Don't Leave After School Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> Don't Leave After School Recap
Fang Xue dreamt she was at a 10-year high school reunion where classmates chatted cheerfully. Tang Tiantian announced that the main campus of Xiangjiang Middle School would soon be demolished, inviting everyone to gather on the 31st to witness it on the 1st of next month. The joyous dinner concluded, and Fang Xue and Tang Tiantian left together. Gu Shang went downstairs to see them off, where they ran into a hurried Cheng Jing. The four chatted cheerfully.
Gu Shang, always quick-witted, began teasing his wife about her new haircut, confessing he hadn't noticed it due to their busy schedules. As Gu Shang had another commitment, he left, and Fang Xue, Tang Tiantian, and Cheng Jing shared a taxi. Inside the taxi, Tang Tiantian was preoccupied with work, explaining her ambition to become an excellent teacher to earn a higher salary and improve her life.
Fang Xue urged her not to overwork, but Tang Tiantian spoke of life's hardships. They discussed the school's demolition again, scheduled for the first of next month. Fang Xue invited Cheng Jing to join them, but Cheng Jing was hesitant, citing continuous overtime. Later, Fang Xue walked past a wedding dress shop and, drawn by the displays, went inside for a brief look before leaving.
Shortly after getting out of the taxi, Fang Xue received a call from her boss, Mr. Ye, who urgently requested her presence at the office to discuss a project. Upon her arrival, Mr. Ye, after concluding a business call, offered Fang Xue a drink, which she declined. He pressed her, implying she was avoiding drinking with him despite her usual tolerance for alcohol.
Shifting to business, Mr. Ye commented on Fang Xue's perfume, noting it was Terre d'Hermes, a men's fragrance. Fang Xue explained her boyfriend had bought it for her, to which Mr. Ye remarked on her boyfriend's "ordinary taste" and offered to buy her a niche perfume. Soon, Mr. Ye made inappropriate advances, placing his hand on Fang Xue and suggesting she needn't "act" since her boyfriend was frequently away, proposing a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Fang Xue immediately recoiled, slapped Mr. Ye, and fled the office. Overwhelmed and in tears, she called Wei Lai. Wei Lai answered, but before Fang Xue could articulate her distress, colleagues at his excavation site called him away to examine a new specimen. Swallowing her pain, Fang Xue insisted she was fine and urged him to return to his work before hanging up.
At Cheng Jing's home, she awoke to find Gu Shang drunk on the bed and gently covered him with a blanket. In the bathroom, she stared at a positive pregnancy test, lost in thought. At work, Cheng Jing was noticeably exhausted, suffering from a headache. Her manager, Mr. Huang, approached, asking if she was pregnant, mentioning another colleague whose pregnancy had caused project delays and reminding Cheng Jing that this was a crucial time for her promotion.
Cheng Jing quickly denied being pregnant. After work, Cheng Jing rushed to the hospital for a pregnancy check, but the outpatient service was closed. She then inquired about booking an abortion directly, but the nurse informed her a diagnosis was required first and asked if she had discussed it with her family. Cheng Jing dismissed the suggestion, stating it wasn't necessary. As she left the hospital, Gu Shang called, chastising her for forgetting their anniversary plans at his bar.
Cheng Jing explained her memory lapse was due to excessive overtime. Their conversation escalated into an argument, with Gu Shang questioning if she was "competing" with him due to his business success. Cheng Jing vehemently denied jealousy, while Gu Shang clarified his concern for her competitive nature. Cheng Jing abruptly ended the call, citing her taxi's arrival. At Xiang Jiang Middle School, Tang Tiantian observed her students practicing a song, noticing two without school uniforms.
She learned from the students that the new director, Mr. Pi, had instituted a policy banning the two lowest-scoring students from wearing uniforms, claiming they were "unworthy" of being Xiang Jiang Middle School students. Disturbed, Tang Tiantian went to Mr. Pi's office.
Mr. Pi, having reviewed her speech for an "excellent teacher" award, offered minor revisions and instructed her to visit Mr. Yin (who was recovering from an appendicitis operation) on behalf of the school's leadership, bringing a large fruit basket. Tang Tiantian then voiced her concern that the uniform policy could negatively impact students' mental health. Mr. Pi dismissed her, asserting his greater concern for student well-being and defending the policy as a means to instill "crisis awareness."
He reminded her of her impending maternity leave and told her to return to her duties. Later, during lunchtime, Tang Tiantian witnessed students in uniform cutting in line ahead of those without, verbally abusing them and questioning their status as students or even "cleaners," while other students joined in the ridicule.
