Love in Qingcheng

This film (drama)Also known as青城之恋，is aMainland ChinaProducerbeauty live，At2005Released in year 。The dialogue language isMandarin，Current Douban rating7.1(For reference only)。

In the 1920s and 1930s, Mei Lan, the daughter of a professor, was a famous beauty in Qingdao. Among many suitors, she chose Zhao Zhenhang, her father's prized student and a brilliant medical scholar. After marriage, Zhenhang took over the hospital founded by his father and moved into a seaside ancestral villa with Mei Lan. They had a pair of children - Yu Tong and Yu He - and the family of four lived happily. Zhenhang dedicated all his efforts to the hospital, while Mei Lan focused on supporting her husband and raising their children. However, their peaceful life was short-lived. An accidental meeting with the talented ophthalmologist Xie Weixi at Zhao's hospital stirred Mei Lan's heart. Xie's handsome appearance, strong physique, and devoted affection created ripples in Mei Lan's emotions. Zhao Zhenhang's hospital specialized in helping the impoverished, and his lifelong wish was to provide timely treatment for poor patients. He worked tirelessly to manage the hospital. He was always strict with his work and lacked warmth towards others, but he was kind and sincere deep down. Due to his singular focus on the hospital—often neglecting even to have dinner with his wife on their wedding anniversary—Mei Lan frequently felt lonely and unfulfilled. Thus, when the passionate and romantic Xie Weixi invited her out repeatedly, Mei Lan's heart began to waver. With Xie, even her smallest wishes could be fulfilled. Despite being a mother for many years, Mei Lan, having never experienced the world, remained a naive and gentle woman. Her interactions with Xie Weixi made her feel uneasy, so she told Zhao Zhenhang every time she went out with him. Zhenhang took it lightly and fully trusted his wife, sometimes even encouraging her to go out and make more friends to be more cheerful. One day, Xie Weixi invited her out yet again, claiming he had a surprise for her. Unable to resist her curiosity, Mei Lan went out with him, leaving her daughter Yu He in the care of the nanny, Zhang Ma. In the midst of her chores, Zhang Ma lost track of Yu He, who disappeared. In a panic, Zhang Ma called Zhao Zhenhang back home. Zhenhang rushed home, abandoning his work to search for Yu He but found no trace of her. When Mei Lan happily returned home that evening, she learned of the incident and was temporarily stunned. At that moment, the phone rang—an officer had found Yu He's body by a riverbank. Zhenhang was unwilling to believe it, but he rushed with Mei Lan to the scene, only to discover that their daughter had been strangled to death. Seeing his daughter in Zhenhang's arms, already cold, Mei Lan fainted on the spot. Once this tragic event occurred, everyone came to help arrange Yu He's funeral. Mei Lan was unable to accept the loss and admitted herself to the hospital for mental therapy. Their mutual friend, dancer Bei Tianhong, took great care of Mei Lan. The police quickly uncovered the truth behind Yu He's death: the young girl was killed by a man named Li Bingxiong, who had gone mad after his private clinic went bankrupt, and his wife died during childbirth. Li Bingxiong fled with his newborn daughter but soon turned himself in and committed suicide in his detention cell. Zhao Zhenhang, suppressing immense grief, returned to work at the hospital. His secretary and student, Wu Hongli, observed him and silently took care of him. Wu Hongli's father had been one of the patients Zhao Zhenhang helped free of charge in a critical condition; before dying, he entrusted Wu Hongli to Zhenhang. Zhenhang taught Wu Hongli to assist him with daily tasks while also slowly teaching her medical skills. Over the years, Wu Hongli, initially respecting Zhenhang, fell in love with him unconsciously. She knew her feelings would not be reciprocated, so she silently devoted herself to him and diligently studied medicine to better assist him. To escape the pain of losing their daughter, Zhao Zhenhang discussed having another child with Mei Lan. But cruel reality struck again: Mei Lan could no longer bear children. This news caused them both immense suffering once more. Zhao Zhenhang's old college friend Gao Gang visited from Yantai. In their casual conversation, Zhenhang learned that Gao Gang volunteered at an orphanage, which sparked an idea: why not adopt a child? However, Mei Lan strongly opposed this idea, believing that no child could replace