Flourish In Time Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Flourish In Time Synopsis

An accidental car accident gave Lu Miao an extra “brother” – Jiang Haoyue.

Lu Miao had developed 18 martial arts skills to become a female knight who guarded the prince in distress, while Jiang Haoyue was also silently guarding Lu Miao’s youth in his own way.

In Lu Miao’s opinion, Jiang Haoyue was the moon she spent her entire youth chasing.

But the moon’s light comes from the sun, and in Jiang Haoyue’s heart, Lu Miao was the little sun that really shines and lights up his dull world.

Entering high school, Lu Miao gained new friendships and gradually realized that her feelings for Jiang Haoyue were not simply that of a brother and sister, while the appearance of Shi Che also gives Jiang Haoyue a strong sense of crisis.

In the process of their growing up, their brother-sister relationship gradually evolves into young love.

Flourish In Time Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

On her first day of high school, Lu Miao was determined to shed the label of "Jiang Haoyue’s sister," a shadow that had dimmed her life for years. Jiang Haoyue, her neighbor and childhood friend, always outshone her, despite them eating the same food and attending the same schools. Lu Miao resolved to find her own identity, asserting that she would create her own presence.

To avoid him, she tried circuitous routes, navigating a bustling market and even attempting to scale a wall, but still ran straight into him. When he questioned her avoidance, Lu Miao explained her desire to breathe "her own air" and not be known simply as his sister. Surprisingly understanding, Jiang Haoyue agreed to wait for the bus at a different stop. Her attempts proved futile when she boarded a bus only to find Jiang Haoyue already on it.

As Lu Miao dozed off, he used her instant camera to capture a photo of her sleeping face. He commented on the expensive film, suggesting it be saved for a meaningful event like the freshman speech she hoped to give, and offered a new closing line for it: "The past is meaningless. For the fate you dislike, from now on, don’t accept it." Lu Miao dismissed the idea as childish.

After Jiang Haoyue exited the bus, Lu Miao discovered the photo mischievously stuck to her back, pointed out by a friendly new classmate, Chen Guoguo. When confronted, Jiang Haoyue offered only a sarcastic apology. Later, at the opening ceremony, Jiang Haoyue captivated the student body with his speech, which included the poignant line he had suggested to Lu Miao. Many female students were instantly smitten, but Lu Miao remained unimpressed, privately dismissing his words as cliché.

When another student marveled at the speech, Lu Miao blurted out that she had given him the idea, only to be mocked by the student who thought she was delusional. Fueled by indignation, Lu Miao vowed that one day, she too would stand on the auditorium stage and achieve a level of excellence that would make Jiang Haoyue look up to her.

Following a math class where she had fallen asleep, Lu Miao decided to punish herself by skipping lunch and visiting the auditorium to "breathe the honorable air" of the stage. While there, she accidentally damaged some equipment. In a panic, she dropped her camera and fled into a dressing room as a school staff member entered. The staff member picked up the camera, but Jiang Haoyue, recognizing it, intercepted him and claimed it as his own.

Suspecting Lu Miao was in trouble, he found her trapped inside the dressing room, playfully taking pictures of her predicament before eventually opening the door. Their interaction was cut short when Mr. Yang, the Dean of Educational Administration, walked in on them, questioning their presence and speculating they were in a relationship. In Mr. Yang’s office, Lu Miao denied any relation to Jiang Haoyue, concocting a story about being overcome by the school flag’s sacred pattern and accidentally damaging property.

Jiang Haoyue surprisingly corroborated her lie. However, Mr. Yang, observing that both students shared the same guardian, Lu Yongfei, concluded they were step-siblings from a blended family who were reluctant to admit their relationship. Lu Miao was sentenced to a week of cleaning duty. As they left, Jiang Haoyue noticed Lu Miao’s untied shoelace and expertly tied it for her with a special knot.

This moment was observed by Lu Miao’s deskmate, Xie Ziye, who later pressed Lu Miao about her relationship with Jiang Haoyue. Lu Miao confessed her desire to escape his shadow and live a brilliant life of her own. Later that day, Jiang Haoyue witnessed his father skillfully handle a group of troublemakers outside their mahjong parlor but remained aloof toward him. While walking alone, Jiang Haoyue was ambushed by the same thugs, who discovered his prosthetic leg during the assault.

Just as the situation escalated, Lu Miao stumbled upon the scene and rushed to his defense. Jiang Haoyue shielded her with his body, and in their moment of peril, a young man on a bicycle intervened, heroically driving off the assailants. Afterwards, Jiang Haoyue urged Lu Miao not to tell their parents, suggesting she say he was simply in a bad mood. The traumatic event solidified Lu Miao’s perspective.

She told Jiang Haoyue that from now on, they would go to and from school together, declaring that personal glory was no longer as important as he was. This profound shift prompted Jiang Haoyue to ask, "You acknowledge me as your brother now?" Eight years prior, a nine-year-old Jiang Haoyue was struck by a car driven by Lu Miao’s father, Lu Yongfei, resulting in the amputation of his leg.

At the hospital, Jiang Haoyue’s distraught father confronted a guilt-ridden Lu Yongfei, who, along with his wife, committed to taking full responsibility for Jiang Haoyue’s lifelong care. From that day forward, Lu Yongfei declared, Jiang Haoyue would be his son too. Shortly after, an eight-year-old Lu Miao was brought to meet Jiang Haoyue, instructed by her father to call him "brother" and not stare at his leg. She quickly warmed up to him, sharing her chocolate and eagerly suggesting they raise chicks together, accepting him as her new older brother.

Episode 2 Recap

Following the incident at the internet cafe, Jiang Haoyue resumes waiting for Lu Miao to go to school together. At home, Lu Miao’s father helps Jiang Haoyue adjust his prosthesis, advising him to speak up immediately if he has any issues, emphasizing the importance of his health. At school, rumors about Jiang Haoyue and Lu Miao are rampant.

Students gossip about their relationship, with theories ranging from them being a couple to Lu Miao being Jiang Haoyue's child bride from a rival family, whose engagement was supposedly at risk due to the Lu family's decline in fortune. Upon Lu Miao’s arrival in class, a group of girls swarms her, trying to pass on gifts and love letters to Jiang Haoyue. They bombard her with questions about his childhood, hobbies, and even his blood type.

Annoyed by the commotion, her deskmate, Xie Ziye, intervenes, telling the girls to leave and reminding them that Lu Miao's last name is Lu, not Jiang. Lu Miao mistakes this for a kind gesture, improving her opinion of Xie Ziye. During class committee elections, Lu Miao votes for Xie Ziye, who is reluctantly chosen as the study representative. Later, during physical education, the two are paired up.

