Episode begins with Na Ri tending to a small cut on Nan Gil’s hand. I’m confused. Didn’t we end on the Director showing up? How did we get here? I even closed and reopened the episode in case I was looking at the wrong one… She remarks that it’s healing well. She thanks him for going and seeing Abeoji, even though Nan Gil’s not fully healed. I know I’ve seen this before – why are we rehashing the last part of the last episode? Looking at pictures on his phone. Fighting over the phone and the back hug. He apologizes for taking so long. She tells him that it’s fine, because she knows that regular men don’t disappear in the middle of the night, cut off contact and then come back injured. Man, sometimes she can be mean. Sometimes really thoughtful, but sometimes really mean. She says that it’s all she needs.
He asks if that’s really all she needs: a man whose only skill is making dumplings well. She smiles and says that there’s a lot of things he’s good at: Protecting the land. She adds that sometimes it seems like he likes the land more than her. He replies that he knows that this is the world of childishness, but he never thought that she’d be jealous of some land. Especially since he’s liked you since he was about 5. She adds another to the list: acting as a stepfather. He smiles – a huge grin on his face – and notes that he was pretty good at it, wasn’t he?
♬ You are my man ♬
♬ You are my soul ♬
She asks about the picture again. He answers that it was taken when she searched through his room like a thief. As she looks through the pictures, Na Ri chuckles.
♬ I found out that love can change a person ♬
Flashback montage. Wow, this is making me feel like the writers are stretching to fill these last 3 episodes. Do we really need a flashback montage?
Na Ri stubbing her foot and falling into the dough.
♬ Because it's you, Because it's us ♬
Na Ri making the key.
♬ No matter where you are in the world ♬
♬ If it's you it's okay ♬
♬ With me ♬
They’re both smiling as they look at the pictures. Nan Gil more at the sheer pleasure of having Na Ri.
♬ You are my everything ♬
♬ I am your everything ♬
They walk outside, holding hands.
♬ It's our everything ♬
♬ My love ♬
They ‘argue’ over who should head in first. And the Director arrives. Finally. Ominous music plays. Na Ri thinks that it looks like the CEO of Dada Finance. Nan Gil tells her that it’s not. Really? Why would Nan Gil lie about it now? He tells her to go in and he’ll see to their visitor. Okay, it’s actually not a lie, since Wan Shik is currently the CEO, but that’s barely *not* a lie. Nan Gil tries to act like it’s nothing. Na Ri reluctantly goes inside.
Nan Gil gets his game face on and goes to talk to Director. And he probably won’t have any sort of panic attack, now that he knows that he didn’t ever kill anyone. Director is definitely a psychopath.
Inside, Na Ri considers what’s happening outside.
Nan Gil approaches the car. Director says that he waited several days for Nan Gil, thinking that he’s make first contact. Why would he do that? Director asks what Nan Gil’s going to do with the account ledgers. Nan Gil definitely doesn’t look scared anymore. Nan Gil notes that Director is more afraid of Chairman Kwon than he is of the prosecutors.
Nan Gil knowing about his connection with Chairman is news to Director. He asks if Nan Gil thinks he can mess with Chairman Kwon. He's a little incredulous. Nan Gil replies that he never intended to mess with either of them. But the person that messed first was Director, is it not? And he’s got the Appa voice going. Go, Nan Gil! Director is obviously annoyed at Nan Gil’s tone. Gritting his teeth, Director taps his head and says that he’s not thinking much right now. Is Nan Gil really going to make him (Director) kill him (Nan Gil)?
Director grabs Nan Gil’s lapel. Nan Gil looks unfazed. Does Nan Gil think that Director would leave Na Ri alone? Defiantly, Nan Gil grabs Director’s wrists and shoves Director’s hands away. Director looks a little shocked. Nan Gil asks Director to please stop now. Wow. Even though Director is a total scumbag, Nan Gil’s still trying to just resolve everything peaceably. Director orders Nan Gil to bring the ledgers to him by tomorrow evening, and bring Wan Shik as well. Nan Gil can be the judge of who has more to lose. Director gets in his car and leaves.
Duk Bong is reclining on his bed, looking over the copy of the ledgers. And looking pretty studly in his turtleneck. Duk Shim enters. He puts the copy face down on his bed and asks what Duk Shim wants. Duk Shim looks a little sheepish. She asks him not to tell her mother that she was having a hard time at her house. He agrees and head motions for her to leave.
Duk Shim starts to but spins around to ask if Do Yeo Joo left. Annoyed, Duk Bong asks if Duk Shim is really going to keep speaking her name like that. Duk Shim makes a face like something smells and says that that woman (Yeo Joo) is kind of vulgar. She shakes her finger ‘no’ to emphasize how wrong Yeo Joo is wrong for him. She leaves. Duk Bong sighs.
He considers. He pulls out a pad and pen. He thinks back to walking with Yeo Joo and her telling him to try listing what he likes about Na Ri. Just write it down right as he thinks of it. He had sighed, annoyed. She says that she likes that he looks good when he wears a suit. Duk Bong’s a little surprised. Smiling at him, she says that she likes that he seems like a jerk, but he’s just confident. Duk Bong continues to consider her as she continues that she likes that he works hard, even though he could just live off of his parents since they're well off.
Yeo Joo says that she likes him because he grew up so well in this environment compared to his friends. And her list are all things that Duk Bong thinks are important and admirable about himself. I don’t think that she’s just saying them to make herself appealing, as an angle. I actually think she means it. Duk Bong asks what she’s doing. Yeo Joo smiles at him – and still using her normal voice rather than her man-catching voices – and says that she likes that he seems to like her here and there.
Duk Bong repeats that he asked what she’s doing. Matter-of-factly, Yeo Joo answers that she was giving him an example of how to do it. He should go home and work hard at writing it all down. Acting like he thinks the idea is stupid – Duk Bong asks if she really thinks he'll do it? She answers that he’s totally going to do it. Men who fall in love turn into fools. Smiling sweetly, she tells him to show her the list if he makes one. Duk Bong just looks at her. Because she has his number. After a moment of looking at each other, Yeo Joo announces that it’s cold. She tells him to hurry up and open the door. Duk Bong, of course, obeys, and she scurries into the car.
Back in his room, Duk Bong makes a face, tosses the pad and pen on his bedside table and mutters, “Forget it.” He crosses his arms – like he’s pouting. Heh.
Wan Shik’s hotel room. He’s sitting on his bed, on a handphone. Bruiser gets a call on his handphone. Wan Shik is wearing slippers. Bruiser is not. Bruiser looks at who is calling and steps outside. Wan Shik looks unnerved. He’s calling Nan Gil. He wants to meet. Nan Gil doesn’t say anything. Wan Shik asks if Nan Gil is listening. Nan Gil asks if Wan Shik made his decision. Wan Shik replies that he didn't decide on anything. Nan Gil should just come over right now. Because he needs his big brother. Getting off the phone, Nan Gil sighs and stands.
Outside, Bruiser is talking to Lawyer. His family will be safe if he just let tells Lawyer his location, right? He kicks himself because he knows he’s selling Wan Shik out.
Nan Gil has dressed in black. Turtleneck which goes up to the chin, of course. He thinks about Na Ri and sighs. He takes Joon’s car to Wan Shik’s address. Wan Shik is waiting for him. That’s a little foolhardy, standing outside like that.
Na Ri is looking through pictures of places. She prints them out and goes to Nan Gil’s room. She sighs sadly, not finding him there. She thinks about calling him, but doesn’t.