At Fang Xue's company, during a meeting, Mr. Ye, still holding a grudge from the previous incident with Fang Xue, announced the approval of An Na's project proposal over Fang Xue's. He subtly criticized Fang Xue for being distracted by ambitions of making documentaries in Africa rather than focusing on company projects.
An Na, emboldened by the boss's favor, then taunted Fang Xue, remarking on her upcoming marriage and questioning if a "bird cage" could truly confine her "soaring eagle" spirit. Fang Xue remained silent. That evening, Fang Xue sat alone at home when Wei Lai unexpectedly arrived, having finished his archaeological work ahead of schedule. Fang Xue was overjoyed, embracing him warmly and asking if he had missed her. He presented her with a rock from his expedition.
Later, unable to sleep, Fang Xue found Wei Lai still awake, engrossed in work. She discovered a report on his computer, detailing his refusal to participate in a Chilean investigation, a long-held dream of his. Fang Xue angrily confronted him for making such a significant decision without her input and sacrificing his aspirations. Returning to Cheng Jing, she was dry heaving in the restroom, while outside, her colleagues gossiped about her being pregnant and planning an abortion.
They speculated that her pride as a top student with a PHD prevented her from settling for life as a businessman's wife. Cheng Jing emerged, chastising them for their indiscreet gossiping, then left. At the hospital's abortion waiting room, Cheng Jing called Fang Xue for support. However, Fang Xue instead contacted Gu Shang, who rushed from his bar to the hospital. Seeing Cheng Jing walk out, Gu Shang was visibly distraught and relieved.
Cheng Jing smiled at his reaction, confirming she had not gone through with the abortion. She told him she had quit her job, explaining that after 30 years of living a strenuous life, she needed a break. She acknowledged that reconnecting with old friends like Fang Xue had helped her open up, and admitted she had always competed with herself, but now desired a different way of life.
Gu Shang, in turn, confessed his own shortcomings, and they embraced, deciding to embark on a journey together, starting with Iceland, followed by Egypt to visit the Karnak Temple. Meanwhile, Tang Tiantian visited Mr. Yin in the hospital. He, recovering from his appendicitis operation, reminisced about past acts of defiance for his students. He admitted to being afraid of losing his job back then but believed a teacher's duty was to fight for their students' best interests.
He also playfully teased Tang Tiantian about her pregnancy. The next day, at a school assembly where she was to receive an "excellent teacher" award on her 30th birthday, Tang Tiantian deviated from her prepared speech. She publicly denounced the school's policy of barring low-scoring students from wearing uniforms, declaring that Xiang Jiang Middle School should embody inclusive education. Her bold statement earned her a resounding applause from the students. Concurrently, Fang Xue and Wei Lai continued their difficult conversation.
Wei Lai explained that he refused the Chile investigation because he didn't want Fang Xue to be alone while he was away on business, especially now that they were getting married. Fang Xue retorted that he shouldn't sacrifice his dreams for her, emphasizing personal responsibility and not burdening her with guilt. She observed his unhappiness at work and his efforts to put on a brave face, which pained her, and brought up his prior refusal to go to Malawi.
Wei Lai felt she was implying their relationship was devoid of happiness, but Fang Xue clarified she didn't want him to be consumed by his current job. Their unresolved discussion was interrupted by a call from Tang Tiantian, reminding Fang Xue that tomorrow was the last day before Xiang Jiang Middle School's demolition and asking if she would come. Fang Xue agreed. Their Senior 4 class gathered at the old school for a farewell photo.
Fang Xue chatted with Gu Shang and Cheng Jing. Cheng Jing confirmed their travel plans to Egypt and her commitment to prioritizing their life together while being cautious with her pregnancy, telling Fang Xue she would take care of herself as she was ready to "enjoy life." Wei Lai, however, was unable to attend due to a project deadline. Fang Xue then wandered off alone.
In a classroom, she saw two students in a romantic embrace, which brought back fond memories, and she left with a smile. As the sun set, Fang Xue and Wei Lai met at the beach where Wei Lai had first visited her home. Wei Lai presented Fang Xue with the consent form for a South America investigation, and confirmed he had also decided to go to Malawi.
He explained that he realized he had been "lacking vigor" and no longer wanted to live that way. He questioned the value of a relationship if it didn't help them both become better versions of themselves, suggesting they should pursue their careers separately. Fang Xue confirmed his resolve. Wei Lai assured her that his feelings for her would remain constant, regardless of distance, acknowledging that three years seemed long but reminding her that "the earth is round."
Fang Xue struggled to hold back her tears as Wei Lai expressed his hope that when they eventually reunited, she would still be "the one who was at the very beginning." They shared a final embrace before parting ways, each setting off on their individual paths.
