Episode Summary
The Grand Canal's revitalization sparks community efforts. Shao Xingchi seeks frontline experience, while Xia Fenghua faces staffing issues. Zhou Yipu's Alzheimer's is revealed, and the community rallies to help. Zhou Haikuo and Xiaohui clash over buying a house but reconcile. Xie Wanghe's request for team stock options is denied.
Spoiler Alert
The successful inscription of the Grand Canal as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has breathed new life into this ancient waterway. The local government of Flower Street throws a lively celebration to mark the occasion.
During a communal dinner, Gu Alian seizes the opportunity to share her vision for revitalizing Honghuai City and Flower Street. She emphasizes the crucial need for young people to return and contribute to their hometown's development, urging the parents present to spread the word.
Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe, Xia Fenghua, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo gather for their own celebration. Xia Fenghua suggests they all commit to returning home for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Xie Wanghe readily agrees. Shao Xingchi, observing the growing closeness between Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua, feels a pang of sadness but masks it with feigned happiness. Later, he privately asks Xie Wanghe for a transfer to a frontline station to gain more hands-on experience.
Recognizing Shao Xingchi's drive, Xie Wanghe goes directly to Meng Wei at the company and advocates for him, even offering his own stock options as collateral to persuade Meng Wei to appoint Shao Xingchi as a station manager. Xie Wanghe encourages Shao Xingchi to prove himself through hard work, and Shao Xingchi quickly earns the respect of his subordinates with his efficient management.
In contrast, Sun Daxiao visits Huazi's station with a mocking attitude. Learning about Xia Fenghua's staff shortage, he tries to poach her business, but she firmly rejects him. Despite the staffing challenges, Xia Fenghua remains determined to keep her station running, even if it means seeking help from headquarters. Xie Wanghe suggests she hire temporary workers for sorting, an idea that piques her interest. Later, Xia Fenghua asks Mother He for help in finding reliable part-time workers, and Mother He enthusiastically connects her with potential candidates.
The neighbors of Flower Street hold a meeting and confirm that Zhou Yipu is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, a condition that will only worsen. They decide to keep this information from Zhou Yipu and Zhou Haikuo for the time being. Three mothers, Liang Haihong, Li Yan, and Liu Yuling, volunteer to take turns caring for Zhou Yipu. However, as Zhou Yipu's condition deteriorates, Zhou Yanlin approaches Chen Rui, asking him to help look after Zhou Yipu during their research trips and to keep the matter confidential from Zhou Haikuo.
Xiaohui and Zhou Haikuo's relationship has reached the point of discussing marriage, but a conflict arises when Xiaohui expresses her desire to buy a house, which Zhou Haikuo strongly opposes. Their argument ends badly. That evening, Zhou Haikuo drowns his sorrows with Xie Wanghe and Shao Xingchi, complaining that relationships shouldn't be dependent on material possessions like a house. He feels pressured by Xiaohui's demand, believing it signifies a lack of trust.
Meng Wei reviews Xie Wanghe and his team's performance, praising their achievements. Xie Wanghe subtly brings up the idea of stock options, hoping to give Zhou Haikuo and Shao Xingchi a sense of ownership, even offering to share his own options with them. Meng Wei, however, declines, cautioning Xie Wanghe against prioritizing personal relationships, warning that even the strongest bonds can be broken by conflicts over interests.
As the workday nears its end, Luo Zhimei picks up Zhou Haikuo for dinner and inquires about his fight with Xiaohui. Zhou Haikuo reiterates his belief that a house doesn't guarantee security, using her and Zhou Yanlin as an example. Luo Zhimei confesses that she has only ever loved one man, Zhou Yanlin, but she chose to part ways amicably because she didn't want a predictable life.
Thanks to Luo Zhimei's guidance, Zhou Haikuo begins to resolve his inner conflict. He returns home to find Xiaohui waiting for him, and they reconcile with a warm embrace. Meanwhile, Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe are having dinner and chatting at a restaurant. Shao Xingchi arrives with his employees but quickly turns away upon seeing the two of them together. Xie Wanghe walks Xia Fenghua home and once again suggests she join Mifeng, but Xia Fenghua again declines.
