Episode 9 of A Virtuous Business unfolds with the aftermath of Do-hyeon's tender embrace, a tender moment abruptly shattered by the appearance of a stumbling drunkard. In the midst of this unexpected interruption, Do-hyeon's words become tangled, inadvertently labeling Jeong-suk as a "forever friend," a label that hung awkwardly in the air.
Meanwhile, the narrative delves deeper into Jong-seon and Du-seok's conniving plot. Indeed, they did unite to rob the jewelry store, but their getaway from the town took a dire turn when they inadvertently struck someone on the road. Jong-seon, driven by curiosity, rushed to investigate, his hands smeared with blood, convincing him momentarily to abandon the victim and flee. However, guilt soon consumed him, forcing him to hastily dial the police from a nearby payphone. In contrast, Du-seok chose to hastily abandon the scene, unaware of the grim revelation that awaited - the person they hit was Geum-hui's husband, Won-bong. Rushed into emergency surgery, Won-bong's fate hung in the balance, while the authorities scoured the crime scene for clues.
Realizing the jewelry store theft and the hit-and-run were intertwined, Do-hyeon's thoughts led him to the hospital, where he confronted a distraught Geum-hui, her emotions barely held in check. Her distress was palpable when she discovered his intention to gift her a wedding anniversary present.
The surgery miraculously succeeded, and Won-bong gradually regained consciousness. Though injured, his condition wasn't as dire as feared, leaving Dae-geun overjoyed and vowing to uphold the pharmacy's duties until his return, undeterred by any challenge.
Not long after, Do-hyeon makes his appearance, posing a series of inquisitive glances about the unfolding events. He had caught snippets of a scuffle but was uncertain whether he could distinguish the voices involved, rendering the lead a bit of a cul-de-sac for now. Throughout this, an undercurrent of tension persists between Jeong-suk and Do-hyeon, both aiming to dispel the air of discomfort. Do-hyeon offers an apology for causing her discomfort, confessing that his affections have subtly blossomed over time, particularly after beholding her radiant smile and witnessing her relentless dedication.
On Jeong-suk's part, she admits to having given scant thought to her own emotions, her primary focus now being to excel as Min-ho's nurturing mother. However, her plate is already full, especially with her recent promotion adding to the mix.
Turning to the realm of parenting, Jong-seon is consumed by a torrent of guilt. Yeong-bok, desiring to keep their baby, is astounded to learn that Geum-hui's husband was the victim of the hit-and-run. Yeong-bok promptly calls Jong-seon, requesting his assistance at the hospital with Won-bong. Jong-seon complies, lending a hand, yet his guilt weighs heavily on him.
Sensing something amiss, Yeong-bok takes her husband aside and confronts him directly. Jong-seon eventually confesses the truth to her, shocking her to her core. He is poised to surrender and seek redemption, but Yeong-bok cautions him about the repercussions, reminding him of the vow he made during his incarceration. She urges him to exercise caution and keep silent. Currently, their utmost priority is to uphold their parental duties, even if it entails concealing the hit-and-run. Clearly torn, it seems unlikely that she will abide by her own pledge.
Do-hyeon, a detective far from being easily swayed, soon uncovers evidence within the phone booth, a smudged fingerprint giving a clue. He also endeavors to obtain the recording of the 119 call, aiming to match the voice with the suspect.
Yeong-bok's lack of her usual effervescence as the quartet shared dinner together did little to alleviate the tension. It was truly a pity, as the group poured out their hearts, expressing their deep affection for one another and voicing their hopes for an eternal friendship. Yet, Yeong-bok remained silent throughout, a stark contrast to the warmth surrounding her.
Intriguingly, Jeong-suk conceived a plan to address the situation involving Do-hyeon. Meanwhile, Ju-ri was casually entangled with Dae-geun, who seemed perfectly content with their spontaneous kisses. That night, Jeong-suk called Do-hyeon and arranged to meet the next day.
Do-hyeon initially intended to dress down for the occasion, but ultimately decided on an impeccably stylish suit. It was a daring gamble, but only time would tell if it would pay off. His colleagues speculated that he was embarking on a romantic journey, while Jeong-suk settled into her role as Branch Manager with growing confidence.
However, fate had other plans. Do-hyeon's car broke down before his big date, casting a shadow over his preparations. Fortunately, he managed to arrive, and the couple chose a theme park for their date, ultimately having an unforgettable experience. This outcome was far from what Jeong-suk had anticipated, but she eagerly sought to recreate the magic. She hadn't laughed so heartily in years and was delighted that their plans had gone awry. They even raced for the bus together, adding to their exhilarating day.
Later that evening, Yeong-bok visited Geum-hui at the hospital, sparking a chain reaction. Do-hyeon received a call during his date, informing him that the perpetrator had confessed. Geum-hui was furious and, in a moment of frustration, admitted her regrets, declaring that they should all sever ties.
