• Last updated: 2024-08-11 06:46

Episode 23 recap: Old Zhou and His Mother-in-Law Have a Huge Argument

In Episode 23, Che Li confides in Meng Fei about the conflicts between her and Zhou Quan. Meng Fei wants to quickly shoo Che Li away, thinking about Yuan Yi hiding in the bathroom. Che Li, who has had a lot to drink, wants to use the restroom, but it's too late - Meng Fei tries to stop her, and Che Li opens the door to find Yuan Yi there, realizing they are cohabiting. Che Li politely takes her leave.

Shen Xiulan urges Old Zhou not to interfere in Zhou Quan and Che Li's life anymore, and that they should return to Shandong soon. But Old Zhou is uneasy and refuses to go back. Che Li returns home very late, and Zhou Quan has made her a bowl of dumplings and left a note for her, warming her heart. The next morning, Che Li goes to the studio early and leaves a note for Zhou Quan, informing him that the day after tomorrow is Shen Xiulan's birthday, and the whole family will celebrate it.

Zhou Quan goes to the kindergarten to pick up Zhou Aiwen for a meal, and Che Li joins them later. Zhou Aiwen is worried that his parents might get divorced and no longer want him. Che Li assures him they won't divorce. Zhou Quan makes an excuse to have his parents take Zhou Aiwen, then messages Che Li.

Old Zhou grows more suspicious, thinking Zhou Quan and Che Li are hiding something from them. He questions Zhou Aiwen, who refuses to answer. Old Zhou drags Shen Xiulan back to their son's home to investigate. Che's mother and sisters are playing mahjong, chatting about the popular TV drama. Hearing that the in-laws are at Zhou Quan's, they worry it will affect the couple's relationship, and Che's mother rushes over.

Old Zhou and Shen Xiulan bring Zhou Aiwen home. Che Li and Zhou Quan have bought flowers and a birthday cake, prepared a full table of dishes to celebrate Shen Xiulan's birthday. They present the flowers together, and the family sings a song with Zhou Aiwen dancing. Che's mother arrives hurriedly, congratulates Shen Xiulan, and insists the in-laws leave quickly. Old Zhou is enraged, and he starts arguing with Che's mother, who reminds him not to interfere in Zhou Quan and Che Li's life. The two get into a heated argument.

Che Li tries to stop her mother, but to no avail. Old Zhou stands up for Zhou Quan, arguing that while Zhou Quan diligently cares for the child, Che Li is often absent. Zhou Quan steps up to defend Che Li, hoping Che's mother won't ruin her daughter's birthday. But Che's mother gets angered and starts yelling at Zhou Quan. Che Li also blames Zhou Quan, leading to a fierce argument, and Zhou Quan angrily retreats to his room.

Che's mother pushes Old Zhou to leave Zhou Quan's home quickly, but Old Zhou refuses to let her interfere in their children's life. Che's mother immediately books a ticket to Hainan, and Old Zhou loudly demands Zhou Quan to book them a flight back to Shandong. Che Li can't take it anymore and firmly stops them, ruining the joyful birthday celebration.

Unsatisfied, Old Zhou wants to go to Yunnan with his old friend Liu to take photos and clear his mind, leaving Shen Xiulan to return to Shandong alone. Shen Xiulan is very displeased with Old Zhou's behavior and tells him to pack his own bags.

The next morning, Shen Xiulan waits for Che Li early to apologize on Old Zhou's behalf. Che Li also feels her mother's actions were inappropriate, disrupting her birthday. Shen Xiulan doesn't hold a grudge, and Che Li promises to come home early tonight to make up for the birthday celebration. Che Li calls her mother to confront her, criticizing her for the outburst at the birthday party, and expresses her inability to face Zhou Quan.

Shen Xiulan quietly leaves, leaving a letter for Zhou Quan. Zhou Quan is filled with mixed emotions after reading the letter. He calls Che Li, but she doesn't think it's necessary to go to the station to persuade Shen Xiulan to stay. Shen Xiulan returns to her hometown in Shandong, tidies up the house, and carefully prepares some dishes. She reflects on her decades of married life, always working hard for her son and husband without considering herself. Shen Xiulan vows to start taking good care of herself from now on.

Li Jian keeps finding fault with Yu Qiaoquiao, criticizing her endlessly. Whenever things don't go his way, he gives her the cold shoulder. Yu Qiaoquiao has had enough and wants to go out and work, but Li Jian firmly refuses to allow it.