The scene opens with a conversation between Cai Ming and Madame Bovary. Cai Ming wants to know why Madame Poins didn't say anything when he left, and Madame Moins asks why she can't marry Cai Ming. Madame Poin tells Cai Ming that she's already decided to marry him, and Cai Ming says that he'll marry her once he graduates from college. Madame Moin says that she doesn't want Cai Ming to marry her, because she wants to help Cai Ming realize her talent. She also says that Cai Ming is the only person who can help him realize his dream.