Episode Summary
He Jiahuan gives up the job opportunity for her sister Liu Xiaoling and decides to take the college entrance exam. Ouyang Bao gets into trouble at work and decides to start his own business. He Jiayi reveals she is pregnant with Ouyang Bao's child, causing conflict with her mother, Liu Meixin.
Spoiler Alert
Following the heroic death of He Changsheng, his family is entitled to a job replacement at his workplace. He Jiali, the eldest sister, takes charge and visits the unit's leader, who confirms there are no immediate openings but promises a decision within two months. That evening, Jiali gathers her younger sisters, reminding them to continue contributing their monthly wages as usual. She also emphasizes that their grandmother, He Wen, is too fragile to handle any stress, so any issues should be brought to her or the second sister, He Jiawen.
The coveted job position becomes a source of contention between the fourth sister, He Jiahuan, and the fifth, Liu Xiaoling. Jiali believes Jiahuan is more academically inclined and suggests she focus on the college entrance exams (Gaokao). However, Jiahuan is stubborn and determined to compete with Xiaoling for the job.
Meanwhile, Jiawen and her husband visit the hospital with their baby, where they run into He Jiayi and Ouyang Bao. Jiayi confides in Jiawen that she's decided to be with Ouyang Bao and asks for her help in convincing Jiali, as she feels pressure to marry quickly. Jiawen agrees to try.
The unit soon delivers news: the job will go to Xiaoling. Jiahuan overhears this and throws a tantrum, accusing the family of always favoring the younger siblings. The emotional turmoil overwhelms Wen Shi, who breaks down, saying she doesn't want anyone to replace her son; she just wants him back.
Jiahuan seeks solace from Zhang Qiulin, who encourages her to study for the Gaokao. Jiahuan is hesitant, but Jiali brings her home and enlists her husband, Zhang Jianguo, to talk to her. Jianguo emphasizes the importance of female independence and the transformative power of education, explaining that becoming a better version of herself will open up a wider world of opportunities.
Inspired by Jianguo's words, Jiahuan decides to take the Gaokao, relinquishing the job to Xiaoling. Xiaoling, grateful, brings Jiahuan a chicken leg as a peace offering, and the sisters reconcile.
Trouble brews for Ouyang Bao when his supervisor confronts him about an anonymous letter accusing him of embezzlement. Ouyang Bao is furious and confronts the colleague who reported him, resulting in a physical altercation. This incident solidifies Ouyang Bao's desire to start his own business.
Jiayi encourages Ouyang Bao to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, assuring him that if he succeeds, they'll be wealthy, and if he fails, her job will provide a safety net. With Jiayi's support, Ouyang Bao submits a request for unpaid leave, which his supervisor approves, telling him he can return anytime if things don't work out.
Jiahuan and Zhang Qiulin take the Gaokao and submit their college applications. Jiayi is unsure about her scores, but Qiulin suggests they apply to colleges in the same city. Jiahuan boldly applies to the prestigious Finance and Trade College. Meanwhile, Jiawen reveals to Jiali that Jiayi and Ouyang Bao are showing signs of a relationship, which Jiali strongly opposes.
Liu Meixin, the mother, also gets wind of Jiayi's involvement with a man. When Jiayi returns home, she admits to dating Ouyang Bao, leading to a heated argument and a slap from her mother. Ouyang Bao, deeply concerned for Jiayi, vows to stand by her side no matter what.
Because Jiayi is staying out all night, Meixin summons Jiali and Jiawen. Jiawen believes that while Ouyang Bao's family may be poor, he's not a terrible person. However, Meixin is determined to end the relationship. The next morning, Ouyang Bao's father visits the He family, explaining that he doesn't have much time left and his only wish is for Ouyang Bao and Jiayi to be happy together. Wen Shi, moved by his plea, accepts money from him. Suddenly, Jiayi arrives, demanding that the family prepare a dowry because she's marrying Ouyang Bao immediately. Everyone is confused, and Jiayi, in a moment of desperation, reveals that she's pregnant.
