A Virtuous Business Episode 9 kicks off with the lingering tension from Do-hyeon’s heartfelt yet awkward hug with Jeong-suk. The moment is cut short when a drunk man stumbles into their path, and in his flustered state, Do-hyeon blurts out that Jeong-suk is his “forever friend,” further complicating their complicated relationship.
Meanwhile, the plot thickens with Jong-seon and Du-seok’s ongoing criminal scheme. The duo had robbed a jewelry store together, but things take a dark turn when they accidentally hit someone with their car on the way out of town. While Du-seok wants to flee the scene, Jong-seon, with blood on his hands, feels an overwhelming sense of guilt and calls the police from a nearby payphone. However, by the time the authorities arrive, the victim is revealed to be Geum-hui’s husband, Won-bong, who is rushed to the hospital for surgery.
The hospital scene becomes a pivotal moment, as Do-hyeon connects the dots between the robbery and the hit-and-run. He visits Geum-hui, who is understandably distressed and struggling to hold it together. Her emotional breakdown is heartbreaking when she realizes that Won-bong had been out shopping for their wedding anniversary when the accident happened.
In a stroke of luck, Won-bong survives the surgery and regains consciousness, much to the relief of his brother Dae-geun, who promises to manage the pharmacy in his absence. Do-hyeon visits him soon after, but the man is unable to provide much information about the incident, as he only heard voices but couldn’t identify them.
While the investigation progresses, tension builds between Jeong-suk and Do-hyeon, and Do-hyeon finally confesses his feelings, apologizing for making her uncomfortable. He admits that his feelings for her have deepened over time, especially after seeing her smile and witnessing her hard work. Jeong-suk, still preoccupied with her responsibilities as a mother to Min-ho and her recent promotion, isn’t sure about her own feelings but values their connection.
On the other side of things, Jong-seon’s guilt is eating him alive. He’s torn between wanting to do the right thing by confessing and the consequences of doing so. Yeong-bok, his wife, urges him to keep quiet for the sake of their children and the family’s future, even if it means covering up the accident.
Do-hyeon isn’t easily deterred, though. He uncovers critical evidence at the scene—a smudged fingerprint on a payphone and a potential lead from a 119 emergency call—which could bring him closer to cracking the case. Meanwhile, tensions simmer in the home as the four characters share a dinner, with Yeong-bok noticeably subdued. Her silence speaks volumes, and it’s clear that the situation is weighing heavily on her.
Jeong-suk, ever the strategist, decides to take matters into her own hands regarding Do-hyeon. She’s aware of his growing feelings for her, so she arranges to meet with him the next day. Do-hyeon, initially planning to dress casually, opts for a smart suit instead, signaling his intentions. The office is buzzing with speculation, thinking he’s about to start a romance. Jeong-suk, now fully embracing her new role as Branch Manager, is ready for the next chapter.
However, things don’t go as planned. Do-hyeon’s car breaks down on the way to their date, but he manages to make it in time for a fun, impromptu outing at a theme park. The date turns out to be a success, with Jeong-suk laughing and enjoying herself, something she hasn’t done in a long time. She’s delighted by the spontaneity, and they even find themselves running for the bus together.
Meanwhile, Yeong-bok pays a visit to Geum-hui at the hospital, causing a ripple effect. Do-hyeon, still on his date, receives a call revealing that the culprit has turned themselves in. Geum-hui is furious, and her anger leads her to make a decision that shocks everyone—she declares that none of them should ever see each other again. This sets the stage for more dramatic developments in the coming episodes, as the consequences of the characters’ actions begin to unravel.
The episode kicks off with Du-seok being led into prison, but it’s revealed that Jong-seon, not him, was in the passenger seat during the hit-and-run. Geum-hui struggles with the fact that Jong-seon left a bleeding man on the street but later learns he called the ambulance, which saved Won-bong’s life. Meanwhile, Yeong-bok is overwhelmed with guilt and emotion. Jeong-suk advises her to face the conflict head-on, encouraging her not to shy away from it.
Yeong-bok’s daughter, Eom-ji, reveals she suspected Jong-seon’s lies and that he wasn’t “working abroad” as his family believed. Won-bong, now recovering, tells Geum-hui how much her friends mean to her. Geum-hui listens but remains distant when Yeong-bok arrives, hoping to talk.
In an emotional moment, Yeong-bok apologizes to Geum-hui, admitting she never mentioned who called the ambulance to avoid seeming like she was after a settlement. When Geum-hui tries to leave, Yeong-bok suddenly doubles over in pain. Thankfully, the baby is fine, and the two share a heartfelt moment, rekindling their bond.
Jong-seon visits Won-bong to apologize, but Won-bong demands action rather than just words. Jong-seon promises to make it right, which leads to a lighter sentence for him—he’ll serve time in a detention center but is likely to be released on parole.
Elsewhere, Ju-ri and Dae-geun continue their casual relationship, but Dae-geun faces awkward situations when trying to find private places to date, given that his mother owns all the local motels. However, she will be out of town soon, giving them the chance to meet at his place.
Jeong-suk, distracted by her feelings for Do-hyeon, has a flirtatious evening at his home, where things get a little awkward when they accidentally mix up bags containing toys instead of a board game. They laugh off the incident and eventually share a kiss, with Do-hyeon confessing he wants more.
But the fun is interrupted when Do-hyeon receives a tip about a case involving trafficked children, leading him to investigate a former midwife’s assistant. The case takes a dramatic turn when Do-hyeon uncovers shocking truths about his own past, including the possibility that he, too, might be an adoptee.
The episode concludes with a dangerous confrontation at a video store, where Do-hyeon is tied up and nearly burned alive by Sun-ae, who confesses to kidnapping children years ago. Jeong-suk arrives just in time to save him, but the danger isn’t over yet. Later, a letter from Do-hyeon’s adoptive parents reveals a clue about his real identity, and a subtle connection between Do-hyeon’s mother and the ongoing case emerges when a basket with embroidered initials—K.B.H.—is found. Could this be the key to uncovering Do-hyeon’s true origins?