Nan Gil has driven somewhere with Wan Shik. Nan Gil offers Wan Shik some refreshment, but Wan Shik doesn’t take it. He looks like he’s lost weight from the stress. Wan Shik asks about ‘Father.’ Nan Gil tells Wan Shik to turn himself in and confess everything before Director gets arrested. Why does that matter, Director getting arrested, I mean? Wan Shik answers that he betrayed Director because he doesn’t want to go to jail, but Nan Gil wants him to turn himself in? He’s going to run away. He’s just going to wander around and when he runs out of money, he’ll bother Nan Gil for it.
Nan Gil accepts that answer and says that he’ll think of it as Wan Shik’s birthday present and let Wan Shik take his money. Annoyed – in that sibling, 'I’m glad you’re my sibling but you’re annoying, sibling' sort of way – Wan Shik tells Nan Gil to stop randomly bringing up that stupid birthday all the time! Nan Gil replies that it was Wan Shik’s idea. Doesn’t he remember? They don't know who their parents are or what day they were born on, but there's one good thing about it. There's a possibility that any one of 365 days of the year could be their real birthday.
Continuing to act annoyed, Wan Shik says that Nan Gil’s so tender-hearted. He only said that so he could rip Nan Gil off. In a tone that says that he’s playing along but knows that Wan Shik doesn’t mean it, Nan Gil says that after he heard the idea, he lived every day thinking that today may really be his birthday. Rubbing his forehead, Wan Shik sighs and proposes they not speak.
Looking over at Wan Shik, Nan Gil kindly says that he’ll help Wan Shik when he gets out of jail. Wan Shik whines at the prospect of living like Wan Shik and just making dumplings. He chuckles like the idea is ridiculous. But he doesn’t say ‘no.’
Nan Gil brings Wan Shik back to the hotel. Wan Shik starts to go inside. There’s a punching sound and someone falls to the ground. Wan Shik comes running out and jumps back into Nan Gil’s car. Nan Gil drives away – taking care not to run anyone over. Bruiser looks a little bothered by his betrayal.
Inside the car, Wan Shik is trying to hold it together. It’s obvious that he’s hurt by the betrayal. Nan Gil asks if Wan Shik hasn’t realized yet: The guys beneath him are all loyal to Director, too. There's no one on his side now. Wan Shik sighs and thumps his headrest with the back of his head. Nan Gil tells him to turn himself in. He repeats his promise to help once Wan Shik gets out. Wan Shik replies that he thinks he’s going to need those ledgers that Nan Gil took.
Director looks at a photo of a ledger page. He’s pacing. Lawyer is with him. Wan Shik calls and proposes they meet. He has the ledgers that Nan Gil took. (Nan Gil is with Wan Shik as he makes the call – so it’s not like Nan Gil doesn’t know what’s happening with the conversation.) They must have a plan. Nan Gil always has a plan. Wan Shik says that he’ll hand over the ledgers. Director just needs to guarantee his safety. Director agrees and gives Wan Shik to meeting place. Wan Shik adds that Director needs to come alone. He doesn’t trust anyone anymore, so he’s a bit suspicious.
Director gets off the phone and Lawyer wonders why Wan Shik suddenly changed his mind. Director thinks that it must be because Wan Shik’s on his own now. He’s lost all his men and now he's cornered. He probably didn't have any other way. Right, because you’re clueless to having a familial bond with anyone. Because you’re a psychopath.
Set meeting place. Rooftop of parking structure. Wan Shik waits outside of the car. Director did not come alone – he brought 2 goons and Lawyer. Wan Shik snarks about how Director didn’t come alone. I love how he can be snarky even when he’s scared. He’s probably been doing that most of his life. Director gets to the point: What about the ledgers? Wan Shik wants the safety guarantee first. Director chuckles and tells him that he's really going crazy, trying to die.
Director looks over meaningfully at one of the goons. This signals Nan Gil to get out of the car, to show that Wan Shik is not alone. And they know what a bruiser Nan Gil is. Two goons are nothing to him. Director is shocked to see Nan Gil. So is Lawyer. Nan Gil tells Director that if two of his children turn their backs on him, he should at least reflect on what he did wrong. Director squints and asks Nan Gil what he’s saying.
Sirens. That must have been a signal. At first it was just one police car, but then the van arrived. Goons try to run, but don’t get far. They brought a bunch of men – smart thinking. A detective is quickly to grab onto Director’s arm and drags him away. But not before Director gives Nan Gil a good glare. Director asks if they think he’d leave those two bastards alone?! He’s going to find them when he gets out. He’s going to find them no matter how much they hide! Who says they’re going to hide? And how much of a threat is a weak old man, anyway? There’s no way you’re going to retain your power in prison. Some people… Neither Wan Shik nor Nan Gil look scared or concerned.
Detective approaches and tells Wan Shik that they should go. So he turned himself in. Aw. Nan Gil looks a little emotional. The brothers look at each other before Wan Shik goes. Wan Shik asks what Nan Gil did while in prison. Nan Gil replies that he got two little brothers and learned about dumplings. Aw. So, Joon was in the big house, too. That makes sense. I don’t think Han Yi was, but I think Nan Gil probably took care of Joon which is why the pair take care of him now. Wan Shik smiles and remarks, “Those stupid dumplings.”
Before getting in the car, Wan Shik looks back at Nan Gil. Nan Gil watches him go. And definitely looks a little emotional.
Nan Gil returns to his office to find Na Ri sitting, waiting for him. She does not look happy. Nan Gil considers leaving but decides to bite the bullet. He approaches – looking like he’s ready for a good tongue lashing. He asks if she’s been there the entire night? Not looking at him, Na Ri declares that at least he didn’t get hurt this time. She gets up to frump out of the room, but Nan Gil stops her. He starts to say that he was going to tell her but couldn’t, but then corrects himself. No, he didn't tell her on purpose. It would have only taken a moment, so he was just going to let her rest.
Still not looking at him, she says that at times like this, a normal woman would call and ask where he was. But she couldn't call because she was scared that he’d be in more danger if she did. She’s surprised that she even thought that far. Nan Gil makes the appropriate scolded face. Na Ri asks if he knows what she’s thinking, when he said that it was all taken care of. “His injuries aren't even fully healed, so what should I do?” "If he does well this time, he could really die.”
Nan Gil assures her that it was really all taken care of. Wan Shik turned himself in and Director got arrested and taken in by the police. It's really over now. Na Ri asks if he really expects her to believe that. To just believe him and let it go? She sighs and says that she really doesn't know now. To dig the knife in more: Na Ri says that she was worrying about where they should go for their first trip together. Didn’t they already go on their first trip? Na Ri’s last flight? That’s the normal thing to be worrying about. She leaves, slamming the door behind her. Nan Gil sighs. He sees the pictures that she’s printed out on his desk. He sighs again.
Next day, Nan Gil and the Boys are eating breakfast. Yong Kyu is trying to figure out what to call Na Ri. Daughter? No. Sister-in-law? Joon and Han Yi look uncomfortable. Leave it to Yong Kyu to make things awkward. No. Second Boss? Is she not eating breakfast? Scolding, Nan Gil tells Yong Kyu to eat quietly. Na Ri fell asleep early this morning.
There’s a pause and Nan Gil looks at them. Hurry up and eat! He lets them relax a little, and their mind wanders. Na Ri comes downstairs. Nan Gil’s surprised. Yong Kyu greets her. Cheerfully, she declares that it's omelets! Nan Gil hurries off his stool and tells her to sit. He’ll make her some really quick. Ignoring him, she sweetly tells the Boys to eat a lot and be strong today. Joon and Han Yi give her a double fisted ‘fighting’ agreement. She walks right past Nan Gil and gets herself some water. Han Yi is the last to pick up on Na Ri’s mood. Nan Gil looks at the Boys and mouths at them to hurry up and eat. Mom is upset with Dad right now.
