Episode 4 recap: # He Jing Yun Faces Challenges
In Episode 4, Zheng Xiang Yang and the others finally uncover the situation: Man Tai has converted the basement into a lodging house, where over a dozen men are living. Zheng Xiang Yang expresses serious concerns about the safety risks involved in this arrangement, stating that it is absolutely unacceptable.
Man Tai argues that having more friends means more opportunities, but He Jing Yun suspects he’s really just interested in collecting more rent from tenants. Zheng Xiang Yang and his team take the time to register everyone living there. Man Tai defends his actions by saying he has no other job options, and he wanted to provide these workers—who have come to Jin Cheng for jobs—a cheap and convenient place to stay.
Zheng Xiang Yang insists that this is not a viable solution. If something were to happen, he wouldn’t be able to take on that responsibility. He warns Man Tai that if he doesn’t make changes, it won’t just be them looking for him; the police and fire department will get involved. Concerned about safety, Zheng Xiang Yang offers to drive He Jing Yun home.
During the drive, He Jing Yun asks Zheng Xiang Yang if he and Xia Mei Zhen would be upset if she decided to quit her job. Zheng Xiang Yang reassures her that neither of them would be angry; in fact, he genuinely likes both of them.
Feeling frustrated, He Jing Yun confides that she can’t continue with her job. Every day feels full of trivial matters, and she’s often met with doubt and misunderstanding, leaving her with little sense of accomplishment. She asks Zheng Xiang Yang how he manages to keep going. He explains that their work may appear easy, but it actually requires a range of skills, including intelligence, emotional awareness, and social finesse.
Zheng Xiang Yang and He Jing Yun approach Man Tai with a proposal for a new group dormitory that has decent conditions and affordable rent. They suggest that Man Tai could take on the role of dormitory manager, which would likely earn him more than he currently makes.
He Jing Yun insists they need to hold a meeting to mobilize support, asking Man Tai to help speak at it. However, Man Tai is hesitant, not wanting to offend anyone since they are all neighbors. After He Jing Yun praises him, he reluctantly agrees. But when Section Chief Yang hears about the plan, he disapproves, fearing that Man Tai might incite unrest among the residents if he’s unwilling to cooperate.
Zheng Xiang Yang expresses his belief in Man Tai, stating that he thinks Man Tai is a good person and wouldn’t do anything wrong. The others agree with Zheng Xiang Yang’s assessment, and Section Chief Yang says that since everyone is on board, he will trust them this time.
The mobilization meeting goes very smoothly, and everyone agrees to demolish the illegal structures. Man Tai refunds the rent to everyone and even gives extra to one family whose member is ill, explaining that it’s his gesture of goodwill. Since they still don’t have a place to stay, Man Tai assures them that he will find a solution. He comes to the community and tells them that Zheng Xiang Yang has agreed to help them find a place to live, and he is waiting there for them.
When Man Tai sees everyone gathered, he feels excited and asks He Jing Yun to cook noodles and Jiang Chuan to gather supplies to set up beds. Zheng Xiang Yang approaches Section Chief Yang, expressing gratitude for his support, and acknowledges that the success of this initiative is largely thanks to him. Yang dismisses the praise, urging Zheng Xiang Yang not to flatter him.
Zheng Xiang Yang returns to help the group, discussing with Man Tai that there are still positions for a manager and a chef that need to be filled, suggesting that Man Tai consider applying. Man Tai is pleased to hear this and feels confident that he can handle the job.
Zheng Xiang Yang and the others celebrate with hot pot, marking their successful relocation. The demolition of illegal structures in Beijing has progressed very well, and several parks have been built as a result.
Comments(Episode 4)