Episode Summary
Episode 32 focuses on strained family and romantic relationships alongside a significant business deal. Li Yuke confronts her father, Li Fendou, about childhood neglect due to his business focus, leading to an argument. Meanwhile, Hu Manli navigates complex emotions as her ex, Ding Zhiyuan, pays her father's nursing home fees, leading to a confrontation and rejection from Hu Manli, while also sparking suspicion from Ding's pregnant partner, Qiu Lisu. Hu Manli also deflects a confession of feelings from her colleague, Xue Xiaozhou. Professionally, Xue Xiaozhou and Hu Manli successfully pitch a revised plan involving a holding company to Li Fendou, securing his business. The episode ends on hopeful notes, with Li Fendou inviting Li Yuke to dinner and Xue Xiaozhou gifting Hu Manli an annuity after their success.
Spoiler Alert
A Better Life: Episode 32 Recap & Spoilers – Tears, Trusts, and Tough Talks
Alright, so Hu Manli, ever the mediator, sets up a much-needed heart-to-heart between Li Fendou and his daughter, Li Yuke. And boy, does Li Yuke let it all out. She pours out years of pent-up frustration, reminiscing about their happier, simpler days crammed into a tiny 30-square-meter home above their small grocery store. Life wasn't fancy, but they were happy. Then came the success – bigger business, a bigger house, but also immense loss. Her mother passed away from illness, and her dad, Li Fendou, basically became married to his work. Li Yuke reveals that opening her own little grocery store wasn't just a whim; it was her attempt to recapture that lost childhood joy.
As you can imagine, the waterworks start. Li Yuke is heartbroken, but Li Fendou feels misunderstood too. He insists he's been working himself to the bone for her, trying to give her a life free from worry. Naturally, she doesn't see it that way, feeling neglected instead. Predictably, the talk devolves into a shouting match, and they part on bad terms. Ouch.
Adding insult to injury, Li Fendou's business deal falls through. Hu Manli feels terrible, especially for her colleague Xue Xiaozhou, but he's loyal and insists they're in this together, win or lose.
Meanwhile, Li Fendou's Secretary Yan tries to smooth things over, suggesting again that Li Fendou set up a family trust for Li Yuke. Yan also sees an opportunity and suggests looking into other insurance companies. Interestingly, the text mentions Li Fendou sees echoes of his late wife in Hu Manli – file that away, it might be important later!
Xue Xiaozhou isn't ready to give up on the Li Fendou account. He gets an idea: create a custom plan tailored specifically for Li Fendou and Li Yuke's situation. He tasks Hu Manli with the delicate job of mending the father-daughter relationship while he works on the proposal. Teamwork!
Now, for some personal drama: Hu Manli visits her dad, Hu Degong, at the nursing home and gets a surprise – Ding Zhiyuan (remember him?) has paid her father's fees for a whole year! Hu Manli immediately confronts Ding Zhiyuan, insisting on giving him an IOU. Ding claims he just wants to help ease her burden and apologizes (again!), trying to use money to "make up" for the past hurt. Hu Manli isn't buying it. She firmly tells him to stop messing around and focus on Qiu Lisu and their unborn child. Later, alone in a park, Hu Manli finds herself crying, overwhelmed by memories of happier times with Ding. It's clear she's still hurting, even if she's trying to move on.
Back home, Xue Xiaozhou notices Hu Manli returned late and asks where she was. She fibs, saying she was eating with Zhong Ning. Bad move. Xue had just checked Zhong Ning's social media feed and calls her out on the lie. Cornered, Hu Manli admits she met with Ding Zhiyuan. Xue immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion, thinking she wants to get back with Ding. Hu Manli quickly shuts that down, explaining she's done chasing romance and tired of Ding only now recognizing the sacrifices she made for their family when it's too late. Seizing the moment (maybe?), Xue Xiaozhou confesses his feelings for her. Hu Manli, clearly not ready for this, pretends she didn't understand and ducks into her room. Awkward!
The plot thickens! Qiu Lisu sends her secretary to the nursing home and confirms Ding Zhiyuan paid Hu Degong's fees. Playing it cool, Qiu Lisu approaches Ding, talking about needing a postpartum center after the baby arrives. She claims money is a bit tight and asks to borrow 200,000 Yuan. Ding lies, saying his cash is tied up in investments, then changes his story, claiming he lent it to a friend. Qiu Lisu knows he's lying but doesn't call him out directly. The suspicion is definitely brewing.
In a side note, Hu Manli apparently impressed President Jin at a recent forum (holding her own against a Professor Zeng). He offers her the lead on a new retirement product project. However, juggling care for her father and presumably other family matters, Hu Manli politely declines the full-time commitment.
Okay, back to the main business plot! Xue Xiaozhou has a breakthrough! He comes up with a brilliant plan and calls Hu Manli in. Together, they present it to Li Fendou: instead of just an insurance trust, they propose setting up a holding company for Li Yuke. Initially, Li Fendou isn't impressed and is about to walk out. But Hu Manli makes a compelling pitch, comparing Li Fendou to another character, Sun A'tao. She points out that like Sun A'tao, Li Fendou's intense drive to provide absolute security for his daughter stems partly from a deep-seated guilt. This resonates with Li Fendou. He sits back down, listens to Xue Xiaozhou's detailed plan, and... he loves it!
Success! Xue Xiaozhou has landed the massive Li Fendou account! He's ecstatic and, in the heat of the moment, gives Hu Manli a tight hug. She suggests celebrating with a home-cooked meal.
In a heartwarming turn, Li Fendou personally goes to Li Yuke's shop and invites her home for dinner that evening. She happily accepts! Looks like a potential thaw in their frosty relationship.
The episode wraps up with Hu Manli cooking up a storm. Xue Xiaozhou digs in enthusiastically and, as a thank you and perhaps something more, gifts Hu Manli an insurance annuity policy.