Xie Ziye apologizes for her unenthusiastic reaction to being appointed, admitting she finds such responsibilities troublesome. Lu Miao empathizes, and their conversation begins to flow more easily. Their bond strengthens when Xie Ziye helps Lu Miao after she is frightened by a bug. Xie Ziye reveals a special notebook where she evaluates every boy she meets, assigning scores based on various criteria to identify her "Mr. Right" through a "Big Data" screening process.

To Lu Miao’s surprise, Jiang Haoyue currently holds the highest score, praised for his height, intellect, and appearance, despite his aloof personality. Xie Ziye also notes his "hidden sister-con" attribute, a theory Lu Miao finds absurd. That evening, Lu Miao presents Jiang Haoyue with the love letters she received on his behalf, playfully reading excerpts. Jiang Haoyue dismisses them as boring.

Later, his father returns home intoxicated and criticizes him for being cold and ungrateful, comparing him to a "stone that can't be warmed." He also warns Jiang Haoyue not to trouble the Lu family. At school, some boys taunt Jiang Haoyue, calling him "Mr. Lame" and a "coward protected by a girl." Enraged, Lu Miao decides to teach them a lesson.

With Xie Ziye's help, she lures two of the boys, Wang Xinwen and Zhang Cheng, to the biology classroom with fake letters from admirers. They use spooky props to scare the boys into confessing to cheating on exams and reading private mail. Lu Miao warns them to stop bullying Jiang Haoyue, and the terrified boys promise to comply. However, the boys later plot revenge.

Jiang Haoyue overhears them and intervenes, blackmailing them with a recording of their cheating confession to ensure they leave Lu Miao alone. He then confronts Lu Miao, chastising her for trying to be a hero, stating he doesn't need her protection. He dismisses the insults as "facts," calling himself a lame coward. Lu Miao fiercely refutes this, reminding him of a childhood incident where he bravely stood up to a bully. Frustrated by his self-pity, she becomes angry.

Seeing her distress, Jiang Haoyue tries to cheer her up by offering to get spicy hotpot. He teases her about her height, making her smile, and they promise each other to stop causing trouble and speaking negatively, respectively. At a bookstore, Lu Miao discovers her favorite manga series have all been borrowed by someone nicknamed "Mr. Arrogance." Jiang Haoyue remarks that their tastes must be similar.

During dinner at Lu Miao's home, her parents dote on Jiang Haoyue, serving him special dishes. He reveals he will be away for a week at a chemistry competition training camp, admitting he chose chemistry for its higher prize money. Later that night, Lu Miao takes Jiang Haoyue to their chicken coop for a fortune-telling session to predict the outcome of his competition. The result is an unlucky token warning of a "changing world" and a "critical opponent."

Despite his skepticism, Lu Miao insists on giving him a good luck charm for protection. The next day, a new student, Shi Che, joins their class. He introduces himself as a "Naruto" fan and recognizes Lu Miao, though she doesn't remember him. A flashback reveals a scene from eight years prior: a young Jiang Haoyue in a wheelchair is taunted by another boy who calls him a "cripple." In response, a defiant young Jiang Haoyue throws a fruit back at his tormentor.

Episode 3 Recap

Shi Che developed a peculiar interest in Lu Miao, constantly annoying her with nicknames and sharing information about fictional murderers. Lu Miao, despite her frustration, eventually recognized him as the unique guy who rode a bicycle and helped her and Jiang Haoyue escape a dangerous alley one night. Shi Che, however, insisted his style was "unique" rather than "weird." During the school basketball team tryouts, Shi Che confidently signed up, boasting that he would rewrite the team's history.

Despite his excellent physical and technical abilities, he failed to make the team. He confronted the team captain, convinced his father, Principle Shi, was behind the rejection, trying to "stifle a basketball genius in the cradle" and prevent him from playing. The captain's hesitant response only solidified Shi Che's belief in a conspiracy, declaring he would fight against such "mean methods." Meanwhile, Jiang Haoyue began his chemistry training.

Students buzzed with excitement and apprehension at the arrival of Qu Wei, last year's first-place winner in the National Chemistry Contest. Their surprise grew upon seeing Jiang Haoyue, "the contest demon" and "first-prize winner" from No.1 High School, famed for winning "all science prizes" in physics, now competing in chemistry. Qu Wei, eager to test his skills, introduced himself and proposed a friendly competition.

Jiang Haoyue, maintaining his stoic demeanor, coldly dismissed him, telling Qu Wei not to bother him unless necessary. Qu Wei provocatively asked if he was already scared. In an act of defiance against his father, Shi Che dyed his hair red. During a school grooming check, he deliberately confronted Principle Shi, asking if his new hair color, dyed with the principal's private savings, looked cool.

Principle Shi, furious at his son's rebellious public display, immediately issued a grave demerit and temporarily banned him from school, declaring Shi Che was not allowed back into school until his hair was dyed black again. Shi Che, undeterred, sarcastically retorted, "Like father, like son," before bidding farewell to "Conan, Naruto, and Sakuragi" and walking out.

Later, Lu Miao, whose mother had confiscated all her comic books due to her declining grades, was returning them when she encountered the red-haired Shi Che. She realized he was "Mr. Arrogance," the person who had borrowed all the comic books she wanted to read. Shi Che admitted he had long wanted red hair, partly for rebellion and partly for the look.

Observing Lu Miao's long face, he offered to cheer her up by taking her to his secret private basketball court. There, he encouraged her to view her frustrations as a basketball and "smash it hard" with a slam dunk, teaching her the technique. They found common ground in their shared love for basketball and hung from the rim together, releasing their pent-up emotions.

Recognizing Shi Che's passion, Lu Miao suggested he didn't need to join the school team to play basketball; he could start a club. Shi Che was certain his father would reject any such application. Lu Miao, however, offered to lend her name as the club president for the application, an act for which Shi Che was deeply grateful. In return, he shared his unconventional method for solving math application problems, involving physically cutting out and assembling geometric models.

That evening, as Lu Miao worked on her math homework, employing Shi Che's unique method of cutting out a triangular pyramid model, she called Jiang Haoyue. She animatedly recounted her recent school experiences, particularly her new classmate, Shi Che. She described him as "Mr. Arrogance," who unexpectedly shared her taste in comics, helped them in the alley, sacrificed his distinctive fringe for his basketball dream, and with her help, was now establishing a basketball club.

Listening to her enthusiastic account, Jiang Haoyue mused aloud, "What a sudden change! A rival is coming." Lu Miao, confused by his remark, simply asked about his homework progress. The application to establish the basketball club was not approved. Lu Miao, Shi Che, and other students confronted Principle Shi in his office. Shi Che impulsively threatened to drop out and return as a PE student if the club wasn't approved.

