The second episode of A Virtuous Business kicks off with Jeong-suk catching her husband in the act of intimacy with another woman. Ironically, it so happens that this woman is her close friend.
Understandably incensed, Jeong-suk storms off, her emotions spiraling out of control. Her anger morphs into a profound grief, and in a desperate attempt to drown it all out, she indulges in a bout of reckless drinking, succumbing to a blinding, self-destructive haze.
Amidst the crowd, Jeong-suk's unwitting collision with the town's new detective, Do-hwan, set the stage for an unexpected encounter. Desperate to drown her sorrows in alcohol, just as her partner Seong-su had done for years, she sought oblivion in the depths of her glass. The following day, their paths crossed once more, leaving Jeong-suk mortified as she scurried away, embarrassment painted across her face.
Contrastingly, Young-bok's world spun on a different axis. Her husband's unwavering desire for her coupled with his steadfast support for her home sales endeavors created a unique bond. His encouragement, fuelled by a fortune teller's prophecy that supporting her was the first step to prosperity, inadvertently weighed heavily on Young-bok's shoulders, adding layers of pressure she never anticipated.
Meanwhile, Geum-hui chuckled at the antics of the previous night, her mirth juxtaposed against her husband's gloom, lamenting the struggles at work. At the bathhouse, Young-bok's sales pitch hit its stride, extolling the virtues of seductive lingerie as a means to keep husbands enthralled, or risk losing them to others. Little did she realize that her words pierced Jeong-suk's heart, striking a chord too close for comfort. Despite sensing Jeong-suk's distress, they forged ahead, determined to land a significant sale and turn their fortunes around.
As if their troubles weren't enough, the landlord's unexpected visit to collect overdue rent compounded Jeong-suk's worries. Deviating from her duty to funnel the sales proceeds into the company coffers, she diverted them to settle her rent, praying this decision wouldn't haunt her later.
The following day, Jeong-suk sought refuge in Ju-ri's salon, seeking a new venue for her sales. Finding a kindred spirit in Ju-ri, who too bore the mantle of financial provider, they shared their struggles. Ju-ri imparted her secret to success: personally testing products before endorsing them. Determined to follow suit, Jeong-suk realized she must embark on her own testing journey.
Enlisting the help of Geum-hui, whose curiosity about the product's promise of transporting users to a heavenly realm piqued her interest, the trio embarked on a night of self-proclaimed 'study.' As Jeong-suk retreated to her room, the sky outside erupted in a display of fireworks, mirroring the tumultuous emotions within.
Meanwhile, Do-hwan's deeper understanding of Seong-su's troubles and Jeong-suk's unwavering loyalty led him to Ha Yeong-ja, the real estate maven. With grand plans to secure an apartment near her territory, he inspected a modest abode on the outskirts, tempted by its affordable rent (approximately £283). However, the allure paled in comparison to the looming deposit, casting a shadow over his potential new home.
As the night unfolded its wonders, Jeong-suk eagerly shared her exhilarating experiences, and to everyone's surprise, even Geum-hui willingly offered her home's warmth once more for their entrepreneurial endeavors. With renewed energy, Jeong-suk gathered her gear and embarked, finding inspiration in Ju-ri's son that ignited a desire to infuse her voice with sophistication and alleviate the burden of purchasing.
At Ju-ri's, as Jeong-suk captivated the crowd with her tale, weaving in a fanciful, albeit unsubstantiated, anecdote about Cleopatra's alleged invention of the first vibrator (a delightful fabrication nonetheless), Ju-ri and Young-bok stood as alluring models. Miraculously, their efforts bore fruit, and the ladies eagerly snapped up their merchandise.
However, the celebration planned over drinks stumbled upon an unexpected hurdle. A call from Geum-hui's husband interrupted their revelry, inviting her to a meticulously arranged dinner meant to broker an apology to the chairman's wife. Defying the summons, Geum-hui opted instead to savor the camaraderie with her newfound friends, displaying a remarkable capacity for spirits that left everyone in awe.
The night's camaraderie deepened as Geum-hui resolutely decided to embark on this journey alongside them, her enthusiasm embraced wholeheartedly by Jeong-suk. But the festive mood took a sharp turn when Seong Mi-hwa, the unwelcome presence who had woven her way into Jeong-suk's marital bed, stumbled upon the same tavern. Jeong-suk, motivated by loyalty to her friend In-tae, chose to conceal the encounter from him, her steps heavy as she distanced herself.
Left in the aftermath, Ju-ri and Young-bok emerged from their stalls, faces etched with indignation. They had overheard everything, their outrage simmering beneath the surface. The evening, once a symphony of joy, now resonated with a discordant chord of betrayal and fury.
The ladies, united in their defiance, unitedly hurled a pail of murky water upon Mi-hwa, their laughter echoing down the street as they darted away, triumphant. However, the mirth soon dissipated as Geum-hui arrived home, only to be confronted shortly thereafter by her husband. Still reeling from the earlier indignity inflicted by the chairman and his wife, he was thunderstruck to discover her inebriated state.
Geum-hui, unfazed, boldly announced her intention to join their business endeavors, her words spilling forth with unbridled honesty. She shed her robe, revealing the exquisite silk slip she had just admired in the mirror, her every move exuding a sense of carefree joy. Yet, her husband's ears were deaf to her words, captivated solely by her radiant beauty. Inevitably, their conversation faded into the background as they were drawn inexorably towards the bedroom, their passions igniting in the wake of this unexpected turn of events.
Geum-hui firmly establishes her authority with her husband as the dawn breaks, caressing his ego and urging him to relent, allowing her lingerie venture to flourish. However, Jeong-suk's morning takes a dispiriting turn as he steps outside only to confront a defaced wall, with the word "sex" crudely spray-painted in bold letters.
Later, the episode draws to a thought-provoking close with a glimpse into Do-hyun's solitary pursuit. Descending into the bowels of the basement, he surveys a cluttered noticeboard adorned with photographs, each image a snippet of untold stories. The sudden ring of the phone interrupts his contemplation, and he engages in a conversation in fluent English, revealing his need to delve deeper into the town's mysteries. What enigmatic pursuit drives him? The reasons remain shrouded in secrecy, leaving us eagerly anticipating the unraveling of the tale.
