As the dawn breaks, ushering in a fresh chapter of "Cinderella at 2 AM," our protagonists, Seo Joo-won and Ha Yoon-seo, are still grappling with the aftermath of their recent heartbreaking separation. Episode 4, aptly captioned "The Business Trip," delves deep into the labyrinthine emotions that linger post-breakup and the unforeseen twists that arise as they strive to navigate the treacherous waters of their professional endeavors.
The episode commences with a tapestry of nostalgic memories, as both Joo-won and Yoon-seo find themselves inescapably ensnared in the web of their shared past. Their futile attempts to steer clear of each other within the confines of their workplace seem to be thwarted by the whims of fate.
Yoon-seo's life takes an abrupt detour when she starts receiving enigmatic text messages from an untraceable number, each message more perturbing than the last. The sender's relentless insistence on being unable to erase her from their memory kindles a nagging suspicion in Yoon-seo's mind, casting doubts on whether Joo-won might be the elusive messenger.
Her suspicions escalate to a fever pitch when she stumbles upon the revelation that Joo-won possesses two mobile phones, prompting a confrontation brimming with tension and embarrassment. However, the misunderstanding dissipates swiftly when she discovers that the second phone is merely a corporate test dummy, not the love-sick ex's secret weapon.
This revelation paves the way for a soul-baring conversation with I-rae, Yoon-seo's confidante, who encourages her to call the unknown number. The call exposes a case of mistaken identity, revealing that the sender had been inadvertently weaving a web of confusion around Yoon-seo. This comedic twist injects a moment of levity into the otherwise melancholic narrative.
Meanwhile, Yoon-seo's relationship with her brother, Ji-suk, undergoes a significant transformation. Their previous discord finds resolution as Ji-suk embraces accountability for his actions and extends an apology to his classmate. This milestone marks a pivotal shift in Ji-suk's personal journey, as he embarks on the path of preparing for a competitive exam, even without a definitive goal in sight.
As Yoon-seo and Ji-suk forge a new understanding, an unexpected encounter with Joo-won brings forth a stark realization: they have indeed parted ways. Joo-won's thoughtful offer to relocate offices to alleviate Yoon-seo's discomfort underscores his considerate nature, amidst the intricate dance of their intertwined personal and professional lives.
The episode also sheds light on the strained dynamics between Joo-won's brother, Si-won, and his wife, Mi-jin. Si-won's discontent with Mi-jin's return from France is palpable, as he finds himself yearning for the solitude of his bachelor days. A flashback transports us to the romantic backdrop of Paris, where the origins of their arranged marriage are unveiled, highlighting the profound disparities between the two.
As Yoon-seo prepares for her upcoming business trip, the mysterious text messages continue to haunt her, adding a layer of intrigue and frustration to her already tumultuous emotional landscape. A phone call to the sender unleashes a torrent of pent-up emotions from Yoon-seo, offering a glimpse into her turbulent psyche. The anonymous texter is revealed to be a painter with a profound fascination for Yoon-seo, adding yet another dimension to this intricate tale.
A fateful car accident, involving Yoon-seo's colleague, compels Joo-won to intervene, offering a lifeline ride to their impending business meeting. The subsequent journey is fraught with awkward silences punctuated by a mishap – Joo-won's phone inadvertently pairing with Yoon-seo's via Bluetooth, and a careless slip of the tongue results in an embarrassing utterance of "honey." Amidst the crimson blush of embarrassment, they arrive at their destination, where Yoon-seo takes genuine pride in Joo-won's professional strides.
Back at the domestic front, Si-won's discontent simmers as he learns of his wife's intention to prolong her stay in Korea, a development that threatens to extinguish his fleeting freedom.
The episode crescendos at the opening ceremony, where Yoon-seo embarks on a life-altering decision: to resign from her job. Realizing the impossibility of maintaining a professional facade with Joo-won without further entangling their already delicate equilibrium, she sets her heart on a new path. This pivotal choice leads to a late-night confession, with Joo-won, in turn, opting to seek his mother's permission to embark on a foreign sojourn.
Joo-won's request unleashes a cascade of events, revealing the looming expectation of him succeeding Si-won, whose wife now holds the reins of business expansion. A fiery confrontation with his mother leaves Joo-won feeling adrift, until he finds solace in Yoon-seo's warm embrace.
The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, as Yoon-seo's colleagues and I-rae unexpectedly arrive, catching Joo-won and Yoon-seo in a tender moment. The question of whether their romance has rekindled lingers, leaving viewers on the brink of their seats, eagerly awaiting the unraveling of this intricate tapestry of love, deception, and the human heart's complexities.
"The Business Trip" is a masterclass in depicting the intricacies of human relationships, where the lines between love, duty, and personal growth often blur. It serves as a poignant reminder that life is a capricious journey, where even the most benevolent decisions can spawn unforeseen repercussions. As the credits roll, we are left with a yearning for the characters' happiness, amidst the relentless challenges that life relentlessly throws their way.
