Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Yan, a stern, workaholic man, accidentally travels back to the 1990s.
• Huo Baichuan, a wealthy, carefree man, saves Tao Yan from drowning and also travels back in time.
• They find themselves in the 1990s together, with no immediate way back to their own time.

Character Developments

• Tao Yan: Initially portrayed as a serious, dedicated workaholic, his decision to support his family in the past shows his caring and responsible nature.
• Huo Baichuan: Despite his carefree and wealthy lifestyle, he demonstrates courage and selflessness by saving Tao Yan without hesitation.

Significant Themes

• Time travel and its consequences.
• The contrast between the past and present, and the societal changes over time.
• The importance of personal growth and self-discovery.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan: Their initial interaction is marked by Huo Baichuan's impulsive rescue of Tao Yan, setting the stage for their unlikely partnership in the past.
• Huo Baichuan and his friends: Their dynamic showcases Huo Baichuan's charisma and leadership, as well as his friends' loyalty and concern for him.

One-line Synopsis

Two men from different eras and backgrounds find themselves in the past together, forcing them to confront their lives and feelings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Baichuan, son of the Huo Group's chairman, is upset that his father wants to marry his sister to Tao Yan, a childhood acquaintance he dislikes.
• A blond young man, trying to ingratiate himself with Huo Baichuan, criticizes Tao Yan, angering Huo Baichuan who then kicks him off the yacht.
• Tao Yan, seen wearing a formal suit at the beach, dives into the sea to save a drowning boy.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan: Displayed a fiery temper and jealousy towards Tao Yan, but also showed a sense of justice and disdain for those who rely on their family background.
• Tao Yan: Initially portrayed as a model student and workaholic, he demonstrates bravery and selflessness by saving a drowning boy.
• The Blond Young Man: Attempted to befriend Huo Baichuan for personal gain but failed, showing his lack of genuine friendship and respect for others.

Significant Themes

• Class and social status: The blond young man's attempt to ingratiate himself with Huo Baichuan highlights the importance of social connections and wealth in their circles.
• Bravery and selflessness: Tao Yan's actions showcase these qualities, contrasting with the initial portrayal of him as a cold, distant elite.

Character Interactions

• Huo Baichuan and The Blond Young Man: Their interaction highlights Huo Baichuan's disdain for those who rely on their family background and his quick temper.
• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan: Though they have a history as classmates and roommates, they have barely interacted, showing a tense relationship.
• Tao Yan and the Drowning Boy: Their brief interaction shows Tao Yan's quick thinking and selflessness in saving the boy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Baichuan saves Tao Yan and a boy from drowning, then swims away with the boy.
• Tao Yan follows and retrieves the boy, causing Huo Baichuan to swim off in anger.
• They are both swallowed by a sudden sea vortex and disappear.
• Tao Yan wakes up in a dilapidated room, where a man tries to pour quicklime water into his eyes.
• Three men attack Tao Yan, but Huo Baichuan intervenes and defeats them.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan shows his bravery and combat skills, saving Tao Yan twice.
• Tao Yan demonstrates quick thinking and self-defense skills, but struggles against multiple opponents.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation in unexpected circumstances.
• The contrast between Huo Baichuan's strength and Tao Yan's vulnerability.

Character Interactions

• Huo Baichuan saves Tao Yan, showing a protective nature despite his initial anger.
• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan are forced to work together against their attackers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan wake up in a dilapidated courtyard, their bodies shrunk, after being pulled into a whirlpool.
• They find themselves in 1990, with no clear memory of how they arrived there.
• They are attacked by a group of men who intended to harm them, but they manage to subdue their attackers.
• Huo Baichuan sets up traps to catch any remaining assailants, while Tao Yan searches the courtyard for clues.
• They decide to go to the police, planning to claim amnesia to avoid explaining their situation.
• They find a police station and report their case, with Huo Baichuan asking for food due to their hunger.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan shows his resourcefulness and quick thinking by setting traps and asking for food at the police station.
• Tao Yan remains calm and collected, focusing on finding information and reporting the case to the police.
• Both characters display a level of adaptability to their new situation, accepting their transmigration without immediate panic or disbelief.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation to change: Both characters quickly adjust to their new environment and circumstances.
• Trust and reliance: Despite their initial lack of understanding about their situation, they work together to deal with their attackers and seek help from the police.