Later, in the restaurant, Nan Gil has his face in his hand. He sighs loudly. The Boys are sitting across from him. He says that Na Ri is really angry because of him, but he doesn't know what to do. He sighs again, telling them never mind. Why is he asking these kids? Yong Kyu nods and pulls out his phone. They may not know, but ‘this guy’ does. He’s getting advice from a chat room? No wonder he’s so clueless about women. "I did something wrong. My girlfriend is angry. What should I do?" Nan Gil, Joon and Han Yi are all interested in the answer.
Yong Kyu tells Nan Gil that he’s not the only one going through this, Boss. Tons of men who have fallen into this problem posted their answers. Yong Kyu smiles and chuckles: “Apologize while giving her a hug.” Uh, no. She’s ignoring you. She is not going to want you to touch her right now. Joon and Han Yi cringe at the thought of that. Nan Gil plays that scenario out in his head. It does not go well. Yong Kyu agrees: Nan Gil will make a mistake and get hit. They should look at the next one. Han Yi in particular looks pained to see what’s coming next.
Next suggestion: “Make it seem like a joke and do some aegyo.” Who are these idiots? Nan Gil thinks this one out – and I practically fall on the floor laughing. Na Ri looks like she wants to punch him. He vehemently shakes his head ‘no’ to that idea. Joon shudders loudly. He imagined it! He practically grabs his ears. Han Yi’s face looks like he’s watching a train wreck. Yong Kyu doesn’t think it’s a good idea either. Nan Gil would make a mistake and get hit twice.
Looking some more, Yong Kyu declares that the answer's there this time. He taps his phone for emphasis. “Just listen to everything that she says.” Nan Gil checks with Joon and Han Yi. They nod their approval. Nan Gil is liking the idea. He stands, ready to face the music. Yong Kyu and the Boys give Nan Gil a ‘Fighting!’ and Nan Gil answers with his own fist action. He sets off to resolve things with Na Ri.
Duk Bong is at his desk, looking through a report. Soon Rye is standing, staring at him. Finally, he tells her to just spit it out. Why is she staring at him so scarily? She asks if Duk Bong told Hong Na Ri and Go Nan Gil why the large fire broke out on that land? Duk Bong shifts in his seat. A ‘no.’ Soon Rye says that Nan Gil and Na Ri are holding out and saying that they'll protect that land. He should at least tell them what happened. Duk Bong starts to say something but Soon Rye interrupts: If he can't do it, then should she?
Gently, Duk Bong tells her that he’s just going to leave that land as Hong Na Ri's land. Soon Rye is pleased with his answer, but she points out: Building a resort there is his family's entire business. Does he think the chairman will stay still? Duk Bong declares that he’s going to do it, no matter what. In exchange, he’s not going to tell them his family's foul story. Soon Rye chuckles in disbelief. He continues that the blood that he’s inherited is not that good, so he’s not honest or generous. Soon Rye clenches her jaw.
Duk Bong asks her to please show him some pity. He really likes Na Ri. He’s coming across as a little too flippant right now. What's wrong with hiding something embarrassing from the person that you like? Should not have pulled out that aegyo, son. Soon Rye’s face looks horrified. As much as she would look horrified. Her friends died unfairly, but he’s merely embarrassed? She quickly leaves his office. Duk Bong sighs, getting her point.
Na Ri has just set up a meeting with someone regarding work. Nan Gil urgently raps on her door. She quickly sits on her bed with her back to the door. He enters and announces – after saying “excuse me” – that he will listen to everything that she has to say. She answers that she doesn’t have anything. Nan Gil tries to figure out something else, since his plan didn’t work. Did she eat breakfast? She answers that she’ll eat it on her own.
Nan Gil goes over and sits on the chair by her bed. Sometimes I think they both act like they are 8. She notices and – without turning around – asks what he’s doing. He answers that he’s going to wait until she wants to talk to him. Na Ri considers this but remains firm. Nan Gil remarks that she said that she was happy when they were riding bicycles before. How does she feel these days? Is she happy there? A pause. Na Ri tells him to go back to work.
Nan Gil sighs and asks if she really thinks he’ll be able to work. She turns around to glare at him. She said go! Nan Gil begrudgingly obliges. Na Ri’s phone dings. Nan Gil stops to see who’s calling her. It’s Duk Bong. Frustrated, he hits her shelf and leads. Just go knead some dough.
Later Nan Gil is helping Yong Kyu set up the outside dumpling stand. Yong Kyu notes Nan Gil’s expression and says that it must have not gone well. He nods and adds that, of course, their second boss has a formidable personality. Nan Gil is annoyed. They spot Na Ri getting into Duk Bong’s car. Nan Gil sighs and Yong Kyu declares that their boss is the most pitiful thing in the world. Nan Gil kicks the side of the dumpling stand. Just like a frustrated 8-year-old.
In the car, a little bit of small talk, with Duk Bong saying that these days have been the worst. Na Ri’s naturally concerned. Duk Bong asks if he can show her the place he hates most in this neighborhood? She asks why they would go there and he declares that she’ll know once they get there. They leave.
Nan Gil and the boys are busy working. Nan Gil gets a phone call. It’s Seamy. She’s all pleasant and friendly. Abeoji is sitting next to her, eating oranges. Five oranges. She says that Abeoji wants him to come visit without telling Na Ri. As quickly as possible. She hangs up the phone – looking quite pleased with herself. Abeoji asks if she really thinks Nan Gil will come without telling Na Ri, just because she told him to. She nonchalantly answers that it doesn’t really matter if he does. What is she going to do?
Seamy declares that with punks like this, the best thing is to get him away from her as soon as possible. And what are they up to? Why is she calling Nan Gil a punk? Abeoji considers. Seamy tells him to be smart about what he says when Nan Gil comes. She smiles and peels his orange for him, calling him ‘Mr. Landowner.’ I smell shadiness afoot. ‘Mr. Landowner’? On what planet does Abeoji own the land? I have this feeling… once a scumbag, always a scumbag. Once a crooked loan shark, always a crooked human being.
Nan Gil gets off the phone, looking concerned. He tells Yong Kyu that he’s going to leave for a bit. He looks around as he speaks. Yong Kyu notes that Nan Gil leaves at the drop of a hat a lot these days. So why is he suddenly being all cautious? Nan Gil starts to give him instructions for what to Na Ri when she gets back, but stops, declaring that Na Ri won’t beat him back. He hurries out.
Na Ri and Duk Bong are on a deck overlooking the lake. Na Ri declares that it’s beautiful. Why does he hate it? Duk Bong says that he was dumped by his long-time girlfriend there. Their families were fighting because of business management issues between their companies, and he was the lawyer for his family. He won at the trial and then got dumped there. He pauses and says that his feelings for the place depend on her. No pressure there.
Calling Duk Bong ‘Neighborhood Friend,’ Na Ri tells him not to put that kind of burden on her. He answers that he’s not her neighborhood friend any more. He adds that he’s giving up pursuing building the resort. This time... He’s going to fight against his own family.
Na Ri and Duk Bong walk on her land. He declares that he feels a bit better. The scenery is nice, and Na Ri’s there. Na Ri sighs and breaks the news: she’s decided to date Nan Gil as a normal man and woman. That sounds so strange in an American context. Duk Bong mutters that Na Ri should have just let him enjoy the scenery. She’s subtly cruel. She replies that she’s just being honest.
Duk Bong declares that, in his opinion, the pair of them can never become ordinary. She looks at him, surprised. Do they even fight? Right in the middle of one right now, buddy. She’s not worried about what others will think? Na Ri considers that. Duk Bong tells her to write down why she likes Hong Dumplings’ Boss. Leave out the fact that she likes him because he's her stepfather.
