Dear Mayang Street Episode 6 Recap
> Dear Mayang Street Recap
Chen Lili was overjoyed when Sun Falcon became an alternate for the badminton team, enthusiastically telling him he was awesome and encouraging him to work hard to remove the "alternate" title. Chen Lili, Sun Falcon's mother, also expressed her hope that he could get into Peking University or Tsinghua through badminton, saying it would be like burning incense for her and his father. Ma Xiaoxiao then shared with her family that she had been recommended to Peking University.
Aunt Niu and Ma Yingjun were visibly stunned, nearly stuttering at the prestige of Peking University. Aunt Niu, worried about Ma Xiaoxiao studying far from home, suggested she consider reputable universities in Guangzhou, like Zhongshan or Jinan, a sentiment echoed by Ma Dada, who felt Beijing's climate would be bad for Ma Xiaoxiao's skin. Ma Xiaoxiao quickly dismissed this, saying she wasn't going for beauty.
Ma Yingjun, however, strongly advocated for Beijing, sharing fond memories of his time there and urging Ma Xiaoxiao to experience its grand atmosphere. Ma Xiaoxiao teasingly asked why he didn't stay in Beijing then, to which he playfully blamed Aunt Niu for "cheating" him into moving to Guangzhou. Later, Ma Dada commented on Zeng Xing's kindness and how well he and Ma Xiaoxiao seemed to be a match, a suggestion Ma Xiaoxiao brushed off.
That evening, Ma Dada observed Ma Xiaoxiao leaving the house, suspecting she was going to meet Ou Xiaojian and realizing that Zeng Xing's feelings for Ma Xiaoxiao were likely unrequited. Ma Xiaoxiao went to the communal washroom, signaling to Ou Xiaojian with her flashlight. He emerged, acknowledging her presence, and inquired if she was filling out college applications, clearly eager to know her choices.
Ma Xiaoxiao, after some initial hesitation, admitted she intended to go to Beijing but felt a pang of sadness about leaving Mayang Street and everyone behind. Ou Xiaojian then revealed he would also be going to Beijing. He promised her he would never deceive her and would explain certain matters once they were there, though he couldn't share details at the moment.
Ma Xiaoxiao, emboldened, vowed to get into a Beijing university, and they sealed their promise, with Ma Xiaoxiao playfully calling him annoying. Back in his room, Ou Xiaojian recalled Li Zhaohang's promise to transfer him to Beijing and recruit him into the police force upon completion of his current task. This, coupled with Ma Xiaoxiao's aspiration for Beijing, solidified his decision to undertake the secret mission.
Meanwhile, Aunt Niu was unable to sleep, expressing her deep anxiety to Ma Yingjun about Ma Xiaoxiao moving so far away for university, fearing she might not return or could face difficulties alone. Ma Yingjun tried to reassure her that nothing was finalized, but Aunt Niu was determined to convince Ma Xiaoxiao to stay in Guangzhou. She later confronted Ma Xiaoxiao in her room, directly asking her not to attend college in Beijing.
Ma Xiaoxiao, asserting her growing independence, stated she was almost eighteen and responsible for her own choices. Aunt Niu then made an emotional appeal, suggesting Ma Dada was unreliable and that Ma Xiaoxiao would need to support them in the future, urging her to consider her parents and not be selfish. Ma Xiaoxiao countered that while she wouldn't abandon them after college, she also had her own dreams and couldn't stay in Mayang Street indefinitely.
Aunt Niu, recalling her regret about not insisting Ma Xiaoxiao attend a local normal technical secondary school, firmly stated that while going to university was acceptable, it must be within Guangdong. Ma Dada confided in Ma Xiaoxiao, expressing her frustration that no one in the family supported her celebrity dream or encouraged her, especially in light of Ma Xiaoxiao's argument with Aunt Niu.
When Sun Falcon tried to persuade Yi Dongdong to practice badminton, Hao Pushi adamantly refused, insisting Yi Dongdong focus solely on studying for Peking University and Tsinghua, even communicating her decision to Teacher Ma. During a tutoring session at Zeng Xing's house, Ma Xiaoxiao seemed distracted and made frequent mistakes, despite Zeng Xing's diligent instruction. Zeng Xing, observing her lack of focus, subtly probed, asking if she had met Ou Xiaojian earlier that morning, a question Ma Xiaoxiao vaguely sidestepped.
Zeng Xing's grandmother brought them watermelon, encouraging them to balance their studies with rest. Ma Xiaoxiao took a bite, and Zeng Xing, without a second thought, ate from the same piece, a gesture Ma Xiaoxiao found peculiar. Liang Xiaobao later secretly delivered a cassette tape of "Old Chai" to Zeng Hao, a song she had been practicing, clearly hoping to impress her. Zeng Hao, in turn, invited him to listen with her.
Zeng Xing then pressed Ma Xiaoxiao about her college major. He claimed to have heard from a teacher that she was interested in architecture and actively encouraged her to choose that field, emphasizing his own passion for it. Ma Xiaoxiao, however, avoided committing to the suggestion. She then confronted Zeng Xing directly, asking if he had disclosed Yi Dongdong's private matters to the police. Zeng Xing admitted to it, defending his actions by saying he couldn't lie to the police.
