[Drive of Life] character synopsis
Note: Some of the characters doesn't have synopsis yet. Please bookmark this page and come back in the future. I'll also post a mesg in cbox whenever I update.
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*Updated March 24th, 2007 Saturday
Charmaine Sheh as Wing Sau Fung
Age: 26 to 39 years old (1994 - 2007)
Education: Harvard Business School, Majoring in Public Finance
Occupation: Real estate agent, Afortane (bedding store) personnel, Ngai Tin Hang's assistance
Personality: Since young has vowed to become successful, tough, assertive on love and hate, highly intelligent, skillful in manipulating emotions. Having a stubborn personality, she has a strong sense of self protection, will not reveal her emotions easily. Filial to mother, she will not hesitate to sacrifice her most loved for revenge.
Fung was born in Canada; Ping was her mother while her father is a Canadian born Chinese. During her childhood, her father business failed and becomes an alcoholic. After he was drunk, he will beat Ping mercilessly. Through the years, Fung saw with her own eyes how her mother bears the abuse. To safeguard Fung, her mother withstands silently. Fung promised to take her mother away from this family hell. In addition of being filial, Fung strives to improve and worked part time to support her studies, finally earning a scholarship to continue her studies at Harvard Business School. During her university years, Fung learned that her father died in an accident. Little does she know that Ping actually killed her father out of self defense. This important secret becomes the starting point of Fung's feud with Wah Man Hang's family in the future.
Fung vowed to become successful: Firstly to allow Ping to peacefully enjoy her old age, second is to separate her life from poverty. In her fight to climb upwards, she enters the dicey world of business, using her brilliant and competent personality to earn big business. Fung's career was successful, soon she fetches Ping to Hong Kong and they lived supporting each other.
At this time, Fung met Wah Man Hang's son Wah Zhen Pong. Pong is a wealthy heir who looks down on the world. The two contested in business, acknowledge each other and also test each other wits. Because of this, they grew impressed of each other, growing a subtle feeling…
After the economic crisis in 1997, Fung almost bankrupted due to Pong, straining their relationship. Seeing that Pong was able to stand up after being dejected, using an unbreakable spirit to manage the car factory in Mainland, Fung began to change her views and started to stand up again, starting from a low position in a bedding store. Both of them got a new start and reconcile soon after. Unfortunately, heaven played a trick on them when Ping was accused of murdering her husband and she committed suicide in jail. Fung was grief stricken. Pong was always by her side, taking care of her. Acknowledging each other, they decided to get married.
When Fung thought she could forget the grief and preparing her wedding with Pong, she was shocked to learn that Ping's death was related to Man Hang and Yan. Fung feels that both of them caused Ping's death, and swore to revenge on Wah family…
Before the wedding, Fung doesn't hesitate to sacrifice Pong and used her pregnancy to extort and cheats Man Hang's money. She also exposed Man Hang's one night stand with Ping. Fung received a huge amount of money from Man Hang, but her baby miscarriage in an accident. Fung loses everything, feeling hurt and embittered; she used risky tactics to earn profits in Mainland, drinking alcohol to numb her grief. This time, Fung's ruthlessness receives Tin Hang's recognition. They understand each other and Tin Hang provoked Fung's hatred toward Wah family. Fung decided to collaborate with Tin Hang and returns to Hong Kong to exact her revenge on Wah family.
However, Fung never forgot her feelings for Pong, and felt guilty for hurting Pong. In between commercial wars with Wah family, Fung and Pong rekindle their love, throwing everything away and got back together again. However, Fung and Wah family feud is too deep; they were unable to accept her. Fung decide to leave with Pong to a far away place to restart a new life.
At this time, Tin Hang has serious illness and in the end entrusts his inheritance to Fung, hoping Fung will fulfill his wishes. Actually, when Fung and Tin Hang worked together to fight Wah family, they have built a deep mentor-student relationship. At his deathbed, Tin Hang have a change of heart and wish to invest in Wah family business, completing the dream of Mainland automobile and leaving a good name in the world. He also hopes Fung will take this advantage to resolve her dispute with Wah family. Fung was grateful of Tin Hang's wish, plus seeing Pong's passion for his dream, decided to stay behind with Pong and fulfill Tin Hang's wishes. Unfortunately, though Tin Hang used every trick, he still cannot get rid of the evil spy in Wah family: Piew. As soon as Tin Hang passed away, Piew and Fung launched a battle on Tin Hang's inheritance…
In court, Wah family show distrust towards Fung and constantly hostile toward each other, making Pong feel awkward. However, Pong kept supporting Fung and officially married Fung to show affirm his trust. For the sake of Pong and her own future, also for Wah family, Fung continue to persevere on the court battle with Piew and intents to expose Piew evil conducts. Unexpectedly, during investigating Piew's incriminating evidence, Fung accidentally injured Man Hang and caused him to be paralyzed waist down. Fung feels guilty and because Man Hang was forgiving and did not expose Fung's mistake, she feels more ashamed and decided to give up (on the case).
Throwing the conflicts away, Fung plan to spend her lifetime with Pong. But she couldn't fight the guilt in her heart and confessed to Pong that she was the culprit who mistakenly injured Man Hang. Pong could not accept this and his heart filled with detest, angrily leaving Fung…
Though Fung was abandoned by Fung, she has not given up on Pong. She silently waits for the day Pong forgives her...
Raymond Lam as Wah Zhen Pong
Age: 27 to 40 years old (1994 - 2007)
Education: Stanford University, Majoring in Business Management & Bachelor of Philosophy
Occupation: Steel processing factory manager, Dream maker
Personality: Intelligent and quick witted, arrogant and proud, fluent in argument, stubborn and tried to outdo others. Hate being restrained; prefer to do things his own way. Being born in a wealthy family, he enjoy playing but hate working, thinks it is not worthy to slave over work, only likes enjoying life, pursuing better things, a perfectionist. Handles matters swiftly, dislike dragging, intelligent and decisive, has a sense of justice but lacked patience. Have a contemporary mind, full of aspiration and dream. In later period, gradually matures after many obstacles, finally finding his own goal and becoming a new generation of dream entrepreneur.
