Don't Leave After School Episode 15 Recap
> Don't Leave After School Recap
The results of the fifth mock exam were released, and Wei Lai easily secured the top spot. Students around Fang Xue buzzed with discussions about Wei Lai likely being accepted into Peking University through independent admission, as their school only had two quotas for it. Fang Xue, after checking the rankings, found herself at 206th, feeling disheartened.
Later, sitting at her desk, Fang Xue chatted with Wei Lai, admitting she envied him for getting the chance to take Peking University's independent admission exam, which seemed like an escape from their current academic struggles. Wei Lai downplayed it, saying it only offered a few extra points and the general college entrance exam was still ahead. Soon after, Mr. Yin called Fang Xue to his office.
He acknowledged the recent exam's difficulty but encouraged her not to lose heart, praising her significant progress this semester despite a weaker foundation than some peers. He then presented her with an application form for an independent admission test for minority languages at Beijing International Studies University (BISU). He suggested it as a "guarantee" option, noting her English teacher's praise for her talent and that the minority language field was less competitive, with four available spots for their school.
Fang Xue, however, was hesitant, expressing doubt that such an opportunity would fall to her. Later, she called her dad to discuss it. Her father was thrilled, urging her to seize the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" and assuring her that interest develops with study. He encouraged her to prepare diligently, believing her good luck had finally begun. Meanwhile, Er Bao was delighted to be on duty with Fiona again.
They chatted, and Fiona revealed her decision that this year would be her last attempt at the college entrance exam; if she didn't get in, she'd pursue other options, possibly abroad. Er Bao was saddened by the thought of her leaving. He then mentioned hearing that Fang Xue was applying for the minority language program, which surprised Fiona. Back in the dorm, Fang Xue's roommates heard the news.
Some were excited for her, urging her to seize the chance to avoid the main college entrance exam's "pain," while others advised her to consider it carefully. Fang Xue herself admitted feeling unsettled, despite having envied Wei Lai for his independent admission opportunity. The next day, the school held a fire drill. Cheng Jing couldn't participate because she was on her period.
Gu Shang, worried about her, skipped the drill himself and secretly followed her to the restroom, where he had a junior deliver his jacket to Cheng Jing. Meanwhile, on the playground, Wei Lai thoughtfully helped Fang Xue adjust her safety helmet, teasing her that she looked silly in it.
After the drill, the principal introduced Yan Zining, a distinguished alumna who was the top science student in the city the previous year, now returning to give a speech and help tutor English. When classmates asked if Wei Lai, the top liberal arts student, knew her, he replied they were "not familiar." Yan Zining then gave a brief, cordial speech. As Wei Lai and Fang Xue walked back to class, Yan Zining caught up to them.
After a brief exchange about her return, she invited Wei Lai to dinner to chat. Wei Lai politely declined, stating he needed to help Fang Xue with her homework. Observing their interaction, Fang Xue felt a mix of complex emotions, especially after Wei Lai had just claimed he and Yan Zining were not familiar. That evening, Fang Xue found Cheng Jing doing laundry.
Fang Xue, still troubled, confided in Cheng Jing, questioning the true relationship between Wei Lai and Yan Zining, especially since Wei Lai claimed they weren't close, yet she'd seen them chatting animatedly. Cheng Jing dismissed her concerns, suggesting they were just classmates. Fang Xue then expressed her insecurity about her own grades, wishing she could be as good at everything as Cheng Jing and their other high-achieving friends. Cheng Jing, however, told her it was best to simply "be yourself."
Fang Xue then wondered if she should still attend the upcoming English tutoring, and Cheng Jing firmly encouraged her to go, telling her not to be a coward. The next day, Fang Xue attended her first minority language class, taught by Yan Zining. She was impressed by Yan Zining's patient correction of students' pronunciation, teaching them common interview phrases.
After class, Yan Zining approached Fang Xue, remarking that Fang Xue needed to improve her pronunciation and offering to provide her with individual tutoring over the next few days. Fang Xue was initially grateful, but her mood shifted when Yan Zining casually added that Wei Lai had asked her to help Fang Xue, emphasizing that "his business is my business."
Yan Zining then asked Fang Xue to relay a message to Wei Lai: Ms. Lei wanted them both to take pictures in front of the school building after school. From her classroom, Fang Xue watched as Wei Lai and Yan Zining posed for photos downstairs. Feeling a surge of irritation, she forcefully shut the window.
After the photoshoot, Yan Zining again invited Wei Lai to dinner, but he quickly declined, saying he had other things to do, and hurried back to the classroom. He approached Fang Xue, offering to help her with her mistakes. However, still fuming, Fang Xue gave him the cold shoulder, dismissing his offer and declaring that she could manage.
