The tenth episode of A Hundred Memories commences with the news of Gi-bok's disappearance, casting a shadow over the Han household. The news reaches Yeong-rye and Jong-hui, who rush to the scene with a sense of urgency. While Jong-hui hesitates on the threshold, she decides to take a detour to the baseball cages, urging Yeong-sik to accompany her. She teases him about his supposed infatuation, but he quickly dismisses her jests, reassuring her that he doesn't look at her in that way. He reminds her of the importance of honesty and the myriad of changes that can occur in seven years. Jong-hui hints at a potential confrontation with Yeong-rye, but Yeong-sik interjects, hoping they avoid it lest he finds himself taking her side.
Back at the Han household, Yeong-rye opens up to Jae-pil about Gi-bok's confession regarding the embarrassment and his departure from the hospital. Jae-pil scoffs at the notion, wondering why his father would care so much. Man-ok then shares a poignant revelation, admitting that Gi-bok and Jae-pil's mother, Eun-hye, were in love. He truly loved her, and Man-ok knows this because she was his secretary at the time. However, Eun-hye was forced into an arranged marriage without love and couldn't open her heart to Jae-pil's father. She drowned in alcoholism and depression. Gi-bok was trying to save his mother, even if it meant being forceful in his approach.
Yeong-rye realizes that this is where Gi-bok has gone – to her grave. Jae-pil arrives, sobbing as he apologizes to his father. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Jong-hui decides to make her move. She shows up with sandwiches as a token of gratitude for her care during her stay and essentially announces herself as Jae-pil's girlfriend, though he quickly corrects her on the matter. Despite this, her bold gesture reveals a newfound confidence in their relationship.
As the Chairwoman delved deeper into the mysteries surrounding Yeong-rye, she uncovered her employment at the salon. She arrived unannounced, specifically requesting Yeong-rye for her hair styling service. Nervous under the spotlight, Yeong-rye inadvertently burned the Chairwoman's hand with the curling iron. Despite her efforts to explain the intricacies of hair styling and the client's supposed immobility during the process, the Chairwoman was unswayed, and Yeong-rye found herself on the receiving end of a dismissal notice.
Hearing of this predicament, Jae-pil hastened to the salon but arrived too late; Jong-hyeon had already beaten him to it. On their drive, Jong-hyeon showed off his office and even offered Yeong-rye the chance to be his secretary, agreeing to be lenient and allow her to study while working. However, Yeong-rye declined the offer and instead agreed to have dinner with him that night. During their meal, Jong-hyeon's mother appeared, and he was honest with her, admitting in front of Yeong-rye that he liked her but that it was one-sided for now. The dinner ended awkwardly, and Yeong-rye opted to take the bus home. Jong-hyeon, not seeking an immediate answer, merely urged her to think it over.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kim did some mathematical detective work and realized that little Su-jin was his daughter. He confronted Jeong-bun about it and demanded the truth. As Yeong-rye made her way home, Jae-pil appeared and the two of them headed out for a hearty bowl of noodles together. The vibe was entirely different from Jong-hyeon's dinner, with a warmth and friendliness that filled the air.
The following day, Yeong-rye sets out with renewed determination to secure another job opportunity. She effortlessly passes her interview and is set to commence her new role as a designer at Michelle the next day. It turns out that being fired was indeed a blessing in disguise! Her new position comes with an additional pay packet, and she's now poised to excel as a designer.
That evening, the atmosphere is charged as Jae-pil and Jong-hyeon find themselves imbibing together. Jae-pil confronts Jae-pil, urging him to choose his path or face the consequences of "flooring it" and jumping into Yeong-rye's life. He keeps his knowledge of the hug a secret, protecting Yeong-rye's feelings.
Yeong-rye arrives at work with a mixture of nervousness and excitement, only to be immediately dispatched on her first day's fieldwork to Dongincheon. The other workers are less than thrilled, but Yeong-rye ends up missing the bus. She naturally reaches out to her mother, and Jong-hyeon jumps at the chance to offer her a ride.
To further complicate matters, Jong-hui's brother is released from prison. As he departs, the stylist from the old salon approaches Jong-hui with a proposition to become Miss Korea for them. The Chairwoman is firm in her rejection, telling her that Jong-hui already has a predetermined path, which includes taking over the family business.
After dinner, Jong-hui learns that the Chairwoman had deliberately gotten Yeong-rye fired. However, Yeong-rye is ascending in her career and even gets the chance to model for the company when the Director praises her hair.
In the taxi, Jae-pil listens to the radio reading a letter from one of their listeners. To his surprise, it's Yeong-rye sharing her first love and how Jae-pil has always been by her side. The truth is that Yeong-rye has been quietly by his side too, helping him through his toughest moments with his father.
That night, as Yeong-rye opens her hotel door, she finds Jae-pil waiting for her. They head down to the beach together, and Jae-pil makes a decision to move beyond friendship since he has feelings for her. He leans forward and kisses her, sealing their connection in a moment of pure emotion.
