Monopoly is a game for the older generation? Jeez. I feel old.
Episode 5
Tae-ri does not accept Min-soo's extended hand, instead she hooks her arm around his. After overcoming his initial surprise, the two walks out of the hall, oblivious of the stares. Min-soo suggest that they "disinfect" again. What shall it be - soju, beer or wine? Tae-ri insists her current mood warrants a cleansing ceremony. Oh?
Meanwhile, Seung-jae is doing some disinfecting of his own in the bathroom. Heh. Mr. VP shows up asking about Min-soo but Seung-jae assures him that he's not a cause for worry.Well he'd better be, because at this rate Seung-jae will most likely lose out to him over Tae-ri which defeats the purpose of him working for VP. Before VP leaves, he heaps more insult by patting Seung-jae's butt. Hihi.
Tae-ri's idea of a ceremony is....clubbing. LOL. Poor Min-soo is at a lost while Tae-ri starts hopping around looking as though she's exercising rather than dancing. Best thing is her expression - looking for the world like it's perfectly normal to dance the way she does. Min-soo picks up quick enough and starts dancing as well, and imo better. But we see soon enough what Tae-ri means by a cleansing ceremony, she's basically exorcising her inner hurt by crying it out in the noisy club, where her tears won't be noticed by anyone.
Except Min-soo. His heart goes out to her and he holds her hand comfortingly, his eyes conveying what his heart thinks : "Tae-ri shi, don't cry. I will protect you". He wipes away her tears as a moved Tae-ri smiles at him. Then they continue
Meanwhile, Soon-sim decides to check on Eun-dong. Only he never showed up in his training center. Since she knows how much swimming means to him, it makes no sense that he would run away from home and sacrifice that. Which means he might have really been abducted and the greatest suspect would be-- Hwang Min-soo!
Tae-ri is suffering from the after effects of hopping in her heels. She removes her heels only to have Min-soo lifting her feet over his lap amid much teasing. He calls her Lee Guk jang, a play on her name because he's joking about how her feet stinks like "cheonggukjang" (fermented soy bean used in Korean cuisine). Anyway, he quotes his mum, "The taste of tears and the smell of sweat are very precious to humans" while massaging her feet. Almost immediately he realizes his slip of tongue as Tae-ri withdraws her feet. Cautiously, he ask if she misses her parents. She admits that she's holding it in, because she's a grown up.
Min-soo reiterates his wish to protect her (as fly swatter) before he leaves, as in after their 22 day contract. Tae-ri thanks him for today but he thinks he’s done a shitty job. If he’d known Seung-jae would pull something like that, he’d not have let her enter that place. He pulls out a huge thumbs-up toy and showers her with compliments. She did well to restrain from breaking down before Seung-jae and leave the room with her head held high. Her dress is really pretty and her cleansing ceremony – all ‘che go’ (the best!). The only blemish would be him as her partner. Aww. Tae-ri assures him, all serious-like, that he didn’t embarrass her at all today. :P
Mum is busy making kimchi to bribe Coach and the mothers of other members of the swimming team, in hope that Eun-dong would not be kicked out later. She grumbles that some extra money would sure be handy for such circumstances - who on earth bribes with kimchi?!! This is a touchy subject as loafer dad immediately explains that the more gifted one is, the poorer he is. According to dad’s outrageous theory, he’s penniless because of mum’s god-given skills (in kimchi making?) LOL.
They’re interrupted mid-bicker by Soon-sim’s unwelcome appearance. Mum grabs a handful of salt and throws it at her. (Salt to ward off evil). Soon-sim reads Eun-dong’s letter but doubts if it’s the real deal. Mum throws in an exercise book of Eun-dong’s for her to compare. Mum rages at her since she thinks now that Eun-dong’s left home because of Soon-sim but Soon-sim leaves abruptly while dad restrains mum.
Tae-ri enters her office to find Seung-jaw already seated in her chair. Using Min-soo messing up the ceremony as an excuse, he’s now taking over her position. Seung-jae claims that the board of directors are considering sacking her because her image is tarnished by Min-soo. His solution? Get rid of Min-soo and appoint him in charge of the museum. (I have no idea how he expects her to agree! )
She disagrees, as expected, unwilling to exchange Min-soo for her position. Seung-jae sighs heavily and then starts to lecture her on giving up because of a measly ceremony? How does she expect to go against her uncle? (Oh save it. Puh-leassssse.) Tae-ri maintains that she only left the ceremony because she doesn’t want to see him, and it’s got nothing to do with her uncle. He tries to explain that he’s playing the bad guy here, to spare her from the uncle’s clutches so to speak. (Duh. I’m sure there’s an element of noble idiocy in there somewhere but the idiot component far outweighs the noble part. Uncle bullying her no, him bullying her better. What sort of twisted logic is that? *roll eyes*)
Tae-ri declares suddenly that she’s going to date Min-soo (What??) She plans to eat, drink and love like the Italians (supposedly the world’s greatest lovers. Hihi). With that in his face, she makes her grand exit, with her name plate.