He adds that he likes her because she’s honest. Na Ri looks a bit uncomfortable. He adds that he likes that it's comforting to be with her and that she makes him laugh. He likes her because she’s very mature. Wow, she almost sounds like what you’d want in a mom. Na Ri declares that it’s all so embarrassing to hear. Is he really going to keep going on? He says that he was just giving her examples so she can use them. He adds that he’s heading to Seoul so he can fight for her. He walks away. Na Ri sighs. And so do I. She just told you that she and Nan Gil are dating.
Nan Gil arrives at the nursing home. He parks in front of the building. Not in a parking space. He sighs heavily and his face looks very worried. He enters. He’s wearing all black (or charcoal grey). Must be his battle armor. Inside, he and Abeoji sit at one of the tables. I think it’s the same one as last time. Abeoji is eating another orange. Abeoji offers Nan Gil some. Nan Gil politely refuses and Abeoji shoves half of the orange in his mouth anyway.
Abeoji looks at Nan Gil. I am not liking the look on his face. He asks Nan Gil if Nan Gil knows him. Nan Gil wipes his mouth and looks down, ashamed. Abeoji laughs. Scoffs is more like it. Abeoji declares that he was really shocked to see Nan Gil come here with his daughter the other day. He couldn't make it obvious in front of Na Ri. And why not? Unless you have some nefarious plan in mind?
Looking very much like Director, Abeoji says that he… (waits until Nan Gil is looking at him) really hates Director Bae Byung Woo. Director made his eyes like this. Nan Gil’s his son, right? Nan Gil says that he’s sorry. But he’s not anymore. Abeoji declares that once a son, always a son. Maybe with blood relatives in Korean culture, but Nan Gil was adopted. Abeoji declares that he really doesn’t like that Nan Gil’s by his daughter's side. He can’t trust Nan Gil.
Abeoji chuckles, mutters ‘heol,’ and says that it seems like he’ll have to stay by his daughter's side from now on. Oh, so once Director is out of the way and no threat, you’re going to scurry out from your cockroach hole and sidle up to Na Ri. You’re as bad as Weasel in how you use the Shin women. I’m going to have to come up with another name for this guy. Abeoji practically crows as he says that he can't live in that house with Nan Gil. Um, pretty sure Nan Gil still owns the house. Nan Gil looks down and then smiles, slightly, resigned.
Duk Bong has gone to Chairman’s hospital room. Stepmom is there, too. Chairman ‘weakly’ reclines on the couch. Not too weak to be able to leave his bed… Duk Bong gives his courtesy bow and notes that Chairman must be scared, seeing as he’s in the hospital. Stepmom wonders why Duk Bong is talking like that. Chairman mutters that there's nothing for him to be afraid of. Duk Bong’s annoyance is clear when he asks if that’s why Chairman told him to just blindly start construction? He knows that the land belongs to Hong Na Ri.
Chairman answers that it’s his land. He was scammed. All he did was give Hong Sung Kyu (Abeoji) money when he came with the documents and asked for it. Wasn’t that transaction supposedly between Abeoji and Director/Dada Finance? No one knows that Chairman is involved except for Duk Bong (and Nan Gil) because of the ledgers. And I guess the police now. The land deed was fake, and Hong Sung Kyu fled.
Duk Bong asks if Chairman means Hong Na Ri's father. Chairman scoffs at that. Abeoji is a total scammer! Because his wife wouldn't sell the land, Abeoji took his daughter and ran away! Why is Duk Bong acting dense? Duk Bong asks what Chairman means: ‘he took his daughter and ran away’? Does Chairman mean Hong Na Ri? Chairman asks if it makes sense that Abeoji used his own daughter to get the land? If it weren't for the daughter Abeoji would have served time. It's a serious offense! Stepmom blinks.
Duk Bong considers Chairman’s words. After a moment, he notes that, anyway, Chairman is perfectly fine, just as he predicted. He says he’ll go and bows. Stepmom asks how Duk Bong can just leave but it doesn’t stop Duk Bong. After he’s left, Chairman tells Stepmom to go down to Seulgi-ri and find out what Duk Bong's relationship is with Hong Na Ri. And he calls his son ‘that guy.’ Why are all the fathers in this show crap? I mean it: Director, Chairman and Abeoji.Nan Gil arrives back at the restaurant and Na Ri is there, working. When he asks, she says that she stopped by for a second and ended up helping because there were a lot of customers. She asks where he was and he hesitates answering. She announces that they won't work out anymore and leaves. Nan Gil follows her back into the house. Annoyed, Nan Gil asks if she’s going to keep acting like this from now on? Feeling uneasy every single time he goes somewhere.
She responds that all he has to do is tell her where he went. Still annoyed, he says that he went to meet Abeoji. Abeoji told him to come alone. Na Ri wants to know why Abeoji did that. Nan Gil replies that Abeoji said that he was curious about who Nan Gil was. He probably wants to come there, too. Na Ri isn’t impressed: Is he trying to be her father now after he didn't get in contact with her once in twenty years? Exactly. Not until you had something he wanted, a way to use you.
Na Ri asks what Abeoji said. Wearing his emotionally wounded face, Nan Gil says that he thought he was going to die. Na Ri is concerned. When she asks, Nan Gil explains that Abeoji shoved an entire tangerine into his mouth. He thought he would die of suffocation. Na Ri still looks alarmed. Nan Gil acts like she’s being ridiculous: He’s saying that Abeoji was good to him. He reaches up and rubs his chest, saying that his conscience is bothering him since he told her about the meeting, since Abeoji asked him not to.
Na Ri laughs like Nan Gil’s ridiculous. Why did he tell her if it was going to bother his conscience? Nan Gil yells that he was worried that she’d think weird things or feel uneasy because of him! Na Ri replies that it's normal for a man and woman to have weird thoughts and feel uneasy when they first start dating. Nan Gil sighs and nods, like he’s accepting Na Ri’s weird logic.
Later Duk Bong find Nan Gil sitting alone in the restaurant. Nan Gil’s thinking over Abeoji’s thinly veiled aggression/threats. Duk Bong said he came in because the lights were on (even though they’re supposed to be closed). Nan Gil is unresponsive. Duk Bong sits across from him. He reports to Nan Gil that Chairman is at the hospital. It seems like Nan Gil’s threat worked. Chairman always goes to the hospital when he's scared. Still no response from Nan Gil.
Duk Bong tells Nan Gil to leave the issue of Na Ri's land to him now. This gets Nan Gil to look at him. Duk Bong chuckles at the irony and says that Nan Gil’s got a lot of worries there, too. Duk Bong mentions how he heard that Nan Gil he decided to date Na Ri as an ordinary man and woman. Nan Gil responds that Na Ri tells her neighborhood friend all sorts of things, doesn't she?
Duk Bong asks why Nan Gil never showed himself in front of Na Ri before her mother died. Nan Gil smiles softly and says that Duk Bong’s really curious about so many things about him. Duk Bong notes that Nan Gil never thought of having a future with Hong Na Ri, not even once. No, he probably didn't even dream of it. Because he knows himself very well. Duk Bong adds that Na Ri looked really worried, too. Do they even tell each other what they’re worried about? Why aren't they together at this time of the night? The two of them don't suit each other, and they can't handle each other. Nan Gil says nothing in response.
Next morning, Duk Shim is getting ready to leave for school. Stepmom enters unexpectedly and startles her. Stepmom can’t believe how ‘messy’ her room is and starts picking up her books. As she does, she asks about Na Ri and Duk Bong’s relationship. Duk Shim pushes her lips together, like her lips are sealed. Stepmom says Duk Shim looks like she knows something. Duk Shim says that she can’t tell Stepmom.
