Episode Guide
Episode 1: # Du Man Tang and Zhang Ze Zhong Disagree
In the first episode, reporters from the TV station arrive at Kua Gu Zhi Hutong, where Zhang Ze Zhong serves as their guide, coordinating the interview. Meanwhile, Wang Xiao Qing is busy with household chores and doesn't notice her pot boiling until she sees photos of her friends' outings on social media. >>read more
Episode 2: # Wang Xiao Qing's Coffee Table Incident
In Episode 2, as Du Li arrives home, her eyes land on the newly purchased coffee table. She smiles at Wang Xiao Qing and says, "Xiao Qing, you really went through a lot to bring this table back from so far. But why does it have a chip in it? Let's not cook today; let's just order takeout." Holding her phone, Wang Xiao Qing replies with a hint of frustration, "You didn't even listen to the voice message I sent. How would you know what I’m thinking?" Du Li laughs and responds, "My dad, Du Man Tang, said we should just listen to your voice messages and go along with whatever you say." >>read more
Episode 3: # Du Man Tang Accidentally Finds Liu Xing Yu
In Episode 3, when Wang Xiao Qing arrives at the hotel, the wheels of her suitcase break down. She meets a helpful guy who offers to assist her, but she laughs and shakes her head, pointing to the screw under her shoe, saying she can handle it herself. Just then, a staff member comes over to check her in, so she hurriedly follows. >>read more
Episode 4: # Liu Xingyu Captured by Sister Chang
In Episode 4, Zhang Ze Zhong feels incredibly frustrated as he watches a good opportunity slip away, disrupted by Du Man Tang. Just when he’s down, he spots an elderly man bringing Liu Xingyu outside. The old man, a bit out of sorts, mistakenly thinks Liu Xingyu is Du Man Tang's brother, Du Manyi. >>read more
Episode 5: # Du Man Tang's Life is a Mess
In Episode 5, Du Man Tang feels down and meets with Fatty to vent his frustrations, questioning whether he’s completely useless. Fatty reassures him that while Wang Xiao Qing can be harsh with her words, she doesn’t mean any harm. Du Man Tang sighs, expressing his annoyance at Aunt Zhang constantly bringing up the need to fill in the cellar, wanting only to live a peaceful life. >>read more
Episode 6: # Lao Ai's Funeral Troubles Neighbors
In Episode 6, Lao Ai's father has passed away, and his cries echo throughout the alley, keeping the neighbors awake at night. Frustrated, Du Li considers confronting him, but Wang Xiao Qing advises her to avoid the situation and suggests they go to her grandmother's house for a while. While scrolling through her phone, Du Li stumbles upon a video of a chubby guy causing trouble at a convenience store, and she quickly shares it with Wang Xiao Qing. They both lament how chaotic life has become. >>read more
Episode 7: # Wang Xiao Qing Wants to Divorce Du Man Tang
In this episode, Du Man Tang puts in a lot of effort to prepare a lavish meal, but Wang Xiao Qing doesn’t touch her food. When he urges her to eat, she questions their current living situation, mentioning leaks on rainy days, the cold in winter, and the constant disturbances from their neighbors. >>read more
Episode 8: # Du Li Tricks Wang Xiao Qing into Thinking She's Pregnant
In Episode 8, Wang Xiao Qing is lying at her mother's house, sighing heavily. Her mother encourages her to stay calm and not to look back too easily, suggesting they give the other person a few days to think. Frustrated, Wang Xiao Qing tells her mother to stop nagging; she is overwhelmed with her own troubles and can't focus on anything else. >>read more
Episode 9: # Wang Xiao Qing Stays at Zhang Ze Zhong's House
