Hu Tong Episode 22 Recap
> Hu Tong Recap
Sun Xiaomin confronted Lin Weimin, expressing her disappointment that he, who she once admired as an idealistic literary youth, had become solely focused on money. Lin Weimin, however, scoffed at her words, explaining that his tertiary businesses were the sole reason the entire magazine staff received bonuses; otherwise, the "poor literati" would starve.
His conversation with Sun Xiaomin was cut short when he received a message about a client being late, and he quickly made his excuses and departed, leaving Sun Xiaomin feeling let down. That evening, Lin Weidong hosted a lively celebration for Sun Xiaomin's graduation from night university. During the festivities, Sun Xiaomin confirmed that the money she owed him had been repaid.
She then announced her decision to quit the night market, prompting Lin Weidong to try and persuade her to stay. He earnestly expressed his desire to reconcile, confused by her constant opposition and aloofness. Sun Xiaomin, however, grew frustrated, telling him that he simply didn't understand her and, because of that, didn't deserve love. She then turned and walked away, leaving a bewildered Lin Weidong to wonder what he had said or done wrong.
Concerned by Sun Xiaomin's absence from the night market, Lin Weidong devised a plan and sent Juanzi to find her. Meanwhile, her mother, Tian Zao, asked Sun Xiaomin why she hadn't gone to work. Sun Xiaomin explained that with her debt to Lin Weidong settled and her night school graduation complete, she wanted to pursue a "serious job."
Tian Zao, however, praised her, noting how Sun Xiaomin's presence at the night market had brought order, stopped fights, guided vendors onto the right path, and helped them prosper. She revealed that the neighbors even affectionately called Sun Xiaomin the "Director of Night Market Neighborhood Committee," emphasizing that Xiaomin was not a selfish person and had a unique ability to lead others to prosperity, which would ultimately bring her greater happiness.
Just then, Juanzi arrived breathlessly, falsely claiming that Liu Zi was fighting with customers again. Without hesitation, Sun Xiaomin rushed out, with Tian Zao confident that her caring nature would always lead her back to her friends. Upon arriving at the night market and realizing Lin Weidong's deception, Sun Xiaomin angrily turned to leave. However, Lin Weidong, Solanqui, and Juanzi pleaded with her, highlighting how much everyone would miss her.
Sun Xiaomin reluctantly agreed to stay, though she claimed it was merely because she was tired and couldn't even take a single day off. Shortly after, Lin Weidong took Sun Xiaomin on a trip to Guangzhou to procure goods. He specifically chose to travel by train so she could witness the beauty of their vast motherland, a sight that deeply captivated Sun Xiaomin as they passed through various provinces.
In Guangzhou, Lin Weidong first took Sun Xiaomin on a sightseeing tour, which greatly broadened her horizons. Sun Xiaomin, impressed, described Guangzhou as a city with "beautiful scenery" and "all seasons like spring and flowers like brocade," going on to articulate its historical significance as an early trade city and its continued role as a vibrant frontier of reform and opening up, leading fashion trends.
They then met with Xiaoli, their supplier, who greeted Lin Weidong warmly and hosted them for a meal. The next morning, after Xiaoli had prepared a new batch of goods, Lin Weidong left for the railway station to ship them, instructing Sun Xiaomin to rest at the hotel. While alone, Sun Xiaomin received a visit from Xiaoli, who candidly confessed her deep admiration for Lin Weidong, admitting it was "love at first sight."
Xiaoli recounted her own trip to Beijing where Lin Weidong showed her around famous landmarks and introduced her to local cuisine. On her last night in Beijing, Xiaoli confessed her feelings, even offering to take him to Hong Kong. She then revealed that Lin Weidong had gently rejected her, stating that his heart already belonged to someone he wished to cherish for life.
Xiaoli then looked at Sun Xiaomin and revealed that Sun Xiaomin was that person, urging her to treasure Lin Weidong's unwavering devotion. Inspired by Xiaoli's words to both of them, Lin Weidong returned to Beijing and, after confirming Xiaomin's reciprocal feelings, formally proposed marriage. Sun Xiaomin, deeply moved, admitted that ever since Lin Weidong was taken away by the police, she had known he was the one she wanted to spend her life with.