A brief pause and Stepmom hits Duk Shim where it hurts: She’s taking Duk Shim to Seoul. Immediately, Duk Shim says that it’s a one-sided crush. Stepmom asks if it’s Na Ri and Duk Shim clarifies that it’s Duk Bong with the one-sided crush. At that moment, Duk Bong enters, loudly saying Duk Shim’s whole name. He is mad.
Stepmom tries to act like this wasn’t news at all and asks if she should go see Na Ri. Neither Kwon sibling thinks that’s a good idea. Duk Bong looks uncomfortable as he asks Stepmom not to do anything, please.
Hong Dumplings. Nan Gil is sampling the dumpling filling made by each of the boys. Yong Kyu’s is watery. Joon’s is dry and stiff and Han Yi’s is a mess from top to bottom. He tells them to think about what they did wrong and do it again. Yong Kyu starts to whine. Nan Gil gets Appa on them and tells them to start over, now!
Na Ri enters and says that the boss from hell has arrived. They'll be exhausted before the store even opens. Nan Gil asks where she’s going this early in the morning. Na Ri says she’s going to her job for a meeting about my long-term absence. She walks off and he chases after her. Why is she being so mean? Nan Gil asks why the interview – it’s obvious he’s concerned. She answers – not looking at him – that they're going to ask her what she’s going to do from now on and if she’s going to go back to work or not. Stuff like that.
Not to be outdone, Nan Gil goes along with it: Ah, she’s going after thinking about it thoroughly, right? She knows that it's the work that she loves the most and are the best at, right? Na Ri looks at him, starting to frown. She’s going to tell them that she’ll work for them again, right? Na Ri reaches out and pulls arms (which were clasped behind him) to hang at his sides. She declares that it doesn't feel like a normal man-woman relationship. It's like a student-parent relationship!
Nan Gil reaches forward and clasps his hands contritely in front of him – like a little kid does. Na Ri sighs with frustration and orders him not to fold his hands like that! Nan Gil fidgets as he tries to figure out where to hold his hands. Na Ri sighs again and says that she’ll be back. This seriously isn't normal.
Yong Kyu scurries up and asks Boss – with all seriousness – is he scared of Daughter? Nan Gil slips into boss-mode and asks why Yong Kyu came out there. Did he finish making the dumpling filling? Yong Kyu starts to protest and Nan Gil herds him back into the kitchen.
Chairman’s hospital room. Duk Bong pushes past a ‘guard’ and enters, pissed. There are several employees visiting with Chairman. Duk Bong does not bow this time. Chairman mutters that he’s so noisy for someone coming to visit a patient. He drops his pen on the table to display his annoyance at Duk Bong and sits back on the couch. The employees leave.
Duk Bong wants to know Chairman’s planning, finding out more about Na Ri. Chairman answers that he looked into Na Ri because you said it was her land. He declares that he’s going to build a resort on that land and build a bronze statue of himself! He yells as he says that he’s doing it for them! Sure, for them. Gimme a break. So that they won't get looked down upon!
Duk Bong asks if Chairman really thinking that it will cover up what happened in their hometown. Chairman says that it happened forty years ago. With disdain, Chairman says that Duk Bong’s being dragged around because of that girl. If he's going to be like that, just marry Na Ri. That's a good way to solve it, too. Duk Bong tells Chairman not to mess with his personal life. He leaves.
Fuming, Duk Bong walks down the stairs and crosses paths with Yeo Joo. She’s carrying a piece of paper and smiling. They lock eyes. She gives him a nod and starts to walk away, but he says her name. She stops and after a pause, she turns around and says that she was just going to pretend not to know him because his facial expression looked so terrible.
Duk Bong agrees that his facial expression is terrible. Hers looks good. Yeo Joo holds up the paper – a hospital bill – and says that it was cheaper than she thought it would be. Did Duk Bong pay part of it, perhaps? Duk Bong frowns and says that he’s envious. Yeo Joo can’t believe that he’s saying he’s jealous of her. She tells him to stop saying annoying things.
Duk Bong replies that there's a reason why she matches well with Miss Kwon Duk Shim. Yeo Joo smiles (a little sarcastically) and says that it’s her first time hearing that she matches well with someone. She never thought that the other person would be a high school kid. Duk Bong says, “Look at that. You even act like a high school kid.”
Yeo Joo smiles – but not in the eyes. Holding the smile, she asks if he feels like she’s his little sister. He wants to protect her, and he thinks that she’s cute and lovable? Duk Bong answers that Kwon Duk Shim doesn't fall into any one of those categories. She's a little sister that he worries about because he doesn't know where she'll run away to.
Yeo Joo sighs and tells Duk Bong not to act like that toward her. He asks her what she means. She answers that oppas who worry about their dongsaengs look cool. Things she can write about every time they meet keeps going up one by one. Duk Bong looks away, like he’s annoyed. Yeo Joo smiles sweetly and with saccharine, tells him ‘goodbye’ and to give her greetings to Miss Duk Shim. She walks away. Duk Bong watches her leave.
In her interview, the airline employee says that they think that it would be best for her to return. That's the premise with which they start the interview. Na Ri’s at an age where it would be a pity to quit. Wouldn't it be better to work for at least two or three more years? She agrees to think about it carefully.
After the interview, Yeo Joo is waiting for her. Yeo Joo announces that she went so far as to cancel her flight schedule so that she could talk to Na Ri. Na Ri asks why and, instead of just answering, Yeo Joo protests, telling Na Ri to give her some time. Na Ri looks at her warily. Yeo Joo links arms and drags Na Ri away. In the stewardess lounge, Na Ri asks what Yeo Joo wants.
Yeo Joo says that this is the first time she’s put this much effort to a girl. Sunbae’s so smart, she can try to find the reason why. Na Ri asks if Yeo Joo really thinks that she’s putting in effort on Na Ri’s behalf? She’s not a Sunbae or a woman to Yeo Joo. She’s just a link connecting Yeo Joo to Kwon Duk Bong, right? Isn’t she just someone that Yeo Joo’s got no choice but to get along with?
Indignant, Yeo Joo declares that Na Ri’s not a link to Duk Bong. Sunbae’s wrong this time. Yeo Joo sighs and says that she came to give Na Ri some advice. Stop acting all cool and hold onto a man like Kwon Duk Bong when he says that he likes her. Yeo Joo starts to give her advice: she tells Na Ri to close her eyes and pretend that Nan Gil lived in Seoul. She’d see him in a dumpling restaurant and think, “wow, a good looking guy in the restaurant is making dumplings very well,” and then leave the restaurant after she finishes eating.
Na Ri looks like she’s considering Yeo Joo’s words. But instead, she asks Yeo Joo if she's been thinking that Nan Gil was a good looking man. More indignant, Yeo Joo declares that that’s the point here! Na Ri declares that if she was going to go back to work, but she gets annoyed thinking of seeing Yeo Joo again.
Yeo Joo nods slightly and says that she wanted to apologize to Na Ri at least once, but when she sees Na Ri’s face, she doesn't want to say those words. Na Ri asks why Yeo Joo is so honest these days. Yeo Joo doesn’t answer. Na Ri says that all Yeo Joo needs is to acknowledge liking Duk Bong. Na Ri leaves. Yeo Joo sighs and bites her lip.
Na Ri heads to the nursing home. Abeoji is still eating tangerines. He gives one to Na Ri. She says that she will clean out a room for him. Boy, his outfit choice seems to have changed… Shady. He considers her face and says that he’s not moving in. An old guy has to have good conscience if he's to have a good after life. He pauses and says that someone has to protect the house – like he’s reconsidering his position. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Since there’s just the two of them in this whole wide world.
