A new documentary series takes an intimate look at eight larger-than-life public figures, Xu Fan reports.

Agronomist Yuan Longping received the Medal of the Republic, the highest state honor, from President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sept 29,2019.

Two days later, the country celebrated the 70th anniversary of its founding with a grand parade, which was one of the most anticipated events among Chinese people.

But Yuan didn't stay in the capital to watch the parade. Instead, he quickly returned to Hunan province's capital, Changsha, on the night he received the award.

The documentary series, My Legacy, which was released on July 6, follows Yuan to unravel the "mystery" as to why.

The answer is that the 90-year-old scientist was eager to inspect his experimental crops.