In the tenth episode of “Romance in the House,” titled “Tears are Saltier Than Water,” the emotional stakes reach a new high as the villa’s inhabitants confront their tangled relationships, hidden secrets, and mounting tensions.
The episode begins with Tae-pyeong, brimming with energy and ambition, gearing up for his new role as an intern. He asks Nam Chi-Yeol to keep their familial connection a secret. But Chi-Yeol’s knowing smile hints that things won’t be that simple. Sure enough, as Tae-pyeong steps into his internship, the office quickly becomes a hotbed of gossip. Mr. Nam’s unexpected announcement of their relationship sets tongues wagging, and Mi-rae braces herself for the fallout. Her coworker’s warning about a “tiring future” feels prophetic as the drama unfolds.
Meanwhile, Hyeon-jae’s eyes sparkle with dreams of fortune when Moo-jin hands him an envelope stuffed with cash. The family’s dynamics grow more complex when Ae-yeon decides to take on a modeling job. Moo-jin, thrilled by the opportunity, eagerly takes on the role of her mentor, setting the stage for a memorable debut. The villa’s residents, curious and supportive, eagerly plan to watch her first infomercial appearance together.
When the day arrives, Ae-yeon’s modeling debut becomes an unexpected triumph. Her heartfelt and persuasive pitch captivates the audience, leading to a complete sell-out of the product. Mi-rae and Moo-jin, cheering from the sidelines, are visibly proud of Ae-yeon’s accomplishment. The agency, impressed by her success, offers her another gig. Moo-jin can’t resist teasing her about the attention she’s bound to attract, but beneath his playful exterior, he can’t shake a feeling of unease. Ae-yeon senses it too, realizing there’s more to his demeanor than meets the eye.
Mi-rae and Tae-pyeong struggle to keep their relationship hidden while juggling their professional responsibilities. Their secret meetings and group dinners become a precarious dance of discretion, threatened when curious coworkers spot them together in the parking lot. As if things weren’t complicated enough, Moo-jin starts investigating the villa’s past, poring over CCTV footage and questioning Mi-rae about the landlord’s daughter and her accusations. The tension in the villa mounts as whispers of an old fire grow louder.
At work, Tae-pyeong’s unexpected role in the advertising campaign throws everyone off balance, especially Mr. Nam. During a professional meeting, Mi-rae maintains a cool, composed demeanor, but later sends Tae-pyeong a caring message, revealing the depth and duality of her character. In a private elevator conversation, Mr. Nam shares his hopes for Tae-pyeong’s future, while Mi-rae promises her unwavering support in guiding him through the challenges ahead.
The episode takes a sharp turn when Moo-jin’s past catches up with him at the villa’s first anniversary dinner. His conspicuous absence is felt by everyone, and when he finally arrives, his drunken state shocks the crowd. The landlord’s daughter makes a dramatic entrance, accusing him of being involved in the fire and an investment scam. The revelations send shockwaves through the villa, thrusting Moo-jin into the center of a heated controversy.
Ae-yeon arrives at the dinner just in time to defuse the situation. She stands by Moo-jin, her trust in him unwavering despite the mounting accusations. Her faith becomes a lifeline for him, a ray of hope amid the chaos. Hyeon-jae joins her in her support, creating a united front. But Mi-rae finds her own trust tested, especially after Jae-geol lays out the bitter truth about Mr. Kim’s entanglement with Dragon Investment and the mysterious fire. As the landlord’s daughter reveals her true motives, the villa’s residents are left reeling, struggling to cope with the harsh consequences of her actions.
In the aftermath, Ae-yeon finds Moo-jin alone, overwhelmed by the weight of the accusations. She reaches out to him, and their tender moment, underscored by the music of an old favorite song, brings a sense of calm to the storm. Her kiss is more than just affection—it is a balm for his troubled soul, a reminder of the enduring love they share.
“Tears are Saltier Than Water” dives deep into the intricate web of trust, family ties, and unresolved history. The episode showcases the resilience of its characters and the bonds that hold them together, even in their darkest moments. It leaves viewers with a sense of hope, watching as the villa’s residents continue to navigate the tumultuous waters of life, love, and unexpected truths.
