Dear Mayang Street Episode 29 Recap
> Dear Mayang Street Recap
The Zeng family prepared to leave Mayang Street, and many neighbors gathered to bid them farewell. Sun Benyan told Grandma Zeng to take care, and she advised him not to visit the hospital again, stating it's not a good place. Aunt Niu (also known as Zilai Jie), presented Grandma Zeng with Guangzhou soup ingredients, suggesting she could cook them if she missed home.
Sun Benyan and other neighbors expressed how much they would miss Grandma Zeng, acknowledging her years of help in mediating disputes, and feeling a void in their hearts. Grandma Zeng herself was reluctant to leave. A member of the Zeng family assured everyone that they would remember them from Shanghai, encouraging neighbors to visit since train travel was now convenient.
Grandma Zeng and Grandma Ou exchanged a heartfelt goodbye, with Grandma Zeng advising Grandma Ou to live her own life, as Ou Xiaojian had grown up. Grandma Ou agreed not to worry about things anymore, promising to live her own life. Zeng Xing was notably absent, deliberately avoiding Ma Xiaoxiao, which Yi Dongdong observed as a sign of his maturity and perhaps the best way for him to say goodbye to Ma Xiaoxiao and Mayang Street.
Yi Dongdong reflected on Grandma Zeng's words that "There is no endless feast in the world," realizing that while gatherings are precious, separation is often a constant in life, wondering who would be the next to leave. Liang Yuanchao, unable to handle the emotional farewell, stayed home. Lin Jiahao observed his absence, noting that he couldn't stand sad goodbyes.
She also expressed her own sadness about Grandma Zeng's departure, wondering if they would ever meet again given the distance to Shanghai and Grandma Zeng's age. Suddenly, Liang Xiaobao declared his intention to go to Shanghai to be with Zeng Hao. Lin Jiahao was incredulous, worried about her son's ability to live independently so far from home, fearing he might starve as he couldn't even cook.
However, Liang Yuanchao fully supported the idea, exclaiming that Shanghai was "Great Shanghai" and a good place for their son to experience the world. He offered to contact his business friends in Shanghai to arrange an internship for Liang Xiaobao, ensuring he would be settled. He added that he liked Zeng Hao and would support his son in finding her. Liang Xiaobao thanked his father and immediately went to pack.
Lin Jiahao, still concerned, protested, but Liang Yuanchao reassured her, explaining that Liang Xiaobao's heart was already in Shanghai with Zeng Hao, and he believed their son would be motivated to do serious work once there. Lin Jiahao, feeling the familiar pang of "a big man won't stay," half-jokingly wished she had another child. Ou Xiaojian, looking dashing, told Grandma Ou he was going on a date, which she had already deduced.
She was thrilled for him and reminded him not to be late for a girl. Meanwhile, Ma Xiaoxiao was also in a joyful mood, something her colleague Xing Lu noticed. Ou Xiaojian went to a jewelry store to pick out a ring for Ma Xiaoxiao, telling the salesperson she liked "stars in the sky," and he found a beautiful "star-style" ring. However, as he left the store, he was abruptly forced into a car by several men.
His necklace also fell to the street. He was taken to meet Brother An, whom he recognized from a past encounter two years ago. Brother An, impressed by Ou Xiaojian's memory and abilities, openly admitted to having observed him since his release from prison. He noted that Ou Xiaojian hadn't reverted to his old criminal associates or found new powerful figures, instead seemingly "idle" in Mayang Street.
Ou Xiaojian corrected him, proudly stating that his "Little Hong Kong" business was thriving and he intended to expand it steadily. Brother An tried to entice him with promises of "big business" beyond the "small fights" he had with A Fei, but Ou Xiaojian declined. He explained that his grandmother was getting old, and his only desire was to settle down and run his small business peacefully. Brother An eventually allowed him to leave.
Ma Xiaoxiao, full of anticipation, waited for Ou Xiaojian at a restaurant. After three hours, a server informed her it was already eight o'clock and they would stop taking orders soon, but Ma Xiaoxiao insisted on waiting longer and asked to use the phone to contact Ou Xiaojian.
Unbeknownst to her, Ou Xiaojian had received Ma Xiaoxiao's pager message and had just managed to leave Brother An, having firmly stated his only desire was to run his small "Little Hong Kong" business peacefully and care for Grandma Ou, rejecting any other opportunities for wealth. By the time Ou Xiaojian arrived at the restaurant in a taxi, Ma Xiaoxiao had already left, having waited for three hours without eating.