Lu Miao, however, calmly stated that they had followed all school rules and requested a reasonable explanation for the rejection. Principle Shi argued the school did not need two basketball organizations. Lu Miao then boldly proposed a competition: their newly forming club would play against the school team, and if they won, they would be allowed to establish their club.

Principle Shi agreed, but sternly warned Shi Che that if they lost, he must abandon basketball and focus solely on his studies. Afterwards, the group realized they were severely short on players and the school team's strength was overwhelming, likening their chances to "Naruto who doesn’t have ninja arts competing with Orochimaru" or "Luffy who can’t use Haki competing with a Shogun." Despite the grim outlook, they resolved to recruit more members, train rigorously, and compete.

However, their initial efforts at recruitment, despite handing out flyers all afternoon, yielded only one new member, leaving them disheartened about the upcoming match. In his chemistry training, Qu Wei continued to pester Jiang Haoyue for a competition. He even playfully took the small luck charm Lu Miao had given Jiang Haoyue, insisting it wouldn't help him win.

Jiang Haoyue, annoyed by Qu Wei's persistence, finally agreed to a contest with a wager: the loser would buy midnight snacks for everyone. They randomly selected a contest problem, and Jiang Haoyue solved it with remarkable speed and elegance, proving his superior skill. Qu Wei, admitting defeat, returned the charm and promised to treat all the students to midnight snacks.

Back at school, two more students, Zhang Cheng and Wang Xinwen, joined the basketball club, enticed by the promise that joining would reduce their math homework load. Decked in their new team uniforms, Shi Che's team prepared for the match against the formidable school team. Despite being significantly outmatched, they played with incredible spirit and determination, fueled by cheers from Lu Miao. The game was fierce, but ultimately, the more experienced school team emerged victorious.

After the match, Lu Miao approached Principle Shi, hoping to appeal to him, but he simply praised their spirit and reiterated that "a rule is a rule" before dismissing them. Soon after, Jiang Haoyue returned from his training. He met Lu Miao, who informed him of their loss. As they talked, Shi Che approached. The two boys, Shi Che and Jiang Haoyue, met.

Shi Che, who had been calling Lu Miao "Mengdi," learned Jiang Haoyue was Lu Miao's brother, while Jiang Haoyue recognized Shi Che from Lu Miao's earlier enthusiastic descriptions. Jiang Haoyue then agreed to join them for a meal.

Episode 4 Recap

Jiang Haoyue returned to school after completing his chemistry training. He found Lu Miao and Shi Che after their recent competition, which they hadn't won. Despite the loss, Shi Che, ever the outgoing one, enthusiastically suggested a celebratory meal, which a group of them, including members of the basketball club, attended. At the restaurant, Shi Che overtly displayed his interest in Lu Miao.

He insisted on trying a super spicy chili sauce, even though Lu Miao mentioned he'd always been afraid of spicy food, declaring that a "real man" couldn't be afraid of chili. He then inquired about Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue’s sibling relationship, noting that he had initially thought Lu Miao had a crush on someone, only to later realize Jiang Haoyue was her brother. Jiang Haoyue immediately recognized Shi Che as a formidable rival.

Lu Miao staunchly defended her brother, calling him a "high mountain flower" and her role model, in contrast to Shi Che’s playful jabs about Jiang Haoyue being a "stick-in-the-mud" or an "eternal glacier." Later, Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue discussed Shi Che, with Lu Miao describing him as an outgoing person who is friendly with everyone.

Jiang then inquired about Lu Miao's training, to which she happily declared her rival had lost, crediting her lucky charm, though Jiang attributed it to probability. Shortly after, Qu Wei transferred to their school and took the recent exam. To everyone's surprise, Qu Wei secured the top spot in the grade, pushing Jiang Haoyue to second place.

Qu Wei, delighted with his victory, confidently approached Jiang Haoyue, asking if he would finally admit defeat, but Jiang Haoyue responded with cold indifference. Meanwhile, Xie Ziye's informal ranking list of male students was updated, with Qu Wei now at the top. Xie Ziye explained to a bewildered Lu Miao that while Jiang Haoyue had dominated the list for years, Qu Wei's sudden appearance offered a "freshness" that captivated everyone.

The school began its selection process for the Chemistry Tryout, with only one spot available. This put Jiang Haoyue and Qu Wei directly against each other once again. Their homeroom teacher, Mr. Chen, lamented their rivalry, echoing the sentiment of "A great man cannot brook a rival." Qu Wei, acknowledging Jiang Haoyue's superior physics skills, questioned why he insisted on competing in chemistry instead of pursuing dual firsts in both subjects.

He emphasized that chemistry experimental operations, crucial for the contest, required accumulated experience that Jiang Haoyue likely lacked. Jiang Haoyue, however, remained resolute in his decision to vie for the chemistry spot. Lu Miao, having experienced her own academic struggles with failing two subjects and barely passing others, tried to guide Jiang Haoyue through his emotional burden. She offered him "psychological construction," urging him not to let the gossip or the setback affect his confidence.

She even suggested he might reconsider and opt for the Physics Contest. Jiang Haoyue found his sister's concern endearing, showing no signs of anxiety. Lu Miao, despite her own academic challenges, diligently searched for ways to help Jiang Haoyue improve his chemistry, justifying her efforts to her mother by saying, "helping others may make our own day." Separately, Jiang Haoyue's father approached Lu Miao's father for a loan.

Lu Miao's father, who was not wealthy and had a wife and daughter to support, in addition to looking after Jiang Haoyue, explained he had no spare funds. However, it seemed Jiang Haoyue's father held some leverage over him, compelling him to offer a small sum of a few hundred-yuan bills. Jiang Haoyue's father, visibly disgusted by the meager amount, angrily accused him of treating him like a beggar and stormed off.

Lu Miao's mother, Lin Wenfang, intervened briefly, attempting to de-escalate the tense exchange. Back at school, Qu Wei approached Jiang Haoyue and handed him a set of his organized chemistry notes. Qu Wei dismissed the basic knowledge as "child's play," stressing that the final experimental section of the competition relied heavily on accumulated experience. He expressed his desire for Jiang Haoyue to perform at his best, so he wouldn't "lose too badly." Jiang Haoyue accepted the notes, acknowledging the gesture.

Around school, students and teachers alike speculated about the outcome of the Chemistry Tryout between Jiang Haoyue and Qu Wei. Lu Miao was also caught up in the anticipation, but remembering her consistent bad luck with bets, she decided to make a wager with Shi Che. She bet on Qu Wei winning, hoping that her "always lose" streak would ensure Jiang Haoyue's victory.