Soon-sim confronts Min-soo accusing him of kidnapping Eun-dong. How else would he know Eun-dong’s inner thoughts (about not liking her anymore)? She screams “kidnapper” aloud when Min-soo couldn’t come up with an explanation. Min-soo covers up her mouth, anxious about attracting unwanted attention. He explains that he is brother to Hwang Min-gook, Eun-dong’s swimming coach, love counsellor and idol. Soon-sim narrows her eyes in doubt. More confident now, he elaborates that Eun-dong confided in his coach right before he ran away. He knows all about how she two-timed him, how she betray him on their engagement day by kissing another man. He’s no kidnapper, she is – a monster kidnapper. LOL. Soon-sim takes offense with that description.
Just then, Tae-ri appears with Seung-jae on her heels. She shoves the name plate at Min-soo and announces nonchalantly that they’re going dating. Seung-jae tries to stop him but backs off when Min-soo threatens mischievously with his lips. Hah.
They’re off dating in a hypermarket, eating an ice-cream each. Min-soo thinks she’s too rash to give up on the museum. What about the Sun clock? Tae-ri insists the clock won’t change her life. Oh, but it will change Min-soo’s! Min-soo calls out her name in frustration. But that’s exactly who she wants to be - not an heiress, not a curator, just a normal person named Lee Tae-ri. Min-soo thinks it’s just excuses. She’s totally lacking in ambition and fighting spirit. Min-soo is further left speechless as she totally ignores his well-meaning speech and lounges back in a massage chair, not unlike a child. (Who’s the kid and who’s the adult now? Heh.)
Tae-ri declares she’s very happy today but Min-soo grumbles he’s very much troubled. Then she tells him vaguely that this strategy will not be tiring even if it lasts a year. Strategy? Tae-ri reasons that Seung-jae will definitely not let her off this easily. Min-soo brightens up when he realizes it’s a farce to fool Seung-jae. Tae-ri’s plan is to fool Seung-jae into thinking she’s given up on the museum, that way she can safely plan her next move. An elated Min-soo pinches her cheeks (muahaha) happily and eagerly inquires about her next move.
Tae-ri leaves the decision in his hand. And he suggests that … she lies down (Oh???) Well, she lies on the floor, partially pillowed on his lap and reads a book held and flipped by Min-soo. (Wow, that’s a luxury I wouldn’t mind!) And he starts feeding her junk food too. LOL. A manservant! And I love that he’s teaching her how to laze around, like a 14 year old would. (Hell, like I would! And I’m nowhere near 14…)
The bell rings, and Min-soo answers the door eagerly. It’s Coach, open-mouthed, and here on Min-soo’s invitation. But what’s with the get-up? LMAO.
Min-soo asks why he’s late and Coach gripes that it’s a 30minutes walk from the gate. Tae-ri is surprised to see him even as Coach thanks her for inviting him to her home. Min-soo enthusiastically declares that the party will begin now! Tae-ri claps uncertainly. (Hmm…what party? Costume party? Slumber party? Haha)
Soon-sim is grilling meat by herself all the while dissing Seung-jae for wanting to break up with her. She’s determined to show him that she’s no pushover. Her manager rushes over demanding to know what’s gone wrong. Seung-jae has released her from all her modelling and commercial contracts. Payments for the breach of contract have already been credited into the company’s account. This is bad news since they’ve been terminated way ahead of the contract’s deadline which will make it difficult for her to secure other offers. Her image will plummet. A speechless Soon-sim starts having abdominal pain…
Seung-jae stares at photos of Coach and Min-soo, whom he thinks are as different as day and night. His underling updates him that Tae-ri is currently resting at home with the two brothers. Seung-jae frowns at that. Seung-jae warns him not to be lax and to keep an eye on Tae-ri’s movements. He also learns that Coach Hwang is also coach to the VP’s son.
