Northwards Episode 34 Recap
> Northwards Recap
Xie Wanghe sat despondently in an empty room, unable to comprehend Xia Fenghua's abrupt departure. He Tianming’s wife entered, distraught, and apologized to Xie Wanghe, admitting she never intended for him to lose his job or face so much criticism. She explained that after Tianming passed, leaving her and her children vulnerable, she felt she had no choice but to contact the media.
She also mentioned that Bee had sent someone to meet them, offering to help with their mortgage, and she tried to return the money Xie Wanghe gave her, saying, "Who committed the crime should pay the price. I can't bear to take your card." Xie Wanghe insisted she keep it for her children's education. He Tianming's wife then revealed a crucial detail: she was approached by Yuntu with 300,000 yuan to cause a disturbance at Bee and tarnish their reputation.
Xia Fenghua found out and, when He Tianming's wife refused to return the money, Xia Fenghua paid her 300,000 yuan of her own money, asking her not to tell anyone. He Tianming's wife believes this financial strain is why Xia Fenghua eventually sold the parcel delivery station. She also noted how Xia Fenghua left abruptly after a meeting, without a word, leaving everyone frustrated.
After He Tianming’s wife tearfully departed, Xie Wanghe inadvertently discovered a sheet of tumor medication hidden under Xia Fenghua's mattress. He realized with a pang that "she's been sick for quite a while" and likely "arranging the affairs before death," even transferring her parcel delivery station. He chastised himself, "She told me it was anemia, and I believed her. How could I be so dumb?"
Overwhelmed with worry and heartache, Xie Wanghe was then approached by Zhou Haikuo, who suggested, "Should we go back too?" Xie Wanghe, however, firmly stated his priority: "I need to finish He's funeral arrangements first. I gotta ensure they receive the compensation. Otherwise, Fenghua would also be worried." Zhou Haikuo, feeling exhausted, decided to return to Flower Street alone, remarking, "All of you are deserters, leaving me here alone." Xie Wanghe admitted, "Yes, I am.
I'm dead tired," but added determinedly, "But I don't want to lose. We should get back up from wherever we fell." Before Zhou Haikuo left, Xie Wanghe implored him, "Let's not tell anyone about Fenghua's situation for now. Go back and check on her condition. If it's not good, I'll head back immediately. I'll force her to come to Beijing for treatment no matter what."
During breakfast, Shao Bingyi pressed Shao Xingchi about his future plans, as Shao Xingchi hadn't sought employment since his return. Shao Bingyi scolded him, asking if he plans to "keep idling about," suggesting he "learn a trade" like carpentry or masonry, or even driving from Xie Wanghe's father, to avoid "messing around in society." Shao Xingchi, frustrated, declared he was full and left. Zhou Yanlin, noticing Shao Xingchi skipped his meal, prepared a bowl of Yang Chun Noodles for him.
The nostalgic flavor comforted Shao Xingchi, who praised the noodles, saying those he made in Beijing "were nowhere near as good as yours." Zhou Yanlin explained the "secret recipe" involves meticulous details, a secret he hasn't even shared with Haikuo.
Shao Xingchi then opened up about Zhou Haikuo, recalling how Haikuo, feeling mistreated at work in Beijing, once got drunk and declared he wanted to "swim back to the Flower Street," believing that back home, by his father's side, "Even if I fail, I'm still a treasure." Shao Xingchi expressed his conviction that Haikuo will eventually return, noting, "Wanghe is like a shark. He thrives in big cities. Haikuo and I are like freshwater fish.
Only on the Flower Street, by the canal, do we feel like ourselves." Zhou Haikuo met his mother, Luo Zhimei, who told him he "should feel lucky" about his breakup with such a "materialistic girl," as it's "much better than getting married and then divorcing." Luo Zhimei admitted she "didn't like her" initially but remained silent because they were together. Zhou Haikuo confronted her, questioning, "You're my mother. My real mother.
You didn't even tell me when you thought I had chosen the wrong girlfriend." He asked if she has found a suitable partner over the years, noting his father's unwavering refusal to date anyone new. Luo Zhimei dismissed his father's loyalty, telling Zhou Haikuo not to "take it out on me." She then passionately argued, "Who says people must live in perfect harmony? Can't there be other choices?
And who says women can only stay at home to support their husbands, raise children, and stick to old clichés for their whole lives?" She proudly declared she has "never regretted my choices" and hopes Zhou Haikuo can live bravely for himself. Tired of her "lectures," Zhou Haikuo revealed his deeper pain, confessing he's "not as mature as you think" and wished she had considered his and his father's feelings.
He lamented their family is "always missing one member" and he didn't "dare to mention you to Wanghe and others because I'm afraid it'll occur to them that I have a mom." He pleaded for her to "fulfill your duty as a mother, and, like other moms, remember that you have a son now and then," contrasting her with his father's devoted care during his illness. He concluded by saying all he needed "is just a mom."
He then informed her of his decision to return to Flower Street. Xia Fenghua arrived back in Flower Street with her luggage. She encountered Shao Xingchi outside By the Canal, who was surprised to see her. She confirmed, "I came back alone this time," and when asked if she’s staying for good, she replied, "Can't I also be a deserter like you?" before affirming she will not leave again. Shao Xingchi happily welcomed her home.
