The Bond Episode 30 Recap
> The Bond Recap
Xiang Nanfang tried her best to comfort Qiao Simei and promised to help her. Qiao Yicheng, however, was worried about the potential negative impact on Nanfang, fearing that others would gossip about her marrying someone with a troubled family, and insisted on handling everything himself. Nanfang was hurt, noting that for a long time in their marriage, Yicheng seemed to unconsciously exclude her from his world and his family's affairs, even when major issues arose.
Yicheng denied this but then sarcastically brought up Nanfang's upcoming temporary work assignment, mentioning Qi Weimin. Nanfang explained that she was not going with Qi Weimin and had hesitated to tell Yicheng because she was afraid he would overthink it, linking it to the failure of his previous marriage due to distance and estrangement. The couple argued, and Nanfang decided to sleep in the guest room to cool down. Qiao Erqiang and Qiao Sanli pooled some money for Qiao Simei.
Erqiang warned Simei to tell Qi Chenggang that the money was a loan that he had to repay. He added that even if they got through this crisis, it didn't mean everything was fine, and if Chenggang ever reoffended, he would break his legs. Simei, head bowed, promised on Chenggang's behalf that he wouldn't.
Qiao Yicheng then handed Simei a bank card, advising her to talk to the Meng family properly, but also to remember they could sue the Meng family for intentional assault. Simei, however, pulled him back, pleading with him to do her one last favor and go talk to them herself, admitting she was too timid and muddle-headed to handle it. Qiao Yicheng went to the guest house where the Meng family was staying.
He confronted Xiaomeng's father, stating that he knew Xiaomeng was never pregnant and that he had proof. Yicheng warned them that since they had taken the money and beaten Chenggang, they should leave and stop causing trouble, or he would call the police. Xiaomeng, still unable to let go of Chenggang, seized an opportunity when her father wasn't looking and ran to the Qiao family home, kneeling and begging Qiao Simei to let her be with Chenggang.
Simei pointed at Chenggang, who was cowering in the corner, and asked Xiaomeng if he was worth it. Xiaomeng insisted she loved him and it was worth it. Qiao Zuwang, unable to listen any further, angrily yelled at Xiaomeng, calling her shameless and a homewrecker. Xiaomeng was eventually dragged away by her father. Xiang Nanfang prepared to leave for her temporary work assignment. She and Qiao Yicheng agreed to have a serious talk when she returned.
As she left, she advised him to take care of his throat with the tea bags she packed. Later, Qiao Simei and Qi Chenggang arranged to meet Qiao Yicheng. Yicheng immediately told Chenggang that he had three years to repay the money the family had lent him, or he would disregard their family connection. Chenggang submissively nodded.
Yicheng, exasperated by Simei's self-deprecating attitude, spoke harshly, telling her he only intervened because of her, and if she insisted on "wallowing in this mud pit," he couldn't help. He reminded her that their mother wouldn't want to see her daughter belittle herself. Yicheng sternly warned them not to get pregnant or cause any more life-threatening, money-losing trouble, stressing that Qiao Erqiang and Qiao Sanli worked hard for their money and she shouldn't drag the entire family down.
He then left abruptly. Qiao Sanli lamented Qiao Simei's stubbornness, but Wang Yiding calmly pointed out that whether something was "worth it" was for Simei to decide, not outsiders; it would only truly be "not worth it" when she herself felt that way. Qiao Yicheng returned home late that night. Auntie Sun, the housekeeper, had left the door open for him and offered him food, which he politely declined. He then took a walk to Qiao Qiqi's internet cafe.
Qiqi shared updates about his mother-in-law's sprained back and his father-in-law investing in his business after selling his factory, admitting he was nervous about running things. Yicheng advised him to consult his colleagues and to always conduct business ethically, especially not allowing children in. Qiqi agreed, admitting he regretted not studying well himself. Yicheng then told Qiqi to visit the Qiao family home when he had time. That year, atypical pneumonia, or SARS, broke out.
