Series details Zheng Tao, the illustrious "National Protector King" celebrated for his legendary military achievements, decided to retire at the age of 65. He gracefully declined both a state pension and a fortune offered by his loyal followers, choosing instead to return to a quiet family life. However, his homecoming was met with a harsh reality: his eldest son, Zheng Jianguo, and daughter-in-law, Li Rongxian, driven by greed and self-interest, heartlessly evicted him from their home. Left with no other choice, Zheng Tao sought refuge with his second son, Zheng Jianye, whose modest household was already strained. Upon learning that Jianye had exhausted his savings trying to save his gravely ill grandson, Zheng Tao made a resolute decision—he would return to the battlefield, albeit in a different arena.
Zheng Tao took a job at Qingran Group as the personal bodyguard to its young and headstrong CEO, Gu Qingran. With his snow-white hair and unassuming demeanor, he was initially dismissed by Gu as nothing more than a "symbol of good fortune." Her doubts deepened during their first business banquet, where his so-called meddling earned her displeasure. Yet, Zheng Tao's sharp instincts, honed over decades, soon proved invaluable. He exposed a sinister plot by their business partner, Li Yuanlong, to drug her and orchestrated an ingenious escape using a clever diversion tactic. From that moment, Zheng Tao became an indispensable ally.
As Gu Qingran faced betrayal from her closest friend, Fang Ling, and relentless corporate attacks from her cousin and rival, Gu Xiaoran, Zheng Tao's extraordinary intellect and vast network of connections came to her rescue time and again. Slowly, Gu Qingran began to see him in a new light. Beneath his martial prowess lay a compassionate and wise soul, and her initial reliance on him blossomed into a gradual and deeply felt affection.
When tasked with revitalizing the national Hero Village project, Zheng Tao took the lead. Drawing on his lifelong bonds forged in the crucible of life-and-death struggles with fellow retired veterans, he easily resolved the thorny issue of land requisition that had long stymied Gu Qingran. His success not only earned Gu Qingran her grandfather's praise but also thwarted Gu Xiaoran's malicious schemes. Driven to desperation, Gu Xiaoran resorted to violence, brandishing a knife at the construction site. In a desperate bid to protect Gu Qingran and her young son, Zheng Tao unleashed a final surge of martial energy to subdue the attacker. Though victorious, the effort left him utterly spent, and he collapsed on the spot.
In the aftermath of this life-and-death ordeal, the truth about Zheng Tao's identity as the legendary "National Protector King" finally came to light. Inspired by his example, his estranged eldest son repented while in prison, his second son's career soared, and the once-fractured family was ultimately reunited. Despite Gu Qingran's growing feelings for him, Zheng Tao maintained a respectful distance, choosing to watch over her as a protective elder.
At the inauguration of the Heroic Homeland, Zheng Tao stood amidst a sea of smiling faces—his children, grandchildren, and lifelong comrades by his side. In the twilight of his years, he had written a deeply fulfilling and harmonious conclusion to his extraordinary life.
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