Born in Hong Kong late 60's, Pong returns to Hong Kong in early 90's after graduating from university. At first he doesn't want to work, but instead enjoys himself for a period of time, thus father and son was repeatedly at clash. Actually, Pong's philosophy in life is to enjoy life; therefore he never has the intention of building a career, but instead filled his thoughts with endless dreams. To him; working and doing business is only to earn money, and the money will eventually use to satisfy needs and enjoyment in life.
Pong traveled all around and suddenly has an idea to build a hot spring hotel in a suburb area in Mainland China. Man Hang thought Pong was lackadaisical, and finally could not stand it anymore. He agrees to invest in Pong's project with the condition that Pong works in the steel processing plant. Pong prefers leisure over work, so he chose the least looked upon department. Due to his brief moment of interest, he manages to make an investment profit using his accurate insight.
Approaching 1994, Man Hang launched a battle with another huge shareholder over the management rights of the steel factory. In the end, Man Hang won by manipulating his younger brother Man Shek, kicking Wong family out. However, the development of the steel factory is restricted and often faced financial crisis. On the other hand, Pong's real estate career was going well. It was peaking and the profit is even a few times higher than the steel factory. In the end, the entire shareholder decided to support Pong and persuade Man Hang to invest a large amount of money into real estate. Man Hang, whom originally placed importance in steel industry, was forced to follow everyone's wish. He reduced the investment for steel processing industry and changes the company's focus to real estate.
1997, Pong has helped the company to gain properties worth HKD10 billion, therefore Pong was corrupted by victory. The company over expanded, making it defenseless to the Asian Economic Crisis. In a short while, the company suffered a devastating defeat and affected the steel factory as well. The company finally bankrupts and Man Hang years of painstakingly built career vanishes into thin air. Pong becomes the black sheep in his family.
Because of heavily in debt, also because not willing to be looked down by Man Hang, Pong decided to return to Mainland to manage a small truck manufacturing factory, hoping to take this advantage for a comeback. The only person who supports him is his secretary Fong Bing Yee. Actually, the factory is experiencing loss since it's opening, and the management is messed up. Pong, who always thought highly of himself, determined to revive the factory. However, he has to face not only the intense competition of the market, but also many kind of management problem in the factory. In addition, the person who goes against him the most is his second uncle Man Hung's son, Wah Zhen Man, whom he never saw before. Due to the cultural clash between Hong Kong and Mainland culture, their management philosophy is different, plus their personality is poles apart like east and west, using different approach in handling either people or matter. After Pong joined the factory, he found it hard to make his steps.
Pong and Man's disagreement caused many upheavals in the factory. Pong's second uncle Man Hung feels that though their goal is consistent, their viewpoint have great differences and this has caused a lot of internal tumult. He tricked them into working together, both heart and soul. Using Pong and Man's teamwork, the factory manages to balance its income within the short period of a year. Man Hung, Man and other people started to look at Pong at a new perspective. At the time the factory finally united as one, the shareholder suddenly allowed foreign investment into the factory. Seeing Man Hung's many years of effort to build Mainland's own automobile factory was ruined, Pong feel hurtful and suddenly have the idea to build Wah family's own automobile plant! Under Man Hang and Man Hung's support, Pong finally establish his own automobile factory, marking the new step of Wah ancestor's automobile dream.
Love wise, due to business, Pong met real estate agent Wing Sau Fung. Pong has always been vain; he never gives a glance to the generally attractive woman out there. However, Fung is different: Fung is not only beautiful, but also intelligent and quick-witted, ruthless and good at scheming. Pong highly admires Fung and thought that only this kind of woman can match him. To two of them started a romance based on battle of wits.
In their contest of wits, Pong repeatedly displays his intelligence. He finally succeeds to capture Fung's heart and they even planned to get married. Unexpectedly, Fung suddenly left on their wedding day. It turns out that Fung is actually seeking revenge for her mother Wai Cheung Ping, using her pregnancy to extort Man Hang for a large amount of money as condition of exchange. Fung accidentally miscarries, and Pong thought that Fung intentionally abort the baby. Pong was truly hurt and hated Fung deeply.
At the same time, Pong's secretary Fong Bing Yee actually was secretly in love with Pong all along. For many years, Yee always stood by Pong's side. When Pong faced financial difficulties, even going bankrupt, Yee have always followed Pong faithfully. Yee finally moved Pong, and when they planned to get married, Fung reappears with the intention of reconciling with Pong. Pong cannot fight his feelings for Fung, in addition he found out that Fung's miscarriage was an accident. Under Yee's blessings, Pong decided to renew his relationship with Fung.
However, Fung's grudge with Wah family is too deep; in addition with the court battle over Ngai Tin Hang's inheritance, Fung cannot be accepted into Wah family. Pong and Fung have went through a lot of obstacles, therefore Pong was determined to let Fung hurt again. He continuously supports Fung, and in the end Fung become a part of Wah family.
This moment, Pong is not longer the arrogant rich heir, but gradually grew into a mature person with leadership qualities. When Man Hang was paralyzed, Pong bears the responsibility to support the automobile factory. Unexpectedly, Pong found out that Fung was the prime culprit of Man Hang's injuries. Heartbroken, Pong left Fung. After being advised by Man Hang, he finally forgives Fung.