Character Interactions

• Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan work together to overcome their immediate threats and find help.
• Huo Baichuan shows concern for Tao Yan's well-being, noticing his hypoglycemia and asking for food on his behalf.
• They maintain a practical and calm approach to their situation, focusing on solving immediate problems rather than dwelling on the inexplicable nature of their transmigration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan are taken to the police station after their rescue.
• Officers provide them with food and try to gather information to find their families.
• The police arrest the criminal group responsible for abducting and exploiting children.
• The children are temporarily placed in a guesthouse, but no leads on their families are found.
• They are eventually sent to Red Heart Orphanage.

Character Developments

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan show gratitude and good manners towards the officers, but remain evasive about their past.
• The officers initially suspect the children of running away from home but grow concerned for their well-being and safety.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Compassion: The police officers show kindness and concern for the children's well-being, despite their initial suspicions.
• Trust and Deception: The children maintain their secret, not revealing their true origins, while the officers try to gain their trust to help them.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan: They continue to present a united front, supporting each other and sticking to their story.
• The Children and the Police: The officers try to coax information from the children, showing concern and patience, while the children remain guarded and uncommunicative.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan are sent to the Red Heart Orphanage after refusing to reveal their family information.
• They are registered as 16-year-olds despite their claims of being 18.
• The orphanage is revealed to be a converted old hospital, housing 16 children including the duo.
• The old director arranges a separate dormitory for Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan due to their age and upcoming high school studies.

Character Developments

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan continue to maintain their secret, refusing to reveal their true age or family background.
• The old director shows kindness and understanding, making accommodations for the duo's situation.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Belonging: Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan struggle with their new identities as orphanage residents, hiding their true past.
• Growth and Adaptation: The duo must adapt to their new environment and circumstances, including the prospect of returning to high school.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan: The duo continues to present a united front, exchanging looks and communicating silently.
• Tao Yan and the Old Director: The old director shows understanding and empathy towards Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan, making arrangements to accommodate their needs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Baichuan expresses his dislike for school, but the orphanage director insists on the importance of education for their future.
• The director shows Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan around the Red Heart Orphanage and its facilities.
• They learn that the four rescued children have been sent to a special school, and the other children are on an outing.
• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan decide not to join the outing and rest in their room instead.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan: Shows his playful and mischievous side, trying to make Tao Yan feel guilty for being saved by him.
• Tao Yan: Remains calm and composed, not easily provoked by Huo Baichuan's teasing.
• The Old Director: Demonstrates her kindness and dedication to the children's well-being, emphasizing the importance of education.

Significant Themes

• The importance of education for personal growth and success.
• The challenges faced by orphans in society.
• The bond between the two main characters, despite their different personalities.

Character Interactions

• Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan: They engage in light banter, with Huo Baichuan trying to make jokes and Tao Yan responding calmly.
• The Old Director and Tao Yan/Huo Baichuan: She shows them around the orphanage and explains its rules and facilities, treating them kindly but firmly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan have lunch at the orphanage, struggling with the food quality.
• The old director encourages them to study hard for a better future.
• After lunch, they discuss their situation and decide to find a part-time job.
• Huo Baichuan suggests various money-making ideas, including playing the lottery and stocks, but they're not feasible.
• Huo Baichuan spots a group of old men playing erhu and chess, and an idea strikes him.
• Tao Yan plays the erhu while Huo Baichuan performs martial arts, earning money from passersby.