Tae-ri is all dressed in pyjamas and the ribbon. Min-soo remarks that she looks pretty, like a pyjama model. LOL. It’s a pyjama party! YAY. Next up, they need to play some sort of games. Tae-ri excitedly brings out a board game. It’s the millionaire game (equivalent to the Monopoly). Min-soo is clueless about it but Coach starts elaborating that it’s a ruthless game where one will stop at nothing to buy lands and build properties. Tae-ri comments that a three-year difference cannot be underestimated – the generation gap is quite big. Min-soo insists that he knows the game. It’s just that it’s a rather old game. Tae-ri is not discouraged – it’s a gift from her grandpa when she was 12 years old and through it, she’d learn the rules of business from him.
The three are pretty engrossed in the game.
At one point, Min-soo landed on the Italy property and declares he’s buying it. But Tae-ri holds the golden key so he can’t buy it quite as easily. The conditions stated on the card are Min-soo would have to clear the payments for all his properties and kisses the person on his left three times. Wahhhht? Min-soo immediately kisses Tae-ri on the forehead three times while Coach grumbles at the wasted opportunity. How could he kiss the same spot three times? LOL. Min-soo doesn’t care and he successfully buys Italy, “Now, Italy is mine!” (Pun intended hehe).
At one point, Min-soo landed on the Italy property and declares he’s buying it. But Tae-ri holds the golden key so he can’t buy it quite as easily. The conditions stated on the card are Min-soo would have to clear the payments for all his properties and kisses the person on his left three times. Wahhhht? Min-soo immediately kisses Tae-ri on the forehead three times while Coach grumbles at the wasted opportunity. How could he kiss the same spot three times? LOL. Min-soo doesn’t care and he successfully buys Italy, “Now, Italy is mine!” (Pun intended hehe).
Secretary Hong stops by to update Tae-ri on the situation. She’s already planted spies by Seung-jae’s side to monitor his movements and arranged for appropriate smokescreen on their side. Secretary Hong also manages to smuggle in a paper containing the schedule on the exact time and route the thing Tae-ri ordered from Milan would arrive. With that, Tae-ri returns to her game with the boys.
Min-soo and Coach fall asleep in the living room. As day breaks, Tae-ri nudges the sleeping Min-soo awake.
Meanwhile, Seung-jae had a sleepless night, no thanks to a certain message informing him that the Hwang brothers spent the night at Tae-ri’s.
Tae-ri and Min-soo arrives outside another property of Tae-ri’s, one that is as dear to her heart as the museum. Min-soo muses that Tae-ri’s grandpa must have led the dullest of life in order to provide her with so many things. Tae-ri quips that things will get interesting from now on. Tae-ri explains that they have to look for something here before the employees come in for work. The automated gate opens suddenly revealing an already waiting Seung-jae. Crap!
Seung-jae has arranged for himself to be in charge of the warehouse for the morning. He will oversee all the deliveries made since last night, of which he will be responsible for the assortment, distribution and return deliveries. Tae-ri is curious how he found out she’d be here. Well, the method does not matter, what matters is he is already aware of her plans. Min-soo thinks he’s overstepping the borders since this is Tae-ri’s territory. But he retorts it’s too early to say that – since Tae-ri’s fate depends on whether he can find that thing she ordered from Milan.
While Min-soo searches high and low for that mysterious thing, Tae-ri confronts Seung-jae, surprised he still won’t let her off. Well, for someone who claims to have given up on the museum, what is she doing here? Games up, Tae-ri demands for her stuff. He declares he’s going to return it to Paul in Milan. He doesn’t know what she’s got there but whatever it is, she should stop it. There’s no way he’s going to let Paul return to the museum. Tae-ri warns him against interfering. If he messes up her plans this time, she won’t let him off. But to Seung-jae, it’s already game over for her. The fact that she brought Min-soo along has convinced him to stop caring for her.
Defeated, Tae-ri wants to leave but Min-soo insists on continue searching, ignoring her order to leave for the day. And so he searches blindly alone, without much success. Meanwhile, Tae-ri calls up Paul and informs him that Seung-jae has acted first and returned that thing to Milan. Their plans would have to be postponed until the thing is in their hands.
Elsewhere, Mr. VP meets up with Coach and offers him the position of his son’s personal coach with a billion yearly salary paid up front and a 70% pay raise as incentive for every record made. To his credit, Coach explains that he’s already Eun-dong’s personal coach. To further tempt Coach, Mr. VP throws in more offers – lifelong access to hotel stay, open car. As the door opens, Coach quickly pockets the check. (Shucks. He folded!)Its Seung-jae and Coach immediately recognizes him as the mungbeanfly from Min-soo’s description and excuses himself to the washroom nervously.
