Episode 13 of "When Life Gives You Tangerines" kicks off with Yeong-beom gracing the occasion of Geum-myeong's wedding, set against the backdrop of 1998. The narrative then seamlessly pivots a year backward, painting a vivid picture of the Yang family welcoming their new bundle of joy – the eldest son of Eun-myeong and Hyeon-suk. In this tender yet tumultuous moment, Eun-myeong finds himself locked in a heated dispute with his father, lambasting him for not being affluent enough and denying him the privileges of life. Ae-soon, swift to intervene, sternly rebukes him, reminding him of his father's unwavering dedication and the injustice of his accusations.
Elsewhere, Ae-soon stumbles upon Hyeon-suk's mother, sitting alone in a car nearby. With compassion in her heart, she urges her to embrace her grandson, reassuring her with a promise to nurture Hyeon-suk and provide her with the opportunities her own mother could not.
Meanwhile, South Korea is mired in a national financial crisis, its tentacles stretching far and wide, leading to a surge of unemployment. Geum-myeong, among the countless victims, finds herself jobless and adrift in a sea of desperation as she scours for work. In her quest, she stumbles upon the hallowed halls of the old theater where she once thrived, only to confront its impending demise. Overcome with nostalgia, she decides to indulge in a solitary cinema experience.
Unbeknownst to her, Cheong-seop too finds himself within those very walls. The theater owner's casual mention of her visit awakens a dormant longing within him, and determined not to let her slip away again, he spots her aboard a passing bus. Ensues a frantic pursuit, a dance of near-misses and relentless determination, culminating in a heart-stopping reunion as he finally catches up with her.
Reunited over refreshing beverages, Cheong-seop confesses his long-held feelings for Geum-myeong, marking the dawn of their relationship—a romance that, for Geum-myeong, possesses the "perfect warmth," enabling her to embrace her authentic self. Soon after, she introduces Cheong-seop to her family, where her father, Gwan-sik, rigorously interrogates him about his intentions with his daughter. Despite his stern demeanor, Gwan-sik harbors a secret approval of Cheong-seop, observing his genuine concern for Geum-myeong, whether it's ensuring her safety aboard a boat or safeguarding her on chilly nights. Meanwhile, Ae-soon is elated to learn that Cheong-seop's mother holds Geum-myeong in the highest esteem. As a token of her heartfelt affection, she presents Ae-soon with a homemade delicacy of dried fruits, symbolizing her deep love for Geum-myeong.
As Geum-myeong's wedding day arrives, Yeong-beom watches her from a distance before silently exiting the venue. With her father by her side, Gwan-sik reassures her of his unconditional support, whispering that she can backtrack at any moment. Emotions overflow, causing Geum-myeong to burst into tears. In the midst of her sobbing, Cheong-seop meets her halfway, gently guiding her down the aisle with tender care.
Post-wedding, as the Yang family makes their way home, a group of men confronts Eun-myeong about his absconding business partner. It transpires that Eun-myeong had ventured into a small pawn shop partnership with a friend whom Ae-soon had earnestly warned him to steer clear of. The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, suggesting more trials and tribulations awaiting the Yang family in the future.
