Episode Summary
He Jiayi and Ouyang Bao become wealthy, but Jiayi is unhappy about Zhang Qiulin. Family tensions rise and fall around jobs, relationships, and parenting. Jiayi breaks off her connection with Qiulin. He Jiaxi gets a job at the department store. He Jiahuan's past feelings for Qiulin are revealed.
Spoiler Alert
During the Chinese New Year, the He family daughters gather, except for He Jiayi and Ouyang Bao, who send gifts of Jinhua ham and instant noodles. Instant noodles were a rare delicacy at that time. He Jiahuan visits Aunt Liu and sees Zhang Qiulin's cat, "Hertz." Zhang Qiulin returns with a beautiful classmate, Meng Lisha, making He Jiayi realize her feelings were one-sided. She tears up her letters to him. At dinner, the family enjoys the rare treat, but Jiayi is sullen due to the situation with Qiulin, and she changes her hairstyle after the meal.
The next morning, Jiayi and Ouyang Bao return home with their son, stylishly dressed, showcasing their newfound wealth as one of the first "ten-thousand-yuan households." During the meal, Jiayi is picky, creating an awkward atmosphere. Zhang Jianguo and Ouyang Bao try to ease the tension. Jiayi announces she'll treat everyone to a meal at the Jinmanlou Hotel, flaunting her success. He Wen (the mother) reminds Jiayi that she's still part of the family and warns Ouyang Bao to conduct his business honestly.
Before leaving, Jiayi returns a tape recorder Zhang Qiulin had given her, and when he refuses to take it back, she smashes it, signifying the end of their relationship. Meanwhile, Chen's mother is ill, and He Jiawen diligently cares for her, making the older woman feel guilty for being a burden.
He Jiaxi wants to work at the Wuyi Department Store, but there are no openings. The family discusses options, and Liu Xiaoling mentions a neighbor who took early retirement to give their job to their child. This sparks Liu Meixin's interest, and after some deliberation, she applies for early retirement from the sauce factory.
Liu Xiaoling and Tang Zhenmin become a popular breakdancing duo. Tang Zhenmin falls into a river while trying to impress Xiaoling. He Jiayi gets a job at her mother's sauce factory and is exhausted after her first day. Zhang Jianguo and He Jiali are also busy arranging an internal transfer for their younger sister.
Soon after, Jiaxi successfully gets a job at the Wuyi Department Store and is assigned Wang Huaimin as her mentor. Jiaxi happily shares the news, relieving Liu Meixin. He Xiangdong gets into a fight and returns home with injuries. Jiali takes him to the hospital.
That night, Zhang Jianguo is furious about Xiangdong's fight and hits him with a feather duster. Liu Meixin protects Xiangdong. He Wen intervenes, taking Xiangdong to her room. Jianguo explains he's trying to be a good father, but Jiali reminds him he's being too harsh, especially in front of the family. They quickly resolve their disagreement about parenting.
During the Dragon Boat Festival in 1987, Jiayi visits again, bringing gifts and money for Liu Meixin. Liu Meixin is relieved to see her daughter doing well. Jiali is also reassured. Later, Jiali discovers letters in He Jiahuan's room, revealing Jiahuan's past feelings for Zhang Qiulin. Jiahuan has been assigned to work at a farm in Bengbu, a decision she made to avoid Qiulin. Jiali comforts her sister after learning the truth.
