Romance on the Farm Episode 18 Recap
> Romance on the Farm Recap
Shen Nuo successfully sold the wine he received from Black Tiger Fortress, but he kept the details of how he secured the money a secret. He then told Lian Man'er that everything was ready for their new venture and it was time to finalize their menu with some signature dishes for the restaurant. The pair went to town, hoping to secure the shop Lian Man'er had previously eyed, only to find it had already been reserved.
The shop owner explained that despite their prior verbal agreement for a three-day hold, there had been no deposit or contract, and the first-come, first-served rule applied. Desperate to change the owner's mind, Shen Nuo began an elaborate act with Lian Man'er, portraying themselves as tragically engaged cousins. Shen Nuo claimed his cousin, the sole surviving offspring of a four-generation family, yearned to open a tavern to spread her ancestral wine, but a doctor's grim diagnosis made their future uncertain.
Lian Man'er played along, lamenting her ill fate and inability to carry on her family's legacy. Shen Nuo further dramatized their situation, suggesting their departure from the shop might mark their eternal separation, while wistfully recounting his dream of settling by a lake with her. The shop owner, initially moved, revealed he had already accepted a deposit from another buyer and would face triple compensation if he reneged. At that moment, Lian Hua'er and Song Haikun arrived.
Lian Hua'er immediately saw through Shen Nuo's "hopeless lover" act and, after revealing they were the ones who had placed the deposit, took the opportunity to finalize the shop deed with the owner. Feeling embarrassed and used, Lian Man'er abruptly left the scene. Back at the Lian family home, Lian Man'er confided in Thirteen that the shop purchase had fallen through, blaming Shen Nuo for only caring about his own goals and using or deceiving others.
Thirteen, sensing her misunderstanding, revealed Shen Nuo's sacrifice at Black Tiger Fortress. He explained that before leaving Black Tiger Fortress, Shen Nuo had the opportunity to retrieve a crucial registration book, but when he learned the wine belonged to Lian Man'er, he unhesitatingly chose the wine over the valuable evidence, giving it up to Yu Xiangjin. Lian Man'er was shocked, admitting Shen Nuo had never told her about this.
When Shen Nuo returned, he confronted Lian Man'er about her sudden departure from the shop. Overwhelmed by emotion and now understanding the depth of his actions, Lian Man'er asked him why he hadn't told her about trading the registration book for her wine. Then, mirroring his earlier sentiment about living fully in the present, she pulled him into a passionate kiss, deciding to cherish their time together before his inevitable departure.
Lian Shouxin, Lian Man'er's father, learned of the failed shop purchase and suggested that Chunzhu's family had an empty shop in the East Market. Lian Man'er, determined not to be outdone by Lian Hua'er, expressed confidence that she could run a better restaurant, believing that healthy competition would only improve business for both. Upon inspecting Chunzhu's shop, however, they found it in a remote, less-trafficked corner of the East Market.
The initially hired staff quickly abandoned them, citing the previous tenant's failure. Realizing the need for a skilled accountant, Lian Man'er remembered her second uncle, Lian Shouyi's, impressive abacus skills from their family division. She offered him a monthly salary plus commission, which Lian Shouyi found appealing, but he expressed concern about his mother, Grandma Lian, whose temper would not permit him and his wife, Aunt He, to work outside the home.
Shen Nuo, seeing an opportunity, proposed an elaborate scheme to persuade Grandma Lian. Shen Nuo orchestrated a dramatic "act" to trick Grandma Lian into allowing Lian Shouyi to work for them. He enlisted Yu Xiangjin and her associates to pose as bandits, confronting Grandma Lian and claiming Lian Shouyi owed them 100 taels from gambling debts. Yu Xiangjin threatened to take Lian Xiu'er, Lian Man'er's cousin, as a "press-gang wife" to settle the debt.
Terrified for her granddaughter, Grandma Lian chose to push Lian Shouyi forward, offering him to work at Lian Man'er's restaurant to pay off his supposed debt. Lian Shouyi, though scared, was thus compelled to accept the position. After the successful charade, Lian Shouyi happily recounted how Grandma Lian had been "scared to death" and accepted his new role as the restaurant's accountant.
Meanwhile, Thirteen visited Lian Ye'er, who was working late, and praised her improving skills in making rouge and lipstick, suggesting they could be sold as a set. He then discovered a beautifully embroidered money pouch, recognizing it as one she had previously offered him. Lian Ye'er admitted she had embroidered a poem on it and asked if he understood her true feelings. Thirteen, realizing it was a heartfelt gift, confirmed his understanding and expressed his deep appreciation for her.
On the opening day, Lian Hua'er's "Chunhuai Pavilion" was bustling with customers, thanks to its prime location, while Lian Man'er's "One Fresh Move" remained dishearteningly empty in its secluded spot. Lian Shouyi complained about the lack of business and the unlikelihood of keeping his guaranteed salary. Song Haikun, impressed by his restaurant's good start, informed Lian Hua'er that Wu Zhonglian, a prominent figure from the merchant guild, would be visiting the next day.
Lian Hua'er encouraged Song Haikun to seize this opportunity to gain Wu Zhonglian's favor, hoping it would elevate their standing within the influential Song family and open doors for future collaborations with other guild members. Lian Man'er grew increasingly worried about her restaurant's poor performance. Her mother, Zhang Shi, comforted her, reminding her of the old adage that "good wine does not fear deep alleys."
She shared a story about a popular pickle shop in a remote alley, emphasizing that quality food would always attract customers. Zhang Shi then mentioned her plans to visit her parents and pickle a large batch of radishes, as fresh vegetables were scarce in winter. This comment sparked a brilliant idea in Lian Man'er, helping her realize that providing scarce winter vegetables would be her "good wine."
The next morning, she gathered family and villagers to collect fresh vegetables from a hot spring cave, bringing an unprecedented bounty to the town. The sight of fresh produce in winter immediately drew a crowd to "One Fresh Move." With newfound energy, "One Fresh Move" began to flourish.
Lian Ye'er provided complimentary manicures and makeup to female customers, while the restaurant introduced its signature "malatang with hot spring vegetables," advertising its unique use of seasonal produce and offering free delivery for vegetable orders. The innovative approach quickly made the restaurant a sensation. Wu Zhonglian, initially heading to Lian Hua'er's "Chunhuai Pavilion," was drawn by the commotion and long queues at "One Fresh Move." Despite the lack of a private room, he agreed to try their unique offerings.
Impressed by the malatang and realizing that only a knowledgeable person would be aware of such a dish, Wu Zhonglian praised Shen Nuo's ability to thrive in a remote location by attracting customers with fresh produce and retaining them with services like manicures. He promised to visit more often.
Seizing the moment, Shen Nuo introduced himself as Shen Nuo from Shisanli Camp and expressed his strong desire to join Wu Zhonglian's Jinyang Guild, offering to personally deliver choice vegetables and new dishes to Wu Zhonglian's mansion as a sign of his sincerity and eagerness to learn. Wu Zhonglian listened intently, neither accepting nor rejecting the proposition outright.