When Wei Lai pointed out her poor performance on a recent quiz, she lashed out, sarcastically calling herself a "slow student" and contrasting herself with him and "that Zining," whom she labeled "talents" for whom even Olympiad competitions were easy. When Wei Lai questioned her anger and why she involved others, Fang Xue retorted that Yan Zining was his "old friend."
Earlier, a concerned classmate had warned Fang Xue about Yan Zining, suggesting her "good will" in offering extra tutoring might have ulterior motives, given her existing connection with Wei Lai. Fang Xue, however, had dismissed the warning, determined to continue her studies. Later, in the cafeteria, Yan Zining deliberately approached Wei Lai, engaging him in conversation about her experiences studying abroad and attempting to ingratiate herself, seemingly to provoke Fang Xue. This move infuriated Fang Xue.
After their meal, Yan Zining pressed Wei Lai about Fang Xue, observing his low spirits and asking if they had quarreled. Wei Lai, clearly uninterested in discussing it, simply dismissed her questions as "nothing important" and promptly left, leaving Yan Zining alone and resentful.
After another minority language class, Yan Zining continued her subtle manipulation, telling Fang Xue that she and Wei Lai had known each other for a long time and that he was currently under immense pressure preparing for his Peking University admission test, leaving him little time for her. She also asked Fang Xue about her preparation for the "exam secret" Yan Zining had given her.
Later, on her way back, Fang Xue noticed a large poster featuring Wei Lai and Yan Zining, with other students commenting on how "handsome" and "good-looking" they were and wondering if they would "be in a relationship" if Wei Lai got into Peking University. This sight intensified Fang Xue's unhappiness. Back in class, Wei Lai noticed her distress and tried to talk to her.
He reassured her that Yan Zining was "not even my friend" and he wouldn't waste time on "useless socializing," urging Fang Xue to stop suggesting he and Yan Zining were a perfect match. Fang Xue, still hurt, acknowledged his words. When the minority language exam finally began, Fang Xue entered the oral interview.
The examiner immediately asked her to introduce herself, which Fang Xue struggled with because Yan Zining had told her that self-introductions were not required for this type of exam. She stammered out apologies, admitting she had "misunderstood the scope of the exam." The examiners then grilled her on current events and sensitive topics like the "openness of man-and-woman relationships in western countries," leaving Fang Xue flustered and unable to respond coherently. Her performance was clearly unsatisfactory.
As she left the exam room, she noticed a classmate's study materials which contained exactly the kind of self-introduction prompts and controversial questions that she had just been asked. It was then that Fang Xue realized Yan Zining had deliberately misled her about the exam content. As Fang Xue walked back, she encountered Yan Zining directly. Fang Xue confronted her, demanding to know why she had been given false information about the exam.
Yan Zining initially feigned ignorance and tried to dismiss it as a mere change in exam questions. But as Fang Xue pressed further, Yan Zining's facade crumbled. She arrogantly confessed that her true intention in returning was to assess the "low IQ" of the girl Wei Lai was interested in. She explicitly stated she was acting to "remove the drag" from Wei Lai's side, believing he would eventually thank her for it.
Yan Zining cruelly told Fang Xue that no matter how hard she tried, they were not "the same kind of people," and what Yan Zining couldn't have, Fang Xue wouldn't get either. Meanwhile, Ms. Lei received an anonymous tip alleging that Yan Zining had registered on a "third-rate model website" abroad.
Although Ms. Lei decided not to investigate further as Yan Zining was no longer a student, she instructed staff to remove all of Yan Zining's promotional posters from the bulletin board to contain the scandal. Later, Ms. Lei called Fang Xue to her office to inquire about her exam performance and whether Yan Zining's tutoring was to blame.
Fang Xue, however, chose to protect Yan Zining, attributing her poor results solely to her own inadequate preparation and insisting that everything was "really fine." Back in class, Fang Xue apologized to Wei Lai for her earlier behavior regarding Yan Zining. Wei Lai, relieved, told her not to worry as long as she wasn't wearing a "long face," and they shared a playful moment arguing over who would get the braised pork ribs for dinner.
A few days later, Mr. Yin announced the results of the independent admissions. Wei Lai successfully secured an interview opportunity with Peking University. However, for Fang Xue, it was "quite close," but she had not been admitted. Mr. Yin, while acknowledging her disappointment, highlighted that her English scores had significantly improved. Fang Xue expressed her deep sadness and frustration that despite all her efforts, she hadn't achieved the desired outcome.
Wei Lai comforted her, urging her to view it as a life experience, reminding her that sometimes even with much effort, results don't align with expectations. To cheer her up, Wei Lai then led Fang Xue to the rooftop, revealing a surprise: a newly installed billboard with the encouraging slogan, "Be myself. I can do it." He explained that the simple yet meaningful message reminded him of her resilience and spirit. Fang Xue was visibly moved, acknowledging that he understood her well.
