1982: Starting with Feathers for Sugar

Amidst the rhythmic cries of street vendors, the Yiwu Small Commodity Market rises from the ground. Cheng Daguang, reborn into the year 1982, is driven by a desire to rectify the regrets of his past life. His goals are clear: to provide Qiaogu with a proper, ceremonious wedding, and to clear his mounting debts. With nothing but a basket of sugar and a rattle drum, he embarks on a journey that takes him from Niansanli to Guangzhou, and from Yide Road back to Huqingmen. His father-in-law, Cheng Jinshui, issues a stark ultimatum: one thousand yuan for the bride price within six months. With only twenty yuan in his pocket, Cheng’s greatest asset is his memory of an entire era’s economic trends. He adheres to the Yiwu business philosophy of "give six, keep four." For every ten yuan earned, he distributes six to those who have helped him, retaining only four. This is not foolishness, but shrewd wisdom; it ensures that paths widen and wealth endures. In his previous life, Cheng failed to understand this principle. He hoarded profits and took crooked shortcuts, ultimately ending up alone and destitute. In this second chance at life, he is determined to earn money honestly and live with dignity. Six months later, clad in red wedding attire, he intends to welcome Qiaogu into his home with honor and pride. Life is to be lived slowly and deliberately, and there are too many people left to disappoint.