Almost Famous Episode 8 Recap
> Almost Famous Recap
Fang Yali was summoned by her mother, who had traveled a long distance to see her. Besides missing her daughter, her mother was excited to share good news: she had pulled strings to secure Fang Yali a comfortable and reputable job at a theater troupe after graduation. However, Fang Yali was far from pleased, expressing her desire to choose her own path rather than follow the one laid out by her parents.
Her mother, calling her "Li Li," insisted they were acting for her own good, wanting her to walk an easier road and be the best in ballet. Fang Yali, however, declared she could endure tougher roads and had grown up enough to manage her own life. As Fang Yali urgently needed to go to the welfare institute, her mother pressed her to stay and go shopping and to a spa.
Just then, Zhang Yiyong arrived, having received a text from Fang Yali asking him for help. He quickly intervened, fabricating a story about a casting call for the musical "Cat" at their school, claiming the professor specifically needed Fang Yali to audition. Fang Yali's mother, thrilled by the prospect, suggested accompanying them, but Fang Yali quickly deflected, explaining the school didn't permit outsiders. With her mother's blessing, Fang Yali was then able to leave with Zhang Yiyong.
On their way to the welfare institute, Fang Yali thanked Zhang Yiyong, admitting this was her first time doing something without her mother's knowledge, and shared her frustration about being micromanaged. Zhang Yiyong, while acknowledging her mother's good intentions, empathized, explaining that parents often project their wishes onto their children, but ultimately, they must choose their own paths. Fang Yali found his words insightful.
At the Sun Island Welfare Institute, You Zhiqi was already playing the piano for a young boy named Dong Xiaobao, who had skipped his afternoon nap. The teacher spoke loudly to Dong Xiaobao when finding him, which made the others wonder why she was so stern. When Cheng Ming and other classmates arrived, You Zhiqi downplayed his playing, claiming he was simply bored.
The teacher clarified that Dong Xiaobao often yelled and spoke loudly, and she would bring the other children out soon after their rest. After naptime, all the children joined the students. The students happily played with the children, feeling as if they had returned to their own childhoods. Qu Shiyun was showered with compliments from the children, who called her a "Princess Sister" and admired her dress and hair clip.
She graciously shared her hair clips with them, radiating kindness, a moment Ding Dongdong diligently captured with his camera. Later, You Zhiqi took Dong Xiaobao to the piano room, where he played a newly composed song for "someone" he liked. Cheng Ming realized the song was implicitly for her, but she also noticed Dong Xiaobao's unusual reaction, as if he couldn't hear the music.
The teacher clarified that Dong Xiaobao had been diagnosed with severe hearing loss shortly after arriving at the institute last year; his hearing was over 90 decibels, and even hearing aids would be ineffective. While a cochlear implant could help, the optimal age for the procedure had passed, and the institute lacked the financial resources. Despite his condition, Dong Xiaobao deeply loved music and dreamt of singing, living in a world of almost no sound.
Meanwhile, Amy shared a moment with Wei Feng. Witnessing the orphaned children made her feel sad, stirring memories of her own past. Wei Feng confessed that his parents were often absent during his childhood, and he was primarily accompanied by dolls, which explained his decision to open a trendy toy store. Amy then revealed a deeply personal struggle: she had never met her father and had returned to China with the express purpose of finding him.
She showed Wei Feng a half-torn photo of her parents, and Wei Feng, noticing the familiar background, promised to think hard about the location and inform her if he remembered. Moved by Dong Xiaobao's plight, You Zhiqi immediately decided to fund his cochlear implant.
Cheng Ming further proposed that they establish a system of regular donations and support for all the children at the welfare institute, aiming to provide them with the same opportunities and quality of life as other children. The classmates enthusiastically supported this initiative, recognizing its significant impact and feeling their souls cleansed by the meaningful activity. Dong Xiaobao, in return, gave You Zhiqi a drawing of "a family of three," a touching gesture of gratitude.
As they left the welfare institute, You Zhiqi suggested that everyone else take the available shared bicycles, while he opted to walk back with Cheng Ming. He expressed his gratitude to Cheng Ming for her assistance and contributions to the charity event. Cheng Ming reminded him that Wei Feng had also played a crucial role, and You Zhiqi silently acknowledged his appreciation.
Cheng Ming commented on the bustling street near You Zhiqi's home, thinking he was lucky, until she remembered his celebrity status. She then directly asked if they were friends, to which You Zhiqi, after a pause, playfully replied that she was also his "fan." He then insisted she come to his place to cook for him, claiming he hadn't eaten.
Cheng Ming initially resisted, joking about his past "pervert behavior," but You Zhiqi assured her that his aunt had changed his clothes last time. He then convinced her that his aunt had texted him, saying she was out, leaving him with no one else to cook.
At his apartment, as Cheng Ming prepared instant noodles, You Zhiqi spoke of his childhood, including an incident where he, a rich kid, was once kidnapped and "locked inside a dark room by a bad person." Cheng Ming, upon finding the noodles in a cupboard, discovered they were expired, leading to You Zhiqi's comedic reaction. Back at school, You You learned that You Zhiqi's suspension had been lifted, allowing him to return, much to her initial displeasure.
She went to the school intending to pressure them to expel You Zhiqi. However, while outside Li Shuangbai's office, she overheard a welfare institute teacher praising You Zhiqi for his charity work and his humble, shining example. Hearing this, You You changed her mind and quietly left, feeling that such an environment might be more beneficial for You Zhiqi's growth. Meanwhile, Cheng Ming, needing an accompanist for her vocal practice, consulted Qu Shiyun.
Qu Shiyun, while only knowing basic piano, suggested asking Amy to persuade Wei Feng to accompany Cheng Ming, confident he would be willing. Cheng Ming proceeded to the piano room, where she unexpectedly found You Zhiqi already playing, a moment that visibly captivated her, filling her eyes with "little stars." Separately, Qu Shiyun, inspired by an internet celebrity, decided to get professional photos taken.
To her surprise, the photographer she booked online, under the pseudonym "Kurosawa Akira," turned out to be Ding Dongdong, who used the online name "Qian Songyi." They exchanged playful banter about their online personas and Ding Dongdong's high fees. Despite his skepticism about the outdoor lighting and wind, and a jab at her "skill," Qu Shiyun, drawn by his low price, agreed to try, warning him she wouldn't pay a penny if unsatisfied. She then proposed moving their photoshoot to the piano room, asserting its grand piano would complement her "noble aura."
