The drama "Cooking the Sea" tells the story of Fan Xudong (played by Wang Zhifei), who returned from overseas with the ambition to contribute to the country. In 1911, the Wuchang Uprising led to the nationwide recovery. Fan Xudong, full of enthusiasm, returned from Japan with his wife, intending to devote himself to the cause of the country. At that time, the government planned to mint new coins, and the Chief Financial Officer recommended Fan Xudong to supervise the project. However, due to his integrity, Fan Xudong found himself deeply embroiled in the turbulent waters of corruption. Despite his initial aspirations to make a mark in his career, Fan Xudong, after seeing through the corruption and darkness of the officialdom, resolutely devoted himself to modern industrial endeavors. Despite facing assassination attempts by gangs, entrapment by salt merchants, suppression by foreign capital, and forced acquisition of state-owned shares, Fan Xudong remained steadfast in his determination. He overcame various obstacles and successfully developed numerous industrial products. In order to support the war effort, Fan Xudong personally blew up the factory he had painstakingly built and set off for Sichuan to start anew.
