Fell Upon Me Episode 16 Recap
> Fell Upon Me Recap
Waking from a dream, Jiang Ling, now an adult, examines old photos, puzzled by some he doesn't recognize or recall having. He decides to visit his former high school, where he is recognized by the security guard and meets his former teacher, Liu Yaru, who is now the principal. Liu Yaru expresses happiness that he visited, noting that few students return.
She reflects that every graduating class feels like a chapter ending, and while teachers hope students grow up happy, they don't expect to be remembered. Jiang Ling congratulates her on her new role, and she explains that she took on administrative work to continue contributing. Jiang Ling then asks about An Zhenzhen, and Principal Liu confirms she remembers her, noting that twelve years have passed.
When Jiang Ling presses for details, Principal Liu states An Zhenzhen's story is complex and cannot be explained briefly. Seemingly reluctant to elaborate, she asks Jiang Ling to leave his number, promising to contact him later, before turning away as he departs. The narrative then shifts back to Jiang Ling's high school years. Jiang Ling arrives home with An Zhenzhen, where his aunt warmly greets them and serves food.
Jiang Ling also cooks for An Zhenzhen, who is captivated by his efforts and praises the meal, surprised he knows how to cook. He explains he learned by helping his aunt at their store, comparing cooking to novel writing, emphasizing the need for patience and control. An Zhenzhen admires his "literary" approach to cooking. After dinner, they discuss literature, specifically Proust's "In Search of Lost Time," which Jiang Ling summarizes as being about "time, memory, and love."
He shares Proust's struggles as a writer, admitting his own desire to become such a devoted writer. An Zhenzhen playfully promises to promote his future masterpiece to make him "both famous and rich," confident in her inherited business talent from her father. Jiang Ling expresses envy for her relationship with her father, to which An Zhenzhen contrasts that she has barely seen her own father.
Jiang Ling then mentions his parents' strained relationship, and An Zhenzhen shares her deepest wish for her parents to stay together. She then expresses her wish for "all my good friends" to return and for their "Three Bouncy group" to never break up, despite her earlier harsh words. Jiang Ling reassuringly tells her that their long-standing friendship is strong enough to endure.
Later, Jiang Ling reaffirms his commitment to finishing his novel, acknowledging it could take a decade or more, just as Proust's masterpiece took 17 years. Back at the dorm, An Zhenzhen observes Qiu Qian silently getting into bed, a clear sign of their ongoing estrangement. The following day, An Zhenzhen, Qiu Qian, and Qi Shuo meet again, but their interaction is awkward; they simply look at each other before walking in different directions.
An Zhenzhen is saddened, recalling the past scene of the three of them making wishes under a tree, when they were inseparable, a stark contrast to their current estranged relationship. Later, Qiu Qian is confronted by two thugs, who seem to be collecting a debt and attempt to drag her away. Jiang Ling and An Zhenzhen arrive on the scene. Jiang Ling quickly intervenes, using his martial arts skills to fight off the thugs.
The police arrive shortly after and apprehend the assailants. An officer commends Jiang Ling for helping but warns him about the legal ramifications of excessive force, advising him to call the police first in similar future situations to avoid committing a crime himself. Jiang Ling assures the officer he understands, then comforts a shaken Qiu Qian, telling her everything is fine.
That night, Jiang Ling and An Zhenzhen have a brief conversation, where An Zhenzhen thanks Jiang Ling for his help earlier, and he reaffirms his role as her "knight" protecting his "princess." Later, An Zhenzhen and Qiu Qian finally talk, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation. An Zhenzhen expresses deep regret for the harsh words exchanged during their previous argument, fearing Qiu Qian's hatred. Qiu Qian reassures her, admitting she never hated An Zhenzhen and always wanted to reconcile.
She confesses that her fear of losing An Zhenzhen, her best friend, especially with Jiang Ling's arrival, fueled her earlier behavior. Qiu Qian reminds An Zhenzhen of their "Three Bouncy group" pact: an unconditional forgiveness for any big mistake, provided someone speaks up first. Both girls promise to never fight again, with Qiu Qian acknowledging her tendency to lash out when in a bad mood.
An Zhenzhen expresses understanding, seeing Qiu Qian's anger as born from fear and care, and admits to having neglected her recently. She shares a newfound realization that life offers second chances, determined to seize this opportunity to live well and cherish everyone around her. Both girls affirm their belief in a bright future for themselves. Back in 2024, the older Jiang Ling is assembling a shelf at home. He receives a text message from Principal Liu, inviting him to meet at the school the following day. As a heavy rain begins to fall, Jiang Ling falls asleep.