She expressed her joy at being back, enjoying the "familiar aroma of food every day again." Shao Xingchi asked if she informed Xie Wanghe of her return, to which she replied, "Nope. If I told him, he definitely wouldn't let me return. I snuck back myself." She reassured Shao Xingchi, who was worried about Xie Wanghe's mental state after the incident, that Xie Wanghe is "really tough" and "no setback in this world can take him down."
Xia Fenghua then offered Shao Xingchi a job, saying, "Why not come work with me?" but he politely declined, explaining, "I'm just reluctant to work for you. It would turn our relationship into a boss-employee one." He then asked her to cook him several dishes. Liang Haihong, restless with worry over her son, suggested to Xie Tiancheng they travel to Beijing, fearing Xie Wanghe "can't pull through."
Xie Tiancheng remained calm, stating that whether Xie Wanghe is guilty or innocent, this experience is a necessary part of growth. He believed that "Taking a fall like this at his age is actually a blessing. He's still got the strength to get back up. Anyway, I have confidence in our son." Meanwhile, online public opinion was harsh, with many commenting on news about Xie Wanghe, calling him a "scapegoat" and doubting his integrity.
Undeterred, Xie Wanghe drafted and posted a heartfelt message on Weibo, representing himself to "online food delivery platforms represented by Bee." He advocated for optimizing systems with flexible time and special treatment for riders during emergencies, ensuring safety with "smart food pickup lockers" in difficult access areas, and providing "humanitarian care" with insurance, medical assistance, and educational support for families.
He urged companies to "take this incident as a serious lesson and not repeat the same mistakes in pursuit of excessive profits." This post quickly gained widespread attention and support from the public. On his last day at Bee, Xie Wanghe presented Meng Wei with a comprehensive strategic plan and marketing ideas for the coming years. Meng Wei praised the plan as "well written," acknowledging that Xie Wanghe's public relations approach had won over public opinion.
He also shared that the company's legal team is developing similar compensation and training programs, emphasizing the need for strict implementation. As Xie Wanghe packed his personal belongings, Qiu Lin, Mr. Song's brother-in-law, subjected him to a demeaning inspection, making snide remarks about his "Best Service Star" award and telling him to "get lost."
Qiu Lin then confirmed to his brother-in-law that he let Xie Wanghe go, explaining, "If you don't kill the snake when you strike, you'll surely suffer from it later. If he continues to work in this industry, I'll never feel at ease." Later, Jiang Ping from Yuntu approached Xie Wanghe, offering him a lucrative position and praising his talents. Jiang Ping stated, "Given your personality, you fit in way better with our Yuntu," likening Xie Wanghe to a "wolf."
Xie Wanghe, however, was unmoved by the generous offer. Instead, he directly questioned Jiang Ping about "the mole in Bee," citing Yuntu's consistent ability to preempt Bee's strategies. Jiang Ping dismissed the idea, suggesting "great minds think alike" or that Xie Wanghe "watched too many Hong Kong movies."
Xie Wanghe declared he suspected his recent misfortunes were orchestrated by this mole and refused to join Yuntu until the truth is revealed, to avoid being mistaken for the mole himself, before leaving the meeting. Meng Wei summoned Mr. Song, expressing relief that the previous crisis had passed and feigning remorse for "sacrificing" Xie Wanghe.
He then revealed Xie Wanghe's meticulously detailed strategic plan and marketing ideas, stating that by "strictly follow this plan, defeating Yuntu is just a matter of time." He instructed Song to copy the report quickly and maintain strict secrecy. Mr. Song, along with Qiu Lin (whom he introduced as his brother-in-law), then secretly met with Jiang Ping.
Jiang Ping, taking Xie Wanghe's earlier warning seriously, advised them to cease all electronic communication, "clear out all those clues as soon as possible," and only meet "face to face" for urgent matters, reminding them, "any electronic message will leave a trace." Reassured, Song then handed Jiang Ping a paper copy of Bee's strategic plan, emphasizing Meng Wei's high regard for it.
As they toasted to their "successful cooperation," Meng Wei suddenly burst into the room with reporters and his staff, exposing the betrayal. He confronted Song and Qiu Lin, lambasting them for their actions, which he called unforgivable despite his past tolerance for their minor transgressions due to their seniority. Later, Meng Wei confirmed to Xie Wanghe that his suspicions about a mole were correct, explaining how he trapped Song by predicting his greedy habits.
Meng Wei clarified that revealing the commercial secret leak now would jeopardize both companies' IPOs. Instead, using previously gathered evidence of "embezzlement and tax evasion," he planned for Song and Qiu Lin to "end up behind bars for life." With the internal threat neutralized, Meng Wei offered Xie Wanghe a promotion to regional director for the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai region, encouraging him to "enjoy the fruits of victory."
Xie Wanghe, however, requested an immediate leave of absence due to an urgent family matter, but Meng Wei rejected it, insisting that Xie Wanghe "can't be distracted now" with the company's impending IPO, as his absence would negate his immense contributions. Left with no other option, Xie Wanghe sat alone on a balcony, drinking.