Pong stood up again, overcoming difficulties and uniting his family and partners, vowed to revive the automobile factory and fulfill his great dream, fulfilling the mission to unite his family…
Year 2007, [Wah's Automobile Factory] car does not lose to US sales, and in their company press conference, Pong and other announced their independent research and development of a new generation of hybrid engines (gasoline + electrical), being the lead among their peers. Because they believe, after we have united, in the 21 st century, we will walk ahead of the world…
Feng Shao Feng as Wah Zhen Man (Tin Zhen Man)
Age: 24 to 37 years old (1994 – 2007)
Education: Engineering & Technical Colleges
Occupation: Automobile showroom staff, Business department manager, CEO Sales and Marketing
Personality: Quick witted and smooth. Emphasize on economic efficiency, good as grasping opportunity. Eloquent, understand other's psychology, win trust easily in short time, clever but doesn't have wisdom. Carefree and have unbreakable spirit. Although is an opportunist, he's naturally kind, righteous and distinguish right and wrong clearly. At first, due to young brashness and inexperience, often runs into trouble. Later, he gradually matures after meeting a lot of setbacks. Earned the nickname of "God of Sales". Faithful in love, chauvinist and place importance in family.
Zhen Man is Wah family descendant; his father Wah Man Hung is an engineer in car factory, continuing to safeguard their family career. His mother passed away due to sickness after he was born. Zhen Man grew up living with his maternal grandfather Tin Fung Sau, grandmother Shui Wan Ha and his father. Due to previous generation grudges, Zhen Man rarely communicates with relatives in Hong Kong .
Zhen Man likes business and has no big interest in the car factory. Under a twist of fate, Zhen Man met a wealthy heir from Hong Kong; Wah Zhen Pong. After an accident, he found out that Zhen Pong is his cousin. Zhen Pong has the intention of developing a hot spring resort, while Zhen Man thinks that there is unlimited potential in the suburban area. Under Pong's encouragement, Man decided to establish a restaurant next to the resort and persuade other factory workers to gather capital. When the restaurant was almost completed, Pong suddenly set aside the development project. Man was stunned beyond words. The gathered capital was the blood and sweat savings of factory workers, therefore Man doesn't know how to explain for the loss. In order to seek for justice, he decided to go to Hong Kong and ask Pong's explanation. Unfortunately, after several circles, the matter is still unsolved. This incident has also aggravated Man Hung and Man Hang's relationship. Man returned empty handed. When he was distraught on how to return the money to the workers, he discovered another opportunity which is to buy sunglasses at a low price in Hong Kong and resold them in Mainland. Finally, under Man Hung's help, Man not only settled the debts, but also gained a profit.
Originally, Man decided to develop in sales career, but at this time, he unexpectedly found out that Pong is going to be in charge of the factory. The car factory has been suffering loss and was in deep crisis. It was until capital poured in from Hong Kong that the condition improved. However, no one expected that the investor is Wah Man Hang. To avoid direct confrontation with Man Hung, Man Hang sent Pong to manage the factory. After Pong enters the factory, he immediately wants a reform. Seeing Pong messing up the car factory, new hatred and old grudge wells up in Man and he assembled the workers to go against Pong, forcing Pong to yield to them. After some consideration, Man Hung feels that both cousins' intention is for the benefit of the factory, only that their methods are different, thus creating internal friction. After several mediation attempts by Man Hung, the cousins finally let go of their animosity and become each other's support, striving together for the car factory.
Pong was responsible for production and management, while Man was responsible for sales. The brothers divided their work in co-operation. After several difficulties, they finally reached target and brought back life to the factory. Right when everyone was buoyant, they received a bad news. As China joins the world trade, the automobile market also opened itself to foreign market. A lot of foreign companies are investing in factories to manufacture their automobile brand. Because of this, some of the factory crucial shareholders decided to accept foreign investment. For many years, Man Hung have quietly researched and developed independent engine in order for China to have its own produced car. Merging the car factory with foreign investment means that he will have to start from zero again. See his father's dream being dashed, Man couldn't do anything and felt helpless.
Luckily, under Pong's support, Man established his own car factory, preserving Man Hung's years of effort. Man felt grateful of Pong and felt aware that he must make full contribution to the car factory. He repeatedly achieved merit in sales, increasing the business of the car factory by day.
Everyone thought that the family finally united to fulfill their dream. Who would imagine that in a racing accident, Man Hung took the blame for Man Hang and resigned, causing Man to feel unhappy and growing resentment. In the end, a misunderstanding caused Man to withdraw from the car factory, creating another friction with Man Shek, who was also in dispute with Man Hang. After some hard work, Man succeeded in the field of automobile sales, earning the nickname of [God of Sales].
At the same time, the car factory was embroiled in a difficult situation. Man feels that their ancestor empire must not be destroyed at their generation. Therefore, he let go of past animosity and gave the factory a helping hand. The Wah family unites and works hard, successfully saving the car factory once again. Year 2007; Wah family automobile successfully imported into US, realizing the dreams of several Wah generations and writing a magnificent page in the history of the car factory.
Love wise, two important woman appeared in Man's life. The first one is Lee Seen Sin. Man knew Seen Sin since young. Man often bullies and play pranks on Seen Sin. However, when other people bully Seen Sin, Man will definitely step up and protect her. As though only he himself could bully Seen Sin. Because of this, Seen Sin both love and hate Man.
Though Seen Sin appears to be weak and gentle, she is actually tough inside. When Zhen Man persuades others to gather capital, Seen Sin is the first person to step out and support him. Man was touched and he found out that Seen Sin actually likes him. Man was unclear of his own feelings, therefore pushing Seen Sin toward other people. Seen Sin was sad and Man only then realized he likes Seen Sin. Finally, they start dating and return to their previous style of communicating.
However, it's not a smooth sailing for their relationship. After Pong took charge, he promoted Seen Sin a few times. Seen Sin began to place more emphasize in her career. She frequently supports Pong and have clash of opinions with Man. After Man's career improved, he wants to get married with Seen Sin and start a family. However, Seen Sin was inspired by Pong to excel and wished to study abroad, using wisdom to change destiny. Man sensed that if Seen Sin went abroad, their feelings will waver, therefore he strongly opposed it. The two argued due to this matter. Though she was reluctant to leave Man, Seen Sin have already made up her mind and still went abroad to realize her dream.