Unbeknownst to her, Jiang Haoyue overheard part of their conversation and became visibly upset, rejecting Lu Miao's offer to study together. Lu Miao later explained her strategic betting to Shi Che, confirming her "self-sacrifice" for her brother's success, and they agreed that the loser of the bet would grant the winner one request. Late one night, Shi Che, determined to help Jiang Haoyue, secretly entered the teachers' office to steal the Chemistry Tryout answers.

Coincidentally, Xie Ziye returned to the office to retrieve her phone and discovered him. Shi Che tried to silence her, but Xie Ziye quickly realized he was taking a Grade 2 exam paper, not a Grade 1 one, which meant it wouldn't be cheating for "them". She pretended not to see anything, and they hastily left. The next morning, Shi Che presented the stolen answers to Jiang Haoyue, assuring him of a guaranteed win.

Jiang Haoyue, however, asked if anyone else knew about it, and upon learning only Shi Che did, he promptly tore the papers, stating that some things were more important than winning. Shi Che, witnessing Jiang Haoyue’s principled stand, remarked on his integrity. Later, the attempted theft was exposed, and Director Yang, having reviewed surveillance footage, called both Shi Che and Xie Ziye to his office.

Shi Che immediately took responsibility, claiming he had mistakenly taken a Grade 2 paper instead of a Grade 1 one due to nervousness, attempting to shield Xie Ziye. Xie Ziye corroborated that the stolen paper was indeed for Grade 2. Director Yang, however, declared that the "motive" for cheating was sufficient for punishment and that the nature of their actions was "very vile." As a consequence, both Shi Che and Xie Ziye were ordered to write a 3000-word self-criticism essay.

Shi Che struggled with the task, leading Xie Ziye to offer him a sample essay and even her services for a fee. Lu Miao, feeling that her brother had inadvertently caused Xie Ziye's predicament, also offered to write Xie Ziye’s self-criticism, but Xie Ziye declined, assuring her it wasn't her fault. On the day of the Chemistry Tryout, heavy rain began to fall. Jiang Haoyue, who suffered from discomfort in his leg during rainy weather, also developed a fever.

Lu Miao's mother, believing she had found a "magic doctor," insisted on adding a mystical "aspidistra" herb to a pain-relief soup for Jiang, despite Lu Miao and her father's past experience with questionable remedies. Lu Miao dutifully delivered the soup, discovering Jiang's fever. He refused any medicine, fearing it would make him sleepy during the exam. The tryout consisted of a challenging 90-minute acid-base titration, demanding extreme precision and attention to detail.

Despite his illness and discomfort, Jiang Haoyue prevailed, achieving a rare zero-error result. After the tryout, a defeated Qu Wei confronted Jiang Haoyue, baffled by his victory. He questioned how Jiang Haoyue, in such obvious pain during the experiment, could have surpassed him, especially given Qu Wei's diligent weekly practice. Qu Wei once again pressed Jiang Haoyue on his decision to switch to chemistry. Jiang Haoyue finally revealed his true motivation: the chemistry competition offered the highest prize money.

Later, a still-feverish Jiang Haoyue met Lu Miao, who, worried, assumed he had lost due to his illness. Jiang Haoyue then confirmed his victory, much to Lu Miao's astonishment. This outcome reaffirmed her belief in her "always lose bet" theory, as her wager on Qu Wei had, ironically, led to Jiang Haoyue's success. Jiang Haoyue also noted that Qu Wei was a good person. They then played a simple game with chocolates, where Lu Miao, true to her luck, consistently lost all her chocolates to Jiang Haoyue.

Episode 5 Recap

Jiang Haoyue won first place in the Chemistry Competition, surprising those who had expected him to lose to Qu Wei. His victory earned him more admirers. Shi Che, who admired Jiang Haoyue, saw him as a potential asset in his efforts to get closer to Lu Miao, affectionately called Meng by Shi Che. However, a friend warned Shi Che that Jiang Haoyue might not be as easy to manipulate as he seemed.

Shi Che, confident in his own cunning, dismissed the warning, believing he could outwit Jiang Haoyue with his proactive approach. Meanwhile, Qu Wei congratulated Jiang Haoyue, acknowledging that he had underestimated his rival this time but vowed not to lose again. Jiang Haoyue accepted the challenge, and despite their academic rivalry, the two top students displayed a mutual respect.

Observing Jiang Haoyue’s discomfort on crowded buses due to his prosthetic leg, which felt nothing when stepped on, Lu Miao decided to find a solution. She secretly took her mother's cherished bicycle, intending to learn to ride it herself so she could carry her brother to and from school. Her father initially forbade it, fearing for the bike's safety, but Lu Miao's persistence convinced him to let her try.

Despite a few falls and a bent handlebar, which her father reluctantly fixed, Lu Miao remained determined. She even rode off to continue practicing after her father offered to drive them to school instead. As part of a bet Lu Miao won against Shi Che regarding the chemistry competition, she requested him to help her practice riding the bicycle. Thrilled at the chance to spend more time with her, Shi Che readily agreed and even offered to be her "teacher."

He initially thought Lu Miao was learning to carry him, only to be surprised when she revealed her true intention was to surprise Jiang Haoyue, whose weight was similar to Shi Che's. Lu Miao asked him to keep it a secret, explaining that her bond with Jiang Haoyue was like a lifelong companionship. Shi Che agreed to keep her secret. Concurrently, Jiang Haoyue also decided to learn how to ride a bicycle.

He approached Qu Wei, borrowing his bike and asking for tips. Qu Wei, already familiar with Jiang Haoyue as his academic opponent, knew of his challenges. They initially tried a scientific approach, calculating force points, but soon realized that consistent practice and body adaptation were more crucial than mere calculations, especially given Jiang Haoyue’s leg. They engaged in firm stance exercises, like horse stance, to build leg strength and endurance.

Despite the difficulty and the need for caution, Jiang Haoyue slowly progressed, eventually mastering the skill of riding while carrying someone, transforming their academic rivalry into a supportive friendship in daily life. One evening, Shi Che walked Lu Miao home and was warmly invited for dinner by her mother. Shi Che charmingly complimented the food, especially the secret recipe braised pork with brown sauce, and politely engaged with Lu Miao’s parents, even as they teased Lu Miao about her grades.

Jiang Haoyue also joined them for dinner. After the meal, Jiang Haoyue walked Shi Che out and inquired about bicycle riding techniques. Shi Che inadvertently let slip that Lu Miao had learned to ride specifically to carry Jiang Haoyue, surprising Jiang Haoyue with the revelation. Shi Che instantly regretted breaking his promise to Lu Miao.

