Episode 23 recap: 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.
Lao Ai, frustrated, insists that she should intervene and storms off to confront Li Song Nian. As a result, both of them end up inexplicably vomiting and are rushed to the hospital. When the police arrive, they both argue about who is the real victim.
After Lao Ai leaves the police station, he runs into Fatty at the alley entrance. Fatty, worried about his lack of business, eagerly asks Lao Ai what happened. Lao Ai casually mentions he was just helping with the investigation and that he managed to get the "half-immortal" to leave. Fatty laughs, saying that the needle treatment must have been intense, as Li Song Nian is now slurring his words. Lao Ai grimaces, admitting he still feels nauseous. To make matters worse, many people in the alley start experiencing stomach issues and frantically search for restrooms, only to find all of them marked "Under Maintenance."
Ma Bo rushes to Teacher Guan's house for help, only to find a "Maintenance" sign on the floor. He realizes it's the work of little Xi Xi, but unfortunately, Xi Xi has already run off.
Du Man Tang, full of filial piety, buys some tofu pudding for his father, who stubbornly refuses to eat unless he's in the mood. Seeing this, Du Man Tang takes it upon himself to feed his father and reminds Du Man Yi to thank Wang Xiao Qing. Du Man Yi, eager to learn more about Wang Xiao Qing and Du Man Tang's relationship, is cut off by Du Man Tang's blunt "Don't pry." With something on his mind, Du Man Yi instructs Du Man Tang to tell anyone looking for him that he hasn't returned to the country, then hurriedly leaves, leaving Du Man Tang puzzled.
Teacher Guan catches Xi Xi and raises her ruler, causing Xi Xi to panic and repeatedly apologize, promising never to misbehave again. Back in her room, Xi Xi quickly contacts Liang Xin, and the two kids decide to pull a big prank. Soon, the word "Demolition" appears in the alley, leading everyone to believe that the demolition is finally happening, and excitement ensues. Lao Ai even boldly declares that if the demolition succeeds, he'll treat everyone to hot pot, lifting the spirits of the crowd.
Du Man Tang and Zhang Ze Zhong analyze the word "Demolition," feeling something is off about how casually it was written. They discuss their mixed feelings about the demolition—both excited and reluctant. It turns out this is another prank by Liang Xin and Xi Xi. Once discovered, Teacher Guan takes Xi Xi around to apologize to everyone, and Liang Xin gets a stern lecture from his mother.
The two kids decide to bury the hatchet and plan a trip to Disneyland. However, as soon as they step outside, they hear their parents calling for them and sprint away, with Liang Xin accidentally falling into Shichahai. Fortunately, Pierre saves him just in time.
Aunt Zhang appreciates Pierre's help and invites him over for dinner. They hit it off, discussing everything from Chinese culture to military ships, with Pierre's passion for Chinese naval vessels shining through.
Meanwhile, Du Man Yi discovers that Zhang Ze Zhong is hiding oil paintings and suspects he’s selling them. Three men in black arrive, claiming Du Man Yi owes them money. Du Man Tang steps in, claiming to be Du Man Yi's brother. Back at Aunt Zhang's place, Pierre's sincerity earns her respect, advancing their relationship.
As Du Man Tang offers incense to his mother, he unexpectedly finds a will, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within him.
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