The Bond Episode 9 Recap
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Qiao Yicheng chastised Qiao Simei for being picky about her new job at the book bindery. He reminded her that with only a middle school diploma and no special skills, she was fortunate to have this position, which he and Aunt Wu helped secure through a friend of their late mother. Simei complained that the workshop was full of old ladies and she wouldn't have anyone to talk to.
Qiao Yicheng retorted, asking if she was going to work or to chat, adding that she would also get old someday. Simei declared that everyone looked down on her, but she would find an impressive job one day that would shock them all, a dream Qiao Yicheng dismissed as too early. Simei insisted her life was full of dreams. Later, Qiao Simei observed that Qiao Yicheng was still ignoring Qiao Erqiang.
Meanwhile, Qi Weimin and Chang Xingyu met, discovering they both got into the same university for graduate studies, Qi Weimin in the News Department and Chang Xingyu in the Chinese Department. At the book bindery, the older women gossiped about a neighbor's daughter whose son-in-law was supposedly ugly but a wealthy manager, contrasting it with another who married a pauper.
When one woman declared that being ugly was a crime, Qiao Simei chimed in, agreeing that while other mistakes could be corrected, ugliness could not. Another woman suggested plastic surgery could fix ugliness. Simei then defended Qiao Yicheng, highlighting his academic achievements rather than his appearance, but hesitated when asked about Qiao Erqiang. Later, Qiao Zuwang complained about his former factory being sold to foreigners, calling it a betrayal. He then berated his children for relying on him.
He asked Qiao Yicheng about his job after graduation. Qiao Yicheng revealed he hadn't taken the assigned position but had passed an exam to join the Nanking TV news station, starting tomorrow. Qiao Simei was thrilled, hoping to see celebrities. Qiao Zuwang, though feigning disinterest, was visibly pleased. Qiao Erqiang approached Qiao Yicheng to give him money for living expenses, reassuring his older brother that his relationship with Ma Suqin was "honest" and he had done nothing wrong.
Qiao Yicheng, attributing this attachment to an Oedipus complex due to their mother's early death, told him to forget the past. Qiao Erqiang, however, rejected the term and simply stated he liked Ma Suqin's appearance, praising her as a good woman who treated him well and taught him many things. Qiao Zuwang proudly shared the news of Qiao Yicheng joining the TV station with his neighbors, who expressed admiration for the family's good fortune.
Qiao Sanli and Wang Yiding presented Qiao Yicheng with a new suit as a gift, which Qiao Yicheng initially refused due to its cost, but Sanli insisted it was essential for a reporter. Qiao Erqiang contributed a tie and shoes, chosen with Sanli's help. Qiao Simei, unable to afford a gift, promised Qiao Yicheng that she had already rallied all the older women at her factory to watch his news reports, even if they typically didn't.
Qiao Yicheng tried on the new suit. In 1990, Qiao Yicheng officially commenced his career as a journalist, driven by a sense of responsibility to capture the era's vibrant pulse. His first day was not without challenges, including being denied entry to an elevator due to weight restrictions and stepping into white paint. During the new employee orientation, a leader emphasized the historical mission and profound responsibility of journalists.
Qiao Yicheng, having achieved the highest score among the new recruits, was selected along with Song Qingyuan, who had previous photography experience, to go on an assignment. Their supervisor, Teacher Gao, instructed Song Qingyuan to film while Qiao Yicheng's primary task was to safeguard the equipment. During the assignment, an altercation occurred where someone attempted to seize their camera.
Qiao Yicheng, despite initially appearing slow, proved agile and recovered the equipment, impressing Song Qingyuan, who admitted to liking his "weird and candid attitude." Unbeknownst to Qiao Yicheng, while out reporting, he helped an elderly vegetable vendor who was, in fact, Ma Suqin. Back home, Qiao Zuwang insisted on watching the news, declaring it essential to stay informed, especially about new developments, a trait he claimed Qiao Yicheng inherited from him.
When Qiao Yicheng returned from work, he found Qiao Erqiang drinking outside. Qiao Erqiang explained his boss had treated them to drinks and given them bottles of Yanghe Daqu. Qiao Yicheng sternly warned him about alcohol, comparing him to their father, whose lifelong drinking had made him a failure. Qiao Erqiang, despite having recently lost his job, kept this information to himself, merely acknowledging his brother's words and advising Qiao Yicheng to take care due to his demanding work.
Meanwhile, Ma Suqin, seeing her husband nearby, quickly hid with her son, aided by her neighbor, Sister Xu. Later, Sparrow Eye excitedly informed Qiao Erqiang that Niuye had returned and invited him to Niuye's house. On the way, Sparrow Eye inquired if Wang Yiding was Qiao Sanli's official boyfriend, seemingly relieved when Qiao Erqiang stated it wasn't official, implying continued interest in Sanli. At Niuye's, Sparrow Eye highlighted Qiao Erqiang's recent romantic involvement with an older, experienced woman.
