Liao is impressed by the children's resilience and hopes to spotlight that in the series. The documentary follows the story of 13-year-old Kaka, who was badly injured after he and his mother were hit by a cement tanker while waiting at the traffic light after school. They were standing in the driver's blind spot, who carelessly took a turn while watching his mobile phone.
Although Kaka survived, he suffered 12 severe injuries and lost his mother. The following year, he underwent more than 20 major surgeries, and his father spent more than 3 million yuan ($418,035) for his treatment, which included the 700,000 yuan compensation for Kaka's mother's death.
The boy has a long road to recovery, as he requires more surgeries to repair his still-damaged body. At one point, he cried and yelled, refusing more operations; at another, he comforted his grandmother and told her not to feel sorry for him.
"The disastrous things that happened to Kaka are unbearable even for an adult," says Liao. "I imagine many people would give up the will to live after so much trauma, but the boy shows incredible tenacity and optimism.
"Although he still has a long road to recovery, I have enormous confidence in him and believe he will live like a normal person."
Tang Tao says: "The documentary reflects our daily lives."
From March to May, crew members set up discreet equipment throughout the hospital so as not to disturb its everyday operations, after getting consent from each patient and doctor before filming.
Initially working as a military doctor and then a pediatrician, Tang Tao finds that treating children is very different from treating adults. "Adults, especially the elderly, often have underlying diseases that give rise to complications, impeding their recovery. But children have remarkable resilience, helping them fully restore their health once cured," says Tang Tao.
He mentions that Niannian, the boy who lost part of his right leg, has been able to stand and walk with assistance. "His father told me he will get an artificial limb next week. He may even return to school next semester," Tang Tao says.
"For a child, if you cure their diseases both physically and mentally, they will return to their original state with minimum setbacks. As children represent the future, I believe rescuing a child contributes to a better future."