However, their feelings are no match for distance, drifting apart day after day. Seeing that Seen Sin have found her most loved, Man can endure the pain and let go. At this time, Man met Bing Yee, who was also lovelorn…
Bing Yee came from Hong Kong. Fluent and clever, looks like a housewife and frequently at verbal war with Man to defend Pong. After coming to the car factory, she becomes best friend with Seen Sin due to work. Bing Yee couldn't stand Man's chauvinist personality and constantly defend Seen Sin, making her a bickering duo with Man. Bing Yee was secretly in love with Pong, but Pong loves another person. When Bing Yee was lonely, Man was also feeling the same after Seen Sin left; therefore they mutually support each other. Slowly, Man realize that Bing Yee have a lovable personality. Bing Yee's family lived in New Territory, his father stills go to farm and rears chicken, therefore Bing Yee's personality is very simple, family oriented, and low key, different from usual Hong Kong people. On the other hand, Bing Yee admires Man working enthusiasm and his capability of taking care of other people. They mutually comfort each other and become good friend. After a while, they find what they need from each other, and unconsciously sparked a genuine and special feeling.
Jessica Hsuan as Wah Ching Yuk
Age: 24 to 37 years old (1994 – 2007)
Education: Bachelor in Accounting, University of Toronto
Occupation: Finance department manager, Automobile designer
Personality: Filial, solemn, attractive, intelligent and beautiful. Gentle appearance and understanding others. Meticulous in work and a good daughter in the eyes of her parent. In love, she is extremely stubborn.
Yuk is Man Hang's eldest daughter, and is extremely filial to parent. From young, she is obedient, clever, exceptional in conduct and academic, multi talented, the one that never disobey her parents' teaching, or do anything that crossed the line. In Man Hang's eyes, she is the most obedient child and doesn't need him to worry about.
After graduating from university, though she was interested in design, but in order not to oppose Man Hang's wishes, she joined the steel processing factory and was appointed the manager of account department, becoming colleague with Ngai Wing Piew. Seeing that Piew does his best for Wah family but doesn't receive recognition from Man Hang, Yuk sympathize with Piew, often encourages him. However, Piew misunderstand her action and thought that Yuk likes him. To avoid being hounded by Piew, she frankly told him that she is in love with another person – Wai Lun.
Lun is Yuk's design teacher. They share the same interest and soon developed feelings for each other. However, Lun is actually married and he hid this from Yuk for quite some time. In the end, Lun forsake Yuk and returned to his wife, causing Yuk to be heartbroken. At the time when Yuk was feeling sad, Piew was always by her side, making Yuk feel touched. Finally, she started to have feelings for Piew and they become lovers.
Due to this incident, Man Hang realized that he have neglected Yuk for all these years. Not only he allows Yuk to work in design field that she likes, he is determined to protect his daughter, not letting her hurt again. Man Hang found out that Yuk was dating Piew and strongly opposed to it. Actually, because Piew doesn't receive recognition from Man Hang, he is no longer the loyal servant to Wah family, but the enemy who harbors resentment against Man Hang. Yuk is torn between love and family.
Yuk originally planned to painfully let go, but she couldn't and decided to get married with Piew. Man Hang was powerless, but understood that Yuk is an adult and no longer the little girl who follow her parent's command. He broadmindedly let go of his guard against Piew, allowing Yuk to pursue her own happiness. However, Piew's greedy ambition was not satisfied even after getting Yuk, but instead plots to swallow Wah's family empire. Under Piew's constant manipulation, Wah family member falls into danger one by one, and Wah family eventually split up. Yuk doesn't know this and firmly believed Piew's loyalty to her and Wah family. She continuously shields Piew from menace. Until one day, Yuk found out about Piew's evil conduct and suffered a big blow. However, Yuk loves Piew, not only she did not expose him, she also get pregnant with Piew's baby in order to persuade him to repent. Unfortunately, nothing can move Piew as he was consumed by riches and fame. He sees Yuk's intention as betrayal and becomes worse. Seeing that Wah family is going to be destroyed, she hardened her heart and tearfully exposed Piew's criminal evidence. However, in her heart, Yuk and her daughter awaits the return of Piew…
p.s. I think there is a small mistake in Jess character age, because it's the same with Feng Shao Feng and Myolie. How could that be, since she's suppose to be older?
Ron Ng as Sin Gai Keong
Education: High school
Occupation: Automobile repairman, Automobile test driver, Car racer
Personality: Calm, wanting to outdo others, deep sense of justice, neither arrogant nor servile. On the appearance, looks cold and arrogant, but is actually amiable, kind hearted and place emphasize in friendship. Have the hobby of racing, with the nickname of "Speed God of Princess Margaret Road".
After graduating high school, Keong become a car technician at an old garage in Sham Shui Po. Though Keong come from a lower family background and education, he handles himself responsibly and doesn't feel sorry for himself. Instead, he strives to improve and works hard, earning appreciation from others.
Unexpectedly, Keong is garage owner Ngai Lin Tai's illegitimate son! Tai feels remorseful that Keong has lost father's love from young age and hope to bring him into the family. However, Tai's wife Lo Ho Yuet simply cannot accept the fact of Tai's betrayal and feels difficult to accept Keong, a stranger into the family. Facing two people who have been deeply hurt, Tai have no idea what to do.
Keong actually knew his true identity, but because of his carefree and amiable personality, de doesn't want to affect Tai's relationship with his family and thus never force to acknowledge Tai. When Keong knew that his own existence has disrupted Tai's family, he feels guilty and broken hearted, planning to leave quietly. It was at this time he received news that Tai was hospitalized and immediately need a liver transplant. There was no suitable donor and Keong immediately rushed to the hospital and proposed to the doctor to donate his liver to Tai.
