Episode 9 of "Motel California" kicks off with an intense scene where Yeon-soo draws Kang-hee into a secluded alleyway, his lips pressing passionately against hers. With determination gleaming in his eyes, he vows to prioritize only her happiness, casting aside the concerns of others. Kang-hee, her face breaking into a radiant smile, responds with a kiss equally fervent. Elated, she returns to the motel, her spirits soaring—until her gaze falls upon the necklace gifted by Seok-kyung, sparking a dilemma within her. She attempts to reach him by phone, but to no avail. Meanwhile, Seok-kyung is engrossed in orchestrating a grand event, surrounded by meticulous planners bustling with activity.
Later, Kang-hee confronts Yeon-soo, sharing her quandary about the necklace. A fleeting memory resurfaces, showing Seok-kyung persuading her to accept the token as a means to quell rumors and pave the way for motel construction. His assurances of having everything meticulously planned align with the sight of event planners earlier. Yeon-soo chuckles, understanding Kang-hee's work-related motives behind accepting it. Determined, Kang-hee declares that their official dating debut will coincide with the necklace's return to Seok-kyung.
The following morning, Kang-hee enjoys a cozy breakfast with Yeon-soo, Seung-eon, and Han-woo. Their tender exchanges of winks and kisses fill the air before Yeon-soo departs for work. Just then, Kang-hee's phone buzzes with a call from Seok-kyung, sending her on a quest that begins with a small boy presenting her with a crimson rose. More children follow suit, each offering a rose and guiding her towards an elaborate setup where Seok-kyung stands, serenading her with a band in the background. The scene culminates in a heart-stopping proposal, Seok-kyung's voice resonating with sincerity as he asks for her hand in marriage in front of an awestruck crowd.Surrounded by a cascade of banners and posters bearing the images of Seok-kyung and Kang-hee, Yeon-soo and Kang-hee find themselves immersed in an atmosphere of grandiose declarations of affection. The Gangsters engage in a heated discussion, during which Ah-reum expresses her disdain for such a brazen display of love, preferring instead the intimate charm of handwritten letters.
Meanwhile, Yeon-soo embarks on a search for a necklace reminiscent of the one gifted to him by Seok-kyung. However, even a replica turns out to be beyond his financial reach, prompting him to plunge into longer, more arduous working hours.
That evening, Yeon-soo and Seok-kyung converge at a cozy pub. Seok-kyung inquiries about Yeon-soo's reversal on his vow to befriend Kang-hee, to which Yeon-soo reluctantly admits his inability to carry it out. In response, Seok-kyung pledges non-interference in their relationship but warns that he won't remain idle if Kang-hee faces any harm.
Returning to his quarters, Yeon-soo is unexpectedly greeted by Kang-hee. She reveals that she has shared their news with Ah-reum, and we witness her breaking the news to Han-woo and Seung-eon. Han-woo's demeanor hints at dissatisfaction, whereas Ah-reum advocates for supporting their friends through thick and thin.Later, Ah-reum and Kang-hee share a heart-to-heart conversation, during which Ah-reum bravely confesses her feelings for Seung-eon. She further reveals that her father harbors expectations for her to wed a suitor of his choosing, a fate she postpones by relentlessly pursuing her studies. Kang-hee then humbly requests a favor from Ah-reum, setting the stage for a subsequent scene where Yeon-soo and Kang-hee embark on a date, while their trio of friends discreetly keep watch. When Heon-yeol and his gang unexpectedly appear on the scene, the group swiftly adopts a united front, pretending to be one big, joyous gathering. However, Heon-yeol's curiosity wanes, and he soon departs.
Meanwhile, an unseen observer snapshots Yeon-soo and Kang-hee sharing a tender moment and promptly forwards these intimate photos to Seok-kyung. Noticing Seok-kyung's somber demeanor, Esther endeavors to lift his spirits. Their conversation drifts back to the past, with Esther clarifying that she never rejected Seok-kyung personally; rather, she rejected the notion of an arranged marriage, longing for Seok-kyung to propose out of genuine affection. This revelation stuns Seok-kyung.
The pair then ventures out for some retail therapy, intended for Esther's soon-to-arrive bundle of joy. By chance, they encounter Victor accompanied by another woman, prompting Seok-kyung to punch him in a fit of jealousy—until Esther clarifies that the woman is merely Victor's cousin, Emily. Victor drags Seok-kyung aside, warning him to ease up on spending excessive time with Esther.
Elsewhere in town, Han-woo lends a helping hand at the vet clinic, striking up a conversation with Nan-woo that unearths a surprising truth: Yeon-soo and Nan-woo were never romantically involved. Agitated by this discovery, Han-woo confronts Yeon-soo, severing their friendship in the heat of the moment.