Qi Chenggang received a message from Xiaomeng, informing him that she was getting married and asking him to meet her in Chuzhou, questioning if he truly could part with her. Meanwhile, Qiao Sanli brought Qiao Yicheng some Isatis root tea, and Yicheng, in turn, provided masks to the family, including Wang Yiding, whom he earnestly warned about the severity of the virus and the need for strict precautions.
Qi Chenggang told Qiao Simei that his aunt was gravely ill and he needed to go to Wuhu to care for her, emphasizing his filial duty. Simei worriedly saw him off, helping him put on gloves and urging him not to remove his mask. However, as soon as he boarded the bus, Chenggang removed both his mask and gloves.
Back at the Qiao family home, Qiao Yicheng arrived with more Isatis root tea and masks, while Qiao Erqiang was also present. Qiao Sanli returned with disinfectant and vinegar. Qiao Zuwang dismissed the severity of the virus, comparing it to cholera, which he had survived. Shortly after, Qiao Qiqi arrived with a UV light for disinfection, having come to check on everyone due to the "desperate times."
Just as the family gathered, a public health official arrived, announcing that Qi Chenggang was hospitalized for observation and the entire Qiao household was being placed under quarantine. Qiao Zuwang protested being locked up, while Qiao Simei was terrified, fearing the worst for Chenggang. Qiao Sanli tried to reassure her, explaining it was only observation, not a confirmed diagnosis. During the quarantine, Qiao Zuwang and Qiao Yicheng were forced to share a room.
Qiao Qiqi, staying at the Qiao home for the first time, felt a mix of emotions. Qiao Simei lay silently in bed, not eating or sleeping for a day and a night, causing Qiao Sanli immense worry. In the kitchen, Qiao Erqiang and Qiao Qiqi reminisced about Qiqi's infancy, with Erqiang admitting they hadn't cared for him well. Qiqi offered to teach Erqiang how to use a computer for his restaurant, sparking a lighthearted moment between the brothers.
Qiao Zuwang, meanwhile, had asked a neighbor to buy him lottery tickets, promising to treat everyone if he won. To his surprise, he won 600 yuan, much to the family's delight. Late that night, Qiao Yicheng sat alone in the courtyard. Qiao Simei, who Qiao Sanli had given Estazolam to help her sleep, joined him, explaining she had something she could only tell him.
She recalled a childhood fear of their old house's ceiling and praised Wang Yiding for building her a proper one when they married, highlighting his reliability. However, she defended Qi Chenggang, acknowledging his charm but lamenting his restless heart. Simei then made a heartfelt request for Yicheng to take care of Qi Qiaoqiao.
She revealed her resolve to go to the hospital to stay by Chenggang's side, even if it meant facing death, saying she intended to "stand guard over him." She laid out her wishes for Qiaoqiao's future: a basic life, a good education through college, a stable job, and a dependable, honest partner like Yicheng, Erqiang, or Wang Yiding, or even remaining unmarried if suitable. Most importantly, Qiaoqiao must not live a foolish life like Simei herself.
Yicheng, frustrated, pointed out that she "knew" she was being foolish and asked if she intended to continue. Simei simply responded, "You're right." The following day, the quarantine was lifted. Qiao Simei declared her intention to go to the hospital to be with Qi Chenggang, stating she would be there for him whether he recovered or died, even to "collect his body." Her family was shocked and tried to dissuade her, reminding her of Qiao Qiaoqiao.
Qiao Zuwang angrily called Simei a "stupid girl" and "unfilial." Realizing she could not be stopped, Qiao Yicheng agreed to take Qiao Qiaoqiao with him. Simei thanked Yicheng for taking care of her daughter, saying they would discuss everything else later. Qiao Yicheng then suggested they all go out for lunch to celebrate Qiao Zuwang's lottery win, despite Zuwang's attempt to postpone it since Simei was leaving. Simei said her goodbyes, telling them not to worry, and departed for the hospital.
