Dear Mayang Street Episode 7 Recap
> Dear Mayang Street Recap
While delivering shrimp cakes to Grandma Ou, Ma Xiaoxiao took the opportunity to give review materials to Ou Xiaojian. Soon after, Aunt Niu arrived, having heard from Ma Dada. She pointedly told Ma Xiaoxiao to focus on her studies and avoid "mixing with society," words clearly meant for Ou Xiaojian. Aunt Niu mentioned that Ma Xiaoxiao was in her final year of high school and that helping deliver things wasted precious study time.
She emphasized that Ma Xiaoxiao should not run around, especially at night, and must study hard to ensure her future, stating, "We can't mix the society." Ou Xiaojian understood the hidden meaning of her words but could not offer an explanation. Later, Grandma Ou urged Ou Xiaojian to find a respectable job and make proper friends, observing that all the children around them were growing up and finding their own paths.
She expressed her worry, saying, "You have to find one anyway, serious work, meet some serious friends. Grandma can only close her eyes when she dies." Ou Xiaojian replied, "Grandma, I stayed well in the repair shop." But she worried about the mixed crowd there, adding, "There are all kinds of people, I'm not at ease." Ou Xiaojian tried to reassure her, mentioning his background from the police academy.
However, Grandma Ou countered that his current work had nothing to do with being a police officer. She implored him to settle down, noting how he stayed up late with the lights on every night, living "on the tip of a knife." Ou Xiaojian became upset, telling her not to say such things, as he feared losing her. Ma Xiaoxiao was furious at Aunt Niu's prejudiced remarks about Ou Xiaojian, which were prompted by Ma Dada's tattling.
She confronted her mother, asking what she meant by those indirect comments in front of Ou Xiaojian. Aunt Niu directly stated her disapproval, saying, "Ou Xiaojian, I hope you don't talk to my daughter, midnight date." She then revealed that Ma Dada had reported Ma Xiaoxiao's late-night meeting. Aunt Niu further disparaged Ou Xiaojian, calling him "an unemployed traveler" whose father was a "murderer" who committed suicide, implying he would ruin Ma Xiaoxiao's future.
Ma Xiaoxiao defended Ou Xiaojian, asserting that he was her childhood friend and had a job caring for his grandmother. Their argument escalated, with Ma Xiaoxiao claiming her mother had no right to dictate her friendships. Ma Yingjun intervened, telling Ma Xiaoxiao not to speak to her mother that way and sending her upstairs. Aunt Niu grumbled, "I don't like her talking like this." Ma Xiaoxiao then confronted Ma Dada, scolding her for running to their mother with trivial details.
Ma Dada apologized, claiming she spoke casually and didn't realize their mother would take it so seriously. Feeling distressed, Ma Xiaoxiao went to the balcony to reflect, recalling Aunt Niu's and Zeng Xing's words about Ou Xiaojian being an "unemployed traveler" and about her needing to study hard, as they were "people from different worlds." Ou Xiaojian, also troubled by Aunt Niu's words, was filled with worry.
Troubled by Aunt Niu's earlier words and looking at a photo of Ou Jianguo, Ou Xiaojian rode his bike to Huang Mao's club for a meeting. Huang Mao was anxious, asking why Ou Xiaojian was late. Ou Xiaojian explained he had been working overtime at the repair shop. Huang Mao told Ou Xiaojian that Brother Mouse was coming and wanted to meet him. When Brother Mouse arrived, Ou Xiaojian greeted him, expressing his long-held admiration.
Huang Mao had previously warned Ou Xiaojian that Brother Mouse "doesn't like using newcomers" and that he himself had worked for three years before joining Brother Mouse. Soon, a group of drunk men started bothering Brother Mouse. Ou Xiaojian immediately stepped in and fiercely beat them, impressing Brother Mouse with his courage. Brother Mouse told Huang Mao to "take him," signaling his acceptance. Huang Mao later told Ou Xiaojian, "Brother Mouse said that you are very courageous.
I will take you with me next time I do business. Good skill." Ou Xiaojian simply replied, "I just don't like it." A few days later, Ou Xiaojian handed over some audio evidence to Li Zhaohang, stating, "I have already joined the mice and them." Li Zhaohang was surprised by the quick progress and cautioned him, "Don't play with fire." He then gave Ou Xiaojian a burner phone.
