Episode 6 of "The Potato Lab" kicks off with Ki-se unexpectedly arriving at Mi-kyung's doorstep, a most inappropriate venue for a conversation of any sort. Recognizing this, she promptly escorts him to a secluded spot to inquire about his intentions. On the verge of revealing that his visit was actually to see Hee-jin, he catches himself and instead mentions Baek-ho, much to Mi-kyung's astonishment.
When Mi-kyung casually drops Baek-ho's name, it triggers an immediate red flag for Ki-se, who probingly inquires about the nature of their relationship. Though clearly none of his concern, Mi-kyung kindly yet firmly informs him that Ong-ju has recently acquired a cleaver, hinting at potential trouble if he doesn't beat a hasty retreat.
So, what had kept Mi-kyung up late into the night? Immersed in thoughts about Baek-ho, she eventually patches things up with him, accepting her apology and bidding her a sweet goodnight, which brings a radiant smile to her face.
The next day at work, Baek-ho unveils Wonhan Retail's Potato Lab's 2024 Potato Purchasing Plan to the team. A pivotal aspect of this plan involves sourcing imported potatoes from the US, entirely phasing out the Jangsaeng variety.
Transitioning from Jangsaeng to Marshall potatoes isn't as straightforward as it seems. Paper comparisons aside, the team at the lab is apprehensive about a complete shift that could drastically alter the taste quality of their Potatochips. To alleviate their doubts, Baek-ho cleverly stages a blind taste test, though with a twist: he sneakily includes Marshall potatoes in both samples!
Following the test, the lab members, including Bu Jae-joong, adopt a defeatist demeanor. However, Mi-kyung sparks a glimmer of hope with a brilliant idea rooted in a new variety they've been nurturing: Maroo. With a harvest time comparable to Marshalls but superior adaptability, Maroo emerges as a more viable business option.The harvest is imminent, mere weeks away, yet Mi-kyung acknowledges that she won't witness it firsthand. She grasps the rationale behind his decision and harbors no lingering resentment. Possessing a remarkably positive work ethic, she engages in a heartfelt chat with him as they embark on their journey. Mi-kyung expresses her heartfelt wish to prolong her tenure at the workplace. Their journey's end leads them to the potato field, where they inspect the Maroo's progress.
Elsewhere, Ong-ju comes to terms with her jealousy over Hwan-kyung's potential interest in another woman. When she confesses her feelings to him, he is perturbed, reminding her of his years-long affection that she repeatedly brushed aside. However, this time feels different. She dares him to kiss her, and the kiss swiftly escalates into a passionate embrace.
As dawn breaks, Baek-ho and Mi-kyung arrive at work, only to find themselves in an awkward yet tender tableau inside the car—asleep, their hands intertwined. Their colleagues catch them in this intimate moment, gathered around the vehicle at the lab's entrance. The team realizes that their bond has deepened significantly, and whispers of marriage begin to circulate. Nevertheless, Baek-ho and Mi-kyung discreetly conceal their burgeoning romance upon waking and entering the building.
Upon returning home, Mi-kyung encounters Ong-ju and Hwan-kyung, both looking guilty after their night together. Suspecting they've been gambling all night, Ong-ju maintains their facade for the time being.
At the office, Ki-se visits Baek-ho, ostensibly offering him alternative accommodation as a favor. However, his true intentions are revealed—he is consumed by jealousy and seeks to separate Baek-ho from Mi-kyung.
When the topic of jealousy arises, Mi-kyung finds herself tinged with envy that fateful night as Baek-ho fails to answer her calls, engrossed instead in his work commitments. Hee-jin, equally intolerant of this situation, resolves to relentlessly probe Baek-ho until he reveals his affectionate inclinations. She even resorts to drastic measures, brandishing her worn-out shoes and threatening to leap onto the bed in a playful yet coercive manner. Baek-ho, eventually breaking under pressure, confesses that his heart is set on someone from the workplace, only to face Hee-jin's disdain for his hesitancy to boldly confess his feelings or articulate his inner turmoil.
In stark contrast stands Mi-kyung, whose affection for Baek-ho is unmistakable. She is visibly distressed when Baek-ho continually ignores her at the office, maintaining a closed-off demeanor. Flashing back six years, we glimpse the roots of Mi-kyung's anxiety. At work, she is shunned by her colleagues, left to sit alone as even Ki-se turns a blind eye to her presence. The memory of isolation resurfaces as she witnesses Baek-ho's similar indifference.
Ki-se's phone call pulls her into his office, where he reveals that her resignation form has ascended to headquarters, yet he hasn't sanctioned it. His intention was merely to inform her. Back at her place, Mi-kyung unleashes her frustration upon Baek-ho, highlighting his recent, erratic behavior. She demands an explanation for his conduct and clarification of her place in his life. At this juncture, Baek-ho admits that she represents a "boundary he yearns to cross." He closes the door, his gaze piercing into Mi-kyung's eyes as the episode concludes on a tense, introspective note.
In the epilogue, Ong-ju and Hwan-kyung find themselves embarked on a cozy movie marathon, the seeds of their burgeoning romance sprouting. Their mutual attraction simmers beneath a veneer of playful flirtation, promising a tale of lust intertwined with affection.