Na Ri says that Abeoji wouldn't be bored since Nan Gil runs the dumpling restaurant next door. Surprised, Abeoji asks if Nan Gil didn’t tell her that he said he couldn't live with Nan Gil. Na Ri asks why not. Abeoji says that *Nan Gil* made his eyesight poor – funny, didn’t you tell Nan Gil that you held Director responsible for your sight? – and he knows how Nan Gil’s lived his life. How could he live in the same house with Nan Gil?
Luckily, Na Ri isn’t easily manipulated. Na Ri tells Abeoji that it all started because of Abeoji. He didn't take responsibility for anything and ran away abandoning her and Oma. Abeoji should have been responsible till the end. Nan Gil was dragged this far because of Abeoji. Indignant, Abeoji says that he tried his best, too. Na Ri isn’t biting: Abeoji passed on that enormous debt on her and Oma because he was trying his best to live? Abeoji doesn’t say anything.
Na Ri says that if Abeoji insist that he can't live with Nan Gil, she’ll ask Nan Gil to make the choice. He is the one who's protected that place till the end. She tells Abeoji that she’ll come see him every once in a while and leaves. Abeoji is surprised.
Outside the nursing home, Na Ri stops, upset. More flashbacks. She remembers all the ways that Nan Gil has looked out for her and the land: telling her he’s her stepfather, collapsing after saving her at Dada Finance, wanting to date really and refusing because of the threat of Dada, before the trial telling her that, even if it’s the last time he’ll ever say it, he loves her. Seeing Nan Gil after he got the crap beaten out of him protecting her. And finally, telling him that it’s not going to work anymore. She sighs, looking burdened.
The Boys are hard at work kneading the dough as Nan Gil supervises. Yong Kyu sure is grunting a lot. He orders them to stop and asks if they think that all it takes is strength. He starts to illustrate when Na Ri arrives. He immediately drops the dough – which makes me chuckle – and chipperly asks what happened, since she’s late. She replies that she decided to think positively. He starts to hug her but she walks away. Denied!
Restaurant meeting. The Boys and Duk Shim on one side of the table, Na Ri and Nan Gil on the other. She declares that because of the tyrannical management of the tyrannical boss, not to mention the relentless night shifts they’ve had to endure, they should all go on a company retreat as a family. Everyone is shocked. Nan Gil protests: He’s the Boss. Why is she deciding this all by herself? The Boys – Joon being the loudest – start chanting ‘Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!’
Okay, folks. It’s been about 2.5 weeks since I watched this episode. The start of the semester made my life really crazy so I haven’t been able to finish things. This time lapse will probably explain the difference in tone here on out… I’m finding myself annoyed at things that I probably wasn’t annoyed at three weeks ago. I still love our couple, but right now, the way they’re not just being honest with each other is annoying me. Let the snarkiness begin.
Yong Kyu muses that they must have made some money because of being on TV. He asks if they can go on a plane, which gets a hiss out of Nan Gil. Heh. Na Ri asks if Duk Shim is going and she agrees – if it’s on a weekend. Na Ri gives her a condition…
And we switch to Robot House, where apparently, it’s to invite Duk Bong along. Now how does that make sense? Since the guy likes you? Why are you encouraging him when you like Nan Gil? Not liking this, Na Ri. Duk Shim’s argument is that she needs a chaperone – even though there will be several adults there. Duk Bong rolls his eyes and asks if she really thinks of him as her guardian. Of course, she does.
Duk Bong is annoyed because Duk Shim is being agreeable. Duk Shim says that Greenland (their company) should sponsor the whole thing. Again, how does that have logic. Just say yes and bring Yeo Joo. She adds that it was Na Ri’s idea and that she promised to pay for the transportation and the resort reservations. That works.
Switch to the kitchen. Na Ri and Nan Gil sit across from each other. She tells him about going to see Abeoji. She asks why Nan Gil didn’t mention Abeoji’s declaration that he couldn't live with Nan Gil. Nan Gil says that he understood where Abeoji was coming from – which I don’t think it the reason. Why not tell her everything? Ugh! Everyone’s being annoying.
Instead of pressing him about this stupid comment – Na Ri asks how he thinks he would have lived if things didn't happen to her and Oma. He would have died long before now. You two were the only things that helped him survive Chairman, to fight. He says that he probably would have worked at the dumpling restaurant and would have complained about the taste of dumplings. Na Ri goes along – for some reason, instead of making Nan Gil be honest about things – and wonders if he would have lived as a regular man who kneaded dough diligently.
Na Ri looks down, her face falling, and apologizes. Nan Gil is surprised: Why is she sorry? She says that when she saw him beaten up, she knew it was because of her. Okay, now I’m feeling better. She was sidestepping for herself, avoiding being honest with her own feelings. She says that she was startled and scared so she got angry. Even now, it's difficult for him to think of those horrendous times, but you experienced it again because of her. Okay, feeling much better. She’s admitting feeling guilty about making Nan Gil go back into the situation that gave him his anxiety disorder. Even though, I’m wondering if he’ll really have the panic attacks now, since he knows he didn’t kill Abeoji.
Na Ri declares that it was hard for him, too, but she only thought of herself. She apologizes again. In a matter-of-fact tone, Nan Gil says that he chose this because he fell head over heels for Hong Na Ri. He has no regrets and everything's taken care of. Or is it, because we have 2 episodes to go. I guess Abeoji’s going to be the new obstacle. Trying not to be annoyed again. Why can’t we have just some sweet goofy-grin-inspiring episodes? One at least? Come on! I’m tired of the other shoe dropping. EVERY.TIME. Na Ri – in that tone where she’s a combo of mother and nag – orders him to ‘please’ stop saying that he’s sorry anymore. He has nothing to be sorry about, towards her.
He responds by saying that he thinks he’s completely cured of his Go Nan Gil disease. He doesn't need to take any more pills. He’s really ok now. Because he doesn’t have that guilt of murdering someone anymore. Plus, he’s left the life that cause the ‘murder’ behind, too, so he doesn’t have to be that person anymore, that person he didn’t want to be in the first place, but was forced to by life. I wonder if we’re going to ever find out who his parents were. That could be something they could fill the last 2 episodes with, instead of Abeoji drama. He smiles that wide, joyful smile – that just makes me melt with its lighthearted joyfulness – at her. She can help it and smiles back.
Na Ri says that she’s never said this before: Go Nan Gil. Thank you for deciding to be her stepfather. She gives him a really sweet, loving, grateful smile. He drinks it in and then declares that they should go on a date. She really likes that idea. He declares that he’s going to show her that he’s really completely well. They’ll go somewhere really noisy. He holds out his hand. She stands up, smiling widely, and takes it.
They head to an arcade and play that basketball game. That is literally what it is called : Basketball arcade game. Laughter. A new version of whack-a-mole with sticks and doing musical patterns instead.
♬ Slightly longer hair, looks like you've lost weight ♬
Lots of joyful laughing as they have fun playing together.
♬ My concern for you sounds like a nagging to you ♬
Sitting in a game with huge spiders, shooting them with mounted guns.
♬ I tease you saying you're not my type ♬
More laughing – even though Na Ri looks a little creeped out by the huge spiders.
♬ But you're the only one I see ♬
♬ Fool, don't you know? You really don't know? ♬
♬ Everyone but you knows, don't you know? ♬
♬ Don't become more beautiful, I become nervous, I might like you more than now ♬
It looks like Nan Gil is much better at this game than she is.
♬ You're the only one I see, you're the only one I hear ♬
Switch to heading to a resort in a car. I guess it’s retreat time.
