The climactic standoff outside the hospital commences in Episode 9 of A Hundred Memories, with Yeong-rye surprised to find Jae-pil and Jong-hui united under the same sky. Her sudden jitters manifest in hiccups, a silent testament to the emotional turbulence brewing beneath. Jong-hyeon, ever the peacemaker, strives to defuse the tension, but the affection that has blossomed between Jae-pil and Yeong-rye over the years is a force to be reckoned with.
The Chairwoman, not to be outdone by the familial drama, rushes to the hospital upon hearing of Jong-hui's fall from grace on her horse. This unexpected arrival serves as the catalyst for the gang's retreat, though Jong-hui's return has stirred up a hornet's nest of emotions, particularly within Jae-pil, who doubles as Jong-hui's personal physician.
Jong-hyeon, meanwhile, sets out to have a heart-to-heart with Yeong-sik over a drink. As they sit, he metaphorically dips his toes into the stormy waters ahead, sensing an impending storm but unable to pinpoint its source or timing. Despite his best efforts to woo Yeong-rye, driving her to work to avoid tardiness and even bestowing the compliment of her beauty upon her (which she brushes off with a shrug), he can't shake the sense of unease that looms over their interaction.
At the hospital, Jae-pil provides Jong-hui with a warm breakfast and accompanies her outside for some fresh air. As they reminisce about the past and touch on their breakup, Jae-pil probes her for reasons behind their decision to part ways, only to receive a vague "I don't know" in response. In turn, Jong-hui inquires about Yeong-rye, swiftly reiterating their "just friends" status. However, these "good friends" surprise Yeong-rye that night after work with a barbecue outing. Unfortunately for Jong-hui, his penchant for spicy food results in hilarity that would make even the most seasoned comedian blush.
As this comedic interlude unfolds, Mr. Kim makes an appearance, attempting to gift his daughter money. It turns out he knows who she is—but Jeong-bun is having none of it. She warns him off, a task that is only completed when Sang-cheol shows up and claims to be Jeong-bun's boyfriend, effectively putting an end to Mr. Kim's meddling once and for all.
Jong-hui settles back into her old routine despite this flurry of activity. Unfortunately for her, the Chairwoman has been keeping tabs on her movements. She learns of Jong-hui's exploits, including her frequent visits to the restaurant and reunion with her old friends, setting the stage for a new round of familial intrigue and unspoken rivalries in A Hundred Memories.
That evening, the woman's discontentment spilled over as she lashed out at Jong-hui. Standing up for herself, Jong-hui explained that she was lonely and that the ghosts from her past were an integral part of her life. At the hospital, Gi-bok found himself in an awkward position when he overheard a couple of nurses gossiping about him. It turned out that Jae-pil had worked tirelessly to keep Gi-bok in the hospital longer than the officials had intended, but unfortunately, Gi-bok had been brusque and unappreciative throughout.
Jae-pil's mind was preoccupied with Yeong-rye as the rain lashed down outside. Deciding to head over to the salon with an umbrella, he found Jong-hui drenched after her confrontation with the Chairwoman. Despite his obvious care for Yeong-rye, he was not the only one. Jong-hyeon also offered to take them out for dinner, but she continued to refuse and cancel on him. However, this did not deter the persistent Jong-hyeon, who drove her up to the hospital. As they showed, Jong-hyeon noticed Jong-hui and Jae-pil hugging and decided to protect Yeong-rye from seeing this, taking her out for coffee nearby instead.
Meanwhile, Jong-hui sat with Jae-pil and admitted that she was jealous of Yeong-rye. She knew that the girl effortlessly shone and had many people who loved her. Jae-pil retorted back that everyone had their own sparkle and hoped that Jong-hui would find hers again like in the old days.
Back in the hospital, Gi-bok sits in contemplation as Yeong-rye skillfully shears his locks. He muses aloud about being a burden, believing Jae-pil's actions stem from a son's duty. As Yeong-rye turns the corner outside the room, she catches a glimpse of Jong-hui, drenched and vulnerable, with Jae-pil tending to her cheek wound. The scene is awkward, to say the least.
That night, as they part ways, Yeong-rye is distant with Jae-pil, her jealousy simmering beneath the surface. Seeing them together has stirred feelings she had not anticipated. She decides not to take the bus and rushes off, while Jong-hui heads home, apologetic for her emotional outburst. The Chairwoman, on the other hand, uses guilt to her advantage, explaining how she cannot function without Jong-hui.
The next day, Gi-bok packs his belongings and decides to leave the ward, despite his frail health. His stubbornness causes friction in his home life. In stark contrast stands Mr. No, whose life is a testament to squalor. His back, never fully healed from the stabbing, his constant drinking, and manual labor only worsen his condition. Mr. No's resentment towards Jong-hui has grown exponentially since the incident, and he curses her name while looking at an old photo of the Cheong-A attendants.
Meanwhile, Jong-hui and Yeong-rye embark on a nostalgic stroll, talking about the old times. Jong-hui declares her intention to live for herself and not shy away from her past. Despite her mother's disapproval, she is determined to try and live for herself. As they sit together, Jong-hui admits that Jae-pil is her first love and she wants to give their relationship another chance. Yeong-rye is heartbroken, especially when her friend asks for her help in reuniting them.
Eventually, Yeong-rye confesses that Jae-pil is also her first love. She reveals the truth about how she held back in the past, letting Jong-hui take the lead out of fear of destroying their friendship. However, now she is being honest and does not want to help Jong-hui rekindle her romance with Jae-pil.