her deceased Yu He. Zhenhang had no choice but to abandon the idea. Mei Lan, feeling guilty, spent her days alone in pain, unable to recover. During this time, Xie Weixi re-entered her life, skillfully unburdening Mei Lan's heart. Mei Lan found herself comforted. The two resumed dating, but Mei Lan continued to maintain a certain distance from Xie Weixi, regarding him as a close friend. Their frequent interactions eventually raised Zhao Zhenhang's suspicions. After several misunderstandings, Zhenhang realized that on the day of Yu He's tragedy, Mei Lan had gone out with Xie Weixi, which directly led to their daughter's death. Anger brewed within him. Zhao Zhenhang worked day and night in an attempt to suppress his grief over Yu He. During this time, Wu Hongli developed a strong desire to have a daughter for him. However, no matter what she did, Zhenhang always maintained a senior's position towards her. Wu Hongli suffered in silence. When she learned that Xie Weixi was pursuing Mei Lan, she proactively approached Xie, expressing her willingness to date him to protect Zhao Zhenhang from further hurt. Xie, surprised, agreed to no longer pursue Mei Lan. But shortly thereafter, he continued to chase after Mei Lan in defiance. Wu Hongli, feeling helpless, sought out Mei Lan to warn her that Xie was merely a reckless playboy. Mei Lan realized that Xie was only attracted to her beauty and resolved to ignore him and return to her family. To break free from loneliness and pain, Mei Lan took the initiative to suggest adopting a child. However, Zhao Zhenhang interpreted this as Mei Lan wanting to escape with Xie Weixi because she couldn’t bear children. Unsure of what to do, he happened to hear at Gao Gang's orphanage that Li Bingxiong's daughter was there. A vengeful thought took root. Hesitating, Zhao Zhenhang chose to adopt that girl. He intended to use this means to retaliate against Mei Lan and Xie. Unbeknownst to Mei Lan, she joyfully traveled to Yantai to embrace the young girl, naming her Yu Yang. To avoid gossip and because little Yu Yang's health was weak, Mei Lan decided to stay in Yantai with the child until the weather warmed up before returning to Qingdao. Having been rejected by Mei Lan, Xie Weixi realized that he had genuinely fallen in love with her. He then went to great lengths to find her and finally encountered her on the boat returning to Qingdao. But Mei Lan not only rejected his feelings but any assistance he offered. Despite this, Xie Weixi continued to persistently pursue her. This scene was witnessed by Zhao Zhenhang, which planted deep resentment in his heart. Afterward, Xie Weixi frequently pursued Mei Lan but was sternly rejected by her, and she ceased to meet him. At this point, Zhao Zhenhang realized that Mei Lan had no intention of running away with Xie Weixi. Despite this understanding, he stubbornly believed that without Xie Weixi's presence, Mei Lan would not have so easily left for an outing, thereby abandoning Yu He. He harbored deep resentment toward Mei Lan but never expressed it. Watching Mei Lan tenderly care for Yu Yang only brought him cold laughter, but he was also in pain because every time little Yu Yang saw him, she would smile sweetly. Wu Hongli, understanding Zhao Zhenhang's pain, grew increasingly fond of him. To have a child for him, she devised every means to get close to him, but to no avail. In her overwhelming emotional despair, she quietly left. Meanwhile, Xie Weixi, suffering from tuberculosis, left in despair. Oblivious to the circumstances, Mei Lan raised Yu Yang as her own, meticulously keeping the secret of Yu Yang being an adopted daughter from Yu Tong and those around her. Yu Tong also adored the new sister, and during their innocent growth together, he developed feelings for Yu Yang that transcended mere sibling affection. Zhenhang, witnessing this, felt regret, unable to divulge Yu Yang's background. The ill-fated Yu Yang faced a tragic fate when she encountered an accident after school. During this rare blood type crisis, her blood matched Mei Lan's. Mei Lan resolutely planned to donate blood to Yu Yang, but Zhenhang firmly stopped her, quietly realizing that adopting Yu Yang had become more than just a punishment for Mei Lan; it involved every member of their family. The bloodline Zhenhang loathed would also flow in Yu Yang's veins, so he found himself powerless. Yu Yang grew up joyfully under Mei Lan's meticulous care, Yu Tong's protective nature, and Zhenhang's aloofness. An old letter from Zhenhang to Gao Gang revealed his agony