Tai's surgery was a success and Yuet feels relieved and glad, subsiding the family quarrel. Yuet feels that Keong is filial and willing to risk life danger to save his father. Keong's filial piety touched Yuet and she slowly opens up, accepting Keong. Keong finally become part of Ngai's family member.
Career wise, Keong has always loved racing and has yet to meet his rival, earning the nickname of "Speed God of Princess Margaret Road". However, though Keong driving skill is high, he only loves the feeling of speed and has no intention to compete with anyone, nor thought of his future. In a chance encounter, he met Wah Ching Ling. Ching Ling recognized Keong's racing skill and encourage him to compete on behalf of Wah's car factory. At first, Keong entered the race because he wanted to help, but that competition has actually become a turning point in his life...
In the competition, Keong unintentionally wins. Though he was requested to use underhanded method, Keong was not offended. Under Ching Lin's encouragement, in addition of advice from senior racers, Keong's passion for car racing was ignited and he has found the direction of his life.
Keong was grateful to Ling, but he doesn't realize that Ling has feelings for him. He unintentionally rejected Ling's declaration of love and this has hurt Ling deeply. In order not to affect their friendship, Ling become friends again with Keong but Keong unknowingly started to fall for Ling.
After several twist and turn, both of them faced their feelings and become a pair. Unfortunately, the heaven played a joke on the, rendering Keong comatose after a racing accident. Ling was grieved and stayed by his side, waiting for the day Keong wake up. Meanwhile, the automobile magazine Ling works for is closing down and Ling takes over the magazine with a friend because she wants to preserve the memory of getting acquainted with Keong for the first time. It was difficult start for Ling, but because Keong, Ling persevered and the magazine succeeded.
Perhaps Ling has moved the heaven, Keong finally wakes up. Keong was grateful of Ling not abandoning him, both holding hands towards the future.
Joe Ma as Ngai Wing Piew
Age: 27 to 40 years old (1994 – 2007)
Education: Bachelor in Business Administration, University of Toronto Distance Learning Programme
Occupation: Executive in steel factory, Wah Man Hang's assistance, Ngai Tin Hang's assistance, Associate rich merchant
Personality: Ambitious, ruthless, clever but doesn't have wisdom. Petty minded, biased, when success gives credit to oneself, while blame others when failed. Ungrateful, motivated by resentment and anger.
After graduating high school, Piew joined the steel processing factory and put all efforts into displaying himself to climb upwards. He received compliments from Man Hang, making him feel proud and thought that he was important to Man Hang; he will be successful in future. The truth is, Man Hang was troubled that his son Zhen Pong doesn't work seriously and therefore intentionally entrusts heavy responsibility to Piew, hoping to encourage the drive in Pong.
Because of Man Hang's encouragement, Piew goes all out for reward from Man Hang. First, during the fight for steel processing factory shareholder, Piew sided with Man Hang and goes against Wong family. After Man Hang successfully won shares control over steel processing factory, Piew thought he would be heavily rewarded, but the repayment is far from what he expected. Because of this, bitterness grew in Piew. Afterward, before 1997 Wah family invested in real estate and Piew supported Man Hang and Pong fully, in the end he also did not received the reward he expected. Facing disappointment time and time again, Piew take this to heart and bore a grudge against Wah family.
When Piew was most frustrated, Man Hang's daughter Wah Ching Yuk shows concern and encouragement as a friend to Piew. Piew misunderstand that Yuk have feelings for him and pursued her. After several efforts, Piew won Yuk's heart. Piew truly loves Yuk, but also used Yuk to attack Wah family. Man Hang sensed Piew harbors evil intentions and immediately put a stop to it. He told Piew that he is not qualified to be Wah family's son-in-law. Piew was dejected and decided to leave Wah family, resulting a deeper hatred against them.
After leaving Wah family, Piew met dead ends and suddenly remember his uncle, (evil) international businessman Ngai Tin Hang. At that time, Tin Hang's business coincidently was going against Wah automobile business. Therefore, Piew gambled everything and become the devil's disciple.
Piew though that he could depend on his uncle-nephew relationship with Tin Hang and rose high above. However, Tin Hang feels that Piew's ability is not enough, not only does he doesn't trust Piew, he treated Piew like a dog. This stirs up the rage and evil potential in Piew. Piew thinks that both Tin Hang and Man Hang destroyed his career, and determined to revenge against them...
At one side, Piew used Tin Hang's influence to attack Wah family, on the other hand used Yuk to curry favor from Man Hang. In the end, Piew's sinister plot prevails and obtained Man Hang's trust, becoming Wah family's son-in-law.
Yet, this is only Piew's first step. Back then, when he was discriminated by Man Hang, Piew's heart was full of resentment and vowed to return the humiliation, showing that it was Man Hang's bad insight. Piew loves Yuk deeply, but his hungry ambitions were not content even after having Yuk. Instead, he plotted to swallow Wah's family entire fortune. Due to Piew's manipulation, his younger brother Keong fell into coma but he have no intentions of repenting. Piew has caused the Wah family to fall into a dangerous position over and over again, splitting up the family.
At this time, Yuk becomes pregnant with Piew's baby. Piew initially thought of giving up, but later found out it was Yuk's strategy to make him give up. Actually, Yuk knew of Piew's plot but did not expose him. She hoped that by having his baby, Piew will turn back from evil. Unfortunately, nothing moves Piew as he was obsessed with fame and fortune. He viewed Yuk's actions as betrayal and worsened, wanting to destroy everything by selling Wah family's painstakingly built enterprise to other people… Yuk seeing that Wah family will be destroyed; hardened her heart and exposed Piew's criminal evidence...
Michael Wong as Wai Lun
Age: 32 years old
Occupation: Automobile engineer, University professor
Personality: Romantic, gentle and caring. At work; full of bold innovation, earnest and careful. When facing love, he becomes indecisive.