Elsewhere still, a well-meaning town auntie breaks the news to Yeon-soo that his mother is uncontactable, revealing that she has sought solace and guidance at a Buddhist monastery, confiding her troubles to a fellow monk.In the early hours of the day, Yeon-soo orchestrates a clandestine rendezvous with Kang-hee, presenting her with her beloved yogurt as a token of affection. With the sweet exchange, he ventures to propose that they embrace their relationship openly, defying the prying eyes and whispers of their townsfolk. Kang-hee, agreeable to his sentiment, nods in consent, and together they procure matching couple rings, symbolizing their newfound commitment.
Their tender moments at a cozy restaurant are abruptly interrupted when a pair of gossipy town aunties catch sight of them. Rushing over to Nan-woo, they urge her to wait patiently for Kang-hee to depart, hinting at the possibility of rekindling her relationship with Yeon-soo. Sensing Nan-woo's dilemma, Han-woo steps in cleverly, feigning an urgent issue with his cow to spirit her away from the awkward encounter. They retreat to his farm, where Nan-woo finds herself engaging in pleasant conversation with Han-woo's father, creating an unexpected bond.
Meanwhile, Yeon-soo and Kang-hee retire to her motel room, only to be interrupted by a sudden visitor. Ah-reum arrives, accompanied by a woman sporting a bruised face – her mother. Ah-reum confesses the harrowing truth about her father's years-long domestic abuse, revealing that her mother refuses to divorce until Ah-reum ties the knot herself. Kang-hee's heart wrenches as she dials her father's number, only to hear Hwang Jung-goo's voice on the other end; Chun-pil, in reality, is hospitalized undergoing tests. Flashbacks flood her mind, showing Chun-pil excitedly planning a trip to California with his wife, Mia, who remains stoically silent.
Elsewhere, a monk from a nearby monastery discharges Soon-ja in town, close to the vet clinic. Spotting Yeon-soo's donkey, the monk expresses interest in adopting it, having nurtured donkeys before. However, Soon-ja ignores Yeon-soo pointedly, maintaining a cold demeanor.
Kang-hee, needing to reach Seok-kyung regarding the motel arrangements, finds herself unable to connect with him. Determined, she ventures to Seoul and confronts him in person, but he greets her with an uncharacteristic lack of warmth. Leaving her necklace on his desk as a gesture, Kang-hee chats briefly with Esther before driving her home. Their evening takes a turn for the worse when they chance upon Victor passionately kissing Emily, whom he claims as his cousin. Esther is left reeling, capturing the scene on video before doubling over in pain. Kang-hee, swift in her response, rushes Esther to the hospital, their evening of revelations marred by unexpected turmoil.
Chun-pil and Jung-goo find their way back to Hana-eup, where the doting local aunties fill Chun-pil in on Kang-hee's recent happenings. He remains indifferent to the news. Later, confiding in Jung-goo, Chun-pil reveals his desire to make Kang-hee the centerpiece of the new motel's opening ceremony, hoping to gift her a cherished memory of Hana-eup.
Soon-ja bursts into Chun-pil's presence, griping about Kang-hee and Yeon-soo. Chun-pil calmly responds by expressing his preference for Kang-hee to find happiness with a chaebol rather than endure mistreatment at Soon-ja's hands, reassuring her that he will handle the situation adeptly.
Kang-hee encounters Jung-goo and then retreats to the motel, where she bumps into Chun-pil. Aware of their shared journey, Chun-pil startles her by proposing a deal: she should cease seeing Yeon-soo if he stops seeing Jung-goo. Later, when Yeon-soo meets Chun-pil, the elder gentleman emphasizes their differences and expresses his reluctance to see them lead complicated lives.
Although puzzled by Chun-pil's words, Yeon-soo and Kang-hee reaffirm their love for each other and spontaneously decide to depart for Seoul. As Kang-hee hurries back to the motel to pack, Soon-ja crosses her path and threatens her with divine retribution, comparing her fate to that of her late mother.
A flashback unfolds, revealing Yeon-soo showing Kang-hee an old photograph featuring them both, Kang-hee's mother, and Yeon-soo's father. Kang-hee wonders if they are on the right path, to which Yeon-soo assures her that their parents would want their happiness above all else.
That very night, the couple sets off for Seoul, but Kang-hee is haunted by hallucinations of the fatal car accident that claimed her parents years ago. As panic sets in, a truck looms in their path, prompting Yeon-soo to swerve his van. The scene culminates in Kang-hee being hurriedly transported to the hospital.
