when he gave her a single red carnation. He said he asked a grateful ex-patient to get it for him to give to Ling Lan.
He then confessed that Tou Tou is not his daughter. He only said it for Tou Tou’s sake. He does not want all their work to make Tou Tou what she had become to just collapse.
Ling Lan curiously asked who Tou Tou’s real parents were.
Xin Cheng had to admit that he does not have a clue. But there is DNA that could answer the question.
Xin Cheng added that Ling Lan had failed the wife test. She should have known what was going on in his mind as they have been married for a long time. Instead, she sulked and behaved rather vindictively.
Ling Lan finally asked the 64 dollars question regarding Little Lark.
I must admit, this was a serious topic but I can’t help laughing a little bit because of the incongruity of what happened to Little Lark.
Xin Cheng said that Little Lark has a space in his heart but not in a romantic way but more of guilty responsibility.
He said it was because of him that Little Lark had dropped out of school. He treated her under an unqualified teacher. So Little Lark went deaf not just in one ear but both ears. I bet they had a few takes for this scene because Wu Gang was finding it hard to remain serious and so does Jiang Shan.🤣🤣🤣
Anyway, Xin Cheng admitted that if he did not already have someone in his heart, he would have ended up marrying Little Lark.
Ling Lan was shocked and asked Xin Cheng how many women were in his heart. There are so cute.
It turned out, contrary to the teasing he always says that he married her because of her father, his master.
It was actually a case of love at first sight. When he saw her for the first time in her blue dress, that was it for him. Aww. He said that he will love her for a lifetime.
Ling Lan was so giddy like a schoolgirl.
While she was enveloped in endorphins, Xin Cheng said his piece d’ resistance. Toutou might not be his daughter but she will end up their daughter-in-law.🤣
Episode 40
I really can’t bear for this drama to be over. It is too soon. I love the cast, there is a sense of family, very heartwarming.
Anyway, Ling Lan was shocked at first about Tou Tou being Tian Zhen’s wife but Xin Cheng told her that they don’t own their son, and let his wife have him while Xin Cheng will look after Ling Lan,
She thought about it, considered it, and decided that Tou Tou will be a blessing to their family. As an added bonus for her, Xin Cheng said that she can tell Tian Zhen and Tou Tou that they know about the relationship and that they were all for it.
Unfortunately for Tou Tou and Tian Zhen they are both gripped with utter loneliness of missing each other. Tou Tou tried to Facetime Tian Zhen but he refused the call. Instead, he texted her that they should not see each other for a while. If he sees her, he might not be able to control himself from going home to be with her.
Tou Tou wanted him to send her a voice mail instead but in the end they just both turned off their phones. So heartbreaking.
After months, there is finally a light under the tunnel. Life goes on and the mentors and apprentices are back at Qibo Medical Clinic.
The idol, Liu Qi Hong was entertaining them with a dance. Everyone was dancing along, all happy.
Peng Shi Yan chooses the time to propose to Roubeicka to be the mother of his children.
Roubeicka agreed after so many conditions. Aww. So cute.
This inspired Liu Zi Hong to propose to Tou Tou. He said that they are the perfect match and be a power couple. He is a second-generation chaebol which matches her being the inheritor/successor. He said that she was his first love and think of the money they would make. He would not take no for an answer until Dr. Song told him off of trying to pinch her son’s girlfriend in front of her. If he did not stop, she will prick him with thousand needles.
Liu Zi Hong was shocked. But not as shocked as Tou Tou and Tian Zhen. Tou Tou asked when they found out about the relationship.
Prof Ren said that when Tian Zhen screamed at him that he does not have any conscience.
Tou Tou and Tian Zhen hugged naturally. Everyone was happy for them.
Song Yi Ren excitedly went to tell Zhang Ji Ru the good news but she already knew. She said I told you so, Tou Tou belongs to our family.
OMG, the chemistry between LuSi and Yizhou is so palpable, Beautiful.
Anyway, they were back at the bench overlooking the pond where once upon a time, Tian Zhen callously abandoned the drunk Tou Tou.
They had a sweet talk, a little icky perhaps because Tou Tou said that their relationship is some sort of a miracle, lovers becoming siblings. They both had a laugh but Tian Zhen confessed that he never thought of giving up. Sound like incest🤣🤣🤣. Thank goodness, huh? It is not!
Tou Tou had a surprise for Tian Zhen. She return to him the amulet he sold. The amulet ended up with Meng Meng’s mother who gave it back to Tou Tou. She was so grateful for what Tou Tou did of punishing the guy who did Meng Meng wrong.
Toutou told Tian Zhen not to sell the amulet again. He promised with all his heart that he won’t. They are so good together.
Anyway, it was exam time. Both Reoubeika and Tou Tou sat for the exam.
Tian Zhen, Dr Song, Prof Ren and Peng Shi Yan were all waiting for Tou Tou and Roubeika outside.
It was a happy time.
The guys were back in the mountains to commune with nature and as a graduation ceremony for the apprentice as well as honouring their ancestors for the Qingming Festival.
It looks like a few years later because Roubeika has a son.
Toutou was having a bit of a confidence crisis and asked Master Ren if perhaps Tian Zhen should do the leading of the ceremony.
Master Ren said where is the fearless Tou Tou? Master Ren said that she had completed the two major exams and now working towards the medical licensing examination. It would take five years to study for it but she can do it.
He asked her what book she was reading.
Tou Tou said it was a book about Confucius who was heartbroken that he had no one to pass his teaching but his student Mencius was more than willing do so.l
So Tou Tou realised from this story that bloodline does not really matter in the scheme of things.
Prof Ren it was the continuation of the spirit and he was proud of her for getting it right.
Wu Gang and Zhao Lusi’s chemistry is amazingly heartwarming. I hope they work again soon.
Their comic timing is adorable. Their exchanges of opinions become from sublime to the ridiculous.
Tou Tou said that since she is now the inheritor, Sun Tou Tou is not very appropriate so could Master Ren give her a new name.
He said she should be known as Sun Da Yuan.
Tou Tou laughed her head off.
Master Ren, however, said that Da Yuan means ambition and he wishes her to have big ambitions.
Tou Tou was convinced and so did everyone. She will always be my Tou Tou.
Tou Tou led the honouring of the ancestor.
Love this drama. Totally recommend. And also a special mention to the OST. It is a good selection.
Love it.
If you are loving the CP of Sun Tou Tou and Ren Tian Zhen then please vote for them in a poll for Favourite CP 2023

Rumour has it that this drama will commence on the first quarter of next year, 2023. I have to admit that this is the drama of Zhao Lu Si that I look forward the most! Based on the trailers available, it is a heartwarming drama.