Again created by novelist Ye Xin, the story follows the same 5 children of sent-down youths—no longer teens but young adults nearing 30, as they establish careers and relationships in a post-modern world.

Close to a dozen veteran actors repeated their memorable roles, but the 5 main characters were all portrayed by new actors.

[3] The series was first broadcast locally on Shanghai's East Movie Channel on 10 January 2010, exactly 1 day after the 15th anniversary of the original series.

Inevitably compared to the successful original series, the sequel was overwhelmingly considered disappointing.

[4][5] Italics denote actors reprising their roles from Sinful Debt