Episode Summary
Chen Xiu'e faces disappointment when her mother's gift is intended for her brother's return, not her birthday. A factory visit sparks nostalgia and a spontaneous decision for Xiu'e and her friends to pursue becoming flight attendants, leading them to practice etiquette and English.
Spoiler Alert
Chen Xiu'e is busy job hunting, and with her husband recovering from an injury, she's become extra mindful of household expenses. Her mother surprisingly gives her 1,000 yuan, leading Xiu'e to believe it's for her upcoming 44th birthday celebration. Xiu'e excitedly suggests holding the party at the Oriental Pearl Tower. However, her mother inadvertently reveals the money is actually meant to host a lavish welcome-home dinner for Xiu'e's brother, who is returning to the country.
Feeling slighted and realizing her mother prioritizes her brother, Xiu'e angrily leaves the money and storms off. Her mother is baffled by her reaction, until Qian Kang explains that Xiu'e's birthday was forgotten. Xiu'e vents to her best friend, and after some encouragement, her spirits lift. She immediately asks Chen Mo's mother to pull some strings to secure a reservation at the Oriental Pearl Tower restaurant. Chen Mo's mother works her magic on her husband, and it seems like the plan might work.
Meanwhile, Ka Men's class is participating in an international exchange program, and students with good English skills can be hosts. Ka Men, being fluent, gets the opportunity to co-host with Lu Yao. To look her best, Ka Men starts a strict diet, putting away her favorite snacks and only looking at the wrappers when her hunger becomes unbearable.
Xiu'e and her mother are both excited about the impending family reunion and start preparing their outfits. However, a phone call shatters their plans: Xiu'e's two brothers have to postpone their return due to unforeseen circumstances. Qian Jiayue, disappointed, returns to her small restaurant, intending to cancel the Oriental Pearl Tower reservation. Finding Fangfang absent, she chats with Ka Men's mother and Ai Ping. Xiu'e reflects on how, despite being in her "unconfused" forties, she often feels lost and powerless, missing the energy she had two decades ago. On a whim, the three women decide to visit their old factory.
The factory, where they spent almost 20 years of their youth, is now dilapidated and bankrupt. They walk through the ruins, reminiscing about the busy but fulfilling days when the factory provided well for its employees, even covering expenses like baby formula. The contrast to their current struggles, where they worry about next month's food expenses, is stark.
Ai Ping suddenly suggests they all try out to become flight attendants. Initially, Xiu'e and Ka Men's mother are hesitant, but they realize that if they were 20 years younger, they would have jumped at the chance. Encouraged by the group, they all enthusiastically decide to apply.
Ai Ping enlists Zhang Qiming to film them, helping them assess their presentation. They also ask Ka Men's father, Liu Songming, to coach them on etiquette and walking. The women take their first "catwalk" steps, feeling a mix of novelty and joy. Under Liu Songming's guidance, they practice posture, walking with items balanced on their heads. Despite starting from scratch, their dedication rivals that of any young applicant.
Xiao Han helps her mother with basic English phrases. While Ai Ping picks it up relatively easily, Ka Men and Qian Jiayue's mothers struggle, having not used English in decades. Mao Tou cleverly uses Chinese words and sounds to help them memorize the English vocabulary and pronunciation, earning praise from the mothers for his effective method.