Filled with regret, Ou Xiaojian rushed to her house and shone a flashlight into her room to apologize, but Ma Xiaoxiao, in a huff, appeared on the balcony, upset that he hadn't contacted her about his delay despite having a pager and phone access. He profusely apologized, explaining he had an urgent matter, but she angrily told him to stop harassing her. When Ma Dada asked what was going on, Ma Xiaoxiao quickly sent him back to bed.
Determined, Ou Xiaojian continued to call out to her. The commotion eventually roused Ma Yingjun, who opened the door to investigate. To prevent her father from discovering Ou Xiaojian, Ma Xiaoxiao quickly came outside. Ou Xiaojian then forcibly kissed Ma Xiaoxiao and apologized, which softened her heart and made her feel happy. She noticed he had an injury and tended to it, playfully suggesting it was a 'pity ploy'. When she asked what happened, he simply said "it's resolved."
They reminisced about his past habit of signaling her with a flashlight when he was upset with Aunt Niu, prompting her to bring him soda. Ma Xiaoxiao playfully teased that he had "regressed" since he almost got caught by her father, and noted that he had become "gentler" and less "domineering" than before. Ou Xiaojian acknowledged that people change and earnestly asked for more time to become a better person.
Ma Xiaoxiao, softened by his sincerity and touch, expressed her wish for them to always be there for each other. Later that evening, Grandma Ou saw Ou Xiaojian's facial injury and admonished him to stop being so impetuous and causing trouble that would worry Ma Xiaoxiao. She stressed that Ma Xiaoxiao was a good girl and he must cherish her, never letting her be wronged. Some time later, as Ma Dada's competition approached, Aunt Niu was preparing food.
Ou Xiaojian surprised Ma Xiaoxiao by proposing to join her for dinner at her home. As they walked home, they met Ma Yingjun and Aunt Niu. Ma Yingjun's expression was unreadable upon seeing Ou Xiaojian. Feeling nervous, Ou Xiaojian hesitated before openly declaring his feelings to Ma Yingjun and Aunt Niu. He explained that he and Ma Xiaoxiao had grown up together, shared a deep affection, and wished to formally be in a relationship.
Aunt Niu then subtly sent Ma Xiaoxiao away to pour tea, indicating she wanted to speak with Ou Xiaojian alone. She gently but firmly expressed her anxieties as a parent, acknowledging his past as a good child but highlighting the "uncertainty" of his future. She clarified that their concern for his future existed independently of his relationship with Ma Xiaoxiao.
In response, Ou Xiaojian produced his savings passbook and a rental contract for a shop, assuring them that all his money was "clean." He proposed investing in Aunt Niu's restaurant, with the intention of expanding the business and providing long-term financial security for their entire family, including Ma Xiaoxiao and Ma Dada. He earnestly requested their trust and an opportunity to care for Ma Xiaoxiao.
Ma Yingjun, after hearing Ou Xiaojian's sincere proposal, remarked that it was wise for a young man to think long-term. Ou Xiaojian reiterated his commitment, stating he had considered this for a long time, was fully prepared for their future, and promised to "shield Ma Xiaoxiao from wind and rain."
Later, Ma Xiaoxiao eagerly asked Ou Xiaojian about the conversation, to which he playfully responded that they no longer needed to hide their relationship, as her parents had given him a "chance to observe." Ma Xiaoxiao was overjoyed and urged him to prove himself. That evening, Ma Dada prepared to compete in the "Youth Invincible Singing Competition" at the television station. Ma Yingjun was already there, holding seats for Ma Xiaoxiao and Ou Xiaojian, and encouraging a nervous Ma Dada.
Ma Dada mentioned that Aunt Niu had an emergency at her restaurant and was called away by Chen Lili but promised to watch the competition on Channel 5. Ma Dada also noted that Ma Xiaoxiao was still outside, waiting to pick up Ou Xiaojian. Ou Xiaojian, at home, proudly showed Grandma Ou a new ring he had bought for Ma Xiaoxiao, explaining he had accidentally lost the first one.
Grandma Ou, admiring the ring, urged him to hurry to the TV station to avoid making Ma Xiaoxiao angry again, reminding him not to lose this one. As Ma Xiaoxiao waited outside the TV station for Ou Xiaojian, she tried to leave a ticket for him with a staff member, but was told it was against policy.
She decided to wait, only to find herself unable to enter the venue once the competition began, despite her pleas, missing Ma Dada's performance. Meanwhile, Aunt Niu and Chen Lili watched nervously from home on Channel 5, with Aunt Niu visibly emotional as she saw her daughter perform, remarking that Ma Dada looked even prettier on television. At the same time, as Ou Xiaojian was leaving his home, he was apprehended by the police in front of Grandma Ou. Witnessing her grandson being taken away, Grandma Ou suffered a heart attack and passed away with tears in her eyes.
