Episode 9 recap: # Wang Xiao Qing Stays at Zhang Ze Zhong's House
In Episode 9, Lao Fang, considering Zhang Ze Zhong's long-term future, appoints him as the manager of a small town. This job comes with several benefits, which Zhang Ze Zhong is more than happy to accept, thinking he can share some of the earnings with everyone.Wang Xiao Qing, on the other hand, is preoccupied with thoughts of Du Li and plans to visit home, but hesitates when she arrives at her door. Just then, she notices a "For Rent" sign posted at Du Man Tang's house, which adds to her confusion. At that moment, Zhang Ze Zhong returns, and Wang Xiao Qing casually asks why they’re renting a place. She wonders why, if they’re living so well, they would choose to make the house even more cramped.
Zhang Ze Zhong sighs and explains that his son, Zhang You Ting, is growing up and they need to save some money for his future marriage. Meanwhile, Zhang You Ting and Du Li are enjoying ice cream together, with Zhang You Ting reassuring Du Li that she can talk to him about anything that’s bothering her.
Seeing Wang Xiao Qing standing idly at the door, Zhang Ze Zhong asks where she’s headed and offers to drive her. Wang Xiao Qing replies that she doesn’t have a specific destination, and besides going home, there’s nowhere else to go. Zhang Ze Zhong jokingly says he can’t let her stay at his place for the night; it would be awkward if Du Man Tang found out. Wang Xiao Qing, feeling defiant, responds, “Who cares!”
Noticing her mood, Zhang Ze Zhong asks if she and Du Man Tang had an argument and advises her against staying overnight. He starts to walk her to the alley. Just as they reach the entrance, they see Du Li carefully helping Zhang You Ting blow a bug out of his eye. The two are standing very close to each other, and Wang Xiao Qing and Zhang Ze Zhong catch them in the act.
Wang Xiao Qing immediately gets angry and demands to know when this all started. Du Li honestly replies it began two months ago. Wang Xiao Qing then turns to Zhang You Ting for an explanation, prompting Zhang Ze Zhong to intervene. Wang Xiao Qing suspects that Zhang Ze Zhong already knew about their relationship and that the rental announcement was his way of giving her a “heads-up” about saving for Zhang You Ting’s future.
Zhang Ze Zhong repeatedly denies this, and Zhang You Ting supports his claims. Wang Xiao Qing then expresses concern about their future, asking Zhang You Ting about his job and income.
Zhang You Ting shyly mentions that he works as a client manager at an educational institution and earns a monthly salary of three thousand. Upon hearing this, Wang Xiao Qing becomes anxious, thinking that such an income makes it difficult to support a family.
Zhang Ze Zhong tries to explain that there are merits to both raising children in poverty and in wealth, but Wang Xiao Qing is relentless. Du Li, not wanting to continue the discussion, says she wants to go home and rest. However, Wang Xiao Qing insists that she stay the night, suggesting that she and Du Li can share a room while Zhang Ze Zhong and Zhang You Ting stay in another.
That night, as Zhang Ze Zhong helps Zhang You Ting settle down to sleep, he contemplates the situation regarding the children. The next morning, he goes out to buy breakfast. At the dining table, Wang Xiao Qing asks Du Li and Zhang You Ting to head back to their room so she can speak with Zhang Ze Zhong privately.
Wang Xiao Qing inquires about Zhang Ze Zhong's plans moving forward. He suggests that they should get a marriage certificate first, but then thinks it wouldn’t be fair to Du Li. Tentatively, he proposes that Du Li should give up the child. As soon as he says this, Wang Xiao Qing erupts, warning him not to entertain such an idea, or there will be consequences.
Zhang Ze Zhong quickly clarifies that he was only testing the waters and didn’t genuinely intend to go through with it, as that is his grandson. Wang Xiao Qing decides to offer one of her apartments to Du Li as a form of security for her. However, when she reaches the real estate office, she discovers she has been deceived—the house is not in her name at all.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ze Zhong goes to find Du Man Tang and casually mentions that Wang Xiao Qing stayed over last night. This revelation makes Du Man Tang very unhappy.
The events of that night have made the relationships among the group even more complicated, and the road ahead seems increasingly difficult.
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