over adopting Yu Yang, which Mei Lan discovered by chance, realizing that the daughter she had painstakingly raised for seven years was indeed the daughter of the one who killed Yu He—a devastating revelation. Coincidentally, when Yu Yang returned home from school, Mei Lan, in a whirlwind of grief and anger, contemplated killing Yu Yang. Yu Yang, frightened, fled in solitude to Bei Tianhong's home. Bei Tianhong had secretly cherished feelings for Zhao Zhenhang all along but held a particular fondness for the virtuous and beautiful Yu Yang. At this moment, Mei Lan's heart had frozen; she would no longer treat Yu Yang as she once did, and she began to resent both Zhao Zhenhang and Yu Yang. Yu Yang fell into despair. Yu Tong continued to love Yu Yang as always. Later, when he went to pursue a doctorate, he introduced his friend Lian Weijun to Yu Yang, hoping to bring her happiness. But when they returned home together for the winter break, Yu Tong accidentally learned that Yu Yang was the adopted daughter of their family, leading him to feel even more pity for her. Lian Weijun was steady and generous, and their similar unfortunate backgrounds drew him closer to Yu Yang's heart. He was deeply attracted to Yu Yang's kind and genuine nature, resolving to pursue her. Meanwhile, Mei Lan sought to retaliate against her husband by thwarting Lian Weijun's attempts to court Yu Yang. Nevertheless, Lian Weijun, undeterred, decided to formally express his interest in Yu Yang to Mei Lan. Mei Lan, overwhelmed by hatred, seized this opportunity to strike at Yu Yang through Lian Weijun, announcing the truth that Yu Yang was the daughter of the murderer. This revelation was overheard by both Yu Yang and Yu Tong. From that moment on, Yu Yang understood why her mother never made her clothes, why she repeatedly denied her lunch money, and why at the graduation ceremony—one everyone else took pride in—her gratitude speech was replaced with a blank sheet revealing her true background. Yu Yang collapsed in despair. She ventured alone to the riverbank where Yu He had perished, intending to die for her. At this point, Gao Gang, on vacation in Qingdao, revealed Yu Yang's true identity to everyone. It turned out that Gao Gang had long loved Mei Lan, and years ago, he had agreed to take care of the daughter of the one who killed Yu He on Zhao Zhenhang's behalf. Though he did not understand Zhenhang’s grand rationale—"love your enemies"—he couldn't bear to keep Mei Lan in the dark, so he pretended to comply, later finding another orphan, and that was Yu Yang! Mei Lan was filled with regret upon hearing this. Yu Yang was saved, but when she learned of her true identity, it brought her no joy; it was already inconsequential to her. All feelings in this world, including the budding love between her and Weijun, lost significance; an irreplaceable emotional scar made her shut herself away. Although Zhao Zhenhang had suspicions about Yu Yang's identity, he said nothing. Mei Lan was also full of doubt and demanded Gao Gang find Yu Yang's biological mother. Gao Gang was unprepared for how far matters had developed, so he approached Zhao Zhenhang, who ambiguously remarked, "If you don't find the mother, how can we believe you?" With no solution, Gao Gang could only consult Bei Tianhong. She suggested they find a surrogate mother. The two began searching everywhere. As the deadline drew closer, they still failed to find a suitable candidate. Just as they walked down the street, a middle-aged fisherman woman named Man Ni caught their eye. They took Man Ni to Zhao's home. Although Man Ni lived at the bottom of society and had a hard life, her heart was pure. She caused several humorous situations within the Zhao household with her exaggerated personality. Later, she genuinely grew fond of Yu Yang and the comfortable life the family offered. Initially, Yu Yang was unwilling to accept such a mother, and Mei Lan also skeptically questioned the surrogate's authenticity. Gao Gang and Bei Tianhong tried every means to convince Mei Lan of the truth. The lies escalated to an extent that resembled a never-ending spiral. During a chance encounter, Zhao Zhenhang finally discovered that Man Ni was a fake mother. However, to calm Mei Lan and prevent their home from sinking back into hatred, Zhao Zhenhang even assisted in persuading her. Gradually, Mei Lan and Yu Yang came to trust the fake mother, treating her amicably as she was welcomed into their home. Yu Yang began to like this fake mother and treated her with kindness and respect. At