Episode 11 of "A Virtuous Business" unfolds with Jeong-suk endeavoring to maintain composure, the initials discovered on the clothing upstairs gnawing at her thoughts. This revelation subtly hints at Do-hyeon's unexpected identity as Geum-hui's son. Despite this bombshell, the grand feast proceeds unabated, with Won-bong delivering a heartfelt speech, gratefully acknowledging the presence of every guest. His message of prioritizing health is interspersed with comic relief as Geum-hui gently halts his attempted monologue mid-flow.
An uneasy tension envelops Jeong-suk and Do-hyeon. Jeong-suk, quiet and distant, steadfastly refuses Do-hyeon's overnight stay, despite Min-ho's persuasive attempts. Jeong-suk grapples internally with her conflicting emotions, while Do-hyeon, oblivious to the newly unearthed clue, finds himself back at the starting line of his search for his mother.
Geum-hui embarks on a photo shoot mission for their products, enlisting the assistance of Dae-geun, a former photography student whose eccentricities bring an amusement to the proceedings. As he rolls around capturing shots, his antics amuse the women who spectate, the scene charged with lighthearted humor.
As night descends, Dae-geun welcomes Ju-ri to his abode as planned. She presents a stark transformation, her hair straightened and attire simplified, a disguise meticulously crafted to avoid recognition outdoors—a strategy that proves fruitful. They share whiskey, the mood turning introspective as Dae-geun's passions for photography evoke tears. As inebriation takes hold, he carries Ju-ri indoors, little realizing that their tranquility is destined to be short-lived. Ms. Heo's unexpected return casts a shockwave, as she brandishes a broom and chases them across the lawn, aghast at their unplanned reunion.
In the serene glow of morning light, once Ms. Heo's tempestuous emotions had subsided, she engaged in a frank conversation with Dae-geun and Ju-ri. Armed with a meticulously prepared lease agreement, she issued an ultimatum: unless the couple parted ways, Ju-ri would be evicted from the salon. Dae-geun, driven by conviction, confronted his mother with a resounding declaration. He insisted that his bond with Ju-ri was unique, nurturing his belief that her presence could elevate his life. He vowed not to let his mother, who had never granted him genuine opportunities, shatter what he cherished.
Ms. Heo, however, remained inflexible, and soon the trio found themselves exiled to Geum-hui's abode, with no alternative refuge in sight. Initially hesitant, Won-bong eventually relented, albeit reluctantly. Yet, cohabitation proved tumultuous; Won-bong's patience was continually tested as he struggled to accommodate the pair.
Elsewhere, the bond between Geum-hui and Do-hyeon deepened, their similarities becoming increasingly evident during a lunch gathering that also included Jeong-suk. They shared a penchant for pepper-laden dishes, prompting Geum-hui to warmly invite Jeong-suk to future dining sessions at her home, complete with additional tableware.
Afterward, Jeong-suk delved into Do-hyeon's quest to locate his mother. Having already dismissed Geum-hui due to a timeline mismatch, Jeong-suk was on the verge of giving up. But unable to contain her discovery any longer, she unveiled the embroidered clue that had captivated her attention.
Armed with newfound evidence, Do-hyeon visited Geum-hui, presenting his findings. Her demeanor was defensive, feigning ignorance about his search. Inside, however, Geum-hui was anything but calm; she grappled with a storm of emotions. When Won-bong presented her with a new scarf and meat, radiating joy and affection, Geum-hui found it challenging to reciprocate his happiness, her turmoil concealed beneath a stoic exterior.
That evening, Do-hyeon recounted the events involving Geum-hui to Jeong-suk, his conviction stronger than ever that she was his birth mother. However, the following day brought an awkward atmosphere as the women gathered to review their brochure and distribute it. A noticeable tension hung between Jeong-suk and Geum-hui, with Geum-hui displaying indifference towards any mention of the detective. In fact, she seemed poised to utterly disregard him if they ever crossed paths again.
Nonetheless, Do-hyeon intercepted her and demanded to know why she had deserted him. She confessed to having indulged in reckless relationships during her youth and becoming pregnant unexpectedly. Fearful of societal judgment, she abandoned him.
Geum-hui persisted, urging him to move forward with his life and cease troubling her, as she desired a tranquil existence. Her words were cold and heartless, but they did bring an end to Do-hyeon's search.
Ironically, it was Ju-ri who managed to sway her perspective later that night. If anyone understood the intricacies of being a single mother, it was her. She recounted the initial hardships but emphasized that she had never regretted having her son Dong-u. Raising him had bestowed her with countless reasons to be joyful, a feeling that Geum-hui had entirely missed out on.
The subsequent day, Jeong-suk procured some medication for Do-hyeon, who was feeling under the weather. Coincidentally, Geum-hui was present and overheard that his fever had subsided. She clarified that she had been agitated by the whole Do-hyeon saga and believed it was best for them to lead separate lives.
Jeong-suk shatters her illusion of him being a virtuous and upright individual, revealing that beneath his surface, he has been eagerly anticipating a reunion with his mother for countless years. Geum-hui is left at a loss for words, and her plight intensifies when she discovers that Won-bong has inadvertently overheard their entire conversation.
They sit together, engaged in a heartfelt dialogue, during which Won-bong comes to a realization: this is the underlying reason why Geum-hui had never wanted to have a child. It transpires that Won-bong had sensed that she was holding something back from him. He had stumbled upon the baby clothes but, understanding her desire to keep it concealed, chose to support her silence. Won-bong further reinforces his commitment to her, assuring her that he will remain steadfast and stand by her side through thick and thin.
Taking heart from his reassurance, Geum-hui proceeds to Do-hyeon's place. She apologizes to him, attributing the situation to "mum's fault," and then embraces him. It's a poignant moment, as Do-hyeon finally lets his guard down and allows himself to be vulnerable with her.
