Dear Mayang Street Episode 21 Recap
> Dear Mayang Street Recap
Ou Xiaojian entered Ma Xiaoxiao’s room to find her holding a flashlight towards him. They then went out to talk, and Grandma Ou, seeing them together, was clearly delighted. Ma Xiaoxiao apologized for her previous attitude and promised to be more attentive in the future, assuring Ou Xiaojian she would never let anyone bully him. When he playfully asked what if she bullied him, she countered that it was impossible.
Ou Xiaojian declared that if he ever did, he would drink five bowls of sugar water in one breath to his death. Ma Xiaoxiao teased him, saying he would just be looking for an excuse to drink sugar water anyway. Ou Xiaojian then admitted he had told his grandmother that Ma Xiaoxiao was his girlfriend, explaining that Grandma Ou was his most important and only relative.
He openly confessed his feelings, stating he liked her and knew she liked him too, describing it as the happiest time in his life. Ma Xiaoxiao reciprocated, expressing her own happiness when she was with him. Ou Xiaojian acknowledged the difficulty of their relationship, knowing she had to keep it secret from her parents. He promised to launch "Little Hong Kong" before he left for Beijing, ensuring Grandma Ou would be settled in Guangzhou.
He also wanted to achieve something significant to show his sincerity to Ma Xiaoxiao's parents, to which she expressed her belief in him. They fondly recalled their very first conversation in that exact spot, remembering how a young Ma Xiaoxiao had bravely defended Ou Xiaojian from bullies. She then suggested they stay out a little longer, and Ou Xiaojian readily agreed. Preparations for "Little Hong Kong" were well underway.
Ou Xiaojian instructed Big Fat to learn management, emphasizing that he shouldn't just focus on manual labor. Meanwhile, A Fei called Ou Xiaojian to inquire about the store's opening. A Fei was puzzled why Ou Xiaojian refused his offer of cheap goods for the store, insisting on official channels. Ou Xiaojian explained his grandmother’s disapproval of illicit dealings.
A Fei then reminded Ou Xiaojian to focus on "their business" and wished him success, saying he wouldn't be able to attend the opening. Shortly after, Horse skin anxiously reported to A Fei that An Ge had been apprehended by Hua Ge's men. Later, Ou Xiaojian met with Li Zhaohang, handing him the last recorder containing all the evidence he had collected.
Li Zhaohang confirmed that the operation to capture A Fei was nearing its end and they would act the following day. He congratulated Ou Xiaojian, informing him that his superiors had approved his move to Beijing and that he would recommend him for a good position in either the traffic team or the police station, assuring him that his significant contributions would be recognized. Ou Xiaojian, appearing tense, abruptly ended the conversation, stating he was leaving.
On the grand opening day, "Little Hong Kong" was a lively scene, with neighbors from Mayang Street coming to celebrate. Grandma Ou joyfully distributed candies, and customers eagerly browsed the imported products, particularly the French perfumes. In the midst of the festivities, Ou Xiaojian, feeling content, left the store, telling Big Fat he was going for a walk. He visited Nanhua Cinema to enjoy a movie. However, as he exited the cinema, he was suddenly arrested by police officers.
At the police station, a furious Ou Xiaojian confronted Li Zhaohang, demanding an explanation and angrily throwing a cup, which Li Zhaohang calmly noted was public property. Ou Xiaojian reminded him of their mission's conclusion, his impending transfer to Beijing, and the fact that his grandmother and neighbors were waiting for him at "Little Hong Kong's" opening.
Li Zhaohang explained the urgency of the situation: Hua Ge, A Fei's rival, had framed Ou Xiaojian, and the police had used this opportunity to bring him in. Elsewhere, Hua Ge and his associates were celebrating, confident that Ou Xiaojian would be detained for days thanks to a solid anonymous report filed by Lao Si. Upon hearing of Ou Xiaojian's arrest, Horse skin rushed to A Fei, who was playing pool, hoping A Fei would intervene.
A Fei, already informed, refused to help, seeing it as a chance to evaluate Ou Xiaojian's loyalty and potential for future roles within their organization. Horse skin vehemently vouched for Ou Xiaojian, even offering his life as a guarantee. However, A Fei forcefully pinned Horse skin's neck to the pool table, sternly warning him against making such reckless promises and emphasizing Horse skin's importance to his operations.
Back on Mayang Street, Grandma Ou was consumed with worry over Ou Xiaojian’s disappearance and could not eat. Aunt Niu and Ma Xiaoxiao stayed with her, trying to offer comfort. Grandma Ou recounted a painful memory of waiting for Ou Xiaojian’s father (Uncle Jianguo) and how Ou Xiaojian had to feign strength, attending school and caring for her despite his own grief.
She blamed herself, believing that if he hadn't chosen to attend the police academy for her, he would not be in his current predicament. Ma Xiaoxiao firmly reassured her that Ou Xiaojian would definitely return. Meanwhile, Li Zhaohang continued his interrogation of Ou Xiaojian, revealing that they were investigating a large-scale smuggling syndicate potentially involved in serious crimes like gunrunning, prostitution, and drug trafficking, and Ou Xiaojian's situation presented a unique opportunity to uncover it.
He showed Ou Xiaojian two photographs, asking him to identify the individuals. Ou Xiaojian recognized Hua Ge in one but couldn't identify the person in the other, which was only a partial back view. Li Zhaohang emphasized the photo's importance, stating that a fellow officer had sacrificed their life to obtain that intelligence. Later, Sun Benyan returned with news: Ou Xiaojian was at the police station.
The neighbors were distressed, especially since the police stated only a lawyer could visit him, and finding one on short notice was impossible. Ma Xiaoxiao, having overheard the conversation, muttered the word "Lawyer" to herself. Aunt Niu, worried about the impact on Ma Xiaoxiao's college applications, brought out rice wine to talk to her. Ma Xiaoxiao, calm and resolute, revealed her decision to study law and become a lawyer.
Aunt Niu, surprised, suspected her daughter's choice was influenced by the recent revelation that only lawyers could see Ou Xiaojian, though Ma Xiaoxiao denied it. It was later revealed by a narrator that Ma Xiaoxiao's decision was indeed spurred by both her mother's past unfortunate experience of being scammed and Ou Xiaojian's current situation. Yi Dongdong, meanwhile, was carefully carving a commemorative pen for Ma Xiaoxiao, accidentally cutting his hand.
Yi Nannan, observing him, teased him about his unrequited love, asserting that Ma Xiaoxiao, being strong-willed and independent, would never choose him. He suggested she would seek a man capable of handling any crisis. Yi Nannan even mused that Ou Xiaojian, if he weren't involved in illicit activities, would be the perfect match, but quickly dismissed the idea, stating that Ma Xiaoxiao, as a top student, would never fall for a "gangster."
Yi Dongdong ignored his brother, lost in a daydream of giving the pen to Ma Xiaoxiao, imagining them studying together in Beijing where he could care for her and they could communicate through letters. Ma Xiaoxiao, in his fantasy, found his idea wonderful. At Yucai Middle School, teachers guided students through their college applications, with only Zeng Hao and Ma Xiaoxiao receiving approval for their chosen paths. Later, the group of friends gathered, reflecting on their impending departures.
Liang Yuanchao's daughter, Xiao Bao, was distraught because her father had run away from home yet again. However, Sun Falcon expressed admiration for Liang Yuanchao's free-spirited nature, considering him an idol who lived life on his own terms. His friends playfully urged him to eat his food instead of philosophizing, and a friend offered comfort to Xiao Bao. The friends also contemplated their individual journeys, wondering if their bonds would remain as strong when they eventually reunited.
