Episode 21 recap: 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.
Meanwhile, Wang Xiao Qing sat in a guesthouse, her gaze drifting towards Du Man Tang's home. She recalled a previous chance encounter in the courtyard where she saw Du Man Tang and Guo Rong enjoying coffee together, stirring complex feelings within her. When Du Li jokingly asked if she missed Du Man Tang, Wang Xiao Qing stubbornly replied, "I'm still thinking about Chen Shi Mei!"
At that moment, Pierre appeared with red roses, intending to confess his feelings to Wang Xiao Qing. Observing this, Du Li quickly informed Du Man Tang. Du Man Tang shook his head, convinced that Wang Xiao Qing wouldn't be interested in a foreigner like Pierre. As expected, Pierre's confession was gently rejected by Wang Xiao Qing, leaving him embarrassed and choosing to leave. Du Li couldn't understand why someone as handsome as Pierre was turned away. Du Man Tang bluntly stated that Wang Xiao Qing would never fall for a foreigner and hinted at her thoughts about Mr. Jiang from a previous encounter.
Zhang Ze Zhong later brought steamed buns to visit the artists, hoping to win their favor. However, they collectively went on strike, feeling that the pay was too low and that it insulted their artistic integrity. At Du Man Tang's house, Pierre discovered their wedding photo and began to understand the situation, with Du Man Tang explaining that they were temporarily apart.
Pierre shared his experience of being rejected by Wang Xiao Qing and decided to invest in the coffee shop, hoping it would keep him connected to Du Man Tang. However, Du Man Tang urged him to be direct about his intentions. Pierre admitted to admiring Wang Xiao Qing's passion and bravery, feeling that he lacked those qualities, while Du Man Tang appeared less assertive.
Zhang Ze Zhong, dissatisfied with the cost of art supplies, turned to using leftover wooden sticks from Wang Xiao Qing's renovations to make his tools. Du Li invited Zhang You Ting over for dinner to discuss the coffee shop plans. Zhang You Ting expressed her support and offered to help with the design. Zhang Ze Zhong also encouraged people in the neighborhood to imitate Mr. Liu's style, rewarding the best works.
During dinner, the atmosphere was friendly, and Du Li stated she would fully support the coffee shop project as long as Pierre didn't bother Wang Xiao Qing anymore. Pierre assured her that was in the past and happily sang with Du Li. Zhang You Ting's involvement boosted Du Man Tang's confidence, and her design ideas brightened the coffee shop's prospects. Meanwhile, Zhang Ze Zhong continued to work on making easels at home, and when Zhang You Ting returned, she offered her assistance, enhancing the artistic vibe in the neighborhood.
Ultimately, Zhang Ze Zhong selected twenty-three excellent imitation pieces from the submissions. When Mrs. Liu inquired about his criteria, he provided a brief explanation, leaving room for interpretation. This series of events not only advanced Zhang Ze Zhong's artistic plans but also complicated the relationships among Du Man Tang, Wang Xiao Qing, and others. The preparations for the coffee shop brought new hope and vitality to the alley.
Comments(Episode 21)