Episode 4 of "The Potato Lab" kicks off with Mi-kyung in a state of disbelief, struggling to come to terms with Baek-ho's decision to terminate her employment. He reiterates that only core personnel are left in the lab, and in his opinion, Mi-kyung no longer plays an insignificant role in the department. Despite her attempts to advocate for her role, the verdict stands firm. With compassion, Baek-ho extends her stay until Mr. Kwon's training concludes, considering her current involvement in his onboarding process.
Amidst this turmoil, a dramatic encounter unfolds between Ong-ju and Hwan-kyung when she unexpectedly catches him in the bath. Her words, revealing that she has seen it all, slip out too hastily, prompting her to flee the scene in a rush. Later that afternoon, Hwan-kyung's feelings for Ong-ju become evident when he "rescues" her from a trio of surfers at the beach, albeit in a manner that creates a scene, embarrassment her in front of them as though they were entangled in an affair.
However, these romantic entanglements quickly take a backseat when concerns arise regarding Mi-kyung's whereabouts and mental wellbeing. Seeking solace, Mi-kyung ventures to Gilmoon Temple to visit her father, a monk who abandoned his family for his spiritual pursuits. Over shared meals, they reconnect. Mi-kyung returns home exceptionally late, only to find Baek-ho anxiously awaiting her return, his concern palpable. Relieved to discover she is unharmed, he silently observes her safe arrival.
At work, the atmosphere is buoyant as colleagues praise Baek-ho for his kindness and commend him as an exemplary chief. Amidst these accolades, Mi-kyung listens intently, seizing the opportunity to seductively persuade Baek-ho to reconsider his decision. She employs every seductive tactic imaginable, but Baek-ho, known for his steadfastness, remains unmoved.
Meanwhile, Ki-se finds himself repeatedly clashing with CEO Yoon, who, post-divorce, labels him as overly attached. This label ignites a fiery response within him, especially when he's stonewalled from accessing information about a guest using his credit card at a hotel. Ironically, this very hotel is where Mi-kyung is conducting an interview, situated mere feet away from Ki-se in a nearby booth. Overhearing snippets of her conversation, Ki-se can't resist getting involved, offering her an escape route by undermining Baek-ho's authority, whom he oversees. However, Mi-kyung is steadfast in her refusal, unwilling to take such a path.
In the middle of this drama, we encounter a new character that has been the subject of whispers throughout the season: Yoon Hee-jin, Baek-ho's closest friend. She, too, avoids Ki-se, well aware that Baek-ho's civil demeanor towards him stems solely from their marital union. Hee-jin swiftly aligns him with her side, reinforcing their bond over a delightful meal.
News of Mi-kyung's dismissal ripples through the office, casting a pall over everyone's mood. In the parking lot, Baek-ho's car is deliberately boxed in, while malicious messages about him fly across the employees' laptops. However, disaster strikes when the messages, intended for a private chat, are mistakenly sent to the very group chat Baek-ho belongs to.
Desperate to rectify the situation, Mi-kyung grabs Baek-ho's phone and deletes the incriminating messages, thinking she's resolved the issue. Alas, she discovers too late that these messages persist on the desktop version, prompting her to rush out to erase them from his computer. As she locks herself in his office, Baek-ho inquires about her peculiar behavior. Defeated, Mi-kyung confesses about the messages. Surprisingly, Baek-ho brushes it off, asserting that it's not a big deal and refrains from disciplining her further. With a noble gesture, he turns his back and allows her to delete the messages.
Later that night, at the guesthouse, Mi-kyung is jolted awake by thunderous sounds. She dashes out to check on the greenhouses at the lab, unaware that Baek-ho has noticed her departure and followed suit. The rain pours relentlessly, accompanied by fierce gusts of wind. Fortunately, Baek-ho is there to lend a helping hand. As they gaze at each other amidst the storm, the episode draws to a cliffhanger.