Wai Lun was born of mixed parentage and was raised overseas, full of a foreigner's passion and romance. Wai Lun graduate from automobile design and upon reaching Hong Kong, he become a designer. Meantime, he also works as a university professor teaching design. Thus, he become acquainted with student Ching Yuk and started dating. At their happiest time, Wai Lun's wife suddenly appears...
It turns out that Wai Lun has earlier married a lady name Bo Wai. Bo Wai works as a model, with a beautiful face and sociable personality; she has married Wai Lun for three years. Because Wai Lun was busy with work, while Bo Wai constantly traveling, they rarely meets. In the end, Bo Wai couldn't resist temptation and left with another man, leaving Wai Lun behind. Though both of them have yet to officially divorce, they have separated for a long time. The reason Wai Lun hid this from Yuk is because he doesn't want to mention this painful memory.
Bo Wai's purpose of returning is to reconcile with Wai Lun. Facing both old flame and new love, Wai Lun couldn't make his decision. Actually, Wai Lun still has feelings for Bo Wai, but he also loves Yuk. It was because he loved both that he doesn't want to give up. In the end, Wai Lun painfully lets Yuk goes and reconciled with Bo Wai.
Though Wai Lun reconciles with Bo Wai, after some time he realized their feelings has changed and he still couldn't forget Yuk. Under a chance opportunity, Wai Lun become attracted by Man Hung's [China Automobile Dream] project and decided to join the design team, bumping into Yuk again. Wai Lun wanted to reconcile with Yuk, but it was already too late as Yuk have long given up on him and is now together with Piew. Though Wai Lun was heartbroken to lose his most love, but is still protective of Yuk. Seeing that Yuk and Piew's relationship was deteriorating, he secretly helps to reconcile them, giving them his blessings.
Chiu Ngor as Lee Seen Sin
Age: 22 to 35 years old (1994 – 2007)
Education: High school / Bachelor in Business Administration, University of Toronto
Occupation: Car factory worker, Factory manager
Personality: Gentle appearance and tough inside. Initially, she's weak, feels inferior and dependant but actually has endurance and self opinions. Later, she gradually matures into a confident, independent and wise person. Always diligent and keen learner, seeks knowledge, able to endure hardships and aspire to serve the society. Believes that knowledge can change destiny.
Seen Sin came from working class family, father Lee Dai San and mother Ma Shuet Kwan are all automobile factory worker. From primary school, Seen Sin is already very intelligent and always come top in school. She has always hoped to study in university. Unfortunately, the factory met crisis and her father's wage was reduced half, resulting economy hardship for the family. Seen Sin doesn't wish to become her parent's burden and gave up the opportunity to enter university. Instead, she decided to work in the car factory and support her family. She never stopped to improve herself and never gave up on her dream to study in university.
Seen Sin hard work finally reaped rewards. Wah Zhen Pong invested funds from Hong Kong into the factory, but because of the cultural difference between Mainland China and Hong Kong, there was a clash in management method and nobody helped him. At first, Seen Sin feels that her family and education background is low, so she doesn't dare to voice out. Under Zhen Pong's encouragement, Seen Sin gathered her courage and put aside her status as a car factory worker. She dare to propose opinions and solved a lot of problems for Zhen Pong.
Zhen Pong recognizes the potential in Seen Sin and promoted her. Seen Sin took the opportunity to learn diligently. Through various trials, pondering and observation, Seen Sin solved a lot of crises and became Zhen Pong first assistance in Mainland China. From Zhen Pong, Seen Sin learned a lot of Hong Kong business philosophies. She was inspired and decided to study overseas and fulfill her dream.
However, Seen Sin and Wah Zhen Man was childhood sweetheart. Zhen Man loves Seen Sin and always longs to build a family with her. However, Seen Sin was never tired of learning and always wish to stuffy overseas. Zhen Man sense that if Seen Sin goes overseas, their feelings will be change and strongly opposed to it. Both of them argued because of this matter. Seen Sin has made up her mind and though she is hesitant to leave Zhen Man behind, she want to fulfill her dream.
However, their feelings could not withstand the challenge of distance, becoming further apart as time passed. When Seen Sin was alone in a foreign land, Zhen Man was busy with car factory and neglected Seen Sin. At this time, an overseas Chinese schoolmate shows care to Seen Sin, and because they share the same ideals, striving to improve, Seen Sin was moved and decided to break up peacefully with Zhen Man.
Soon, Seen Sin married her schoolmate. Seen Sin found about Zhen Man starting another relationship with Bing Yee, and gave her blessings. The three become good friends. After many transitions, everyone found their love, a happy ending.
Myolie Wu as Fong Bing Yee
Age: 24 to 37 years old (1994 – 2007)
Education: High school
Occupation: Secretary
Personality: Cheerful, clever, hardworking and kind. Treat people warmly and honestly, but timid and afraid of getting hurt. Handle matters with responsibility; commit small mistakes due to habitual foolishness. Full of expectation in love, will never abandon loved one.
Bing Yee lived together with her grandmother and father in New Territory. Her grandmother still farms and rear chickens, therefore Bing Yee have a simple, family oriented and low key personality.
After graduating, Bing Yee enters the society. From the village to town, she unintentionally joined the steel processing company and found a high paying job as a secretary: Wah Zhen Pong's personal secretary.
Actually, with Bing Yee's education level, she is not qualified enough but Pong thinks that Bing Yee is interesting, therefore agreeing to employ her as secretary. Bing Yee feels happy getting the job, but after she starts work, she realized she has been duped. It turns out that Pong has high demands, outrageous ideas and wants immediate action as soon as there is inspiration. Bing Yee has no choice but to accommodate Pong's demand day and night. Title wise she is his secretary, but she is really his maid. And all those unexpected and difficult assignment was highly distressing to Bing Yee; she almost have to take *sedative drug to get by daily. Bing Yee refused to endure Pong's outrageous behaviour further and changed her style into a domineering housewife. She harassed, 抬杠 (sorry doesn't know), self injury ruse and many kinds of method to force Pong to surrender. The two of them become a bickering duo.
