Waiting for Happiness

This film (drama)Also known as守候幸福，is aMainland ChinaProducerbeauty live，At2007Released in year 。The dialogue language isMandarin Chinese，Current Douban rating8.1(For reference only)。

It's the weekend, and the old Chinese medicine doctor Xu Zhongmian and his wife have once again gone to great lengths to prepare a grand feast, only for four of their five children to call as usual, saying they are busy and cannot come back to have dinner with the elderly couple. Xu Zhongmian falls ill and is hospitalized in a fit of anger. In the hospital, his old friend Dr. Zhou tells the children that their father has about a year left to live. In his final time, the old man's only wish is for his children to come back and spend time with him. To fulfill their father's wish, the children try their best to come back every day. Gradually, Xu Zhongmian realizes that he knows very little about his children. While they all seem to be successful in their careers, each has their own struggles, and life is not easy for anyone. His expectations of his children seem too harsh. The eldest son Xu Bojiang was originally a factory manager who worked hard all year round, but the factory is on the brink of bankruptcy due to triangular debts. He used the money meant for buying a house to cover the medical expenses for old employees, but he was not understood by the workers. Not only did he end up unable to buy the house, but he was also beaten by the workers and later forced to resign. His second brother found him a decent job through connections, but he angrily quit because the boss was the culprit of the triangular debts. The eldest daughter-in-law, Gao Ge, was originally understanding and sensible, but now she is going through menopause... The second son Xu Botao is the owner of a private company, appearing to be thriving, but his home is cold and dark—not because he doesn't have a wife, but because his wife, who comes from an educated and well-connected family, has never cooked a meal since they got married. The three of them seem indifferent to each other, with no one knowing where the others are or what they are doing. Behind the seemingly calm facade lies a brewing volcano, which finally erupts when the second son hits his wife, Ru Yun, in front of the whole family, leading to their divorce. He initially thought that divorce would lead to happiness, but instead, his mood worsened, and when he wanted to reconcile, Ru Yun's childhood friend returned from abroad to pursue her... The third child, Xu Boqing, is the only daughter of the elderly couple, and her husband Li Ping is a seasoned policeman. In their home, Xu Boqing has always had the final say, and their life has been quite peaceful. One day, she suddenly notices that Li Ping has been avoiding her, and she eventually sees the young and beautiful female police officer beside him... The fourth child, Xu Bohong, is divorced and has returned from studying abroad to work in a foreign company. He works from dawn till dusk but never gains the appreciation of his foreign boss. A girl named Lin Xiaodan has feelings for him, but he doesn't dare to accept her love. Just when he is finally ready to accept Lin Xiaodan, his ex-wife falls gravely ill, brings their daughter back to Xu's home, and uncovers the mystery of his family's background... The youngest, Xu Bohan, is the only son to inherit the family business. He is buried in research at the Chinese Medicine Research Institute, determined to achieve results soon. The old man is satisfied with his work, but Xu Bohan has been married for several years and doesn’t want children. The couple is over forty when his wife unexpectedly becomes pregnant, causing great concern for the elderly couple... As the days go by, the children are busy facing and resolving life's challenges, but "the greatest virtue is filial piety," and they all earnestly stay by the elderly couple's side. Thus, Xu Zhongmian resolves to do something practical for his children. He and his wife devise a plan to "communicate" with their children. The old man wholeheartedly does what he can for his children in his own way. The couple is busier than ever, filled with tears and laughter, touching memories, and the realities they must face today. Nevertheless, the care from the big family makes everyone's life warmer... But the knot in Xu Zhongmian's heart grows tighter...