In Episode 9, Lao Fang, considering Zhang Ze Zhong's long-term future, appoints him as the manager of a small town. This job comes with several benefits, which Zhang Ze Zhong is more than happy to accept, thinking he can share some of the earnings with everyone.Wang Xiao Qing, on the other hand, is preoccupied with thoughts of Du Li and plans to visit home, but hesitates when she arrives at her door. Just then, she notices a "For Rent" sign posted at Du Man Tang's house, which adds to her confusion. At that moment, Zhang Ze Zhong returns, and Wang Xiao Qing casually asks why they’re renting a place. She wonders why, if they’re living so well, they would choose to make the house even more cramped. >>read more
Episode 10: # Wang Xiao Qing Rents Zhang Ze Zhong's House
In this episode, when Zhang Ze Zhong hears that Du Man Tang plans to divorce Wang Xiao Qing, he shakes his head in panic, adamantly refusing to accept it. He feels desperate, believing that Wang Xiao Qing is a rare gem of a wife, one that suitors would line up for.However, Du Man Tang responds by telling Zhang Ze Zhong to "go line up," joking that the kids aren't even real. Zhang Ze Zhong doesn't buy this and insists that Du Man Tang should consider the children more. Frustrated, Du Man Tang jokingly suggests that maybe Zhang Ze Zhong should just live with Wang Xiao Qing and her family of four. >>read more
Episode 11: Wang Xiaoqing is Unemployed
In this episode, while Du Mantang is giving his father a bath, he reflects that being idle isn't a long-term solution and decides he needs to find a job. He rummages through his belongings and discovers a set of shirts and a suit he hasn't worn in ages. He realizes that Wang Xiaoqing used to iron these clothes for him, making them look sharp. >>read more
Episode 12: Wang Xiao Qing Prepares to Open a Guesthouse
In Episode 12, after a night out with her colleagues, Wang Xiao Qing returns to the alley feeling a bit tipsy, just as Du Man Tang arrives home. She mysteriously hints that she has some good news but keeps it to herself as she wobbles into her room. Once inside, she finds her roommate, Du Li, playing the guitar. Upon seeing her, Du Li quickly puts the guitar down and pours Wang Xiao Qing a drink to help her sober up. >>read more
Episode 13: Zhang Youting Is Getting Married
In this episode, Du Man Tang accidentally walks into a guest's room, leading to a complaint. Seeing this, Xiao Gao advises him not to take it too seriously, saying that societal norms have changed; as long as nothing illegal is happening, it's not our business what guests do in their rooms. Xiao Gao reminds him that the hotel business is important and warns him not to let a small mistake jeopardize their star rating. >>read more
Episode 14: Zhang Ze Zhong Pretends to Be Sick to Raise Money
In this episode, Zhang You Ting pulls Du Li aside, suggesting that Zhang Ze Zhong has cleared up the misunderstanding. However, Du Li insists on waiting for Wang Xiao Qing to arrive. She knows that when Zhang Ze Zhong gets angry, only Wang Xiao Qing can handle him in their neighborhood.Du Li quickly calls Wang Xiao Qing, discussing their plan to go to Zhang Ze Zhong's place that evening to clarify things. Wang Xiao Qing is also anxious about the situation, which has been weighing on her mind. >>read more
Episode 15: Zhang Ze Zhong and Du Man Tang Go to the Police Station
In Episode 15, Zhang Ze Zhong hurriedly had Lao Ai and his wife change into the doctor’s and nurse’s uniforms he borrowed. Lao Ai’s wife applied white makeup on Zhang Ze Zhong's face, making him look pale and unwell. Just as they finished, Principal Niu arrived with two other principals, asking Zhang Ze Zhong when this all happened. >>read more
Episode 16: Du Man Tang's New Job
In Episode 16, Zhang Ze Zhong received the money that Zhang You Ting sent him. He remarked that he had really messed up in this alley. Just as he finished speaking, Aunt Zhang arrived with Chen Xiang Zhang. Both Aunt Zhang and Chen Xiang Zhang emphasized that Zhang Ze Zhong was no longer just an ordinary citizen; he was now a community steward and needed to lead by example. >>read more
Episode 17: Zhang Ze Zhong Becomes an Unlikely Hero
