Episode 16 recap: 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.
Zhang Ze Zhong sensed that they didn't want him to take on this role, but he pretended not to understand. He insisted that he would do his best as the community steward. Chen Xiang Zhang and Aunt Zhang exchanged glances and decided not to press the issue further, suggesting instead to hold a meeting the next day to gather everyone's opinions.
Du Man Tang came to see Teacher Guan. He wanted to thank Teacher Guan for helping him find a job at the hotel and also to apologize for losing that job due to his own issues. Teacher Guan reassured him that it was no big deal. He mentioned that he had a job in mind for Du Man Tang but was hesitant to bring it up, fearing he might not be interested.
Du Man Tang encouraged him to share the details. Teacher Guan explained that a friend of his, who was well-off, needed an assistant. When Du Man Tang asked what the job entailed, Teacher Guan said it was mostly helping with daily tasks, but it wasn't a housekeeping role. He suggested that Du Man Tang try it out for a few days, and if he felt uncomfortable at all, he could quit.
Meanwhile, Du Li and Wang Xiao Qing were at Du Li's grandmother's house. Her grandmother called Du Man Tang a bad person. Du Li defended him, saying he was just trying to stand up for himself. Her grandmother agreed that while Zhang Ze Zhong wasn't great either, at least he was smarter than Du Man Tang.
Wang Xiao Qing shared her plans to open a guesthouse, and Du Li fully supported her. Du Man Tang arrived at the place Teacher Guan had recommended, where Mr. Liu would be his boss. Du Man Tang asked about his main responsibilities, and Mr. Liu explained that he would be his personal assistant, handling daily life and work coordination.
Just as they were getting into the details, Mr. Liu's wife arrived. She asked Du Man Tang what his zodiac sign was and what animal he was born under. Du Man Tang was taken aback by her questions, while Mr. Liu was about to discuss the salary.
His wife immediately stated that the probationary salary was 15,000 a month, and after the probation period, it would be 50,000 a month. This thrilled Du Man Tang.
Wang Xiao Qing came to apologize to Zhang Ze Zhong and gave him the money for the hotel reservation. Zhang Ze Zhong said that Du Man Tang had already given him the money. They agreed to put the matter behind them, and just as Wang Xiao Qing stepped out the door, she bumped into Du Man Tang.
Du Man Tang asked her what she needed, but Wang Xiao Qing clarified that she wasn't there for him; she was there to apologize to Zhang Ze Zhong. Du Man Tang felt there was no need for the apology, but Wang Xiao Qing insisted that Zhang Ze Zhong was quite stubborn. She added that if it hadn't been for her help maintaining connections over the years, Du Man Tang likely wouldn't have any friends at all.
To regain the trust of the alley residents, Zhang Ze Zhong rented a van to drive everyone to buy groceries each day. He also made some changes in the alley to make things more convenient for the community. Unbeknownst to Zhang Ze Zhong, Zhang You Ting took on another job to help lighten his burdens.
Du Man Tang was discussing workflow with Mr. Liu when Mrs. Liu interrupted, saying there was a conflict at work and threw a tantrum at Du Man Tang. Mr. Liu advised Du Man Tang not to take it personally, explaining that this was just her way, and he emphasized that he needed Du Man Tang to personally pick up and drop off Xi Xi.
Leizi ran over to find Zhang Ze Zhong and reminded him that the gas money would be given at the end of the month. Leizi clarified that he wasn't there for that; he wanted Zhang Ze Zhong to help him line up in the afternoon to enter a lottery for a pair of sneakers. Zhang Ze Zhong suggested he could just buy the shoes directly, but Leizi explained that they could only buy them if they won the lottery. If they managed to get a pair, they could make several thousand. He told Zhang Ze Zhong that if he won, he wouldn't need gas money next month.
Teacher Guan asked Du Man Tang how work was going. Du Man Tang replied that wealthy people tend to think money can solve everything, but he was okay with it. He watched as Mr. Liu played and drew with Xi Xi.
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