Ou Xiaojian playfully remarked, "Uncle Li, why are you as wordy as my grandmother now?" and assured him he had everything under control. Li Zhaohang expressed concern that Ou Xiaojian might "not be able to tell the truth from falsehood." Ou Xiaojian responded that "it doesn't matter whether it is true or not, as long as you don't let me cheat her," implicitly referring to Ma Xiaoxiao.
Li Zhaohang then observed that Ou Xiaojian was very much like his father, valuing trust like life. This angered Ou Xiaojian, who told him not to mention his father, stating that his father had betrayed their entire family. Li Zhaohang responded, "There are some things you will understand in the future," but Ou Xiaojian pressed him, asking, "Why did he die?"
The next morning, Ma Xiaoxiao was unable to get out of bed, suffering from a hangover after drinking rice wine the previous night. Ma Dada tried to wake her up, but then Aunt Niu entered the room, checking on Ma Xiaoxiao. Panicked, Ma Dada quickly distracted her mother by commenting on the nice weather, while covertly hiding the rice wine jar in the flower bed outside.
Aunt Niu, oblivious, dismissed Ma Dada as "crazy" and told her to get Ma Xiaoxiao downstairs for breakfast. When Ma Yingjun asked about Ma Xiaoxiao, Ma Dada quickly lied, saying, "She went to school by herself early in the morning." Aunt Niu then left for work with Ma Yingjun, grumbling about Ma Xiaoxiao's temper.
Ma Dada rushed to school in a panic to tell Yi Dongdong and their friends that Ma Xiaoxiao was still passed out from drinking rice wine and couldn't attend her exam. Ma Dada also revealed that she "dared not tell" her parents, as Ma Xiaoxiao had a big fight with their mother the previous night. Yi Dongdong quickly devised a plan: Ma Dada was to write a fake sick note, imitating Ma Yingjun's handwriting, and give it to Zeng Hao.
Zeng Hao would then deliver it to teacher Su immediately after her exam, before teacher Su could contact Aunt Niu. The plan was put into action. Just as teacher Su was about to call Aunt Niu about Ma Xiaoxiao's absence, Zeng Hao walked in with the note, explaining that Ma Xiaoxiao's sister, Ma Dada, had dropped it off and had gone back to care for her.
The friends later celebrated their successful mission, with Zeng Hao noting, "You don't know, if I went in late just now, Teacher Su would have called Aunt Niu's workplace. We finally completed the task." Meanwhile, Lü Ju, a classmate from Class 1, approached Zeng Xing, reminding him that she was "the one you are talking to in the library."
She suggested they could "go to Huanshi East Road, take a look at the Friendship Store" since the next semester's entrance exam for recommended students was in Tianhe. Zeng Xing, however, declined, stating, "I don't like shopping." Lü Ju then proposed they study at the library, but Zeng Xing responded, "I am used to studying alone." Lü Ju persisted, pointing out that he wasn't truly alone in the library.
The friends celebrated their successful deception, with Liang Xiaobao feeling that helping Ma Xiaoxiao "really gave me one, the feeling of sublimation of life." Yi Dongdong wondered if Ma Xiaoxiao had woken up and if she was feeling unwell, planning to visit her. Unexpectedly, teacher Su overheard them and inquired, "Are you worried about Ma Xiaoxiao? I happened to visit Ma Xiaoxiao's home. Aren't you all from Mayang Street? Let's go together."
The friends, startled, quickly made an excuse about needing to return library books before going home. Teacher Su left for Mayang Street alone. Panicked that their "battle was over," Yi Dongdong quickly rallied everyone, saying, "We must get there, before Mr. Su arrived at Mayang Street, first go to Mayang Street, notify Dada to leave." They raced towards Ma Xiaoxiao's house. On the way, they encountered Ou Xiaojian, who was checking on a slightly disoriented Ma Xiaoxiao.
The friends explained the situation, urgently asking for his help to get Ma Xiaoxiao through this crisis, as there was "no time." Ou Xiaojian asked what happened to Ma Xiaoxiao. Ou Xiaojian quickly formulated a plan. He instructed Yi Dongdong and Liang Xiaobao to meet teacher Su at the street entrance and lead her on a long, winding route under the guise of showing her the way.
Meanwhile, Sun Falcon was tasked with waiting under the banyan tree and using any means to delay Aunt Niu and Ma Yingjun, ensuring they wouldn't encounter teacher Su. Yi Dongdong and Liang Xiaobao diligently implemented their part, with Liang Xiaobao deliberately stopping to tie his shoelaces and Yi Dongdong offering teacher Su water at his house, though she politely declined for now. Sun Falcon successfully intercepted Aunt Niu, who was rushing home to cook.
