Hu Tong Episode 26 Recap
> Hu Tong Recap
So Qian frequently visited the antique markets, displaying his sharp eye for treasures. One day, he discovered a small porcelain bowl at a low price, which he proudly displayed to Tong Xiaoting, boasting that it was an authentic Yuan blue and white piece and that he had secured an incredible bargain from a seller who was worse than himself.
Chunxi, however, was increasingly annoyed by the growing collection of "broken bottles and cans" cluttering their home, complaining that the room couldn't accommodate more and that the items were covered in dirt. So Qian assured her he had "clever plans" and would move his collections out of her way soon. Meanwhile, Gangzi and Chunhua were successfully running the weaving mill, which had experienced a resurgence with a flood of new orders.
Gangzi encouraged the workers, including Erqiangzi, to work hard and put in overtime to meet delivery deadlines, promising them well-deserved bonuses. In another part of the city, Sun Xiaomin, Lin Weidong, Suo Lanqi, and Juanzi were diligently managing their company. Sun Xiaomin praised Juanzi's improved and well-organized reports, proudly telling Lin Weidong that their fourth floor boasted the best business and the fewest customer complaints in the entire building, even earning commendation from Mr. Wang.
Lin Weidong, however, expressed his frustration with Sun Xiaomin's relentless schedule, comparing her constant meetings and shop inspections for the self-employed association to that of an industrial and commercial office director. Sun Xiaomin soon experienced sudden nausea and vomiting, prompting Lin Weidong to take her to the hospital. There, the doctor confirmed she was pregnant. Lin Weidong was ecstatic, overwhelmed with joy at the thought of becoming a father.
When they shared the news with his parents, his mother advised Sun Xiaomin to be extra cautious during the critical first three months of pregnancy and offered to cook her favorite sour or spicy dishes, to which Sun Xiaomin requested spicy. Lin Weidong expressed his wish for a daughter, playfully suggesting that his brother, Lin Weimin, should be responsible for carrying on the family line.
His father, Lin Zheng, agreed with a wry smile, while his mother noted that Lin Weimin changed girlfriends daily, making him an unreliable choice for such a serious task. Indeed, Lin Weimin was later seen at a jewelry store, casually buying a gift for a "friend" and openly flirting with the saleswoman, confirming his mother's observation.
Lin Weidong insisted that Sun Xiaomin remain at home for three months of quiet rest, even offering to handle her resignation from the self-employed association, emphasizing that her health and the baby's well-being were paramount. Li Hongying and Tian Zao supported this, stating that pregnancy was a critical time for women and the baby was more important than anything else.
Tian Zao further explained that the demanding nature of the association's work was too strenuous for Sun Xiaomin's current condition and could jeopardize the pregnancy, also noting that her limited capacity would hinder the association's progress. Despite Sun Xiaomin's frustration about being idle, Tian Zao promised to help her find a suitable and less demanding job once she was past the critical initial months of her pregnancy.
Meanwhile, So Qian shared his ambitious plan with Suo Lanqi and Juanzi: he intended to purchase a two-room, forty-square-meter street-facing property to open an antique shop. He explained that the antique market was booming, especially with the country's economic growth, and believed his collected treasures would significantly appreciate in value when showcased in a proper shop.
So Qian stressed his desire to "buy" the property rather than rent, viewing it as a permanent asset for their family's future and a way to preserve his ancestral "craftsmanship." Suo Lanqi and Juanzi wholeheartedly supported his endeavor, promising full financial backing and toasting to his success. At home, Xiulan reflected on the swift passage of time, marveling that Sun Xiaomin, who Tian Zao had given birth to and she had once cared for, was now expecting her own child.
Uncle Gui expressed his heartfelt wish to see four generations living under one roof. Xiulan then urged Gangzi and Chunhua to start a family, but they cited their overwhelming busyness at the factory as a reason to postpone it. Xiulan lamented that they hadn't had children when they were poor, and now, with newfound wealth, they still hesitated. She also pointed out that Erqiangzi hadn't even found a wife yet, making him feel particularly disheartened.
Gangzi and Chunhua promised to start trying for a baby once their busy period concluded. Gangzi then informed Xiulan that he and Chunhua had found a two-bedroom apartment they intended to buy, planning to move out of the courtyard. Xiulan was happy for their success but couldn't help feeling a pang of sadness about them leaving, asking them to visit often. Throughout this, Erqiangzi remained quiet, visibly affected by his own single status.
