(Eng Sub) Hunting 1979 - 2

'Hunting 1979 - Part 2' plunges viewers into the raw and emotional realities of rural China in the late 1970s, as a family navigates immense challenges and discovers unexpected avenues for change. At the heart of this compelling historical drama is Zhao Man, a man grappling with his past and striving to build a better future for his wife and young daughter, Nan Nan.

The episode opens with poignant domestic scenes, revealing Zhao Man's practical yet loving nature as he discusses trading a prized bear nose for much-needed furniture – a cabinet for his wife and a small bed for Nan Nan. This early glimpse highlights the family's humble circumstances and Zhao Man's desire to provide, even hinting at his wish for a second child, a son, to expand their family.

However, the path to prosperity is fraught with peril. Zhao Man's venture into selling deer antlers exposes him to the corrupt underbelly of the local supply and marketing cooperative, where he bravely stands up against an unscrupulous employee, gaining the attention of a more ethical director. This encounter not only secures a fair price for his goods but also hints at a burgeoning ambition and a readiness to challenge the status quo. His willingness to bring "other good things" like deer penis to the director for a separate, discreet deal showcases his resourcefulness, if not always conventional methods.

The drama intensifies as Zhao Man's past gambling debts come crashing down on his family. Confronted by aggressive loan sharks, his wife is devastated by a fraudulent IOU claiming Zhao Man sold her and Nan Nan to pay off his debts. The raw emotion of this betrayal, the fear for Nan Nan, and the community's judgment create a heartbreaking scene. Yet, in a shocking turn, Zhao Man produces a substantial sum, clearing his name and standing up to his tormentors in a powerful display of newfound resolve.

In the aftermath, Zhao Man desperately seeks his wife's forgiveness, promising a profound change. The arrival of the new furniture, crafted from the best red pine wood, symbolizes his commitment to rebuilding their home and trust. He reveals his new venture: a mushroom business, supplying state-run restaurants with wild mountain goods like matsutake and tremella. While his wife expresses fear about "speculation" in a still-developing economic climate, Zhao Man passionately argues for the country's new policies encouraging entrepreneurship, painting a picture of a "great era" where the poor can become rich.

The episode culminates with Zhao Man's ultimate gesture of love and commitment: purchasing a vintage bicycle for his wife, a rare and expensive commodity in 1979. This symbol of progress and personal freedom, along with his tender attempts to teach her how to ride, solidifies his transformation. "Hunting 1979 - Part 2" is a powerful narrative about resilience, the complexities of human nature, and the enduring hope for family and a better life amidst the backdrop of China's economic awakening.