*a metaphoric way of saying that the job was highly stressful
After being together with Pong for some time, Bing Yee started to fall in love with him. However, at that time Pong has just started a courtship of wits with Wing Sau Fung. Bing Yee feels that she is far behind in comparison with Fung's look, education, and tactics; therefore she could only hide her feelings, not wanting Pong to find out about it.
At this time, Pong's career started to slide downward from the peak. In 1997, the economic crisis hit and Pong, who is originally a big shot in real estate, lost everything. He could only return to Mainland to take over an old car factory and stage a comeback. Due to Bing Yee's feelings for Pong, she couldn't just stand and do nothing. Bing Yee tries her best to help Pong rebuild his feat; the both of them worked side by side together heart and soul to overcome all sorts of difficulties in the car factory.
Subsequently, the intelligent Fung sees through Bing Yee's feelings for Pong and told him. It suddenly dawned on Pong, but in order not to affect their friendship, he pretends not to know anything and allowed Bing Yee to resign voluntarily.
When Bing Yee found out Pong's feelings, she becomes disappointed and decided to resign and leave in order to avoid being hurt again. At this time, Pong and Fung broke up due to their family feud. Seeing that Pong was unable to pull through this setback, she doesn't have the heart to leave him and silently stand by Pong's side, helping him to stand up again. Pong was deeply touched by Bing Yee's who never abandons him, and decided to be with her.
Unfortunately, the heaven like to play tricks. When Pong and Bing Yee decided to get married, Fung reappeared. Seeing that Pong beloved is still Fung, Bing Yee painfully leaves and gave her blessings.
After losing love, Bing Yee bumped into Zhen Man, who was also lovelorn. The two comforts each other and found what they need in each other. They become good friend and in their interaction, they found an inexplicable bond and sense of security. Two people who was dejected in love; finally found their most suitable half to accompany until old age.
Toby Leung as Wah Ching Ling
Age: 18 to 31 years old (1994 – 2007)
Education: University graduate, University of Toronto
Occupation: Automobile magazine reporter
Personality: Straightforward, generous, strong, independent, brave and just. Tough and wanting to outdo others, lacked feminine gentleness and more tomboyish.
Reserved
Michael Miu as Wah Man Shek
Age: 42 to 55 years old (1994 – 2007)
Education: Mechanical Engineering, Hong Kong Technical College
Occupation: Board trustee and manager of marketing, Owner of automobile spare parts importer
Personality: Optimistic, feel at ease, unaware of silent crisis. Not prejudiced in social status, good interpersonal relationship, sentimental, flirty, fascinating, energetic and open minded. Not ambitious, having neither talent nor opinions. Seeks joy and enjoy freedom.
Reserved
Sheren Tang as Wong Siu Fun
Age: 38 to 51 years old (1994 – 2007)
Education: High school
Occupation: Socialite, rich housewife
Personality: Self absorbed, confident, overbearing, willful and does not admit own mistakes. Love to hold control over everything, love and hate clearly, speaks unkindly, making people feel oppressed. Superficially, she looks rational, but actually acts on impulse and doesn’t hesitate to destroy everything. Filial and place importance in family. Will not cower when meeting setbacks, knows how to reflect and bravely admit mistakes and self improvement.
Reserved
Damien Lau as Wah Man Hang
Age: 52 to 65 years old (1994 - 2007)
Education: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Mechanical Engineering
Occupation: CEO of steel procesing factory, owner of car factory, owner of car spare parts company
Personality: When young, courageous and bold, advance, intelligent and confident. At old age, becomes stubborn and obstinate, dictatorial, appoints people by favoritism, conservative mind.
Man Hang was born in Mainland, his father Wah Yuk Cheong runs a car engine factory before war. When the new China was established, although Wah family property was turn in to country, Man Hang still brought up in a stable environment. 1965, Cheong has passed away, while Man Hang graduated from university. Due to changes in the country, Man Hang wishes to develop in Hong Kong. However, their mother has difficulties in movement. Man Hang and Man Hung decide to draw lots in deciding who get leave to Hong Kong, while the other one stay to take care of their mother.
At the same time, Wai Cheung Ping, who was studying in the same university, was involved in a love triangle with Man Hang and Man Hung. However, Man Hang rather chose career over love. After cheating during drawing lot, he left for Hong Kong. After Man Hang left, the Great Cultural Revolution took place, Man Hung and others were forced to face a difficult time and lost contact with Man Hang. Man Hung started to resent Man Hang for cheating. 1968, Ping risked danger to sneak across Hong Kong to look for Man Hang, only to find Man Hang already married. Then only Ping married faraway to an overseas Chinese man. Because of this Man Hung hated Man Hang for disappointing Ping. Until in the 80's, China changed into an open policy. Although Man Hang manage to find Man Hung, but the two brothers part at bad terms, from thereon does not have anything to do with each other.
Thinking of the past, Man Hang was supposed to leave for Hong Kong alone, but unknowingly his third brother Man Shek also sneaked onboard. The two brothers crossed the sea, in midway they was in danger but fortunately saved by fisherman's daughter Hui Zhan Yan. Afterward, Man Hang married Yan and has two children in succession: Wah Zhen Pong and Wah Qing Yuk.
Man Hang, Man Shek started a new life in Hong Kong. Just as the economy progress in 70's, Man Hang and fellow villager Ngai Lin Tai decided to invest in a small-scale business. Until Man Shek marries tycoon Wong Cheng Kwok's daughter Wong Siu Fun, Man Hung received recognition by Kwok and his career achieved a bigger development. Man Hang developed Wong family's scarp iron industry into a steel and iron processing factory, with the business improving by day. Wong family and the two Wah brothers owned half of the company shares respectively.
