Episode 22 recap: 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.
Meanwhile, Du Man Tang and Pierre are busy preparing for their coffee shop. Du Man Tang tells Pierre that opening a shop is like drawing a bow; once the arrow is released, there's no turning back—only forward. When Pierre is asked when they'll open, he scratches his head and admits they haven't set a date yet. Du Man Tang teasingly questions why he seems to have lost his initial enthusiasm.
As they chat, Du Man Tang spots Mr. Jiang heading toward Wang Xiao Qing's place with some items. It turns out Mr. Jiang is bringing takeout for Wang Xiao Qing and mentions that he’ll be on a business trip in a couple of days, which means he might miss her opening ceremony. However, he assures her that he will ask a friend to deliver a gift.
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiao Qing worries about attracting customers before even opening and asks Mr. Jiang if this is an omen for a business person. Mr. Jiang laughs and reassures her that business isn’t just about size; he often felt anxious when negotiating deals in the past, as reality rarely matches expectations. Feeling relieved, Wang Xiao Qing resolves to dive into her work and they exchange well wishes for their businesses to thrive.
Back at Du Man Tang and Pierre's nearly finished coffee shop, Guo Rong shows up. She mentions that her filming is wrapping up and she’s about to leave. Du Man Tang insists she must visit him again next time. Before he can finish, Aunt Zhang calls him for a meeting, saying the elderly folks in the alley want to discuss some trivial matters.
Curious, Guo Rong asks what the meeting is about, and Du Man Tang laughs, saying it’s just some neighborhood gossip.
At the meeting, Zhang Ze Zhong announces the second annual oil painting competition in the alley, revealing that the prizes are ready: 400 yuan for first place and 200 yuan for second. Everyone reacts, feeling the prizes are too low, and they start to stir. Zhang Ze Zhong quickly clarifies that the competition focuses on participation, with honor being more important. He also mentions that the third prize is free coffee from Du Man Tang's café for a month. Guo Rong chimes in, noting that foreigners love to gather in coffee shops. Someone asks who Guo Rong is, commenting on her beauty, as they’ve never seen her before.
Du Man Tang proudly introduces her as his father’s former apprentice. Seeing this, Wang Xiao Qing feels uneasy and loudly declares that she will also open her shop on the same day as Du Man Tang.
Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhang and the other neighbors think it’s inconsiderate for both of them to open on the same day, making it difficult for everyone to choose where to go. However, on the opening day, everyone gathers to celebrate both shops. Mr. Jiang gifts Wang Xiao Qing a large flower basket with a warm message. Du Man Tang, quick on the uptake, snatches the card away and jokingly tells Wang Xiao Qing, “You didn’t give me a gift, but I have to give you one!”
Just as the atmosphere becomes lively, a shabby-looking man suddenly calls out “Brother Du.” Du Man Tang is taken aback for a moment before realizing it’s his long-lost brother, Du Manyi.
Comments(Episode 22)