Character Developments

• Tao Yan: Shows his musical talent and remains calm under pressure, but feels uncomfortable with the audience's attention.
• Huo Baichuan: Proves to be an excellent performer, both in music (through Tao Yan) and martial arts, thriving in the spotlight.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation to new circumstances.
• The power of music and performance to connect with people and earn a living.
• The importance of education and hard work, as emphasized by the old director.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan work together to earn money, showcasing their complementary skills.
• Huo Baichuan's enthusiasm and charisma contrast with Tao Yan's reserved demeanor, creating a dynamic duo.
• The old director's encouragement highlights the mentor-student relationship between him and the boys.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Baichuan performs on the street, attracting a crowd.
• A pickpocket takes advantage of the crowd, stealing wallets.
• Huo Baichuan catches the pickpocket, leading to a confrontation.
• Tao Yan intervenes, disarming the pickpocket and handing him over to the police.
• The neighbors praise Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan for their actions and offer help.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan shows his bravery and quick thinking in catching the pickpocket.
• Tao Yan demonstrates his calm and agility in disarming the pickpocket.
• The neighbors show their kindness and willingness to help the two boys.

Significant Themes

• Community and Belonging: The neighbors' warm reception and offers of help highlight the theme of community and belonging, which Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan have been lacking.
• Good Samaritans: The chapter emphasizes the positive impact of good deeds, as the boys' actions earn them praise and support from the community.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan: Their teamwork in dealing with the pickpocket shows their growing camaraderie.
• Tao Yan and the Neighbors: The neighbors' kindness and concern for Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan create a bond between them.
• Huo Baichuan and the Pickpocket: Their confrontation highlights Huo Baichuan's fearlessness and quick reflexes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan confess to their neighbors about their performances to earn money.
• The neighbors understand and sympathize with them, showing kindness and support.
• They leave the police station after noon and decide to have lunch together.
• Huo Baichuan wants to eat Liangpi, but they can't find any, so they settle for zhajiang noodles.
• Tao Yan offers to make Liangpi for Huo Baichuan at night.

Character Developments

• Tao Yan: Shows understanding and empathy towards Huo Baichuan's preferences, offering to cook for him.
• Huo Baichuan: Reveals his fondness for Tao Yan's cooking, showing a softer side.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and understanding from the community towards the orphans.
• The bond between Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan, with Tao Yan taking care of Huo Baichuan's preferences.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan interact warmly, with Tao Yan showing consideration for Huo Baichuan's likes and dislikes.
• The neighbors show compassion and understanding towards Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan, highlighting the community's support for the orphans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan go to the market to buy ingredients for the orphanage.
• They decide to cook Liangpi (cold noodles) and Roujiamo (braised pork sandwich) for the children.
• Tao Yan buys extra potatoes to make Tiger-Tooth Potatoes as a treat.
• They return to the orphanage and find the director and volunteers surprised by their purchases.
• Tao Yan struggles to start a fire in the primitive kitchen stove.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan shows his survival skills but fails to start a fire in the stove, revealing his inexperience in indoor cooking.
• Tao Yan demonstrates his cooking prowess and takes charge of the meal preparation.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation: Both Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan struggle to adapt to their new environment and circumstances.
• Resourcefulness: Huo Baichuan's survival skills and Tao Yan's cooking expertise highlight their ability to make the best of what they have.

Character Interactions

• Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan work together to buy ingredients and prepare a meal for the orphanage.
• Huo Baichuan teases Tao Yan, and they have a light-hearted exchange when Huo Baichuan fails to start the fire.
• The volunteer aunties help Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan with the cooking, showing camaraderie and teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan cook pork knuckles for the orphanage.
• They use a significant amount of oil, causing the volunteer aunt to reprimand them for wasting resources.
• Tao Yan braises the pork knuckles for two hours, further distressing the aunt due to firewood usage.
• Tao Yan decides to also braise tofu and buys ingredients, but the aunt provides home-grown tofu instead.
• Tao Yan prepares liangpi (cold noodles) batter while waiting for the pork knuckles to finish.

Character Developments

• Tao Yan demonstrates his cooking skills and consideration for others, despite initial wastefulness.
• Huo Baichuan shows a carefree attitude and tries to justify their actions.
• The volunteer aunt displays frugality and concern for the orphanage's resources.

