Episode Summary
Lulu's arrival in Tianniu Temple Village sparks chaos. Her attempts to win over Big Foot Feng fail, so she opens a gambling den that ensnares Ning Xiuxiu's brother. After a drunken confrontation where Feng flips a table and Lulu lies about his whereabouts, a furious Xiuxiu challenges Lulu to a high-stakes drinking contest.
Spoiler Alert
This Thriving Land, Ep. 24: All's Fair in Love and Gambling
So, things in Tianniu Temple Village are getting seriously complicated, and it's all because of a new face named Lulu.
Lulu shows up with a major crush on Big Foot Feng. The only problem? He's clearly happy with Ning Xiuxiu. But Lulu isn't one to give up easily. She goes full-on campaign mode, cozying up to Feng's parents and becoming their goddaughter. She even splashes cash around, buying land for Feng's brother, Feng Er, and a whole truck of Red Sage seedlings for Feng himself. But, surprise—the seedlings are fakes. Feng goes with her to track down the seller, but the guy has already skipped town.
Not wanting to owe Lulu anything, Xiuxiu borrows twelve silver dollars from her brother, Ning Kejin, and tries to pay Lulu back. Feng takes this chance to make it crystal clear to Lulu that he's not interested. Lulu, playing it cool, only accepts two dollars and says she's just waiting for her brother, Xiaohu, to come pick her up.
While all this drama is going on, Xiuxiu is busy. She plants the real Red Sage seeds she got from Zhao Changming, and they're already sprouting. She's also studying up on herbal medicine, devouring the book Zhao gave her.
Meanwhile, trouble is brewing elsewhere. Big Belly Fei returns broke and sick from a disastrous trip, making his wife's illness even worse. Then, Lian Ye comes running to Xiuxiu with some terrible news: Lulu has opened a gambling den, and Xiuxiu's brother, Kejin, is hooked. He's gambled away all the family's money and even pawned his wife's jewelry.
Xiuxiu marches down to the gambling den to confront her brother. He tries to flee, but Lulu stops him and tells him to keep playing. Lulu lies straight to Xiuxiu's face, claiming Kejin isn't there and threatening to ruin his reputation if Xiuxiu makes a scene. Xiuxiu, trying to avoid a public spectacle, tells her to send him home.
Realizing Lulu's "waiting for my brother" story is just an excuse to stay near Feng, Xiuxiu begs Feng to get her to leave. He reluctantly agrees and heads to the den. Lulu is thrilled to see him and tries to get him to drink with her. He refuses and tells her to pack it up. She strikes a deal: if he drinks with her, she'll leave. Cornered, Feng agrees.
He starts downing drinks, but when he tells her to honor their deal, Lulu just smirks and refuses to leave. Fueled by alcohol and anger, Feng flips the gambling table and storms out. He's so drunk and ashamed that he doesn't go home.
After hearing what happened from Zhuzi (another villager who lost all his money), Xiuxiu and Lian Ye get their father, Ning Xuexiang, involved. He grabs a stick and heads to the den, ready to beat some sense into his son. Lulu steps in, demanding Kejin's debts be paid. When Xiuxiu asks where Feng is, Lulu drops a bomb, lying that he's passed out in her room.
Xiuxiu knows it's a lie to provoke her. She gathers Feng Er and his wife, and they find Feng passed out on the street. When Lulu shows up, Xiuxiu has had enough. She challenges Lulu to a drinking contest to settle things once and for all.
The episode ends as the two women meet for their showdown. Xiuxiu grabs a bowl of liquor, downs it in one go, and sarcastically "thanks" Lulu for the fake seedlings.
