The sixteenth episode of "When Life Gives You Tangerines" unfolds with the Yang restaurant ascending to unprecedented heights, its success blooming like a well-tended garden. For the very first time, Ae-soon dares to envision a journey abroad, hand in hand with Gwan-sik. Meanwhile, Geum-myeong finds herself balancing the delicate tightrope between nurturing her daughter and the demands of her profession, with Ae-soon often lending a helping hand by babysitting her precious granddaughter.
Driven by a desire to safeguard her parents' wellbeing, Geum-myeong makes a pivotal decision. She taps into the funds they had meticulously saved for their health check-ups. For the initial time in their lives, Ae-soon and Gwan-sik undergo a comprehensive medical examination. As Gwan-sik lies under anesthesia, a veil of vulnerability lifts, revealing the profound guilt that has weighed heavily on his heart for years—the haunting belief that Dong-myeong might still be alive had he constructed the barrier.
The following day, both Gwan-sik and Ae-soon find solace at Dong-myeong's graveside. Gwan-sik's mind drifts back through the years, remembering how he had silently observed Ae-soon's visits, her unwavering presence by Dong-myeong's side, while he remained a distant figure, tears unseen beneath his stoic facade.
That very day, inspired by the poignant moment, Ae-soon pens another poem, her thoughts flowing onto paper. Just as she finishes, Geum-myeong's call interrupts, relaying the doctor's request for further tests on Gwan-sik. Compliant yet apprehensive, they undergo the additional evaluations, only to receive the devastating news: Gwan-sik has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. The subsequent days blur into a whirlwind of medical treatments and emotional turmoil.
One serene night, amidst the calm before the storm, Gwan-sik beckons Geum-myeong to his side. He reflects fondly on his life shared with Ae-soon, his voice tinged with nostalgia. In a heartfelt plea, he utters his final wish: that she never abandon her mother in the wake of his departure, ensuring she remains surrounded by love and support.
When Gwan-sik eventually steps back into the warmth of his home, Eun-myeong's tears overflow as she confesses her heartfelt desire to purchase a fresh boat and a car for her father as tokens of her love. A nostalgic flashback unveils a tender moment where Gwan-sik defies the family's unspoken moratorium on celebrations, taking Eun-myeong out for jajangmyeon on her birthday, despite Dong-myeong's recent demise still looming heavily in their hearts.
Later, Geum-myeong, shining bright on television, emerges as the visionary behind a novel online education venture, gratefully acknowledging her parents' indispensable influence on her path. As Gwan-sik spends his twilight days at home, surrounded by cherished memories, he eventually succumbs to his illness in the hospital, his eyes locked on Ae-soon's comforting smile—a final request she fulfills with all her heart.
Ae-soon's journey through grief is a long and arduous one, but she finds solace in the realm of poetry. Years stretch on, and she finally completes her book, a testament to her enduring love and loss. Now, she devotes her time to volunteering at an elderly care facility, where she teaches former Haenyeo women to decipher the wonders of written words.
Geum-myeong, in a gesture of profound affection, reclaims their parents' beloved old home for Ae-soon to reside in, and the family's bond remains unbroken, frequently gathering within its walls. A delightful twist unfolds as Ae-soon's poetry collection hits the shelves, its editor a striking embodiment of her late mother's essence.
The narrative concludes with Ae-soon, rejuvenated and filled with a sense of renewal, as her book stands as a poignant tribute to her cherished memories of Gwan-sik, forever blooming in the spring of her life.