Significant Themes

• Wastefulness vs. frugality
• Resource management in a communal setting
• The joy of cooking and sharing food

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan work together to cook, with Huo Baichuan mainly assisting and jesting.
• The volunteer aunt scolds them for wasting resources but eventually provides ingredients to support their cooking efforts.
• The aunt and Tao Yan have a brief exchange about cooking tools and ingredients.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan prepare Liangpi and Roujiamo for dinner.
• The orphanage children return from the park, creating a noisy commotion.
• The children, attracted by the food's aroma, approach the kitchen.
• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan introduce themselves to the children.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan shows patience and kindness towards the children, despite initially finding them noisy.
• Tao Yan feels a sense of ease and freedom from his usual meticulous, preprogrammed life.

Significant Themes

• The innocence and curiosity of childhood.
• The contrast between Tao Yan's former life and his current experiences.
• The sense of responsibility and care towards the orphaned children.

Character Interactions

• Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan interact with the children, showing warmth and patience.
• The children are initially shy but gradually open up to the two men.
• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan work together to prepare and serve the meal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan meet the orphanage children, who introduce themselves.
• Tao Yan prepares a dish of braised pork hocks, which everyone finds irresistible.
• The children and volunteers eagerly await the meal, with Tao Yan still preparing Liangpi.

Character Developments

• Tao Yan: Shows his human side, wanting to be an ordinary person; demonstrates his culinary skills and patience.
• Huo Baichuan: Reveals his eagerness to help and eat; shows his strength and enthusiasm in chopping meat.

Significant Themes

• The power of food to bring people together and create anticipation.
• Tao Yan's dual identity as an elite and an ordinary person.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan: Share a moment of connection over the braised pork hocks; Huo Baichuan playfully asks Tao Yan to tie his apron.
• Tao Yan and the children/orphanage volunteers: The children eagerly await the food, while the volunteers are drawn into the kitchen by the aroma.
• Tao Yan and the orphanage rules: He follows the rule of not letting children into the kitchen, making them wait at the door.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Yan prepares Liangpi and Roujiamo for the orphanage children and volunteers.
• He decides to share the food with the local police station and elderly neighbors as a token of gratitude.
• At the police station, an officer, Zhou Yang, impressively identifies the type of pork knuckle used in the Roujiamo.

Character Developments

• Tao Yan shows his culinary skills and generosity by sharing the food he prepared with others.
• Huo Baichuan demonstrates his wit and persuasiveness in convincing the police to accept the food.
• Zhou Yang reveals his love for food and knowledge about cooking.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and reciprocity: Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan express their thanks to those who have helped them by sharing the food.
• Community and belonging: The interaction between the characters highlights the importance of community and connection.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan work together to prepare and distribute the food, showcasing their teamwork and friendship.
• The interaction between Tao Yan, Huo Baichuan, and the police officers at the station demonstrates mutual respect and understanding.
• The elderly neighbors' enthusiasm for the food and their eagerness to try it fosters a sense of community and shared enjoyment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The officers enjoy a meal together, discussing the dishes' origins and flavors.
• A phone call interrupts their meal, revealing that the human trafficking case is still ongoing, with many children yet to be reunited with their families.
• Huo Baichuan suggests establishing a DNA database to help find missing children's families.

Character Developments

• Zhou Yang shows his enthusiasm and appetite for food and work.
• The officers at Lianhua District Police Station display their empathy and anger towards the victims of human trafficking.
• Huo Baichuan demonstrates his knowledge of DNA paternity testing, showing his intelligence and concern for the missing children.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of human trafficking and its devastating effects on families.
• The officers' struggle with helplessness and their desire to do more to help the victims.
• The use of technology (DNA database) to solve social issues.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Yang interacts with the other officers, showing camaraderie and shared outrage over the human trafficking case.
• Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan exchange glances, understanding each other's thoughts on the situation.
• The officers collectively express their anger and frustration towards the traffickers and their desire to help the victims.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The court rules that the man is not responsible for child support due to the lack of DNA testing.
• The police officers learn about DNA fingerprint testing for paternity cases, but its implementation is delayed until 1992.
• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan return to the orphanage to find it filled with people enjoying the leftover braised pork broth stewed tofu over rice, which becomes a popular dish.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan shows his knowledge of DNA fingerprint testing and its potential applications.
• Tao Yan demonstrates his concern for Huo Baichuan's growth and well-being, showing a more caring side.

