Episode Summary
Tong Qiu returns to Beijing feeling inferior to his girlfriend's success. Ma Weiguo loses his funding, while Li Lianbao secures investment money from his ex-wife's husband and sleeps with Dong Qian. The brothers exclude Ma Weiguo from the business, and Tong Qiu attempts to quit his job but receives a major promotion instead.
Spoiler Alert
Tong Qiu’s Fragile Ego
Tong Qiu got a reality check this week. He sees Zhang Xiaoshi running meetings and acting like a total boss. She is pulling in huge bonuses. Instead of being proud, he feels small. His insecurity takes over. He can't handle being the less successful partner. He packs up and heads back to Beijing.
He immediately finds Ma Weiguo. He is desperate. He pushes Ma Weiguo to launch their business faster. He needs status. He needs money. He wants to feel like he deserves Zhang Xiaoshi. It’s a bad look for him, but it drives the plot forward.
The Duck Shop Disaster
The Chef Quits
Wang Chunsheng drops a bomb on the group. He is done roasting ducks. He wants to focus on his child's education instead. He agrees with Li Lianbao’s plan to just hire outside chefs.
Ma Weiguo hates this idea. He invested in this project for a specific reason. He wanted his friends to use their actual talents. If Wang Chunsheng isn't in the kitchen, the project loses its soul. The tension in the room is thick.
Money Talks
Ma Weiguo hits a wall. His old firm, Lais, freezes his assets pending an investigation into his past mergers. He is broke. He can’t put a dime into Penglexuan.
Li Lianbao steps up at the worst possible moment. He claims he found 10 million in funding. He gloats about it. Ma Weiguo knows when he isn't wanted. He leaves. Wang Chunsheng stays behind, but he looks worried. He knows that kind of money usually comes with strings attached.
Unexpected Romance
Pepper Spray and Pillow Talk
Dong Qian works late again. She hears someone in her hallway and assumes the worst. She sprays the intruder with pepper spray. It turns out to be Li Lianbao. He just wanted to vent.
He drops a heavy truth on her. The 10 million came from Kevin. That is his ex-wife’s current husband. It’s a humiliating way to get capital. Dong Qian doesn't judge him. They start talking about the old days. Li Lianbao admits he used to get jealous when guys chased her in school. The mood shifts. She helps clean his eyes. He pulls her in. They spend the night together. The next morning, Li Lianbao acts surprisingly shy.
The Split
Ma Weiguo on the Outs
The three brothers officially launch the company without Ma Weiguo. They set up a board. Li Lianbao takes the General Manager spot. Wang Chunsheng becomes Chairman.
Ma Weiguo watches from the sidelines. Jin Tong brings him a drink, and he gives her his honest take. He thinks they are playing house. He predicts the company will collapse soon. He knows they aren't ready for the big leagues. He starts making calls to sell the location to someone else.
Tong Qiu’s Career Twist
Li Lianbao and Wang Chunsheng pressure Tong Qiu. They want him to quit the bank. They need him to handle PR for the restaurant. They dangle a big commission check in front of him. Tong Qiu bites. He decides to resign.
He walks into the bank the next day to quit. Life has a funny sense of humor, though. Before he can speak, his bosses give him news. He is getting an early transfer back to the head office. It’s a massive promotion. Now he is stuck between his friends and his career.