In Episode 17, Zhang Ze Zhong encounters a scalper while waiting in line to buy sneakers for Lei Zi. The scalper mistakenly thinks Zhang Ze Zhong is also a scalper and approaches him. When Zhang Ze Zhong denies it, the scalper insists that he has the look of one. He asks if Zhang Ze Zhong is in line to buy shoes for his son, to which Zhang Ze Zhong nods. The scalper then points out that there are so many people in line, but only a little over a hundred tickets available. He warns Zhang Ze Zhong that he probably won't get any and shows him his shirt, revealing a stash of tickets. >>read more
Episode 18: Du Man Tang Studies Coffee at Home
After resigning from Mr. Liu's company, Du Man Tang's departure caught Zhang Ze Zhong's attention, and he quickly volunteered for the high-paying position. Meanwhile, Wang Xiao Qing was busy renovating her guesthouse when a foreigner, armed with a camera, started taking pictures in the alley. As he reached the front of the guesthouse, he spotted Wang Xiao Qing working and decided to capture the moment. >>read more
Episode 19: Zhang Ze Zhong's Trouble from Speaking Out
In Episode 19, Aunt Zhang takes Du Man Tang to find Pierre, claiming they’re there to apprehend him, but it turns out to be a misunderstanding. Pierre has been teaching Argentine Spanish and even made some extra money from it, enough to buy coffee beans. However, Aunt Zhang doesn’t believe him and insists on stopping his students to clarify the situation. The students explain they’re about to go abroad and are learning some foreign language from Pierre, paying him in cash since he doesn’t accept mobile payments. After hearing this, Aunt Zhang is left speechless. >>read more
Episode 20: Du Man Tang is Moving into the Guesthouse
In Episode 20, Du Man Tang asks Pierre about the situation with Su Su, referring to the girl. Meanwhile, Pierre is preoccupied with thoughts of Wang Xiao Qing but self-deprecatingly claims she has no interest in him. Du Man Tang jokes that Wang Xiao Qing is actually very much into him, which brightens Pierre's mood. >>read more
Episode 21: Pierre and Du Man Tang Prepare to Open a Coffee Shop
In Episode 21, Zhang Ze Zhong invited several young artists to learn how to replicate Mr. Liu's paintings, promising them 300 yuan for each completed piece. However, he urged them to start working as soon as dawn broke, leading to complaints from the artists about the difficulty of earning money, as Mr. Liu's style was elusive. >>read more
Episode 22: Du Man Tang and Wang Xiao Qing's Shops Have Opened
In Episode 22, Aunt Liu asks Zhang Ze Zhong to bring along the seven paintings from his home, thinking they might come in handy. She also requests him to send over a bank account number, but Zhang Ze Zhong decides that cash would be better, as it simplifies things for both parties. Aunt Liu thinks to herself that this kid is quite savvy. >>read more
Episode 23: A Fake Demolition in the Alley
In Episode 23, Lao Ai, dressed in a bizarre outfit, waltzes into Wang Xiao Qing's guesthouse and immediately questions why Wang Xiao Qing isn't doing anything about the so-called "half-immortal," Li Song Nian. Wang Xiao Qing, looking helpless, explains that Li hasn't broken any laws; he's just selling health products, and besides, he's a guest, so it's not her place to interfere. >>read more
Episode 24: Du Man Tang Sells a House for His Brother
In Episode 24, Du Man Tang excitedly holds a handwritten will from his father, planning to make the old man happy for his birthday. However, his brother Du Man Yi receives a phone call and rushes out, leaving Du Man Tang puzzled. Du Li, noticing this, jokingly asks if Du Man Yi is in trouble again. Du Man Tang shakes his head but can't hide his worry—it's about a past issue with Mr. Jiang, which he chooses not to mention. Instead, he encourages Du Li to join him in wishing their father a happy birthday. >>read more
Episode 25: Du Li Accidentally Enters a Pyramid Scheme
