Episode 16 recap: Midlife Job Loss
In Episode 16, Shen Lei explores an old house. Although it's a bit rundown, the surrounding scenery is beautiful, and the annual rent is only two thousand dollars—a great deal. Plus, the supermarket owner has a way with words, and Shen Lei is immediately tempted, deciding on the spot to rent the place. He quickly texts his sister, Shen Lin, sharing a photo and reassuring her that he's doing well, so she shouldn't worry.
When Shen Lin receives the message, she feels a weight lift off her shoulders and promptly replies, even calling him. However, Shen Lei seems to have vanished; he doesn't respond to texts or answer the phone. Concerned, Shen Lin urges her husband, Na Wei, to report him missing.
The police inform them that Shen Lei was last seen in a nearby area. It happens to be the weekend, and without hesitation, the couple sets off to find him. After a long bus ride and asking for directions, they finally locate the owner of Yongfa Supermarket. Since the owner can't leave, he directs them up a mountain path. Following his instructions, they eventually find Shen Lei, leisurely washing clothes behind the house.
Seeing this, Shen Lin is furious and tries to drag Shen Lei away, but he stubbornly refuses. After a few heated arguments, she calms down. Na Wei then calls their mother to reassure her, allowing Shen Lei to say a few words to ease her worries.
Meanwhile, in Beijing, Shen Lin's brother, Na Juan, and sister-in-law, Li Xiao Yue, are having dinner at their home. Na Juan believes Shen Lei is avoiding reality, while Li Xiao Yue takes a more gentle approach, suggesting that Na Juan's direct criticism might not be the best way to handle the situation.
Realizing the gravity of his choices, Shen Lei seeks out Shen Lin for a heart-to-heart. He admits he has been living life on autopilot for years and has never truly lived for himself. Although he left Beijing to escape his divorce, he now wants to take some time in this quiet place to consider his future. As for a stable job, he doesn’t feel as strongly about it anymore.
Shen Lin, while feeling a sense of loss, supports her brother's decision. Before leaving, she and Na Wei agree to regularly call their parents to keep them updated.
Shen Lei watched them walk away, tears welling up in his eyes until they finally spilled over once they were out of sight.
Although Shen Lin felt some resentment toward Xie Mei Lan, she still explained Shen Lei’s situation, saying that he needed some time to rest and that they could discuss the divorce after he returned to Beijing.
Back in Beijing, Shen Lin told her parents the truth, which finally eased their worries. Shen Lin’s father decided to return home to take care of the greenhouse, hoping that his daughter and son-in-law would be alright. After a few exhausting days, Shen Lin and Na Wei sat quietly in the yard to rest.
Time flew by, and another week began. Shen Lin and Na Wei went back to work as usual, while their daughter went to school. Na Juan dropped Li Xiao Yue off at her job, and everything seemed to return to normal. Only Shen Lei remained in that picturesque valley, contemplating the direction of his life.
Shen Lin’s parents visited Xie Mei Lan, hoping to persuade her not to divorce Shen Lei. They even offered to sell their old house to help them buy a place in Beijing. However, Xie Mei Lan replied that the issues between her and Shen Lei couldn't be resolved with money. Watching their son's marriage reach this point weighed heavily on their hearts.
Meanwhile, Na Wei faced his own troubles. He was informed that the marketing department would be downsizing, with everyone except Li Xiao Yue being let go. The company cited strategic adjustments, but it was really just an excuse to cut jobs. Na Wei was reluctant to sign the termination contract and went to speak with his boss, Qin Ling Ling.
Qin Ling Ling explained the company’s difficulties and, considering his fifteen years of service, offered him a week of paid leave to think about whether he wanted to take the severance or accept a pay cut to work under a younger colleague in the advertising department. Na Wei felt a mix of emotions and was unsure of what to do.
Comments(Episode 16)