Episode Summary
Ouyang Bao's business venture with "Maozi" hits a snag due to a snowstorm, stranding his inventory. His father's hospitalization and subsequent death add to the turmoil. He Jiayi tries to salvage the situation by arranging transportation, but the goods remain unsold. Meanwhile, Liu Xiaoling's marriage to Tang Zhenmin collapses, ending in a bitter divorce. The families negotiate the terms, with Liu Xiaoling gaining custody of their child. Ouyang Bao is left devastated, but He Jiayi remains supportive, vowing to rebuild their lives together.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens in early 1996. Ouyang Bao is deep in the business of buying and selling "Maozi" (Russian Fur Products). He's invested heavily, convinced he's on the verge of a major profit. Liu Xiaoling, also looking to capitalize on the cheap Maozi, plans to sell some to Ouyang Bao through her work, a somewhat shady side hustle she wants to keep quiet, asking her Third Brother-in-law for discretion.
Meanwhile, He Jiayi initially suspects Ouyang Bao of having an affair. The misunderstanding is cleared up when She finds out about Liu Xiaoling's involvement, and she rushes to Tang Zhenmin's house to check on her sister. The scene at the house is chaotic, with a destroyed wedding photo indicating serious marital problems. Liu Xiaoling has moved out to the dorms, and He Jiayi goes to find her, concerned about both her sister's well-being and the Maozi situation.
The next day, He Jiayi visits the warehouse with Ouyang Bao, worried about the financial risk he's taken. Ouyang Bao remains optimistic, but a severe snowstorm hits, blocking transportation and leaving their entire inventory stranded. He Jiayi, learning that Ouyang Bao invested over a million yuan, desperately searches for a way to transport the goods.
Her father's sudden hospitalization adds to the crisis. Ouyang Bao visits his father but is torn due to the pressing issue with his goods, leaving his brothers to care for their father. He Jiayi reaches out to Fang Tao and Yan Hongyu, who agree to help with their trucks. He Jiahuan worries about the dangerous icy conditions, but Fang Tao feels obligated to help as He Family's Son-in-law.
Zhang Jianguo arrives with anti-skid chains for the trucks, ensuring Fang Tao and Yan Hongyu's safety. However, even with the goods transported, they can't find buyers, and to make matters worse, Old Ouyang passes away.
Yan Hongyu returns and comes to the He house to pick up He Jiaxi. Liu Meixin reminds him to find a place of their own soon. Ouyang Bao, devastated, sits alone in the warehouse. He Jiayi, determined to support him, sells their trucks with Yan Hongyu's help, reminding Ouyang Bao that they started with nothing and can rebuild. She makes him noodles, assuring him that they'll get through this together.
He Jiahuan arranges a taxi and a job for Fang Tao, taking him out to eat at Jinmanlou. Meanwhile, Tang Zhenmin continues his downward spiral, playing games and neglecting his home. He and Liu Xiaoling have a violent argument, culminating in Liu Xiaoling getting a divorce and returning to her family.
Liu Meixin is shocked by the news of the divorce. The family decides to keep it from their grandmother for the time being. Liu Xiaoling is set to start her own business. He Jiali inquires about the child and house situation.
He Jiali brings in Zhang Qiufang, and the two families discuss the divorce terms. Liu Xiaoling is adamant about leaving, even if it means losing everything. He Jiayi supports her sister, arguing for a fair division of their shared assets.
Zhang Qiufang and He Jiali decide that Liu Xiaoling will have custody of the child, with Tang Zhenmin paying child support, and each keeping their own savings. Tang Zhenmin has no choice but to accept, demanding that Liu Xiaoling not let their child call another man "dad," a condition she readily agrees to.