Aunt Niu initially tried to leave but then remembered she needed to find Chen Lili, and decided to go to Chen Lili's house, inadvertently delaying her return. This meant teacher Su was still en route and had not yet met Ma Xiaoxiao's parents. Sun Benyan was found drinking heavily at home, having lost his opportunity for the police selection. Chen Lili was distraught, reminding him that his body couldn't handle alcohol.
He lamented his failure, crying, "This public security selection, I didn't choose. Why didn't you choose? You are so excellent. Why didn't you choose? Selected from Zhengyang Street, joint defense captain. Why is he better than you? He is not as good as you." Chen Lili tried to comfort him, suggesting there would be other opportunities, but he despaired, saying, "The next year of the Monkey."
Aunt Niu then arrived and unwittingly revealed Chen Lili's secret, mentioning, "Didn't you say last time, is the salary in your hotel low? Let me help you find a new job." Sun Benyan was shocked, asking Chen Lili when her salary had dropped, as he knew nothing about it. Chen Lili, embarrassed, quickly claimed she withheld the information to avoid distracting him from his selection.
Feeling his pride hurt and wanting to prove himself, Sun Benyan took out his private savings. He insisted Chen Lili take the money and buy a new bag, as her old one was broken and "should have been changed long ago." Chen Lili was touched, but also worried, asking where he got the money. He simply replied, "I want to surprise you." Teacher Su finally arrived at Ma Xiaoxiao's home.
Ou Xiaojian and Ma Dada greeted her, introducing themselves as Ma Xiaoxiao's friend and sister, respectively. Teacher Su explained she was there for a home visit because Ma Xiaoxiao was ill and wanted to leave some Peking University recommendation exam materials. Ma Dada inadvertently stated that her parents "won't come back," which Ou Xiaojian quickly corrected, saying they would be back later, and invited teacher Su inside. Once inside, Ou Xiaojian worried about Aunt Niu unexpectedly returning.
Meanwhile, Sun Falcon, having successfully delayed Aunt Niu at Chen Lili's house, realized he had forgotten to detain Ma Yingjun. As teacher Su was leaving, thinking Ma Xiaoxiao's parents wouldn't be back soon, she was about to be seen by Aunt Niu. Yi Dongdong, at Ou Xiaojian's signal, quickly feigned dizziness to distract Aunt Niu, who compassionately offered to help him. Simultaneously, Ou Xiaojian asked Zeng Xing to divert teacher Su.
Zeng Xing approached teacher Su under the pretense of inquiring about the recommendation exam. As Aunt Niu was helping Yi Dongdong inside, Ma Dada, unaware of Aunt Niu's presence or the ongoing deception, blurted out, "Dongdong, great! You don't know, Xiao Xiao just vomited!" Aunt Niu, hearing this, immediately asked, "What's wrong with Xiao Xiao?" After Ma Dada's revelation, the friends regrouped.
Ma Dada felt foolish and that she had "wasted everyone's efforts," but was relieved teacher Su hadn't found out. Zeng Hao then explained to Yi Dongdong and the others that Ma Xiaoxiao drank to drown her sorrows because Aunt Niu had always been excessively strict with her, constantly denying her ideas. Ma Xiaoxiao often told Zeng Hao that she felt like she "couldn't breathe."
Aunt Niu later came to Ma Xiaoxiao with a water chestnut pot, telling her to drink it to feel better. Ma Xiaoxiao thanked her. Aunt Niu, having reviewed the Peking University recommendation exam materials left by teacher Su, had a change of heart. She told Ma Xiaoxiao, "If you want to go, try it." Ma Xiaoxiao excitedly asked if she was serious. Aunt Niu confirmed, adding, "You can visit Beijing, it's okay, but you must come back.
After all, Guangzhou is your home." Ma Xiaoxiao promised, "This is my home, I will definitely come back." Yi Dongdong, reflecting on the day's events, marveled at how Ma Xiaoxiao, the top student, had missed an exam due to being drunk. He acknowledged that Ou Xiaojian's leadership had helped them navigate the crisis, making it a shared "crazy experience" for the Mayang Street friends that summer.
He realized that even the bright and proud Ma Xiaoxiao harbored internal struggles, and he yearned to help her overcome them, though he was unsure how. He resolved to try his best.