1994, Man Hang is the chairperson of the steel processing factory. Man Hang's children; Pong and Yuk graduated and return to Hong Kong under his arrangement. Man Hang feels that there is no capable help in the company, only himself struggling alone and difficult to get things done. Pong seeks after a comfortable life, prefer playing and dislike work; Yuk is a girl, could hardly achieve great success; while Man Shek often flirts outside, having no interest in managing the company. Man Hang constantly strictly reprimands other people and this has caused a lot of friction.
When Cheng Kwok become seriously ill, Kwok passed his half shares to his son Wong Siu Leong and entrust Man Shek to assist Leong. Man Shek has always looked upon Kwok like his own father, therefore he agrees. However, Man Hang feels that Leong is incompetent; he will destroy Man Hang's half lifetime effort. He coerced Man Shek to co-operate with him against Leong and took control of shareholder's right. Man Shek was thrown into a huge dilemma. After several clash, Man Hang uses Man Shek to turn his defeat into victory, kicking Wong family out. Man Shek hate Man Hang for using him, making him betray his in-laws and breaking his promise to Kwok. Thereon, Man Hang fell out with Man Shek.
Approaching 1997, the steel processing factory revenue has already deteriorated, bearing heavy debts. On the other hand, Pong's real estate business was doing well. After being persuaded by Pong and shareholders, Man Hang, whom originally placed importance in steel industry, was forced to agree and invested a large amount of fund into real estate. Who would expect that during 1997 economic crisis, Pong's investment faced a heavy lost, and in the end also affected the steel processing factory. As the results, the company bankrupted and closed down.
However, it turns out that Wah family still has a small truck manufacturing factory in Mainland. Man Hang half lifetime of effort was destroyed by Pong, though he was anguished, he also wanted Pong to mature. Therefore, he allowed Pong to return to Mainland and manage the car factory while Man Hang stayed in Hong Kong, anticipating for a comeback. The era have changes after the father and son separated, Man Hang finds it difficult to re-establish his reputation. Afterward, Man Shek returns to Hong Kong from Canada and reconciles with Man Hang. At the same time, Man Hang also witness Pong's working hard with Man Hung to fulfill their ancestor [China Automobile Dream], reviving the business of car factory. He decided to invest into the factory and Man Hang and Man Hung's relationship gradually reconcile.
Unexpectedly, due to jealousy, Man Hang's wife Hui Zhan Yan unintentionally caused Man Hang and Man Hung's old flame; Wai Cheung Ping to be thrown in jail, and suddenly died. Man Hang and Man Hung's relationship worsened and breaks off once again.
Ping's daughter Wing Sau Fung vowed to exact revenge for her mother, using her baby with Pong to extort a large amount of money from Man Hang. She also exposed the incident of Man Hang's one night stand with Ping. Man Hang feels ashamed toward Ping and did not blame Fung. However, the Wah family has once split up again.
After many efforts, Man Hang reunited his family again. He was moved by his ancestor dream for China's own automobile, therefore he decided to help Man Hung and Pong realize this dream by establishing their own automobile factory and spare part factory. When he thought everything was going smoothly, Man Hang becomes paralyzed due to accident. This is the heaviest blow in Man Hang's life. However, misfortune comes in double. Due to Piew's manipulation, the family split up again, causing the factory to face crisis. Although Man Hang has once been depressed, he never abandons his promise. Through perseverance, he stood up once again, reuniting the whole family.
Liu Ging Sang as Wah Man Hung
Age: 48 to 61 years old (1994 - 2007)
Education: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Mechanical engineering
Occupation: Head Engineer in mainland car factory, Head of car factory
Personally: Firm and tough, full of integrity, honest and stubborn, place importance in friendship. Intelligent, perceptive of trend changes, but will not drift with the trend easily. Prefer a peaceful life, stick to his own method; handles matters straightforwardly, dislike those eager for quick success. He does not greed fame, nor does he fear power. When he was young, his ambition was to become an inventor and contribute to the country. Afterward, due to the changes in the country, he has to give up. However, till today, his unfulfilled dream remains buried deep in his heart.
Reserved
Ng Wai Kwok as Ngai Tin Hang
Age: 44 to 57 years old (1994 - 2007)
Education: University of Chicago, Master of Economics
Occupation: Rich businessman of international investment company
Personality: Naturally manly (枭雄), extremely intelligent, strong self confidence. Money hungry，operates in international investment industry. Selfish, have no compassion, resort to all means when handling matters.
Reserved
Gigi Wong as Hui Zhan Yan
Age: 47 to 60 years old (1994 - 2007)
Education: Primary school
Occupation: Extravagant housewife
Personality: Originating from poor background, shallow minded, naïve thinking, virtuous, feel satisfied to simple life as wealthy housewife, very dependant on husband.
Reserved
Maggie Chan as Wai Cheung Ping
Age: 47 - 53 years old (1994 - 2000)
Education: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Mechanical engineering
Occupation: Housewife
Personality: Have the beautiful virtue of traditional Chinese woman, gentle but firm, silently withstand the pain in life. When young, is gentle and submissive, understanding toward others. In old age; tolerant and forgiving. In her lifetime, faithful and persistent toward love.
Reserved
Lau Kong as Wong Cheng Kwok
Age: 65 years old (1994)
Education: Guangzhou Zhongshan University, Mechanical engineering (40's)
Occupation: Head of CEO in steel processing factory
Personality: On the surface, he appears ordinary, treats people warmly. Deep inside, he is experienced and calculative. He always considers his children and will not hesitate to indulge and conceal their flaws.
Reserved
Power Chan as Wong Siu Leong
Age: 34 to 40 years old (1994 - 2007)
Education: University (Canada), graduate in English Literature.
Occupation: Steel processing factory shareholder, Spoilt heir
Personality: Mediocre and incompetent, neither learned nor skillful, craved huge success, stubborn, appoints people by favoritism, arrogant, domineering, arrogant and willful. Shortsighted and seeks after benefit. On the surface, appear prestigious, but inside is a coward, breakdown at the first blow.
Reserved
Official plot summary and gallery here.
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