Episode 5 of "When Life Gives You Tangerines" resumes with Ae-soon determined to shield Gwan-sik from working under Sang-sil's thumb. However, the couple's plight deepens as the influence of Sang-sil's family looms large over the island. Days stretch on, and Gwan-sik finds himself in a desperate hunt for employment, his spirits gradually diminishing under the weight of repeated rejections. With provisions dwindling, Ae-soon's humble attempt to solicit even a modest amount of rice from their landlords falls on deaf ears.
Walking alongside Geum-myeong in the present, Ae-soon's thoughts drift back to a pivotal lesson about the discernment of shame. The narrative shifts to a flashback, where Ae-soon, hoping for financial relief, ventures to her grandmother's abode but her pride hinders her from pleading outright. Later, nestled in bed beside Gwan-sik, she unburdens herself about the mounting hardships.
Unexpectedly, Ae-soon's grandmother arrives, bearing a bankbook filled with her savings, alongside jewelry and other cherished trinkets. A poignant revelation unfolds: Ae-soon's mother had once requested her grandmother's companionship for a photograph, during which she entrusted her daughter's welfare to her grandmother, much like she had done for Ae-soon's father. It was a twisted bid to alleviate her guilt of outliving her own flesh and blood. Grateful beyond measure, Gwan-sik and Ae-soon vow to make their grandmother's sacrifice worthwhile.
Armed with the money, the duo acquires a boat. Their jubilant celebration is abruptly interrupted when Ae-soon goes into labor and delivers their second child, a bouncing baby boy. With the birth of her son and the purchase of the boat, Ae-soon finally earns the acceptance of Gwan-sik's family, and she makes sure they are acutely aware of her newfound status.
Not much later, it transpires that Gwan-sik has purchased the house where Ae-soon's mother once shared a life with her stepfather. Overflowing with joy, Ae-soon finds herself in the home she cherished most from her childhood, the one that embodied her mother's presence. For the first time, she has a sanctuary to call her own.
As they transform the house into their dream abode, Ae-soon experiences a vivid dream of her mother visiting, mentioning a neighbor's truck. She jolts awake as Gwan-sik is away at sea fishing. Spurred by the dream, she rushes to the hospital with the assistance of a kind neighbor.
After welcoming her third child, her youngest son, Ae-soon ascends to the role of deputy president, aiding Sang-sil who retains his position as president amidst an absence of other contenders. Together, they dedicate their efforts to clamping down on individuals indulging in spontaneous dance.
In an unforeseen turn of events, while conducting an inspection in a particular area, Ae-soon encounters Sang-sil’s wife and assists her in escaping. This encounter peels back the curtain on the wife’s harrowing life, leaving her with a poignant remark as she departs, wistfully pondering why Ae-soon couldn’t have been the one to marry Sang-sil.
Later that evening, as Gwan-sik applies paint to the boat, he extends an invitation to Ae-soon to join him aboard. Hesitant at first, influenced by the superstition that women bring misfortune to vessels, she wavers. However, when Geum-myeong steps onto the boat, Ae-soon finds herself unable to dissuade her.
Ultimately, she decides to shatter the superstitious belief herself, boarding the boat with resolve and even participating in painting its name. The episode concludes on a heartwarming note, with Ae-soon experiencing genuine happiness for the second time as Gwan-sik affectionately kisses her.
