The Bond Episode 23 Recap
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At the skating rink, Qiao Erqiang and Ma Suqin were enjoying themselves. Ma Suqin teased Qiao Erqiang about his awkward skating, remarking he still looked like it was his first time. Qiao Erqiang then confronted a friend, asking if he was the one who had exaggerated and slandered them to Ma Suqin's husband years ago. The friend admitted to it, apologizing and blaming his youth and quick tongue.
Later, as they continued to skate, Qiao Erqiang helped Ma Suqin up after she fell, to which she playfully reminded him she was over eight years older. Qiao Erqiang, however, confessed that he didn't see her as old, but rather respected and loved her. Outside the rink, Sun Xiaomo was shouting and banging on the glass. She accused Qiao Erqiang of being "mother-obsessed" and pursuing an older woman.
Qiao Erqiang tried to defend Ma Suqin and his late mother, explaining that Ma Suqin was merely his former master at the factory who had taught him many things. Sun Xiaomo twisted their relationship, claiming their public displays were signs of a "nasty" affair and insinuating Ma Suqin was pregnant with his child. Despite Qiao Erqiang taking all the blame and trying to calm her, Sun Xiaomo became even more agitated, demanding a divorce.
When Qiao Erqiang finally agreed, Ma Suqin slapped him. Sun Xiaomo, in turn, called them both disgusting and shameless. This distressing scene left a lasting mark on her young son, Zhiyong, who witnessed it. Meanwhile, Qiao Zuwang visited his old factory, only to discover it had long been shut down and replaced. Early that morning, Qiao Yicheng received a call from Qiao Simei, excitedly informing him that she and Qi Chenggang had returned.
She mentioned Qiao Yicheng was treating them to dinner at Jinling Restaurant, with Qiao Erqiang and Qiao Sanli also invited, adding that her eldest brother always doted on her. Shortly after, Qiao Zuwang called Qiao Yicheng, insisting he bring his siblings home for lunch. Qiao Yicheng, however, refused, stating he already had plans. Feeling neglected, Qiao Zuwang then staged a suicide attempt with a rope, ensuring Aunt Wu would see him.
Qiao Yicheng later received a second call, which he initially mistook for Qiao Zuwang's, expressing his frustration about being busy, before realizing it was Song Qingyuan. At the dinner, only Qiao Yicheng, Qiao Simei, and Qi Chenggang were present, as Qiao Yicheng had told the others not to come. Qiao Yicheng spoke with a sarcastic tone, implicitly criticizing Qi Chenggang.
When Qi Chenggang defended Qiao Simei, Qiao Yicheng threw water on him and exposed that Qi Chenggang had been expelled from the army due to "misconduct." Qiao Simei was visibly shocked for a moment but quickly composed herself, claiming she already knew. Qiao Yicheng then left, calling Qiao Simei shameless for standing by Qi Chenggang. After he departed, Qiao Simei slapped Qi Chenggang before leaving herself.
Aunt Wu summoned the children back to their old home, where Qiao Zuwang was threatening to hang himself. He explained his old factory was gone and he worried about his future without a pension. Qiao Yicheng quickly realized his father was only interested in money. Qiao Zuwang then demanded 2,000 yuan a month, justifying the amount by detailing each child’s financial situation.
Qiao Yicheng countered with 900 yuan (200 each from Qiao Erqiang, Qiao Sanli, Qiao Simei, and 300 from himself). Still unsatisfied, Qiao Zuwang also demanded 200 yuan a month in rent from Qi Chenggang. Qiao Yicheng sternly warned Qiao Zuwang not to gamble the money away, stating that if he did, they wouldn't provide any more, and anyone who secretly paid his gambling debts would be solely responsible for his future expenses.
Qiao Zuwang also tried to get money from Qiao Qiqi, but his attempt was met with indifference from everyone. Back at the house, Qiao Simei retreated to her room after Qi Chenggang arrived. She told Qiao Yicheng that she would not look back or question Qi Chenggang about what happened, choosing instead to trust him. She explained that romance novels were unrealistic and that finding someone you love and marrying them was truly difficult.
Qiao Yicheng warned her that if things went wrong, he would not pity her. Despite this, she still asked for his blessing, but he remained silent. Meanwhile, Qiao Erqiang was resolute about divorcing Sun Xiaomo. Despite her mother's fury, Qiao Erqiang left his watch and the clothes Sun Xiaomo had given him, departing their home. Qiao Zuwang vehemently opposed Qiao Erqiang’s relationship with Ma Suqin, swearing she would never enter their house and calling Qiao Erqiang shameless.
Qiao Erqiang, however, declared he wanted to live for himself for once and felt no shame. Qiao Yicheng offered Qiao Erqiang a place to stay, but Qiao Erqiang insisted on remaining in their childhood home, offering to pay rent and utilities, just as Qiao Simei did. During this family argument, Qi Weimin and Chang Xinyu arrived with wedding gifts for Qiao Simei, including a large color TV, a cabinet, a dressing table, and a fabric sofa.
Qiao Zuwang tried to claim the new television for the living room, but Qiao Simei firmly asserted it was her wedding gift. Not long after, Qiao Qiqi and Yang Lingzi welcomed their daughter. Yang Lingzi, tired and irritable from childbirth, asked for water. Qi Weimin and Chang Xinyu visited, accompanied by Qiao Yicheng, who mentioned that Qiao Sanli was also on the same floor, expecting her baby.
Qiao Yicheng pulled Qi Weimin aside, revealing he had saved money for both Qiao Sanli and Qiao Simei, treating them equally. He clarified that he hadn't given Qiao Simei a dowry because he was upset by her impulsiveness, not out of stinginess. Qiao Yicheng then tried to return the money Qi Weimin had given for Qiao Simei's dowry. Qi Weimin was offended, questioning why Qiao Yicheng would bring up such a long-past matter now, calling it "disgusting."
He insisted he had never wronged Qiao Yicheng or the Qiao family. Chang Xinyu intervened, telling Qiao Yicheng he was in the wrong and affirming their genuine care for both Qiao Simei and Qiao Qiqi. She suggested Qiao Yicheng accept the gift from her instead, which he did. After calming Qi Weimin, they all went to visit Qiao Sanli.
It was only then that Qiao Zuwang learned Yang Lingzi had given birth, making an inappropriate comment about her delivery and the Qiao family's "efficiency." Qiao Sanli gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing seven pounds, two ounces, bringing a sense of relief to Qiao Yicheng. Wang Yiding and Qiao Sanli asked Qiao Yicheng to name their son, and he promptly chose the name Wang Ruoxuan. Meanwhile, Sun Xiaomo's belly began to visibly grow.
Qiao Erqiang found new employment as a chef in a restaurant. Qi Chenggang also secured a job as a second driver with a friend, promising Qiao Simei he would work hard to earn money and treat her well. He fulfilled Qiao Simei's long-held wish to wear a wedding gown and take wedding photos, making her very happy during this period.
In 1997, as Hong Kong returned to China, the Qiao siblings, like many others, were filled with inspiration and continued to push forward, striving for growth and progress in their lives.