On the Mid-Autumn Festival, Jiang Haoyue's father, frustrated by his lottery losses, lashed out at him, even suggesting he ask Lu Miao's father for food since he had no money despite winning a competition prize. Distraught, Jiang Haoyue left the house and messaged his mother, who was busy caring for his sick younger half-brother and could not talk much. Holding a watch his mother had left him, he felt a profound sense of loneliness.

Lu Miao found him and, recognizing the watch from an old photo of his mother she had seen, comforted him. She shared her perspective on parental love, assuring him that distance did not diminish a mother's affection, which somewhat lifted Jiang Haoyue's spirits. Lu Miao then invited Jiang Haoyue to her home for Mid-Autumn dinner. Lu Miao’s mother, proud of a new large television she bought to boost her sales performance, presented her self-invented dish: fried tomatoes with moon cakes.

Despite its unusual taste and excessive saltiness, everyone, including Jiang Haoyue, enthusiastically praised it to spare Lu Miao’s mother’s feelings, though Lu Miao and her father subtly acknowledged its saltiness and suggested adding vinegar. Witnessing the family's cheerful and supportive dynamic, Jiang Haoyue couldn't help but feel a deep sense of envy.

As both Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue's riding skills significantly improved, Lu Miao met Jiang Haoyue downstairs one evening, inviting her "Jiang beauty" for a night ride under the moonlight. She skillfully rode, confirming her speed and stability, and excitedly offered to take him to school every day. The next morning, Lu Miao arrived with her bike, ready to give Jiang Haoyue a ride.

To her surprise, he also had a bicycle, which he then revealed was a gift for her, explaining that Aunt Fang’s bike was too high for her. Although her new bike meant she couldn't carry him, they joyfully rode to school together, marking a new chapter in their daily commute.

Later, Jiang Haoyue joined Lu Miao’s family for another meal, where some playful banter ensued, including a younger family member innocently asking for a leg like Jiang Haoyue’s, and lighthearted comments about the food, such as a strong mustard smell and Lu Miao's mother being biased in serving food. One evening, Lu Miao tried to engage Jiang Haoyue in a game of "Terminator," but he found it boring, preferring not to play along.

Episode 6 Recap

After Jiang Haoyue taught himself to ride a bicycle with extraordinary effort, a feat that deeply impressed Lu Miao, Shi Che felt the need to regain an advantage in their unspoken rivalry for Lu Miao’s affection. He found his opportunity when he saw a promotional poster at the arcade: the team that won first place in the "Drum Battle" game would receive a pair of Hanamichi Sakuragi AJ6 shoes.

Convinced this was his chance, Shi Che approached Lu Miao, asking if she thought it was cool for a man to win AJ6 shoes through skill. When she agreed, he invited her to be his partner in the competition, and she readily accepted. Lu Miao and Shi Che soon became very close. They were even seen chatting and laughing during math class while being punished, a sight Jiang Haoyue witnessed, causing him to feel a pang of unease.

He confronted Shi Che, expressing concern about Lu Miao's studies and urging Shi Che not to negatively influence her. Shi Che, however, dismissed Jiang Haoyue’s words as jealousy over his growing closeness with Lu Miao, asserting that Lu Miao had the freedom to choose her friends and that Jiang Haoyue, even as her brother, had no right to control her. Shi Che confidently stated that Lu Miao would withdraw from the competition, but Jiang Haoyue remained unconvinced.

Shi Che later confided in a friend, speculating that Jiang Haoyue, being a top student, was cunning and trying to sabotage his relationship with Lu Miao. Jiang Haoyue, frustrated by Lu Miao's choices, admitted to himself that while he was indeed upset by her closeness with Shi Che, his primary concern was seeing his sister neglect her studies. He pressed Lu Miao to withdraw from the competition, believing it to be a waste of time.

However, Lu Miao firmly refused, stating that she had already promised Shi Che and would not back out, emphasizing the importance of loyalty. Their disagreement led them to part ways, with Lu Miao heading to a local spicy hot pot restaurant that offered a student discount. Despite his initial anger, Jiang Haoyue secretly began to practice "Drum Battle" at the arcade, applying his scientific mind to understand the game’s patterns and "universal formula" for achieving combos.

His mother’s worried call later that evening revealed his absence from home. Later, Lu Miao and Shi Che arrived at the arcade for practice. Lu Miao, despite her determination to help Shi Che win the shoes, struggled with the game, consistently earning only a 'B' grade. Jiang Haoyue, who had been meticulously practicing, suddenly appeared and offered to step in for Lu Miao. Shi Che, annoyed, challenged Jiang Haoyue to a match.

Leveraging his understanding of "mathematical algorithms" and "even and odd techniques," Jiang Haoyue skillfully won, attributing Shi Che's defeat to his "mentality" rather than skill. This victory left Shi Che feeling even more vexed. Reluctantly, Shi Che agreed to team up with Jiang Haoyue for the competition. Their vastly different approaches to the game immediately clashed: Jiang Haoyue preferred to play without sound, relying on calculation, while Shi Che needed to hear the music's rhythm.

Lu Miao attempted to mediate their disputes, but their differing styles led to a frustrating practice session that ended abruptly, with both players deciding to cool down separately. Shi Che, in his frustration, compared Jiang Haoyue to Akagi Takenori, the older brother blocking Sakuragi Hanamichi from Akagi Haruko, implying Jiang Haoyue was hindering his pursuit of Lu Miao.

Recognizing the need for a solution, Jiang Haoyue decided to adapt, embracing the philosophy that "instead of letting others change, why not change myself?" He began practicing while listening to the game's music, a compromise Lu Miao observed and praised. Meanwhile, Shi Che also sought new methods, borrowing a drum technique guide from the honor guard to improve his hand speed and incorporate accent structures into his rhythm. Both boys made significant progress.

Before the competition, Lu Miao treated them to spicy hot pot to boost their morale. Despite his earlier pretense of disliking group hot pot, Jiang Haoyue confessed his enjoyment of sharing the meal with Lu Miao, emphasizing that spicy hot pot was indeed better with companions. The competition began with "Mr. Arrogance" (Shi Che) and "A Sapling" (Jiang Haoyue) taking the stage. They played with intense focus, hitting an impressive series of combos.

Lu Miao enthusiastically cheered them on from the sidelines. The duo ultimately achieved a perfect score with full combos, marking the highest score of the event. They celebrated exuberantly, proclaiming themselves "kings" and "geniuses," with Lu Miao affectionately calling them "two idiots" despite her pride. Shi Che triumphantly donned the new AJ6 shoes. Jiang Haoyue acknowledged Shi Che's significant contribution, stating that they couldn't have achieved their victory without his performance.