Ma Xiaoxiao argued that he should have at least provided an explanation to the police on Yi Dongdong's behalf. Irritated by her defense, Zeng Xing insinuated that Ma Xiaoxiao's loyalty was driven by Yi Dongdong saving a person, and further suggested that if Ou Xiaojian were pursuing a specific university major, Ma Xiaoxiao would undoubtedly follow suit. Ma Xiaoxiao firmly stated that her choice of major had nothing to do with Ou Xiaojian.
Zeng Xing retorted that she and Ou Xiaojian were no longer in the same social circles, as he had chosen a different path in life. Ma Xiaoxiao maintained that Ou Xiaojian would always be like an elder brother to her, to which Zeng Xing scoffed, declaring Ou Xiaojian ceased to be that person the moment he became involved in illicit activities. Ma Xiaoxiao abruptly ended their study session, reiterating her dislike for architecture.
Yi Dongdong, feeling the immense pressure from his parents' high expectations as the eldest child, decided to abandon badminton and rededicate himself to his studies, hoping to achieve academic success. Later, Zeng Xing found Ma Yingjun slumped on the street, disoriented from what appeared to be heatstroke.
As Zeng Xing helped him walk home, he subtly mentioned to Ma Yingjun that Ma Xiaoxiao was considering architecture as her major, highlighting how beneficial it would be if they studied the same field and could assist each other. Ma Yingjun, despite not having heard this directly from Ma Xiaoxiao, readily approved, envisioning them supporting each other. Back home, after Ma Xiaoxiao saw Zeng Xing off, Ma Yingjun casually informed Aunt Niu about Ma Xiaoxiao's alleged interest in architecture.
Aunt Niu was infuriated, feeling deeply betrayed that Ma Xiaoxiao had seemingly shared her future plans with an outsider before discussing them with her own family. Later that night, Aunt Niu confronted Ma Xiaoxiao about the architecture major and her plans to study in Beijing. She demanded that Ma Xiaoxiao consult the family on all major decisions and reiterated her ban on Peking University, insisting she remain in Guangdong for her studies.
Ma Xiaoxiao, asserting her right to make her own choices, angrily accused Aunt Niu of consistently disregarding her feelings, dictating every aspect of her life, and being overly concerned with external perceptions. The argument escalated, with Ma Xiaoxiao declaring herself Aunt Niu's "puppet" and dramatically daring her to abandon her. To halt the bitter quarrel, Ma Yingjun feigned a sudden dizzy spell and collapsed. After being attended to, he confessed his act was a ploy to stop their fighting.
He gently admonished Ma Xiaoxiao for her harsh words, explaining that Aunt Niu's strictness stemmed from her own youthful hardships and her desire to shield Ma Xiaoxiao from similar suffering. However, Ma Yingjun privately reaffirmed his unwavering support for Ma Xiaoxiao's dream of attending Peking University and encouraged her to stand firm against Aunt Niu.
He also shared his own regret about not being able to return to Beijing to care for his elderly mother, Ma Xiaoxiao's paternal grandmother, due to family responsibilities in Guangzhou. Ma Xiaoxiao confided in Zeng Hao about her mother's unyielding opposition to her leaving Guangzhou, expressing that her mother desired her to stay in Mayang Street with an ordinary job for security.
Zeng Hao empathized, questioning why Aunt Niu wouldn't support Ma Xiaoxiao's aspirations, especially given her exceptional talents, and contrasted it with her own brother, Zeng Xing, whose future was being meticulously planned by their mother and grandmother, even involving international study arrangements. Ma Xiaoxiao, however, remained resolute, declaring her determination to fight for her dreams, with Peking University as her primary goal.
Zeng Hao praised Ma Xiaoxiao as an inspiring role model, admitting that her own "goodness" was merely a facade for her uncertainty about her true desires, leading her to simply follow others' plans. When asked what rebellious act she would perform if given the chance, Zeng Hao promptly said, "Drinking," yearning for the adults' freedom to drink away worries or celebrate triumphs. Later, Aunt Niu asked Ma Dada to deliver freshly made shrimp cakes to Grandma Ou.
Ma Dada complained about being constantly sent on errands while Ma Xiaoxiao received preferential treatment. Ma Xiaoxiao offered to go instead. As Ma Xiaoxiao departed with the shrimp cakes, Aunt Niu continued to scold Ma Dada, criticizing her poor grades compared to Ma Xiaoxiao's excellent ones and accusing her of laziness. Ma Dada, in a fit of anger, lashed out, revealing that Ma Xiaoxiao was not as "sensible" as Aunt Niu believed.
She blurted out that Ma Xiaoxiao had secretly met Ou Xiaojian in the communal washroom the night before last. Aunt Niu was profoundly disturbed by this revelation, urgently pressing Ma Dada for more details, fearing it could jeopardize Ma Xiaoxiao's future. Meanwhile, Ma Xiaoxiao arrived at Grandma Ou's house. Grandma Ou was delighted by the shrimp cakes and encouraged Ou Xiaojian, who was also present, to enjoy the "taste of hometown," noting Ma Xiaoxiao had brought them specially.
Ou Xiaojian, however, gently warned Grandma Ou not to eat too many fried items as they were "heating." Before leaving, Ma Xiaoxiao provided Ou Xiaojian with some review materials and a warm drink for a good night's sleep. He accepted the drink but attempted to return the study materials, questioning why she felt the need to give them to him.