Niuye, accepting of Qiao Erqiang's happiness, asked about his employment. Qiao Erqiang admitted he had just lost his job. Sparrow Eye then suggested that Niuye involve Qiao Erqiang in his new business. Niuye initially hesitated, recalling Qiao Yicheng's past disapproval of Qiao Erqiang associating with them. Qiao Erqiang clarified that his eldest brother's past concerns were about his studies, and now, despite lacking a middle school diploma, he was capable of physical labor.
Niuye vaguely promised to reveal details of his business in a few days. Sparrow Eye then inquired about his own role, to which Niuye simply responded with an exclamation, indicating some dismissal of the idea. Wang Yiding brought a new refrigerator to the Qiao family, explaining that his mother had also bought one, and they received a discount for purchasing two. Qiao Simei immediately seized the opportunity to ask Wang Yiding if ceiling fans were on sale.
Later, Qiao Yicheng, noticing Qiao Sanli's hesitation, asked if she and Wang Yiding had "settled down." Sanli admitted they hadn't. Qiao Yicheng praised Wang Yiding as a reliable and honest man whose affection for Sanli was obvious to everyone, even their father. He urged Sanli to clarify their relationship, stating that "cutting losses in time is better than always being ambiguous." Sanli, visibly flustered, insisted she didn't dislike Wang Yiding but felt an inexplicable "awkwardness" in her heart.
Qiao Yicheng advised her to trust her feelings and consider being more proactive. After dinner, Qiao Zuwang, declaring he had "something to do," left to play mahjong with friends, including Old Xu. He remarked that he missed playing with them and dismissed Li Heman as someone who had done "too many bad things." On a news assignment at the Nanking Literature Arts Award ceremony, Qiao Yicheng and Song Qingyuan encountered a female reporter who repeatedly obstructed their camera.
Song Qingyuan was visibly irritated, but Qiao Yicheng advised him to be patient with a young woman. After the event, Qiao Yicheng discovered their microphone cover, bearing the station's logo, was missing—a "serious accident" if lost. He retraced his steps and found the female reporter, Ye Xiaolang, holding it. She admitted she had found it and was holding onto it. Qiao Yicheng thanked her profusely.
Ye Xiaolang, revealing she was from a newspaper and had once applied to the TV station herself, playfully suggested he treat her to a meal as thanks. Qiao Yicheng readily agreed and gave her his name and contact details, mentioning his department at the Nanking TV news station. She then joked that the station "had no eyes" for not hiring her.
Qiao Simei excitedly informed Qiao Sanli that Aunt Wu's son, despite his prestigious job at the power supply bureau, was getting a divorce. Qiao Yicheng overheard and admonished Simei for gossiping, urging her to read more instead of engaging in neighborhood chatter. Simei defended herself, saying she couldn't avoid hearing things but promised not to spread rumors, as Aunt Wu was sensitive about her reputation.
On the Double Ninth Festival, Qiao Zuwang gathered his children, announcing that since they were all adults with jobs and he was now furloughed with dwindling savings, it was their turn to support him. When Qiao Simei protested her meager salary, Qiao Yicheng impatiently demanded a specific amount. Qiao Zuwang, assuming Qiao Yicheng earned a high salary at the TV station, requested 150 yuan from him as the eldest.
Qiao Yicheng clarified he was still an intern and did not earn that much, but Qiao Zuwang dismissed this, citing the TV station's perceived wealth. Qiao Yicheng then allocated fixed contributions: Qiao Erqiang, whom he believed was still working at the restaurant, 20 yuan; Qiao Sanli 30 yuan; Qiao Simei 20 yuan; and Qiao Yicheng himself 80 yuan, totaling 150 yuan.
He then ended the discussion, announcing he had to leave for an afternoon interview and evening work at the station. Separately, Niuye opened his new venture, the "Niuye Boutique," selling imported music from artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson. He introduced Qiao Erqiang as the delivery man and Sparrow Eye as a shop assistant, instructing them to quickly handle deliveries, organize clothes, and be watchful due to the bustling neighborhood, assuring them fair pay.
Qiao Yicheng invited Ye Xiaolang to dinner as promised, bringing Song Qingyuan along. Ye Xiaolang apologized, admitting she had intentionally taken the mic cover. She explained that Song Qingyuan's earlier comment about how "it is hard for a woman to be a news reporter" had made her feel belittled and that he had also disrespected other hardworking professionals in their field.
Song Qingyuan, brushing it off as a "friendly prank," then proceeded to order a lavish spread of expensive dishes, including steamed pork, crispy fried crab, sea cucumber, squirrel fish, Chinese perch, stewed chicken, Nanjing salted duck, duck pancreas and chicken breast stir-fry, and crab roe tofu.
As the bill for 170 yuan arrived, Qiao Yicheng discreetly tried to pay, but Ye Xiaolang quickly intervened, insisting that she pay, asserting that by preventing her, he would be looking down on her as a woman, especially since she had offered to treat them.