♬ I can't move anymore ♬
♬ I like you, why don't you know that yet? ♬
♬ My gaze is telling you ♬
Everyone gets out: Duk Bong’s car (Nan Gil in the front seat, Na Ri and Duk Shim in the back) and Joon’s car (The Boys). Strangely, Na Ri sat behind Nan Gil – which means it was harder to talk to him and it was easier for Duk Bong to look at her. I would have sat on the other side.
♬ Fool, don't you know? You really don't know? Everyone but you knows, don't you know? ♬
♬ Don't become more beautiful, I become nervous ♬
♬ I might like you more than now. ♬
I really like this song.
Duk Bong – looking quite dapper in his dark blue checked suit – tells them to enjoy their stay and let him know if they need anything. Must be a family hotel, from his magnanimous tone. The kids (the Boys and Duk Shim) clap with glee. Na Ri smiles. Duk Bong watches his sister be happy and it makes him happy. Little smile. And not looking for Na Ri’s reaction. Hopefully that’s a good sign. I’m hoping Yeo Joo will show up at the resort – I’m really pulling for this romance, now that she’s acting like a normal person and not a manipulative Candy girl.
Abeoji is hard at work, watching TV – sounds like cartoons. And I thought you had crappy eyesight – why are you sitting so far from the TV if it’s hard to see? And why don’t you just get some glasses? That helps the rest of the people who are half-blind without them. Seamy enters, lugging her luggage. Abeoji is shocked – what’s she doing? She declares that she’s moving in with him and staying forever. For Na Ri’s benefit, of course. To get her to bring them to Dumpling House. Abeoji declares that he’s not doing it!
Even though it’s winter – they have decided to have an outside barbeque. No one has their coat zipped or is wearing a hat. Nan Gil is trying to light the gas grill but the lighter won’t work. The Boys are putting out the food – or rather Joon and Han Yi are working and he is watching. He sneaks a look over at Duk Shim. They make eye contact. Duk Bong arrives wearing sneakers, sweatpants, a sweater and t-shirt, and a jacket. Why is he wearing a Nan Gil outfit? And why did you change out of your suit? You looked very handsome in your suit. His hair is now brushed down – like Nan Gil – rather than his usual styled coif.
Duk Shim sees him, exhales with disbelief and mutters ‘daebak.’ Which my subs translate as ‘oh my goodness.’ A better translation is ‘oh my God.’ When someone says ‘oh my goodness,’ it’s normally said by someone who looks like this:
When someone says ‘oh my God’ the way Duk Shim just did, the person looks more like this:
As in: I can’t believe my brother is doing this.
Duk Shim calls it exactly: What is that outfit? Is he trying to look like Nan Gil or what? Na Ri overhears and turns around. And Duk Bong looks so happy right now. Duk Bong walks over to Nan Gil carrying a can of sterno and asks if the grill is working. Nan Gil, of course, does ask for help. Duk Bong sets the sterno can down loudly with a bang and says that Nan Gil could use these types of thing to ignite it in the winter time. Annoyed, he mutters to himself as he walks away. Can Nan Gil do anything else but kneading?
Nan Gil looks over at Na Ri, who is looking at Duk Bong. Nan Gil looks worried – more at looking like an idiot for not being able to light the grill. Na Ri chuckles to herself – because she agrees that Duk Bong looks ridiculous dressed like that. She looks over at Nan Gil and smiles – which he totally takes the wrong way, like she’s impressed by Duk Bong – and Nan Gil breathes out loudly.
Nighttime. The food is done. Yong Kyu brings Duk Shim a plate with lots of shrimp on it. In the U.S., we call them prawns. Aegyo in his voice, he tells her to not just eat meat but also the shrimp. It’s unsettling. Duk Shim sighs at him being childish. Is she disappointed because she’s interested? Or just her usual annoyed self? Joon and Han Yi are at the grill, getting food. Duk Bong comes over, butts in, and takes most of the best meat. He says ‘thank you,’ but that doesn’t keep them from glaring.
Duk Bong puts the meat down *in front of Na Ri* and tells her to please eat some. This has got to be a Korean thing to do when you like someone – so Yong Kyu *does* like Duk Shim. Finally. She smiles and thanks him. Oblivious to Nan Gil feeling insecure. Not to be outdone, Nan Gil encourages Na Ri to try his garlic sauce, that he made himself. A glare from Duk Bong. Na Ri tries it and likes it, which gets a smile from Nan Gil and a disgusted eye roll from Duk Bong. Na Ri misses it, but Nan Gil doesn’t and he gives Duk Bong a glare of his own.
Later Duk Bong is sulking at the table as the kids play something thing like Kai, Bai, Bo, but using ‘mandoo’ before you declare your choice. Na Ri and Nan Gil are standing a little bit away – hence, Duk Bong’s sulking. She asks him why he’s been working so hard recently, teaching The Boys to make dumplings. He answers – a little bit of Appa voice – that it’s time for them to learn. Na Ri buzzes his answer with a ‘dang!’ and says that it’s the wrong answer. He planned on leaving after listening to Dad. Nan Gil’s face says that it was his back-up plan.
Na Ri declares that she can't imagine Hong Dumplings without Go Nan Gil. Nan Gil smiles slightly – like he’s thinking that she’s just being nice – and says that Na Ri thinks that it’s right for him to leave, doesn't she? Isn't this company retreat trip a present for him? Oooh. He’s thinking about their ‘Na Ri’s last flight’ trip where she basically dumped him afterward. She answers that he’s right. Not as the Hong Dumplings' boss or her stepfather, he should just live a life for Go Nan Gil. So, not a bad thing.
Nan Gil says that they should make this company retreat a real start of Go Nan Gil's life. She asks how he’s going to start. Not, how do you want us to start it? Implying that she’s with him. No, she asks, like she’s not part of it at all. I hate when they have conversations like this. They’re great at honestly talking to each other, but they still have these episodes which just annoy me.
Smiling, Nan Gil says that first, if he leaves, he should live a regular life. Get a job and go traveling... When he has the courage, he’ll meet a new girlfriend. Na Ri wasn’t expecting that last one. She gives his a glare. Still smiling, he says that it’s the Hong Na Ri who lives in Seoul and someone he doesn't know yet. Na Ri stops giving him the stink eye and smiles – liking the answer. She agrees. He’s loved her for a long time. Then, she, who lives in Seoul, will wait for him. Sweet smiling between them.
Duk Bong watches them, moping. Dude, you can’t compete with Nan Gil. You’re awesome, but he’s seen all her flaws and loved her anyway. Since they were 5. Willing to never have her, for her benefit, even though his soul yearned for her. Willing to die for her. No contest. His phone rings. Yeo Joo? Seeing who’s calling, Duk Bong gets up to go to somewhere a little more private.
It’s Soon Rye. She’s calling from Duk Bong’s office, sitting at his desk. She reports that the Chairman has changed the resort's blueprints. She declares that she can't tolerate it any more. What does that mean? She’s quitting or she’s going after his dad? She hangs up the phone. Duk Bong looks like he’s going to be sick. And wants to cry.
Duk Shim drags Na Ri over to him. She declares that she’s done as much as she can. Way to make it obvious. Not that Na Ri was unaware at all. Beaming, she wipes her hands of the whole thing and scampers away. Na Ri chuckles over her. Duk Bong declares – trying to look as cool and aloof as ever – that he was flustered for a short time, thinking that the trip was her running toward him. With an affectionate smile, he looks over at Duk Shim and says that at times like this, it's not bad to have a dongsaeng.
They go for a walk. Why are they going for a walk? Mixed signals, anyone? Na Ri asks if her Neighborhood Friend has some worries these days. He replies that he has to fight with Chairman when he goes back to Seoul. He’s felt like this and been in this situation before. Last time, he was on Chairman’s side but this time, he’s on Na Ri’s side. And Soon Rye’s side and your own. Na Ri says that she can’t really cheer him on, since he’s saying that he’ll fight with his father. He answers that she can just be supportive.
