Episode 9 of "Resident Playbook" kicks off with the residents eagerly returning to their posts after a brief interlude. Nam-kyung, left behind in an overcrowded elevator, finds himself in an unexpected encounter with Professor Seo and a young intern doctor. Their conversation unfolds, revealing that the intern harbors no intentions of pursuing a career in OB-GYN, much to Professor Seo's astonishment.
Elsewhere within the bustling hospital, I-yeong is spotted escorting the PD of a forthcoming television show and his production team, who are on a mission to capture the essence of hospital life for their upcoming program. At this very moment, Dr. Myung arrives on the scene with a pregnant patient in dire need of immediate medical attention. The camera crew swiftly captures the tense atmosphere, and Dr. Myung, caught in the spotlight, agrees to an on-the-spot interview. With the cameras rolling, she confidently vows to facilitate a natural birth for the patient, despite I-yeong's subtle warnings about potential complications lurking in the shadows.
Meanwhile, a second-year doctor finds himself on the receiving end of a stern rebuke from his professor, stemming from Jae-il's oversight. However, rather than subjecting him to harsh criticism, the senior doctor extends a hand of kindness and understanding. This unexpected gesture leaves a profound impact on Jae-il, igniting a determination within him to learn from his mistake and never repeat it again.
After enjoying dinner with her friends, I-yeong makes her way to visit her family, where she receives heartwarming news: the procedure has been a success, and Ju-yeong is now carrying the embryo, although they eagerly await further confirmation. Touched by this joyous turn of events, I-yeong decides to take proactive steps the very next day. She opens a fresh savings account, intent on purchasing a special gift to celebrate the baby's arrival in the coming year.
At the bank, fate brings her into unexpected encounter with Do-won. After she teasingly reminds him of his unfulfilled promises, he seizes the moment, inviting her out for dinner. Elsewhere, Jae-il demonstrates remarkable kindness towards a new intern who repeatedly stumbles. Unlike Sa-bi, who might have scolded, Jae-il opts for patience. However, he is later taken aback to discover that the intern has been disparaging him behind his back, labeling him as overly lenient and lying about completed tasks.
Although hurt, Jae-il maintains his composure and seeks solace in confiding in Do-won. Do-won offers him a straightforward yet profound piece of advice: discipline mistakes firmly but praise genuine effort warmly. Meanwhile, Sa-bi finds herself continually at odds with her senior resident, griping about the lack of responsiveness and guidance. In one instance, she defies advice and makes an incorrect diagnosis, prompting her to bypass protocol and consult the professor directly.
The next day, the professor reprimands both Sa-bi and her senior for undermining the hierarchy, especially since the senior had already assessed the situation as routine. Sa-bi subsequently apologizes sincerely, and the senior, acknowledging her own uncertainties, admits she didn't have the answers either. Their reconciliation is marked by a genuine sense of understanding.
Dr. Myung, meanwhile, tasks I-yeong with frequent checks on the pregnant patient, with cameras capturing their interactions. As labor begins, and despite three hours of attempting a natural delivery, progress stalls. With concern evident, I-yeong urges Dr. Myung to perform an emergency C-section, sensing the urgency of the moment.
Dr. Myung, still preoccupied with her camera-ready image, initially declines and subsequently shifts the blame onto I-yeong when surgery becomes a necessity. Despite the baby being successfully delivered through surgical intervention, Dr. Myung persists in maintaining her curated on-screen persona, leaving I-yeong furious and incensed.
On the romantic front, Do-won's carefully laid plans take a dramatic turn for the worse when the flower delivery man is involved in an accident, and he realizes to his horror that he has booked the wrong date for their dinner. With a heavy heart, he sends I-yeong a text message canceling their plans.
In a comical twist, I-yeong, frustrated beyond measure after the Dr. Myung fiasco, contemplates quitting her job until Nam-kyung reminds her of the looming December bonus, which serves as a powerful motivator for her to stay put.
Later, the residents venture out for an evening of karaoke, where Jae-il takes to the stage to perform. A tipsy Sa-bi joins in, revealing that she was once a die-hard fan of his idol group but had a crush on a different member.
Back at her apartment, I-yeong is surprised to find Do-won waiting for her. He awkwardly explains the mix-up and, in a moment of vulnerability, confesses his feelings for her. Hand in hand, they stroll back together. Inside the elevator, they share a passionate kiss before Do-won suddenly remembers that their siblings are away, prompting him to head back to the hospital instead of accompanying her inside.
The following day, the residents gather to watch the trailer for the new hospital show, which prominently features none other than Dr. Myung in the spotlight. I-yeong's irritation is palpable as she watches the preview unfold.
