Episode 8 of "A Virtuous Business" kicks off with Do-hyeon jolting awake from a harrowing nightmare, realizing with relief that the tender embrace he experienced was merely a figment of his troubled dreams. As dawn breaks, Jeong-suk retrieves her notepad, her resolve to assist the diligent detective unwavering. On the journey back home, inspiration strikes like lightning; she concocts a clever scheme. She intends to rally a group of women to the cinema, where an erotic film is screening, hoping to lure moviegoers into purchasing their merchandise. Simultaneously, she plans to discreetly observe if any of these attendees might fit the bill as Do-hyeon's elusive mother.
Jeong-suk seizes this moment to delve deeper into the clues about Do-hyeon's mother's religious affiliation and the rosary ring she might have worn. Her enthusiasm is palpable, and she believes she might be on the brink of a breakthrough. However, Do-hyeon, with his meticulous deductions already ruling out numerous townsfolk, gently dismisses her current hypotheses, reminding her of the complexity of their search.
Meanwhile, Yeong-bok is absent, engrossed in a life-altering revelation. She confirms her pregnancy to Jong-seon in the afternoon, her voice tinged with anxiety about the potential risks of miscarriage. Jong-seon, emotionally stirred by the thought of termination, grapples with the gravity of the situation. Yet, Yeong-bok, acutely aware of their precarious circumstances, acknowledges that now is not the opportune time. This choice, though burdensome, is not made lightly by her.
Jong-seon, still bearing the stigma of his past as an ex-convict, finds the job market fiercely unforgiving. Desperation drives him to entertain Du-seok's proposition: a getaway driver's role in a jewelry heist, promising a cool 3 million won for merely sitting tight in the car. Torn between his family's welfare and his dire financial straits, Jong-seon stands at a moral crossroads, his loyalty to his loved ones tested against the stark reality of his impoverished existence.
In the meantime, Won-bong also finds himself in a pickle. He inadvertently scheduled a meeting with Chairman Eom on the very day of his wedding anniversary. Throughout their married life, they have never properly celebrated this special occasion, and just when they were finally on the same wavelength and enjoying each other's company, Won-bong's blunder undid all the progress they had made. It's significant to note that for Won-bong, this anniversary holds great importance, as we come to learn that he kissed his wife for the first time after their wedding. He was once "very prudent and pure," and had been deeply in love with her for a considerable length of time.
Geum-hui confides in Yeong-bok about her marital woes, but their conversation is abruptly cut short by Du-seok's unwelcome appearance. Yeong-bok hastily dismisses him, but it's evident that his return has rattled her. Upon returning home, she takes out her frustration on Jong-seon, reminding him that she had long abandoned hope for him to secure a job. Nevertheless, Jong-seon persists in his efforts, albeit futile, because he is deeply concerned about the physical toll surgery might take on her.
Eventually, Jong-seon leaves and sits at a bus stop, staring at a newspaper devoid of job opportunities, pondering his next steps. He spends much of the night drinking before returning home at 2 am. He tucks the kids in bed and apologizes to Yeong-bok, sniffling as he expresses his desire to be a good husband. Unbeknownst to him, Yeong-bok is still awake, and he stifles his tears as he silently weeps next to his family.
Elsewhere, Jeong-suk and Do-hyeon continue their search for Do-hyeon's mother. Do-hyeon's feelings for Jeong-suk are increasingly romantic, and he admires her in a stunning hanbok. However, the shop owner is not Do-hyeon's mother; she has also been struck by tragedy. Her child has gone missing, and she couldn't eat or drink for days. Despite her ordeal, she remains convinced that her child will return soon. She is also sure that Do-hyeon's mother is searching for him as well.
That fateful night, Won-bong came to a sudden realization of his misplaced priorities and called off his trip with the Chairman. Instead, he conjured up an excuse about a long-awaited holiday, a convenient alibi to lavish all his attention on Geum-hui and savor every precious moment with her. Interspersed with these tender scenes, poignant flashbacks unveiled the intricate tapestry of their romance, highlighting Won-bong's relentless efforts to capture the heart of this "modern woman."
Elsewhere, Jeong-suk too was met with life-altering news. Her unparalleled success in selling lingerie during the first half of the year had catapulted her to the position of branch manager at Geumje, a role that promised her a monthly salary of 100,000 won. Her face couldn't help but beam with joy.
In a heartfelt conversation, Yeong-bok confided in Geum-hui, feeling a great sense of relief when her friend didn't harbor any ill will towards her husband. To her surprise, Geum-hui had sought her out to present a thoughtful gift. Though she had never raised a child herself, she had picked out a stunning present for Yeong-bok's offspring, finding the process immensely enjoyable. She even admitted to feeling a twinge of envy towards Yeong-bok's cozy home. Yeong-bok was deeply touched by her friend's kindness and foresight, acknowledging that everyone had their own set of challenges.
Jeong-suk bumped into Do-hyeon and eagerly shared her triumph with him, but his response was somewhat distant. His demeanor stemmed from a turmoil of emotions. Later in the evening, he received a call from Jeong-suk and struggled to articulate his feelings. In a moment of awkwardness, he leaned forward and accidentally pressed the wrong button, disconnecting the call. Despite his desperate attempts to reach her again and find the perfect words, he ultimately failed.
Fortunately, Jeong-suk took matters into her own hands and showed up at his doorstep that night, effectively melting the frost between them. She speculated that perhaps he didn't want to work with her anymore, but that wasn't the case. Do-hyeon, gathering his courage, finally confessed the truth. His confusion around her intensified, and in a spontaneous gesture, he leaned in and hugged her tightly.
However, these moments of warmth were abruptly shattered when Jong-sen, in a state of distress, rushed to a phone booth to make a frantic call. The words that followed chilled the air: someone had been killed.