Seung-jae asks if Coach knows that Seung-jae is the one looking for him. Mr.VP assures Seung-jae that he’s not that stupid as to reveal that. Mr.VP asks if he’s been making changes to the museum as per his wishes. Seung-jae explains that repair efforts on the Sun clock have been halted. But that’s not what he means. Why hasn’t he taken over the Curator position? Is he reserving the seat for Tae-ri? The original plan is for him to destroy the museum. So he’d better take over and start working on that. (See, it’s not as easy working with the enemy. Idiot. But definitely not noble.)
A hospitalized Soon-sim is beyond furious to learn that Seung-jae is the new curator. And as curator, he’d sacked her. The girls muse that there must be some unfinished private business between the two. The manager freaks out at that suggestion and Soon-sim denies it. She’s saved from furthering badgering as the manager receives a call about a commercial offer. Soon-sim glares at a nervous Hong-sil who declares she knows nothing about this.
Tae-ri learns that Mr.Vp has already announced plans to renovate the museum. All efforts to preserve the Sun clock has already been halted. Tae-ri calls Hong-sil to find out Soon-sim’s location.
At home, Coach is busy counting the numbers on his check. He knows he’s not supposed to accept the money but the temptation is so great. Thus he decides to sit on it, literally, before he gets rid of the check like the honourable person he’s supposed to be. *chuckle*
Min-soo returns, still bubbling with anger and the nervous Coach immediately stash the check into his pants. LOL. Min-soo calls Coach ‘hyung’, all serious and upset, asking why things are like this. Naturally, Coach thinks he’s found out about the check. LOL. But Min-soo starts to whine about the difficult life as a man, disappointed that he’s unable to help Tae-ri find her stuff or capture the mungbeanfly (metaphorically). Coach tries to confirm if mungbeanfly=Choi Seung-jae, but his name alone is enough to frustrate the hell out of Min-soo. Min-soo vows to remain as Hwang Min-soo until he gets to capture the mungbeanfly. Coach sees his opening – if Eun-dong remains as Min-soo, that means he needn’t be Eun-dong’s swimming coach, right? Ahahaha, crafty crafty…
Tae-ri meets Soon-sim at the hospital and requests that she returns to the museum. Soon-sim is doubtful since Seung-jae would never let that happen now that he’s the curator. Tae-ri reminds her of their personal contract – Tae-ri would help make Seung-jae into Soon-sim’s man in exchange for her being their museum’s image spokesperson. (Oh? That’s a pretty smart move). Since Seung-jae is not yet her man, their contract is still valid. Seung-jae would only give up on Tae-ri and turn to Soon-sim if he’s utterly destroyed.
Soon-sim grudgingly acknowledges that but she has a condition - to borrow her fly-swatter! If it is known that Heart is dating with her boyfriend in the museum, the resultant media attention would be tremendous. Her reason for choosing Min-soo? She’s feeling aggrieved that Seung-jae is overlooking her for Tae-ri. She admits that her self-esteem took a hit so she wants to get in between Tae-ri and Seung-jae even if it means making Min-soo her boyfriend. Tae-ri refuses since Min-soo himself would have rejected her condition. Soon-sim is adamant to have her way – Tae-ri could make him do it. Moreover, Tae-ri shouldn’t have any reason to object if she doesn’t harbour any feelings for Min-soo right?
Soon-sim planted the suggestion, but Tae-ri is considering for the first time the possibility that she’d fallen for him by reminiscing about their moments together. She shows up unannounced at Min-soo’s place the next morning…and tells him he’s to be Soon-sim’s boyfriend. Min-soo is surprised but Tae-ri convinces him it’s the only way to save the museum. She also informs him that she plans on extending their 22 day contract but she’s made several alterations to the conditions.
Min-soo reads aloud the new contract:
“I, Hwang Min-soo will become image spokesperson, Ha Soon-sim’s boyfriend for a day. Because it concerns the museum, I will try my very best for Lee Tae-ri’s sake. In case I’m not confident I won’t be wavered by Ha Soon-sim, I can terminate the contract immediately.”
Min-soo looks at Tae-ri questioningly which prompts her to ask if it’s too complicated. Min-soo denies it and pledges to be Soon-sim’s boyfriend for her sake. Satisfied, Tae-ri seals the contract with a lipstick kiss. Hah.
Tae-ri joins Hong-sil for a workout session at the gym. Hong-sil shares that she maintains her youthful looks by sweating it out on the bicycle machine an hour a day. Tae-ri looks at her photo and asks if she looks old. LOL. Hong-sil doesn’t think so but concedes the title of a curator does make her seem older than she is. Tae-ri agrees and Hong-sik suspects she’s given up her position for this reason. Hah. Tae-ri tells her she just wanted a break. Then, Tae-ri asks for the brand of cosmetics Hong-sil uses. Hong-sil finally catches on and asks teasingly if she’s seeing someone. She sure is acting weird today.