This success fostered a positive shift in their relationship, with both boys gaining a deeper understanding of each other's feelings for Lu Miao. Later, while Jiang Haoyue was picking up drums for the honor guard, Shi Che joined him. Jiang Haoyue quietly thanked Shi Che for his help. Shi Che responded by stating that their efforts were "all for Lu Miao," a sentiment Jiang Haoyue echoed. This shared understanding marked a positive shift in their rivalry.

The scene then transitioned to a flashback of their childhood. A young Jiang Haoyue, unable to join other children in the sandpit due to his leg, watched sadly from his upstairs window. Young Lu Miao, seeing his disappointment, filled a small bucket with sand and brought it upstairs. Together, they happily built a sandcastle on their coffee table, a testament to Lu Miao's enduring care for her brother.

Episode 7 Recap

Following the "Drum Master" competition, an underlying romantic tension began to develop between Jiang Haoyue, Lu Miao, and Shi Che, each becoming more aware of their feelings for Lu Miao. Their bond, however, was tested when Lu Miao's possessiveness surfaced during a school lunch. During lunch at school, a girl named Daifei sat opposite Jiang Haoyue. Jiang Haoyue was initially hesitant, but Daifei's broken shoe sole made it difficult for her to move, so he reluctantly allowed her to stay.

Upon returning with her meal, Lu Miao saw a stranger sitting opposite her "older brother" and became very angry. She immediately told Daifei it was her spot and asked her to leave. Jiang Haoyue, considering Daifei's embarrassment, explained the situation to Lu Miao, leading to an unpleasant argument between the siblings. Lu Miao, furious, called Jiang Haoyue an "emperor" and claimed herself "Empress Miao," storming off when Daifei refused to move.

Later, observing Lu Miao's strong reaction, Xie Ziye playfully suggested that Lu Miao might have fallen for Jiang Haoyue. Lu Miao, who had never considered such a possibility, vehemently denied it. In the following days, prompted by Xie Ziye, Lu Miao began to reflect on her relationship with Jiang Haoyue and found that she couldn't maintain eye contact with him for ten seconds.

Xie Ziye had proposed a "ten-second eye contact" test, claiming that if Lu Miao could sustain eye contact for that long, their relationship was purely fraternal; otherwise, it implied something more. Despite her initial confidence, Lu Miao found herself unable to sustain eye contact with Jiang Haoyue, even when he was asleep on the bus or when she later tried looking at his photo at home, causing her to feel increasingly flustered.

One evening, while Jiang Haoyue was studying, Lu Miao, driven by curiosity, asked him about his ideal girl. Jiang Haoyue looked at her seriously and described his preference for "girls with big eyes and sweet smiles." Hearing this, Lu Miao immediately thought of Daifei, who fit the description, making her instantly upset again. During their playful tussle over a test paper, they suddenly came into an unexpected, close eye-to-eye encounter.

Overwhelmed by the sudden intimacy and a racing heart, Lu Miao quickly retreated home, beginning to realize that her feelings for her childhood friend might be deeper than she had thought. Subconsciously aiming to impress Jiang Haoyue, Lu Miao began to change her appearance. She secretly took her mother's makeup and enlisted Xie Ziye’s help to learn how to apply it.

Shi Che, observing Lu Miao's unusual transformation—from her typically plain look to experimenting with new hairstyles and makeup—grew suspicious and approached Xie Ziye, trying to discreetly find out the reason behind Lu Miao's sudden interest in dressing up. Xie Ziye, using a set of "Skinship rules" questions about holding hands, embracing, and eye contact, deduced from Shi Che's joyful responses and admission of being the first to look away during eye contact that he had fallen for a girl.

Through this realization, Shi Che came to understand that his feelings were for Lu Miao. Meanwhile, Lu Miao intensified her efforts to catch Jiang Haoyue’s eye, diligently practicing makeup and visiting a tailor to have her school uniform shortened and the waist cinched. Despite the tailor's warning about catching a cold, Lu Miao was determined to look her best.

However, when she proudly showed her altered uniform to Jiang Haoyue, he did not understand her intentions and gave an unimpressed reaction. Noticing Lu Miao's unusual behavior, Jiang Haoyue later consulted his friend Qu Wei, asking why someone might suddenly start caring about their appearance. Qu Wei immediately concluded that such changes in a girl were typically motivated by a crush.

Considering Jiang Haoyue’s close circle, Qu Wei suggested that Lu Miao might be interested in Shi Che, given how well they seemed to get along. This suggestion visibly displeased Jiang Haoyue. The tension between Jiang Haoyue and Lu Miao continued. Jiang Haoyue directly criticized Lu Miao for modifying her school uniform, admonishing her for violating school rules and not acting like a student.

Lu Miao, frustrated by his lack of understanding, retorted angrily, calling him names and expressing her desire to look good and gain his approval. Feeling defeated, Lu Miao decided to return to her original uniform, acknowledging it might be easier to catch a cold with the shortened one. Meanwhile, Qu Wei and Xie Ziye unexpectedly met, and Xie Ziye, facing the excellent senior, became flustered and stammered.

Later, at a shop where he was looking at hairpins, Jiang Haoyue unexpectedly encountered Daifei. She greeted him warmly and asked for his help in choosing a hairpin, saying she was overwhelmed by the choices, and he agreed. The next morning, as they walked to school, Jiang Haoyue and Lu Miao encountered the disciplinary director conducting a uniform inspection. Seeing Lu Miao's shortened uniform, Jiang Haoyue quickly draped his jacket over her to conceal it.

However, as Lu Miao put on the jacket, she discovered a girl's hair tie in his pocket. Jiang Haoyue, flustered, claimed he had "picked it up on the road." Lu Miao, seizing the opportunity, brought up his previous statement about liking "big eyes and sweet smiles" and subtly referenced Daifei, clearly showing her jealousy.

Acknowledging her implied question, Jiang Haoyue, delighted, smiled and confirmed his preference for girls with "big eyes and sweet smiles," then added, "You have big eyes as well." Lu Miao, secretly delighted by his words, quickly dismissed her earlier anger and brightened considerably.

Episode 8 Recap

Lu Miao was elated remembering Jiang Haoyue’s compliment about her eyes earlier that morning. She carefully tied her hair with a hair accessory he had given her, opting to return a hairpin to Shi Che. Shi Che, puzzled by her rejection of his gift, asked if she found it ugly. Lu Miao explained it wasn’t her style and declared her new approach to self-expression: dressing comfortably and "being me."

