Episode 17 recap: Xiao Li Ming is dealing with the demolition and relocation matters.
Fang Shu Ran mentions that they will be off work soon and suggests having dinner together in the evening. Xiao Li Ming says that they have something else to do and leaves first. Wen Jing asks Fang Shu Ran if Xiao Li Ming is always so uninteresting. Cheng Hai Jiang feels that their demand is nothing more than equal rights.
Guo Ran didn't expect that Xiao Li Ming turned a fight scene into an educational base. Director Yang thinks that Xiao Li Ming will be his master from now on. Director Yang mentions that he joined a few online groups and noticed that there is intense conflict between locals and non-locals. Some people even mentioned arranging fights.
Cheng Hai Jiang also saw these messages and brought up a recent conflict incident during the meeting. He states that it was caused by the demolition company due to the tight time frame, so they resorted to certain means. Cheng Hai Jiang expresses disappointment, as they had emphasized before that demolitions must be reasonable and legal, and the comprehensive management center should take the lead in handling this matter.
Xiao Li Ming and others are also trying to find a solution to this issue. Director Yang asks Xiao Li Ming about his mother's attitude towards him. Xiao Li Ming replies that they only discuss work matters when they are working together. Director Yang gives him some advice, suggesting that when mediating disputes, they should be open and sincere, and try to understand the other party's perspective.
Xiao Li Ming thinks it's a good idea and decides to gather everyone together to have a bath and explain that they do not discriminate against non-locals nor intend to create an unequal situation. They are working hard to find a fair solution that benefits both sides equally. Zheng Liang and others indicate that they understand and are willing to cooperate with the government's work.
Secretary Luo called Xiao Li Ming several times, but Xiao Li Ming did not answer. Xiao Li Ming hurriedly arrived and explained that they were dealing with the demolition work. Xiao Li Ming presents some suggestions to Cheng Hai Jiang and others, proposing the implementation of a points system to ensure that both non-locals and locals enjoy the same rights.
Mayor Su agrees that this suggestion is good, but he wonders if they are aware of the financial pressure it will bring. He believes they should not take big steps all at once. Cheng Hai Jiang insists that their demand is simply for equal rights, and their policies should benefit every resident of Zhongping.
At the scene of the fight, Zhang Feng Jiao distributed the letter Cheng Hai Jiang wrote to the citizens and explained the points system to everyone. Guo Ran didn't expect that the fight scene turned into an educational base thanks to Xiao Li Ming. Director Yang believes that Xiao Li Ming will be his master from now on.
Mayor Su meets Mo Wen Er, who asks if the mayor is not happy. Mayor Su feels that they have different ideologies and compromising on everything in the future is not feasible. Mo Wen Er admits not understanding these matters, but since Mayor Su insists, there must be a reason behind it. Station Chief Fan praises Xiao Li Ming for handling the matter very well and brings some fish he caught as a gift. Xiao Li Ming couldn't refuse.
Director Yang asks about Xiao Li Ming's mother's attitude. Xiao Li Ming replies that he will try to find out. Xiao Li Ming's mother says that Xiao Li Ming's father has been gone for 17 years, and she has gotten used to being alone. Xiao Li Ming relays this to Director Yang, who expresses understanding.
Xiao Li Ming approaches Fang Shu Ran and mentions that a colleague's child likes to play basketball and wants to come over to learn. Xiao Li Ming wants them to assess if the child is suitable. Fang Shu Ran agrees and suggests having dinner together in the evening since they will be off work soon. However, Xiao Li Ming says he has something else to attend to and leaves.
Wen Jing asks Fang Shu Ran if Xiao Li Ming is always so uninteresting. Fang Shu Ran says that Xiao Li Ming is straightforward. Ma Le receives a call from his wife, Xiaotong, who asks him to come home early because she has something to discuss with him.
Xiao Li Ming happens to come by and tells Ma Le to go home first. Other colleagues mention a complaint about noisy neighbors upstairs and the need to send someone to investigate. Xiao Li Ming checks the address and realizes it is Fang Shu Ran's residence. He says he will handle it himself.
So, not being able to get married and have children, what's the point of having children anyway? Personally, I don't think having children holds any meaning. After all, us common people, even after having children, still end up working for others like slaves.
It's better not to get married and have children, as it only harms the next generation.