Episode 13 recap: 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.
Meanwhile, as Wang Xiao Qing steps into her home, her mother immediately pulls her in to help thread a needle, preparing to wear a qipao. Her mother smiles and asks if Wang Xiao Qing knows the significance of wearing a qipao: it’s meant to showcase a woman's beauty. Wang Xiao Qing laughs and says she needs to take a shower first; she’s been tired all day. Her mother, curious about where she’s been, jokingly asks if she went on a date and mentions that Du Man Tang is unreliable, suggesting Wang Xiao Qing consider finding someone better.
Wang Xiao Qing quickly clarifies that she isn't divorced yet; such changes aren't made lightly.
On another front, Xiao Wang, involved in a pyramid scheme, arrives at Kua Gu Zhou Alley, inquiring about the number of elderly residents there to promote their retirement products—corn porridge and rice. A neighbor kindly directs him to Zhang Ze Zhong at No. 3 Courtyard, saying he’s the local "know-it-all."
Su Su brings a friend to the Fat Man's restaurant, where her friend starts a live stream, attracting plenty of attention. However, her friend gives poor reviews of Fat Man's special dish, which he overhears and doesn't take kindly to, feeling insulted. He complains that Su Su's friend doesn’t appreciate good food. At that moment, Lao Ai visits Fat Man, and after some back-and-forth, it turns out Lao Ai is inviting him for hot pot. Initially reluctant, Fat Man eventually agrees after Su Su encourages him.
At the dinner table, Zhang Ze Zhong jokes about the reconciliation between Lao Ai and Fat Man, calling it one of the "three joys." The second joy is welcoming Xiao Wang, and the third is that Zhang Youting is getting married. Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Ze Zhong asks for a monetary contribution, and Xiao Wang readily transfers 6,600 yuan, which is part of their pre-arranged "script" to help Xiao Wang become familiar in the alley.
Du Li privately tells Du Man Tang that Wang Xiao Qing plans to open a guesthouse, which Du Man Tang shakes his head at, insisting she’s not cut out for it. Xiao Wang's presence livens up the dinner, and Zhang Ze Zhong announces more good news, including the wedding of Zhang Youting. Everyone mistakenly believes the alley is being demolished, creating a sweet misunderstanding. Zhang Ze Zhong uses this moment to collect contributions, and the atmosphere is joyful.
After the meal, Du Li quietly informs Wang Xiao Qing that Du Man Tang has found a new job and plans to earn money to hire a caretaker for his father. This infuriates Wang Xiao Qing, who feels like an invisible caretaker for the Du family all these years. Meanwhile, Du Man Tang experiences something bizarre at work—over twenty people sharing a room—which he finds absurd, only to learn that young people are doing it for social media photos.
Zhang Ze Zhong continues to worry about Zhang Youting’s wedding and the maternity center, while Zhang Youting and Du Li discuss how to confess something to Zhang Ze Zhong, though they haven’t yet decided what it is.
Throughout this day in the alley, life is filled with trivialities and warmth, with everyone having their own agendas, yet sharing laughter and anticipation together.
Comments(Episode 13)