Episode 36 recap: Mr. Du Passes Away
In episode 36, Su Huirong offers Zhang Youting a deal that could save him twenty years of hard work. However, Zhang Youting is unwilling to leave with her because of Zhang Zezhong. Su Huirong tells him that even if he goes with her, he can always return to see Zhang Zezhong.Zhang Youting expresses that he has grown accustomed to the meals prepared by Zhang Zezhong, especially the zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste). Su Huirong assures him that she can hire a five-star chef who will make authentic zhajiangmian as well. Yet, Zhang Youting insists that while Zhang Zezhong can cook many dishes well, he specifically loves the zhajiangmian.
Why is that? Because zhajiangmian is economical. Zhang Zezhong is the type who would dash across the street to pick up a coin, no matter how busy the traffic is. Su Huirong claims to understand Zhang Zezhong and offers to give him some money. But Zhang Youting refuses to go; he chooses to stay and enjoy his zhajiangmian.
Frustrated, Su Huirong storms out. Zhang Zezhong questions Zhang Youting's foolishness, pointing out that going with Su Huirong could save him twenty years of struggle. Zhang Youting replies that he is willing to work hard for twenty years just to enjoy this bowl of zhajiangmian. Hearing this, Zhang Zezhong reflects on their shared memories and is moved to tears.
As Su Huirong exits, she runs into Mr. Jiang, an old friend. Mr. Jiang asks why she's here, and she explains she was visiting a friend. She inquires about his business, and he mentions that the main issue now is debt. Su Huirong expresses her gratitude, recalling how Mr. Jiang supported her in the company.
Su Huirong asks if he has time for a meal together. Mr. Jiang leaves a message for Wang Xiaoqing, thanking her for her care over the past few days and reminding her to keep her watch safe before slipping away.
Meanwhile, Du Mantang is watering flowers in the yard when Mr. Du calls out to him. Turning around, Du Mantang is shocked to see Mr. Du standing there, fully alert. Sensing something is off, he quickly calls Du Manyi, Wang Xiaoqing, and Du Li to come back. When Mr. Du sees Wang Xiaoqing, he mentions that he wants a haircut and acknowledges that she is a good person, saying his son owes her a lot.
He said that good people will be rewarded, but Wang Xiaoqing told him not to say that. Mr. Du then remarked that Du Mantang is a good son and told Du Manyi that he was finally back. He then asked if the boy Du Li is dating is Zhang Zezhong's son, noting that he is a good kid.
Mr. Du expressed that he feels at ease with Du Li being with him, and Du Li mentioned that they are going to get married and asked Mr. Du to officiate the ceremony. Mr. Du replied that Du Mantang should officiate instead. After saying this, Mr. Du passed away, and Du Li, heartbroken, leaned on Zhang Youting’s shoulder, crying uncontrollably.
Du Mantang sat in the bedroom, lost in thought, while Wang Xiaoqing came in to bring him and Du Manyi mourning attire. People from the alley gathered to bid farewell to Mr. Du. Du Mantang watched the crowd in the yard, reminiscing about the time spent with his father, feeling immense pain deep inside.
Du Manyi looked at Mr. Du's portrait and remembered how she had deceived him, leading her to cry in regret. Grandma Liang announced that she would no longer collect empty bottles, prompting Grandma Jin and Grandma Jia to ask why. Grandma Liang explained that it was all thanks to Little Wang and the company’s reverse mortgage program. She had joined this project and now receives ten thousand yuan a month, saying her monthly income now exceeds that of her daughter-in-law.
Grandma Jia, Grandma Jin, and others visited Aunt Zhang's house, and Old Ai's wife was curious about why they were all there. She quickly climbed up to the window and overheard them discussing mortgaging their homes for twelve thousand yuan a month. At home, Du Manyi was reminiscing about the wooden knife made for him by Mr. Du when suddenly the delivery person called to inform him that he had a package.
When Du Manyi checked, he saw it was a scratching tool he had bought for Mr. Du. His heart ached; the item had arrived, but the person was gone. He gave the wooden knife to the delivery man, explaining that it reminded him of his father, which made him feel sad. Everyone heard Grandma Liang talking about the reverse mortgage, and they all went to find Little Wang to ask for more details about it.
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