Episode Summary
Chen Ling continues to win over Grandpa Dong by repaying loans with interest and giving thoughtful gifts to Grandma Dong and Feng Qiulan. Dong Dalin struggles with what to wear to a business event until Jiang Menglian steps in with a suit and career advice. Meanwhile, Dong Erlin is drawn in by Hua’er’s charms. As Dong Peng’s college entrance exam approaches, Chen Ling insists on supporting him in the county, causing tension with Grandpa Dong. The episode ends with rising ambitions, quiet rivalries, and growing emotional complexity.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 13 of Green Hills Are Home is packed with heartfelt gestures, quiet power plays, and just enough romantic tension to keep us leaning in. Let’s break it down.
Chen Ling Wins Over Grandpa Dong—Again
Chen Ling is playing the long game—and playing it well. This episode starts with her once again paying back Grandpa Dong on time, with interest. Naturally, Grandpa Dong is all smiles, singing her praises to Grandma Dong and even dreaming out loud about buying a house in the city once they’ve made it big. But Grandma Dong isn’t so easily swayed. She’s convinced Chen Ling isn’t the kind of woman to just walk away from a plan.
Bribery or Bridge-Building?
Chen Ling, ever the strategist, realizes how much Feng Qiulan means to the Dong family. So she goes on a little shopping spree—buying upscale clothes for both Grandma Dong and Feng Qiulan. Her goal? Soothe Grandma Dong and ease the tension with Feng Qiulan. Smart move.
A Fancy Party—and a Wardrobe Crisis
Lüfeng Company is hosting a big supply chain networking event, and Jiang Menglian wants Dong Dalin to attend and mingle with industry folks. She even goes so far as to have her assistant, Zhao, call him and arrange a tailored suit.
Only problem? He never gets the memo.
At home, Dong Dalin is scrambling through his closet with nothing to wear. Feng Qiulan, ever resourceful, decides to borrow something from Dong Erlin.
Meanwhile, Trouble’s on the Road
On his way home, Dong Erlin gives a ride to Hua’er, who plays the damsel in distress card just right. She casually mentions her husband’s been away working for years, her brother-in-law’s deep in gambling debt, and life’s been lonely. Erlin, clearly moved (and maybe a little dazzled by her softness), starts falling into her web—until Feng Qiulan calls, asking for the suit.
Back to the Party
Dong Dalin shows up at the event… wearing a poorly fitting outfit. Jiang Menglian clocks it instantly and whisks him away to change into the elegant suit she had prepared. Once dressed, he’s a whole new man.
Jiang Menglian takes the opportunity to talk business—specifically, green farming. She encourages Dong Dalin to build his own brand and think big. He’s clearly inspired.
The next day, he returns home in his new suit, looking sharp. Feng Qiulan notices—and isn’t thrilled. She’s polite about it, but you can tell she’s making mental notes. She’ll be returning that favor somehow.
Growth (Literally and Figuratively)
Dong Dalin’s cornfields are thriving, catching the eye—and envy—of a local, Uncle De. Meanwhile, Chen Ling is thinking even bigger: she approaches Boss Lin with an offer to invest in his road-building project. He’s interested, but he wants to see the cash first.
High-Stakes Exams and Family Drama
With Dong Peng’s college entrance exams looming, Chen Ling insists on going to the county to support him—booking a hotel room to make things easier. Feng Qiulan, hesitant at first, eventually agrees.
Grandpa Dong also wants to go but finds out Chen Ling didn’t reserve a room for him. Needless to say, he’s not happy.
The night before the exam, Chen Ling treats Feng Qiulan and Dong Peng to a lavish dinner in a private dining room. Dong Yan suspects Chen Ling must want something in return, and Zhang Kun playfully teases her for switching sides.
On exam day, Chen Ling and Feng Qiulan wait outside the test center together—an unexpectedly touching moment.
One Last Twist
As Jiang Menglian arrives in Yagou Village, Grandpa Dong wastes no time dressing up to impress and asks to ride with her to the county to wait for his grandson. Grandma Dong digs out her best clothes too. But just as Grandpa Dong finishes changing, Dong Dalin calls—he’s been summoned by Mayor Wang Zhiyuan and will be delayed.
Final Thoughts
Episode 13 is a perfect example of Green Hills Are Home at its best: small-town lives, big dreams, and quiet but meaningful shifts in relationships. Chen Ling continues to walk the tightrope between heartfelt and calculating. And with Jiang Menglian stepping more boldly into Dong Dalin’s orbit, Feng Qiulan may soon have more than just clothes to return.
Stay tuned—things are heating up, and not just in the cornfields.