So Qian, accompanied by Suo Lanqi, went to negotiate with the homeowner, Old Dong, for the street-facing property. So Qian attempted to lower the price by highlighting perceived flaws in the house, such as its irregular layout, lack of morning sunlight, and the street noise from its back wall. Old Dong, however, shrewdly guessed that So Qian intended to open a shop.
After some negotiation, So Qian, pretending to walk away, finally got Old Dong to agree to sell, on the condition that So Qian would cover all the utility bills for the entire courtyard. They then signed the purchase contract. Next, So Qian and Suo Lanqi consulted Tian Zao, whose office managed the area.
So Qian explained his ambition to open an antique shop, not just for profit but also to preserve his ancestral "skill" and contribute to the nation's burgeoning economy. Suo Lanqi then asked Tian Zao to help them obtain the necessary business license from the industrial and commercial office and approval from the housing management office to convert the back gable into a shop front.
Tian Zao confirmed that other businesses on that street had already done the same under contract with her office, paying monthly management fees, and agreed to help them navigate the process. Soon after, So Qian proudly obtained his business license for "Jubaoxuan," and he and Suo Lanqi immediately began renovations, tearing down the back wall to create the shop front. After finishing renovations on their new apartment, Gangzi and Chunhua prepared to move out of the courtyard.
Chunhua felt sentimental, admitting she couldn't bear to leave their old hut, but Gangzi gently reminded her it was getting late. They said their goodbyes to Tian Zao and other neighbors, promising to visit often. Xiulan and Tian Zao reflected on Gangzi and Chunhua's remarkable journey, marveling at their transformation from poverty to owning a new home in just a few years. Shortly thereafter, Kong Jianguo, known by his stage name Meihe, unexpectedly returned to the courtyard.
Chunxi immediately recognized her brother, and Kong Jianguo promptly knelt before Tong Xiaoting, his adoptive father, seeking forgiveness. However, Tong Xiaoting coldly rejected him, retreating into his room and shutting the door. Chunxi, with So Qian nearby, confronted Kong Jianguo about his past actions. He tearfully confessed to being "confused" and making a "stupid mistake."
He explained that during a Peking Opera tour in the south, where he was a celebrated performer known for playing the concubine in "Farewell My Concubine," he fell deeply in love with a local girl who persistently pursued him. Despite his adoptive father's strong objections, he resigned from the troupe without permission, married her, and moved to Hong Kong to start a business with her grandfather.
Chunxi tearfully rebuked him for the pain he caused, particularly to Tong Xiaoting, revealing that his name had become unspoken in their home. Kong Jianguo expressed deep remorse, stating his return was to make amends, care for his adoptive father in his old age, and provide for his sister and brother-in-law, having amassed significant wealth in Hong Kong. He acknowledged that no amount of money could truly compensate for the harm he had caused.
Kong Jianguo presented So Qian with a gift of one hundred thousand US dollars from the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, which So Qian, after a quick calculation, realized amounted to approximately eight hundred thousand RMB. So Qian accepted the money, acknowledging Kong Jianguo's sincerity and reminding him to also honor Chunxi.
Kong Jianguo then revealed his plans to establish a branch office in Beijing, aiming to contribute to the nation's ongoing reform and modernization, and mentioned that his wife, who was managing their business in Hong Kong, would join him later. So Qian offered to help him find a suitable location for his new company, solidifying their familial bond. Despite his wealth and earnest intentions, Kong Jianguo's attempts to reconcile with Tong Xiaoting proved difficult.
Chunxi and So Qian repeatedly pleaded with Tong Xiaoting to forgive his adoptive son, but Tong Xiaoting remained steadfast in his refusal, stating that they "don't have this face" to make him change his mind. Undeterred, Kong Jianguo continued to visit, bringing gifts, but Tong Xiaoting consistently ignored him. So Qian eventually advised Kong Jianguo to abandon his efforts. However, Kong Jianguo refused to give up.
He donned his opera costume and began to sing passionately in the courtyard, drawing an audience of curious neighbors. Tong Xiaoting remained secluded in his room throughout the performance. Kong Jianguo sang for an entire day until, finally, Tong Xiaoting emerged from his room, carrying a chair, a subtle sign of his acknowledgment.