Significant Themes

• The importance of DNA testing in legal cases, particularly in determining paternity.
• The power of community and shared meals, as seen in the orphanage courtyard.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan's camaraderie grows as they share a meal and reminisce about their past.
• Aunt Zhao shows concern for Tao Yan's well-being and growth, reflecting her maternal affection towards him.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan discuss the importance of precision and rigor in life and work.
• Tao Yan decides to make sweet-and-sour Tiger-Tooth Potatoes, despite Huo Baichuan's preference for spicy ones.
• Tao Yan becomes upset after Huo Baichuan makes a comment about his height and leaves abruptly.
• Huo Baichuan apologizes and tries to cheer up Tao Yan by offering to teach him self-defense.

Character Developments

• Tao Yan displays his serious and meticulous nature, emphasizing the importance of precision and rigor.
• Huo Baichuan shows his care and concern for Tao Yan, apologizing when he realizes he's upset him and offering to teach him self-defense.

Significant Themes

• Precision & Rigor: Tao Yan emphasizes the importance of precision and rigor in both life and work.
• Communication & Understanding: The chapter highlights the need for clear communication and understanding between people, as misunderstandings can lead to upset and tension.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan & Huo Baichuan: The two continue to interact and learn about each other. Despite their differences, they show care and concern for one another. Huo Baichuan's teasing and lack of filter sometimes upset Tao Yan, but Huo Baichuan is quick to apologize and make amends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Baichuan offers to teach Tao Yan combat and fighting skills to help him build a stronger body and defend himself.
• Huo Baichuan's background and survival skills are revealed, stemming from his father's military background and rigorous training.
• Tao Yan agrees to train with Huo Baichuan.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan: Shows concern for Tao Yan's safety and offers to train him in combat. Reveals his strong survival skills and physique, but also displays immaturity and impulsiveness.
• Tao Yan: Initially hesitant, agrees to train with Huo Baichuan. Shows patience and understanding in dealing with Huo Baichuan's antics.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Huo Baichuan's physical strength and Tao Yan's intellectual prowess.
• The theme of mutual respect and understanding in their relationship.

Character Interactions

• Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan's dynamic is playful and bantering, with Huo Baichuan often acting impulsively and Tao Yan responding with patience and wit.
• Huo Baichuan's physical affection towards Tao Yan is met with surprise and mild rebuke from Tao Yan.
• Their interaction over the Tiger-Tooth Potatoes highlights their differing perspectives and communication styles, leading to a lighthearted argument.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan have a misunderstanding about flirting, leading to a tense moment.
• Huo Baichuan follows Tao Yan to the cafeteria without his food bowl.
• Tao Yan agrees to teach Huo Baichuan fighting skills in exchange for cooking lessons.
• Tao Yan keeps his promise and fries Tiger-Tooth Potatoes for Huo Baichuan, which everyone finds delicious.
• The neighbors suggest Tao Yan sell Tiger-Tooth Potatoes at a park movie screening.

Character Developments

• Huo Baichuan: Shows his playful and competitive nature, but also his eagerness to learn and teach.
• Tao Yan: Demonstrates his patience, understanding, and willingness to help others, even when provoked.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding: The misunderstanding between Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan highlights the importance of clear communication.
• Food as a bridge: Food brings people together, as seen in the shared enjoyment of the Tiger-Tooth Potatoes.

Character Interactions

• Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan: Their banter and eventual agreement to teach each other showcase their growing camaraderie.
• Tao Yan and the neighbors: The neighbors' appreciation of Tao Yan's cooking and their suggestion for him to sell Tiger-Tooth Potatoes show their support and affection for him.