Episode 12 of "The Potato Lab" kicks off with Mi-kyung grappling with her tumultuous emotions. Baek-ho reaffirms his unchanged nature but confesses to being increasingly ashamed of his recent deeds. He admits to having been overly preoccupied with judging lives solely through a few pages, realizing he never truly empathized with those he scrutinized. For a long time, he has been perceived as cold-hearted, and though he cannot justify his behavior, he is willing to own up to it—a gesture he extends to Mi-kyung at this moment.
Does Baek-ho face eviction? He offers Mi-kyung a heartfelt apology, acknowledging that while she may not readily return to their previous rapport, she requests his patience as she navigates through her feelings. As they embrace, the timing couldn't be more impeccable; the potato ladies burst through the door, their timing impeccable, and promptly tease the pair about finding warmth amidst the chill.
Later that afternoon, Hwan-kyung strides in with an eviction notice for Baek-ho, his displeasure evident over Baek-ho's hurtful actions towards Mi-kyung. Mi-kyung, upon discovering this, is furious, landing Hwan-kyung in a heap of trouble. She forces her brother into groveling apologies to Baek-ho, who ultimately finds himself consoling Hwan-kyung with a hug amidst his tears. When angry, Mi-kyung is indeed a force to be reckoned with!
Meanwhile, Hwan-kyung drifts off in Baek-ho's arms, an image captured by Ong-ju and Mi-kyung as they spy on them, nestled together on the sofa. With a mischievous glint, they snap their photos, immortalizing the unexpected moment.
Has the harvest fiasco found resolution? Back at the Potato Lab, Baek-ho joins the team in reviewing emergency potato protocols in the wake of the disastrous harvest. They dive into work, with Baek-ho and Mi-kyung collaborating tirelessly to negotiate with farmers. They still need to meet a quota of 500 tons, a target that leaves Mi-kyung visibly stressed.
The duo manages to arrange a meeting with Kang Dong-won, a wealthy and spoiled businessman who, surprisingly, once served as a sergeant. His initial barrage of criticism towards the pair quickly transforms into admiration when he discovers Baek-ho was once in his platoon. In an absurd yet hilarious sequence, they break into military cadence, ultimately securing an entire stock of 98 tons—precisely what they needed to finalize the deal and save the harvest.
Has Mi-kyung granted Baek-ho her forgiveness? Mi-kyung, overcome with joy, envelops him in a hug, her lips almost brushing against Baek-ho's in the heat of the moment. She pulls back abruptly, but the relief is palpable; the harvest has been saved, and calamity averted. Yet, the future path for Mi-kyung beyond Wonhan remains uncertain.
That evening, Baek-ho and Mi-kyung engage in a heartfelt conversation, hashing out their differences until finally, their lips meet in a tender kiss. Unbeknownst to them, Ong-ju watches from the guesthouse, capturing the scene firsthand. However, her lip-reading skills leave much to be desired, and her attempts to impress Hwan-kyung with her "insights" are more comedic than convincing.
Mi-kyung finds herself spending the night at Baek-ho's, embarrassed by her own awkwardness and unsure how to proceed. When she hesitates to return his affections, Baek-ho playfully guilt-trips her, prompting her to whisper her feelings into his ear. His face beams with joy at her confession.
As for the drama between Hee-jin and Ki-se, it has reached its resolution. In the morning, CEO Yoon's call interrupts Mi-kyung's tender moment with Baek-ho. Baek-ho answers, and the news is grim. Yoon insists on downsizing a beverage company they are acquiring for Wonhan, cutting 100 jobs from the current 500 employees. This request weighs heavily on Baek-ho, who, having recently developed empathy, struggles to view these people as mere numbers again.
Elsewhere, Hee-jin and Ki-se finalize their divorce. Hee-jin convinces CEO Yoon to grant the divorce, freeing Ki-se from their troubled marriage. Hee-jin acknowledges her own role in their relationship's demise, despite Ki-se's infidelity. She decides to return to New York, seeking a fresh start with someone who sees her beyond her status as the Chairman's daughter. Their separation spreads quickly through Wonhan.
Mi-lyung, overhearing the gossip, visits Ki-se to check on him. He receives the cold shoulder from others, but he seems to have come to terms with his situation, remaining composed and seemingly at peace.
What unfolds concerning Mi-kyung's professional endeavors? The narrative takes a divergent path for Baek-ho, however. He seeks counsel from Ki-se, acknowledging that Ki-se is virtually his sole confidant, which melts the initial frost between them. Additionally, Baek-ho ponders abandoning his career altogether and broaches this with Mi-kyung. In a comic turn, she playfully laments the miseries of poverty, invoking Hwan-kyung's travails as an example. Nonetheless, it's evident that Baek-ho is seriously contemplating this step.
At the Potato Lab, the crisis is resolved, and the workforce breathes a sigh of relief, having successfully navigated the challenge. As for Mi-kyung, a call from the Rural Development Administration brings exhilarating news. They've received her potatoes from Mr. Jong and express keen interest in further cultivating them. It seems her dream of the 'Mi-kyung potatoes' might finally see the light of day!
As for the conclusion of The Potato Lab, we leap forward three years. Ong-ju sits sobbing on the sofa, prompting Mi-kyung to instantaneously assume her brother has impregnated her. Instead, the heart of the matter reveals a harrowing diagnosis: fatty liver disease.
Meanwhile, Baek-ho persists, having resigned from Wonhan and now balancing three roles, notably as the CFO of USB Guesthouse. Mi-kyung's boisterous demeanor has lately garnered them some unfavorable reviews. Yet, despite Mi-kyung's relentless work ethic and her return to graduate studies, leaving little time for their bond, Baek-ho and Mi-kyung remain steadfast.
At the Lab, the team convenes for a presentation on the Maroo potato. Mi-kyung and Baek-ho arrive in suits, donning the mantle of self-proclaimed potato authorities. Their疯癫 and compatibility shine through, as they exchange playful jibes midst the presentation, ultimately cementing their status as an inseparable duo, a couple that leans on each other through the highs and lows of life.