Na Ri gives him a quiet ‘Fighting!’ Duk Bong smiles slightly and asks if Na Ri has any memories of her father? She says that she doesn’t, but she does remember her first airplane ride was with Abeoji. Since she met Abeoji, she’ll ask about it. Duk Bong is surprised he met her Abeoji. A little out of the loop. Nan Gil walks up, bringing Na Ri a blanket which he wraps around her shoulders. Even though her coat is closed, both men’s jackets are unzipped, she needs an extra blanket. Sweet, but at the same time, ‘uh uh!’ She takes the blanket and looks awkward. Nan Gil gives Duk Bong a little bit of the stink eye. She pretends that it’s really cold and hurries off.
Duk Bong asks about Na Ri meeting Abeoji. When Nan Gil confirms, Duk Bong humorously mutters about how grand their fathers are. And he’s right. There isn’t a single good father on this entire show – except for Nan Gil and he wasn’t really Na Ri’s father. Nan Gil exhales with agreement. Duk Bong says that he heard Abeoji was a swindler who kidnapped her for the land. How can he appear in front of Na Ri again? That’s news – not good news – to Nan Gil. Immediately, his defenses get going. His instincts *weren’t* wrong about Scumbag.
All business, Nan Gil asks who said that about Abeoji. Duk Bong answers that Chairman did. So, it’s true if Duk Bong’s dad is telling him about it. Nan Gil thinks about that time at the hospital when Na Ri was relating the memory of it. She had wondered why Oma didn’t go. Nan Gil had remarked that it must not have been fun because she can't remember it and Na Ri had answered that it probably was, because Abeoji was a fun person. All of the village folks liked him. Ah, the hero-worship of small children… This has to be foreshadowing Abeoji coming and being the baddie. Back in the present, Nan Gil starts to freak out a little bit because: (1) of how hurt Na Ri is going to be when she finds out the truth, and (2) of what this means about Abeoji’s character, scruples and that Nan Gil’s gut warning was not guilt-inspired but real.
The retreat is over. Everyone piles into the same cars – Duk Shim, why don’t you ride with Yong Kyu? You know you like him – and they drive away. Later, it’s just Duk Bong’s car. Na Ri and Duk Shim are asleep in the back. Nan Gil catches Duk Bong smiling while looking at the sleeping Na Ri. Duk Bong clears his throat and asks when Nan Gil is leaving. Nan Gil sighs and says it will be after taking care of the rest of problems. Meaning Abeoji.
Duk Bong tells him that it’s a good choice for his life. Nan Gil says that Duk Bong should feel sad for him but Duk Bong’s too happy. Duk Bong replies that it’s because he wishes Hong Dumplings’ Boss a great new life. Leave Seulgi and live freely. Nan Gil considers his words. In the back, Na Ri opens her eyes, having heard the whole thing. If she would just have an honest conversation with him!!!
When they arrive back at Hong Dumplings, Abeoji and Seamy are there, with their bags, all smiles. Didn’t Na Ri tell you not to come? That she would visit? Seamy clucks at them for leaving the restaurant closed. Abeoji smiles broadly and waves vigorously. Seamy tells Na Ri that Abeoji – wow, that is a big annoying smile. Who would think that it was real? – has frozen, waiting for her. Of course they don’t call ahead, because Na Ri would have said not to come. You may think you’re going to manipulate her, but Na Ri’s not stupid. Abeoji chuckles like Santa. The men are not happy to see Abeoji – because they know what a Scumbag he really is.
Nan Gil looks at Na Ri, who looks really unsettled. Protector Nan Gil is back! You’re not going to hurt the woman he loves, Scumbag. And you’re no match for Director, who was much more dangerous than you, Scumbag. He thinks about Duk Bong’s words about Abeoji being a scumbag and looks at the cackling Abeoji. Na Ri sighs and sets her shoulders and the episode ends.
Thoughts
If we didn’t know it before, that last shot of Abeoji, aka Scumbag, tells us everything we need to know about the man. Not that we didn’t already have it figured out before, what with him getting in debt to loan sharks, abandoning his wife and daughter, leaving them at the mercy of said loan sharks, kidnapping his daughter to blackmail Oma, running a loan sharking operation that rivaled Director’s, threatening Nan Gil, plotting to get the land… just to name a few. How are they going to get out of this?
And why, dear writers, can’t Na Ri and Nan Gil just finally have a nice life together? Why do we continue to come across obstacles that don’t need to be there? Several recappers have commented on this – yes, I read other people’s recaps, too – but today is the first time where I have actually been annoyed by prolonging separating the couple. I mean, did they really have to have Abeoji be a villain that pops up once Director is gone? Oh, I did forget about Chairman, but he’s not going to prevail against Duk Bong. Duk Bong sees through all of his father’s tricks, and really *knows* his family, so it’s no contest.
I do wonder what Soon Rye is going to do. She was a bit ominous.
The last 15 minutes of the show, Na Ri and Nan Gil were bugging me all over with how they *weren’t* talking to each other. That’s one of the things that I really like about them and about Na Ri – when something’s bothering her, she confronts it. But she hasn’t been doing that lately, which is making things annoying. Nan Gil’s go-to reaction is to sacrifice himself and his wants/heart desires. She knows that, which is why she’s always gone after him to admit things. But this time, it was just be mean and give him the cold treatment. The man is finally trying to act like the boyfriend you were punishing him for not being a few episodes ago and you’re still playing with his emotions and insecurities.
It might be that 3 week break between the first 45 minutes and the last 15 minutes, but it really felt like two totally separate episodes. And what an episode! Everything that we’ve been building to, the defeat of the Director, finally happened. What I’ve always suspected about Wan Shik and Nan Gil’s relationship is true: they’re brothers, even though they like to needle each other. I loved that once he knew that Abeoji was alive, the Director had no power over Nan Gil, that Nan Gil and Wan Shik worked together to take Director down. I also thought it was really clever whoever came up with the birthday idea – that any day could be their birthday, since they don’t know exactly when they were born. I also loved that we finally got Joon’s back story/connection to Nan Gil, that Nan Gil calls them brothers.
I did not like how Na Ri was mean to Nan Gil for most of the episode because she was mad at him. It felt out of character for her to be that mean for that long. Granted, both of them sometimes act like they’re teenagers in their dating relationship, but she’s always been more mature than to use the cold shoulder to manipulate Nan Gil. He has this habit of ignoring his own needs/wants so that she’s happy and it felt like she was using that against him.
I’ve really warmed to the idea of Duk Bong with Yeo Joo. She actually acts like a person now, which makes me like her. Yes, she’s sought after superficial things because she thinks they’ll make her happy. Yes, she’s really good at manipulating men; she's almost pathological about it. But she doesn’t do that to Duk Bong: (1) because he’s immune, and (2) she doesn’t think it will work. And Duk Bong likes her, even if he doesn’t realize it. We already know that he finds her attractive physically, since she looks like his first love, but I think he finds her spunk attractive, too. Plus, she’s not intimidated by his family and isn’t going to be manipulated. And she went all Mama Bear on his ‘friends’ when they were making fun of him.
There was also a little movement on the Duk Shim-Yong Kyu front. I hope that we get to see him being really silly. Duk Shim can roll her eyes and enjoy it at the same time.
My hope for the final 2 episodes: the stuff with Abeoji gets cleaned up next episode so we can just have fun the last episode! This series has given us such great fun moments and then sucker-punched us with drama. I just want one episode where I’m not dreading what might be coming. Is that too much to ask?
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