Soon, Lu Miao’s mother reminded the family that Jiang Haoyue’s birthday was approaching in two days. They discussed how to celebrate, with Lu Miao’s mother suggesting a quiet celebration at home, as Jiang Haoyue disliked too much commotion. When Lu Miao enthusiastically volunteered to take charge of preparing the birthday cake and selecting a gift, her mother seemed surprised, asking "Why always cake?"

As he was turning seventeen, they agreed a special gift was also in order, though a simple pen was quickly deemed too ordinary. Struggling to find the perfect birthday gift for Jiang Haoyue, Lu Miao confided in Xie Ziye. Xie Ziye, ever the expert, declared that according to her "Ten Rules of Love," a birthday was the ultimate opportunity to gauge someone's true feelings, as the birthday person's emotions tend to run high, making them more open and revealing.

Lu Miao, however, seemed to misinterpret this as a test of friendship rather than romantic interest. They sifted through gift ideas. When Xie Ziye suggested a "Cheers to Our Friendship" glass, Lu Miao found it too straightforward, questioning how it would gauge his true feelings. They also rejected a snow globe for being "too sissy" for Jiang Haoyue. Ultimately, Lu Miao had an inspiration for a gift.

Lu Miao decided on a white shirt for Jiang Haoyue, but she needed his measurements. With Xie Ziye’s assistance, they devised a plan to secretly measure him in the school library. They sat on either side of Jiang Haoyue, who was engrossed in his studies, and began their subtle attempts. Lu Miao feigned an interest in studying English, then offered Jiang Haoyue a massage, trying to get close enough.

Xie Ziye then created a distraction by suggesting they retrieve examination papers. Jiang Haoyue noticed their odd behavior, especially when Xie Ziye "found" a tape measure, which Lu Miao vehemently denied was hers. Despite the awkward encounter and Lu Miao’s flimsy excuse about numb legs, she claimed to have roughly obtained the waist measurement before they quickly departed. The school's autumn trip was scheduled for November 13, which coincided with Jiang Haoyue’s birthday.

Lu Miao's excitement quickly turned to dismay; Jiang Haoyue had always avoided school excursions, and she knew if she attended the trip, she wouldn't be able to celebrate his birthday with him. She tried to persuade him to join the autumn trip, but he firmly refused, stating he would be preparing for a contest at school.

That evening, at home, Jiang Haoyue looked at a childhood photo of his family and the watch his mother had left him, a clear sense of melancholy settling upon him. Determined to celebrate Jiang Haoyue's birthday, Lu Miao resolved to skip the autumn trip. Shi Che, upon learning of her intentions, became visibly jealous. He decided he would prevent her from ditching the trip at all costs.

During the autumn trip, he manipulated the situation to ensure he and Lu Miao were selected for the class’s two-man-three-foot race. Lu Miao, racing against time to intercept Jiang Haoyue's birthday cake delivery, was desperate to leave. Shi Che deliberately stalled by meticulously tying his shoelaces, giving a "professional athlete's" safety precaution for "class honor." Realizing time was running out, Lu Miao grew increasingly frustrated with Shi Che’s stalling.

Xie Ziye, observing their bickering, playfully declared that their "great teamwork" meant Shi Che and Lu Miao should compete together, then announced she was leaving. This provided Lu Miao with the perfect opportunity to escape the race. She sprinted away, thanking Xie Ziye and promising her snacks, while a frustrated Shi Che gave chase. Lu Miao raced against the clock, reaching the school just as the delivery driver arrived with the birthday cake.

As she hurried into the school building, searching for Jiang Haoyue, she was spotted by Mr. Yang, the Disciplinary Director. She bolted, trying to evade him. Shi Che caught up and attempted to create a diversion, but his efforts were futile. Lu Miao and Shi Che were eventually caught and brought to the Director's office, where Jiang Haoyue was also present. Fortunately, Mr. Yang proved to be understanding.

Upon confirming it was indeed Jiang Haoyue’s birthday, he agreed to let them celebrate on the spot. With the Director’s surprising permission, the three students and the teacher shared a joyful birthday celebration for Jiang Haoyue, complete with cake. That evening, as Jiang Yi played mahjong, he sent a text message wishing Jiang Haoyue a happy birthday, but his son did not reply. Lu Miao presented Jiang Haoyue with the tailored white shirt she had specially made for him.

He tried it on, noting the waist felt a little loose, but Lu Miao assured him it looked good. Jiang Haoyue genuinely liked the gift. When asked about his birthday wish, he expressed a desire to "be an adult as soon as possible" so he could have "more choices." Lu Miao echoed the sentiment, but Jiang Haoyue playfully told her to "be a kid forever." Later, Jiang Haoyue received a call from his mother, who wished him a happy birthday.

She expressed her desire for him to move in with her to access better educational resources and to finally "be rid of Jiang Yi for good," whom she described as a "liability." She promised that he would be an adult in a year and able to choose his own path. Jiang Haoyue, while acknowledging his own wish for choices, did not immediately commit to her request.

After the call, Lu Miao offered Jiang Haoyue another birthday present, a bag of snacks, which he promptly gave to some younger children. When Lu Miao questioned this, he explained that eating too many snacks was bad for teeth and criticized her for being "too wasteful" for giving away her gifts so easily. He then ate some himself, finding them delicious.

Episode 9 Recap

The school announced its New Year Gala, requiring two hosts, one from the liberal arts class and one from the science class. In Lu Miao's class, students eagerly volunteered for performances, with some comically offering to eat a watermelon in ten seconds or dunk a basketball to impress. Their teacher emphasized participation in school events despite their class being study-intensive.

Meanwhile, in Jiang Haoyue's class, students were hesitant, viewing participation as a waste of time that would interfere with their studies. Facing their reluctance, the teacher decided to hold a vote to select a host, placing a ballot box on the podium for students to cast their votes, with counting scheduled for the next week's class meeting.

Lu Miao, Xie Ziye, Shi Che, and Guoguo teamed up to perform a "Basketball Robot High Show" for the gala, aiming to "overwhelmingly amaze." Within their group, discussions arose about the theme, with Lu Miao suggesting playing a princess and another member wanting to experience a role they'd never tried, like a straight-A student.

Shi Che, proposing a sci-fi theme, envisioned himself as a scientist who transforms the others into "super evolutionary robots" brought from an "Arabian desert," with Lu Miao as his partner and another member performing "Arabic basketball." Lu Miao and Shi Che frequently clashed, their bickering extending to accusations of low IQ and disagreements about past events, such as the autumn outing where Shi Che allegedly held her back.

Meanwhile, students in Jiang Haoyue's class discussed voting for him as host, noting he "has no pressure from study." When Lu Miao told Jiang Haoyue about her group's robot dance, he cautioned her not to let it interfere with her studies. Later, it was announced that Su Daifei, "the school belle" from the liberal arts class, had been chosen as the female host.

