Episode 4 of A Virtuous Business commences with a dramatic return of Da-hyun to the precinct, where a forensic report, neatly perched on his desk, awaits him. As the night deepens into its velvety embrace, he delves into the document's intricacies before initiating a call to Bitna, the revelation reverberating: they've unmasked the graffiti artist.
Bitna and Daon embark on a nocturnal odyssey to the hardware store, their mission: to confront its proprietors. Da-hyun's sleuthing prowess uncovers a chilling coincidence—the boot print etched at the crime scene matches that of Tae Sik, an employee of the establishment. Motivated by a misguided belief that Jeong-sik was corrupting his wife, Tae Sik's actions unravel a once-amicable relationship, leaving Jeong-suk stunned and indignant. She insists on an apology, her determination to uphold justice and her bond with the couple unwavering, even amidst her professional triumphs. Da-hyun, her steadfast ally, stands by her side, offering his unwavering support.
Meanwhile, Ju-ri finds herself entangled in a quagmire with the avaricious Chairman's wife, Ms. Heo Young-ja, who demands an exorbitant rent increase. Citing their prime location and burgeoning business, Young-ja's greed knows no bounds. Ju-ri's indignation is palpable, yet Dong-u, her ray of sunshine, remains upbeat, coaxing her into exploring alternative income streams. His suggestion blossoms into a brilliant plan—Ju-ri shall join forces with the gang, selling the enchanting Fantasy Lingerie line, turning adversity into opportunity.
Back at the station, Da-hyun presents the civil case's amicable resolution to his superiors, emphasizing the parties' mutual agreement. Seong-jae suspects Jeong-suk's concession stems from fear of repercussions, but Da-hyun swiftly dispels the notion, testament to Jeong-suk's resilience beyond measure. However, his unyielding professionalism alienates him from his colleagues, who opt for dinner sans him, leaving Da-hyun to persevere alone at the station, the nightlight casting a lonely glow over his dedicated figure.
The following dawn, the quartet of ladies geared up for a productive day, converging in harmony to devise a strategy that would propel their venture to new heights. Seated in close quarters, they unhesitatingly exchanged ideas, their creativity ablaze. Amidst their brainstorming, a serendipitous encounter with a sales representative sparked a golden nugget of inspiration. Jeong-suk, insightful as ever, proposed conducting a customer survey to fine-tune their sales tactics, ensuring every move resonated with their clientele.
Meanwhile, Da-hyun's relentless pursuit of his mystery deepened, methodically eliminating names from his journal. His latest target: Park So-yeong. His investigative journey led him to Sun-ae, where he delicately inquired about a fire that had scorched the town's memory 30 years prior. Unbeknownst to him, Jeong-suk and her team were concurrently traversing the town, soliciting feedback for their survey, but their efforts met with a wall of indifference.
Da-hyun, relenting to Jeong-suk's earnest plea, granted her a fleeting five minutes to delve into her inquiries. Her questions, initially stammered, gradually gained momentum, only to stumble upon a delicate terrain when sexual fantasies surfaced. His bashful demeanor was endearing as he swiftly diverted the conversation. Upon completion, she offered a sweet token of appreciation, a gesture as sweet as the candy itself.
Elsewhere, the rest of the group encountered similar resistance, their efforts seemingly futile. Overhearing a whispered conspiracy in the butcher's shop, they discovered whispers of a town meeting aimed at shuttering Jeong-suk's business. Boldly confronting the schemers, they were met with physical retaliation, retreating with bruised egos and tails between their legs.
As fate would have it, Jeong-suk's encounter with her friends served as a fleeting respite from the harsh reality that awaited her. Their attempts to shield her from the gossip mill were futile as the news spread like wildfire through the neighborhood. That night, at the hardware store, the chatter was deafening. The ladies of the town, unaware of the full narrative, had branded Jeong-suk as a 'tough cookie' and the reason behind Seong-su's departure, unbeknownst to the true heartache that lay beneath.
The following day, Da-hyun finds himself amidst the untamed wilderness, where he observes from a distance as Jeong-suk unleashes her pent-up fury on a punching bag, simultaneously gathering her drinking water. This ritualistic display is her unique method of mustering the courage within. Da-hyun can't help but mutter to himself, marveling at her unwavering coolness.
Jeong-suk, a woman who knows no retreat and rejects defeat, is steadfast in her mission to propel their business towards success. Amidst the gossip and scorn from those across town, they boldly set up shop outside the salon, offering hot beverages and surveys as incentives. Jeong-suk confronts the detractors head-on, her voice firm as she declares her unwavering resolve. She reminds them of her innocence, her harmlessness, and her mere desire to earn a living. This subtle guilt trip proves effective, swaying some of the women to reconsider and participate in the survey.
Even amidst the rejections, a few detectives lend their support, filling out the forms. It's a triumphant day, and the complimentary gifts serve as a sweetener, sealing the deal. Her fiery spirit and persuasive words leave a lasting impression on the others, who commend Jeong-suk's ability to turn the tide.
As night falls, Da-hyun engages Jeong-suk in conversation, his words laden with profound meaning. "Those who persist, even in the face of pain that threatens to consume them, often find success at the end of their journey," he says, his gaze inadvertently revealing the true subject of their discussion: Jeong-suk herself. She catches on, and just as the moment deepens, a shower of cherry blossom petals descends, captivating Da-hyun's attention solely on her.
In the epilogue, we find Da-hyun haunted by a nightmarish vision. The flames of a catastrophic fire linger in his thoughts, their spread relentless. At the heart of this inferno, a helpless baby is trapped, its cries echoing through the chaos. But hope arrives in the form of a rescuer, who braves the flames to snatch the infant to safety, averting a tragic fate.
