Episode 3 recap: Zhou Quan Fired

Things are not going well for Zhou Quan. He worked hard to come up with a great strategy proposal, only for his coworker Xiao Ding to take credit for it in front of their boss Mr. Lu. Zhou Quan is fuming, but his more experienced colleague Old Yu tells him not to take it personally, as Mr. Lu likely sees through Xiao Ding's antics.

On the other hand, Zhou Quan's wife Che Li is enjoying her success. Her new parenting book is a huge hit, and she's even been invited to share her expertise on a TV program. Che Li wants to enroll their son in some enrichment classes, but Zhou Quan's mother-in-law hits the roof, insisting the child should just be allowed to play and have fun.

The tension at Zhou Quan's office continues to build. Xiao Ding is getting more and more arrogant, and Old Yu ends up quitting after 10 years at the company, despite Zhou Quan's attempts to get him to stay. Meanwhile, Mr. Lu becomes increasingly critical of Zhou Quan's work.

Stressed and frustrated, Zhou Quan vents to Che Li over drinks in the evenings. He works late into the night, only to find that Xiao Ding had already presented Zhou Quan's proposal to Mr. Lu, who then had Zhou Quan keep it as a "souvenir." Clearly, Zhou Quan is being bullied.

The situation reaches a breaking point when Zhou Quan is suddenly fired by the boss, with the smug Xiao Ding making snide comments. An outraged Zhou Quan declares that he'll get his revenge someday when Xiao Ding is working under him. He storms out, leaving his shocked colleagues and an uncomfortable Mr. Lu behind.

The Episode Review

"As Husband as Wife" Episode 3 "Zhou Quan Fired" delivers another compelling installment in this domestic drama. The episode masterfully builds tension as the power dynamics at Zhou Quan's office become increasingly fraught. The contrast between his professional struggles and his wife Che Li's rising success creates a palpable sense of frustration.

The writing does an excellent job of fleshing out the characters and their evolving relationships. Zhou Quan's internal conflict between wanting to stand up for himself and needing to keep his job to support his family is especially well-portrayed. The sudden, unjust nature of his firing at the end leaves the viewer eager to see how he will respond in the next episode.