Soon-sim and Min-soo begins their date at the museum with helmets on. Haha. Soon-sim removes her helmet and they snap several lovey-dovey pictures but with Min-soo’s identity withheld. Soon-sim announces that the man in helmet is her boyfriend whose face will be revealed right before the Sun Clock when the repair is complete.
They’re interrupted by Seung-jae but Soon-sim nonchalantly informs him that she had signed a contract with Tae-ri as the image spokesperson. She’s just doing her job in promoting the Sun Clock. Seung-jae frowns at Min-soo’s presence, asking what he’s doing here. Min-soo is Soon-sim’s fly swatter, on loan from Tae-ri. LOL. Min-soo perks up adorably when Soon-sim says that Tae-ri had loaned him to her to be returned after use, which is exactly what she intends to do. Seung-jae tries to drag her away but Min-soo intercepts by ruffling his hair. They escape as Seung-jae stays rooted in shock.
Seung-jae eventually gives chase along with his goons but the two has already gained a considerable head start. They hide in a room which is immediately locked automatically. Oh dear.
Meanwhile, Tae-ri checks the photos Soon-sim uploaded online but feels jealous, muttering that they don’t match at all.
Seung-jae is busy fixing his hair. LOL. Dude really is obsessive about his hair. The damage is done as the museum is flooded with calls about the Sun clock. Some rabid fans even threaten to kill the curator if the clock is not repaired soon. Seung-jae orders the two kept locked until the museum is abolished, adding sarcastically that the two can now gaze at stars and date for real.
Soon-sim and Min-soo is locked in the planetarium where the breathtaking simulations of the stars and planets enthral Soon-sim. She tells him to stop his futile efforts to force the door open. Min-soo is worried Seung-jae will go after Tae-ri but Soon-sim tells him that the media circus out there would make it impossible for him to seek her out.
Soon-sim tells him he should feel honoured to be star-gazing with the famous AppleHead. Min-soo tells her off for being childish but Soon-sim retorts that he isn’t very mature himself. One moment he’s chasing after an idol, and the next he’s seducing an heiress. Min-soo takes offense at that and she immediately retracts her words. She asks curiously how much he’s being paid that he’s working his ass off for Tae-ri. Min-soo replies indignantly that he’s not receiving a cent. Soon-sim surmises that he’s in love with Tae-ri then. Min-soo sighs that the adult world is not as simple as she thinks, there’s a reason for his actions.
Soon-sim drops the topic and marvels at the sight. She hasn’t gazed at stars since she became a star. Min-soo tells her it’s ok to take a break occasionally. She might be a star but she’s still Soon-sim, the girl who likes star candies and stay up all night just to watch meteor showers – silly village girl Soon-sim. Soon-sim looks at him contemplatively and asks if he really doesn’t know where Eun-dong is. Min-soo realizes his slip of tongue and denies any knowledge of his whereabouts. Soon-sim wonders if Eun-dong is eating well. Min-soo tells her to save it - Eun-dong will grow up nicely without her. She’d do well not to get too upset over the mungbeanfly.
The door finally opens and Min-soo excuses himself. Soon-sim calls out to him but stop short of saying anything.
As Min-soo runs to Tae-ri, Seung-jae is already at Tae-ri’s place. He’s keen on clearing the misunderstandings between them so that they won’t drift further apart from each other. Tae-ri doesn’t get it since he was behind everything that has happened. He explains he’s been waiting until everything falls into place. What does he want? He wants her – Lee Tae-ri.
Thoughts:
Ohh…now it gets a little more interesting. Soon-sim is falling for the adult Eun-dong aka Min-soo but does Min-soo likes Tae-ri? Age and appropriateness wise, Soon-sim would match with Eun-dong and Tae-ri with Seung-jae. But both Seung-jae and Soon-sim is still not likeable enough that I would root that way. Soon-sim seems to have mellowed a little (finally!) but Seung-jae continues to be an ass.
But any development is good development I guess. I feel like the plot has been unmoving for some time so Soon-sim’s attraction to Min-soo will hopefully spark the story to life. I still think the museum thread is pretty boring and there’s been zilch focus on the mysterious Sun Clock ever since the change.
I will continue to recap/mini-recap (depending on my mood) the drama since I know there are still many who love the drama. I know I watched this out of a fondness for Park Ye-jin. :P But the pace will likely be leisurely…like now (2ep/week).
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