this point, the fake mother found herself flustered; she was growing affectionate for this "daughter," feeling guilty about her deception, and thus, she approached Gao Gang and Bei Tianhong to resign, unwilling to hurt the innocent Yu Yang. Gao Gang desperately comforted her, and the fake mother reluctantly continued her role. After experiencing a failed marriage, Xie Weixi realized he could not forget Mei Lan. The longing for love intensified. He came to Zhao's household again, expressing his admiration. However, Mei Lan ignored him and refused to meet. After several disappointments in his pursuit, resentment filled Xie's heart. At this time, Wu Hongli, long gone, was spotted by Zhao Zhenhang on the street. By now, she had gone blind. But out of pride, she refused to accept Zhao's help. He had no choice but to call upon Bei Tianhong to take her in. Currently, Mei Lan felt deeply guilty about her previous harsh treatment of Yu Yang due to the presence of the fake mother; she decided to care for Yu Yang henceforth to atone for her past mistakes. The family began to enjoy harmonious days. In this warm and loving atmosphere, Zhao Zhenhang and Mei Lan's relationship deepened, and they authentically commenced a moving romance. Yu Yang slowly began to open her heart again amidst the dual maternal love and resumed her relationship with Weijun. However, at this time, Yu Tong felt remorse. Watching the affection between them, he realized that his feelings for Yu Yang could not be retracted. He made the decision to reclaim Yu Yang. Thus, an intense emotional rivalry erupted between Yu Tong and Weijun. Yu Yang was overwhelmed with pain as she found herself unable to choose between them. Observing Yu Yang's happiness, Yu Tong suddenly felt that his love was selfish and gracefully withdrew from the competition, willingly taking on the role of a protective brother for Yu Yang throughout her life. Zhao Zhenhang's concern reignited Wu Hongli's hope for love, and she once more pleaded with him to provide her with a child, but he refused, leaving her in anguish as she stumbled away. Seeing Zhao Zhenhang and Mei Lan so in love filled Xie Weixi with greater resentment; he resolved to harm Zhao Zhenhang. He uncovered the true identity of the fake mother and exposed Zhao Zhenhang's involvement in the scheme, aiming to lure Mei Lan back to his side. Though in tremendous pain, Mei Lan grew colder toward Xie. This left Xie desperate. At this juncture, he encountered Wu Hongli. Seeing her blind, he felt compassion and helped restore her sight. They confided in each other, seeking solace amid their cold realities. In a drunken stupor, Xie vowed to take revenge on the Zhao family. The two became intimate in this state. The following day, however, Xie went missing. In her despair, Wu Hongli sought to leave and, before she did, unknowingly approached the Zhao home, overhearing that Yu Yang had disappeared. She hurried to Xie’s residence, discovering that Yu Yang had indeed been kidnapped by him. She pleaded fruitlessly, proclaiming, "I am already carrying our child." Xie paused his vengeful madness at this revelation. Wu departed with the bewildered Xie. Meanwhile, tensions at the Zhao household flared anew. Yu Yang, shrouded in deep sorrow, ran away, leaving behind a deeply moving letter: “No matter how you wish to deny it, in my heart, you will always be my father and mother, my closest relatives! I bear no resentment for everything that has happened because I love you, whether you treat me with love or hate; my heart will always be with you. But my identity is an undeniable truth, and perhaps leaving is the only way to alleviate the hatred in your hearts. Therefore, I am going. Perhaps this is goodbye…” At this moment, Yu Tong, having lost Yu Yang, realized that love cannot be compromised or evaded. He frantically searched for Yu Yang, hoping to take her away together. Yu Yang’s fate left Mei Lan struggling under dual burdens of sorrow. Meanwhile, Zhao Zhenhang was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Caught between life and death, love and hate, Mei Lan and Zhao Zhenhang fully disclosed everything from their pasts, finally freeing their hearts: love should encompass everything. Henceforth, the whole family began searching for Yu Yang. Yu Tong and Weijun also frantically endeavored to find her. In the end, Yu Tong arrived first at the orphanage in Yantai and found Yu Yang volunteering there. Confronted by Yu Tong and Weijun, Yu Yang ultimately chose to go back with Yu Tong to Mei Lan and Zhao Zhenhang…