However, she confronted him about two past instances where his harsh words had deeply wounded her: once, when he implicitly suggested she looked down on him for his lack of education, and another time, when he humiliated her in front of her mother by demanding she work for him to repay a debt. Lin Weidong, remorseful, profusely apologized, explaining that his words stemmed from deep-seated insecurity, a feeling of being unworthy of her, and jealousy towards his brother.
He clarified that his intention during the second incident was to push her back towards him, not to insult her. With tears in his eyes, he embraced her tightly, vowing to marry only her and be good to her for the rest of his life, prompting Sun Xiaomin to cry tears of joy as she accepted. Inspired by her Guangzhou trip, Sun Xiaomin and Lin Weidong decided to open a hair salon.
They quickly found a suitable courtyard in Xisi with a street-facing shop. Lin Weidong approached Solanqui and Juanzi, revealing they had accumulated over 86,000 yuan from their years at the night market and proposing to distribute the funds. While Sun Xiaomin suggested a fair division, Solanqui and Juanzi insisted she deserved a full share and offered to invest their portion into the new venture.
Lin Weidong then outlined their plan: with night market profits having plateaued, they aimed to open a fashionable hair salon, taking advantage of the trends Xiaomin observed in Guangzhou. He added that Xiaoli was already helping them find a skilled hairstylist there. He proposed that he and Sun Xiaomin would oversee the shop's renovation and preparation, while Solanqui and Juanzi would continue running their stalls at the night market.
Before fully transitioning, Sun Xiaomin expressed her desire to do one last meaningful thing for their night market community. Sun Xiaomin sought out Li Hongying for assistance with the shop's renovation permits in Xisi. Li Hongying readily arranged the necessary paperwork and contacts. Taking the opportunity, Li Hongying playfully inquired about Sun Xiaomin's relationship with Lin Weidong, causing Sun Xiaomin to blush and divert the question to Lin Weidong.
After considerable effort from Sun Xiaomin and Lin Weidong, the hair salon was finally renovated. Ahua, the hairstylist recommended by Xiaoli, arrived from Guangzhou. Sun Xiaomin was immediately concerned to see Ahua bringing empty bottles, only to discover his plan to dilute the shampoo with water. He claimed the shampoo was concentrated and diluting it would prevent damage to customers' hair, while also saving costs.
Sun Xiaomin strongly objected, advocating for genuine service, but Ahua dismissed her concerns as "old-fashioned" and ignorant of business practices. Lin Weidong intervened, smoothing things over by suggesting Ahua rest. Later, Sun Xiaomin voiced her misgivings about Ahua's integrity, but Lin Weidong, trusting Xiaoli's high praise for Ahua's exceptional skills and popularity, convinced her to give him a chance, acknowledging their own limited understanding of the salon business.
In other developments, Gangzi observed other factory workers taking materials home for basket weaving. He successfully requested permission from the factory director for his wife, Chunhua, to do the same, bringing home materials and samples for her to start. Meanwhile, Sun Xiaomin drafted an article detailing the various challenges faced by night market vendors, from poor sanitation and fire hazards to inadequate facilities and arbitrary management. She asked Lin Weimin for help in publishing it.
While Lin Weimin initially expressed doubts about its publishability, he ultimately agreed to ensure its publication. He then tried to confess his feelings to Sun Xiaomin, highlighting his current financial success and influence at the magazine, suggesting she leave Lin Weidong and let him care for her. Sun Xiaomin, however, gently informed him that she and Lin Weidong were already together, a revelation Lin Weimin accepted with a simple acknowledgment. Sun Xiaomin's article was swiftly published, garnering significant attention.
In response, city government leaders convened a meeting with relevant departments, specifically addressing the issues raised in the article about Xidan Night Market. The meeting acknowledged the flourishing individual economy since the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee and the government's responsibility to support, rather than merely manage, the self-employed, admitting their shortcomings in addressing the workers' daily difficulties.