Recently, Du Man Tang has begun selling off family assets, including his most cherished possessions. This has raised alarm bells for Du Li, who suspects that Du Man Tang might be in debt again. When Du Li confronts him about it, Du Man Tang vehemently denies any financial troubles. However, Du Li isn't convinced and is well aware of the truth. >>read more
Episode 26: Du Man Tang Prepares to Transfer the House to Du Man Yi
In Episode 26, Du Man Tang is about to have a discussion with Du Man Yi when a phone call unexpectedly pulls him away. Du Man Yi jokes that the timing couldn’t be worse. Shortly after, Du Man Tang, Wang Xiao Qing, and Zhang Ze Zhong rush to the hospital.Upon arrival, Du Man Tang and his wife bombard Du Li with questions, clearly anxious. It turns out Du Li had gone out to earn some money for the family, which led to the incident. Meanwhile, Zhang Ze Zhong is frantically searching for his son, Zhang You Ting. Each time he tries to ask about Du Li’s condition, he is interrupted by Du Man Tang and Wang Xiao Qing. >>read more
Episode 27: Du Mantang Exposed Online
In Episode 27, Zhang Ze Zhong plans to bring Guan Xi to meet Mrs. Liu. Guan Xi says he needs to go to the restroom. Zhang Ze Zhong lets him go, but when Guan Xi returns, he trips and falls. Zhang Ze Zhong quickly rushes to help him, but Guan Xi reassures him that he’s fine and not hurt. >>read more
Episode 28: Du Man Tang's Name Cleared
In episode 28, Du Man Tang's comments about two tour guides were maliciously edited and spread online, leading to backlash against him. The next day, someone came to his shop during a live broadcast, asking why he looked down on outsiders. Du Man Tang tried to explain that it wasn't him who disrespected outsiders, but the two tour guides, and that his words had been taken out of context. >>read more
Episode 29: Du Man Tang's Innocence Restored
In this episode, Du Man Tang casually reprimanded two tour guides, but his words were maliciously edited and posted online. The next day, his café was flooded with people questioning why he looked down on outsiders. Frustrated, Du Man Tang stomped his feet, trying to explain that he was actually scolding the tour guides, but no one was willing to listen. The edited video left his intentions unclear. >>read more
Episode 30: Zhang Ze Zhong's Fake Marriage
In Episode 30, Zhang You Ting finally gathers the courage to confess his feelings to Du Li. The two share a silent understanding and embrace tightly. Hand in hand, they stroll through the alley until they reach home, reluctant to part ways. After some insistence, Zhang You Ting agrees to go home first at Du Li's suggestion. Du Li sweetly promises to bring him lunch the next day, their affection evident. >>read more
Episode 31: Mr. Jiang's Trouble Leads Him to Wang Xiao Qing
In Episode 31, on the way back from trying on wedding dresses, Wang Xiao Qing tells Du Li that they will make decisions together in their future life. For minor matters, they will follow her lead, but for major issues, they will listen to Zhang You Ting. When Du Li asks what counts as a major issue, Wang Xiao Qing replies that anything not related to her is considered major. >>read more
Episode 32: Du Man Tang Collects Antiques
In Episode 32, a special guest arrives at Du Man Tang's café—a lady pushing a slightly worn baby stroller, handcrafted by the child’s grandfather to avoid the formaldehyde found in store-bought ones, filled with heartfelt meaning. Pierre, a regular at the café, praises the stroller and jokingly suggests he might buy it as a decoration. The lady quickly shakes her head, laughing that selling it would cause chaos at home. >>read more
Episode 33: Zhang Ze Zhong Seeks His Wife Su Ma Li
In episode 33, Zhang You Ting shares with Du Li that her studies abroad are going well. Du Li praises her, calling her the best. However, Zhang You Ting quickly clarifies that while she might not stand out in China, she has to give her all abroad to prove that Chinese people, especially those from Beijing, should not be underestimated. >>read more
Episode 34: Du Man Tang Prepares to Build a Museum
In Episode 34, Wang Xiao Qing was about to clarify that there was nothing going on between her and Mr. Jiang when Du Man Tang interrupted, saying he already knew. Wang Xiao Qing asked why he was jealous then, and Du Man Tang replied that it was a different matter. She pointed out that having someone pursue her showed her good taste, but Du Man Tang didn't want to see other men bringing her flowers, especially with Mr. Jiang’s name on them. >>read more
Episode 35: Su Huirong Meets Zhang Youting
In episode 35, Zhang Youting asks Du Li what style she thinks would be best for the museum, to which Du Li responds that she will go along with whatever he decides. Zhang Youting then inquires about her thoughts on the guesthouse he designed for Wang Xiaoqing and the coffee shop he created for Du Mantang. Du Li gives him a thumbs up. >>read more
Episode 36: Mr. Du Passes Away
In episode 36, Su Huirong offers Zhang Youting a deal that could save him twenty years of hard work. However, Zhang Youting is unwilling to leave with her because of Zhang Zezhong. Su Huirong tells him that even if he goes with her, he can always return to see Zhang Zezhong.Zhang Youting expresses that he has grown accustomed to the meals prepared by Zhang Zezhong, especially the zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste). Su Huirong assures him that she can hire a five-star chef who will make authentic zhajiangmian as well. Yet, Zhang Youting insists that while Zhang Zezhong can cook many dishes well, he specifically loves the zhajiangmian. >>read more
Episode 37: Misunderstandings Surrounding Du Man Tang
In Episode 37, Du Man Yi is troubled by doubts, feeling that Xiao Wang's "house for retirement" scheme is unreliable. He secretly places his phone on the windowsill and records everything Xiao Wang says. In a hurry, he finds Lao Ai and seriously advises him not to believe in such plans. However, just after he speaks, Lao Ai returns home and is confronted by his wife about mortgaging their house. Lao Ai immediately gets anxious, insisting that it is a family heirloom and he absolutely refuses. >>read more
Episode 38: Su Huirong Wants to Divorce Zhang Zezhong
In Episode 38, Zhang Zezhong is about to send a message to Su Huirong when her assistant, Eva, calls him to say she will pick him up shortly. When Zhang arrives, he finds himself in a room full of people—Su Huirong's private legal team. They are there to discuss the divorce on her behalf, and Zhang directly asks how much they are offering him. >>read more
Episode 39: Du Man and His Brothers Prepare to Expose Xiao Wang and His Crew
In Episode 39, Lao Ai feels uneasy and decides to ask Aunt Zhang about the reliability of the reverse mortgage scheme. Mysteriously, Aunt Zhang tells him there will be a live event the next day where he can learn more. The following morning, everyone gathers at the breakfast shop, and Grandma Liang becomes the center of attention as she cheerfully claims she receives 12,000 yuan monthly, living quite comfortably. Hearing this, Lao Ai is intrigued and immediately goes to discuss terms with Xiao Wang—he wants to move into the nursing home with his spouse. Xiao Wang readily agrees, and without hesitation, Lao Ai signs the contract and treats Grandma Liang and others to a celebratory meal. >>read more
Ending 40: Completion of the Hip Axis Museum
In Episode 40, when Xiao Wang and the others heard that Ma Bo planned to raise the prices, they thought to themselves that the old man was being unreasonable, especially since everyone in the alley had more or less already signed contracts. After some discussion, they considered backing out, but Xiao Wang remembered the boss's words: they wouldn't take on any project without a budget of 50 million. Meanwhile, Zhang Ze Zhong claimed he wouldn't interfere, but he secretly kept an eye on Xiao Wang and the group under the pretext of registration. >>read more