Upon hearing this, Lu Miao, determined for Qu Wei to become the male host and "win over her brother" in popularity, passionately campaigned for him across campus, despite Qu Wei's initial reluctance about time commitment. She approached students, urging them to vote for Qu Wei, even as many informed her they had already cast their votes for Jiang Haoyue, who had garnered over half the votes in his class.

As Lu Miao and Qu Wei campaigned outside, Jiang Haoyue, observing them from his classroom window, quietly cast his vote for Qu Wei. Driven by her desire for Qu Wei to win, Lu Miao secretly entered a classroom to stuff the ballot box with fake votes for him. However, she was caught in the act by Director Yang. When confronted, Lu Miao tried to shield Qu Wei, but he honestly confessed that he "did want to be the host."

Director Yang expressed frustration with the voting process, which he felt had "messed up" the students, and ultimately decided that Jiang Haoyue should be the male host, citing the need to "respect the students' choice," as Jiang was the other leading candidate. This decision left Lu Miao visibly upset, especially when Shi Che teasingly predicted that Jiang Haoyue and Su Daifei would grow close, even becoming "soulmates," while working together on the host script.

In contrast, Shi Che was delighted by the outcome, exclaiming "God bless me" upon hearing the news. During the first program screening, Lu Miao's group presented their "Basketball Robot High Show." Their performance lacked cohesion, with the teacher observing "no teamwork at all," though he praised Guoguo's individual effort and offered her a solo spot.

Guoguo, however, declined, insisting that Lu Miao, Shi Che, and Xie Ziye had also "put in a lot of effort for this program" and that their group simply "didn't rehearse well." She expressed a strong desire to create a "wonderful memory in our youth" alongside her friends. Moved by Guoguo's sincerity, the teacher agreed to let their group perform, on the condition that they "must practice harder" to avoid disgracing their class.

The group was ecstatic to discover their act had been chosen, with Shi Che humorously wondering if it was "so-called protagonist privilege." Su Daifei, seizing the opportunity presented by their co-hosting role, approached Jiang Haoyue to discuss the host script. She showed great initiative, suggesting he wear a tie with his white shirt and offering to rent one for him, though Jiang politely declined her help, stating he could rent his own. Lu Miao observed these interactions, growing increasingly jealous.

When her father later suggested they all go out to eat with Jiang Haoyue, Lu Miao refused, claiming she wasn't hungry and denying any conflict with Jiang. Her jealousy escalated when she witnessed Su Daifei proudly showing other girls photos she had taken of Jiang Haoyue. Lu Miao confronted Su Daifei, demanding she "delete his photos you shot secretly." Su Daifei denied secretly taking the photos and refused to delete them, questioning why Lu Miao was "so angry."

Other girls present speculated whether Lu Miao harbored feelings for Jiang Haoyue, or if he merely regarded her as a sister. Lu Miao vehemently denied this, stating emphatically, "He isn't my brother!" A scheduling conflict arose when both Lu Miao's group and Su Daifei's hosting practice were booked for the same classroom at 5 PM, due to different teachers approving their requests. They decided to share the large space.

During practice, Lu Miao observed Su Daifei deliberately using the pretense of discussing the script to get closer to Jiang Haoyue, which further worsened Lu Miao's mood. The next day at the school supermarket, Su Daifei provocatively told Lu Miao that she had accompanied Jiang Haoyue to buy a hair tie and that he liked it.

Lu Miao, enraged, retorted that the "girlish" hair tie "doesn't suit me" and threw it back at Jiang Haoyue, telling him to keep it since "Su Daifei chose it." This public outburst sparked immediate gossip among their classmates about the nature of the trio's relationships. After school, consumed by frustration, Lu Miao ran to the riverside and screamed, releasing her pent-up emotions. She was angry at herself for being upset over such a trivial matter as a hair tie.

She questioned why Jiang Haoyue's closeness with others should concern her, asserting that their shared childhood and even prolonged eye contact meant nothing. Dismissing the incident as "no big deal," she declared it "not worth being upset," yet concluded her outburst by exclaiming, "I hate Jiang Haoyue!" The scene then shifted to a flashback from their childhood. A young Jiang Haoyue, having recovered from an illness, announced his return to school. Lu Miao was overjoyed, exclaiming, "Great!

We can go to school together now!" She was excited to have him accompany her to and from school. While she was looking at a book, Jiang gently cleaned her dirty hands. They began discussing "Journey to the West," with Jiang playfully teasing Lu Miao that she wouldn't understand it because he was a grade higher than her.

Lu Miao, indignant, claimed to have seen it on TV and listed characters, though she mistakenly named "Gold Kid" and "Silver Kid" instead of the "Golden Horn Demon King and Silver Horn Demon King," which Jiang corrected. Admitting she hadn't truly watched it, Lu Miao then challenged him with characters from "Ultraman Tiga," such as "Ultra-Ancient Monster Gorzan" and "Rock Monster Gakuma," implying his ignorance of her interests. Jiang, in turn, asked her to teach him.

Later, as her father called her for dinner, praising his cooking, Lu Miao insisted on finishing her "favorite Journey to the West" on TV first, despite her father recalling that Ultraman used to be her favorite.

Episode 10 Recap

During lunchtime, Su Daifei purposefully sat across from Jiang Haoyue, who was eating alone. She pulled out a script, claiming she wasn't fluent with the lines and hoping he could help her. Jiang Haoyue pointed out that she was in a key liberal arts class and should have many classmates who could assist her, then coolly left with his tray. Meanwhile, Lu Miao's group experienced another disagreement during their rehearsal.

Chen Guoguo, as their main leader, grew exasperated observing Lu Miao, Shi Che, and Xie Ziye's lack of seriousness, constantly getting distracted or joking. He expressed his frustration, reminding them that their performance represented the entire class and was meant to create beautiful memories for their youth. Feeling apologetic afterward, Lu Miao, Shi Che, and Xie Ziye approached Guoguo, vowing to dedicate themselves completely to future rehearsals.

To show their sincerity, they took Guoguo out for a meal on Yushui North Street, where Guoguo even shared new plot ideas for their show, signaling his forgiveness. They shared a cola, promising to rest well for the next day's practice. However, Chen Guoguo later sustained a back injury during a rehearsal. Despite the pain, he insisted on continuing.

Mr. Wen, their teacher, initially expressed concern about their ability to perform with an injured member, but the group earnestly assured him they would excel and prevent their class from losing face. Later, Su Daifei, aware of Guoguo’s injury, deliberately removed Lu Miao's group's "HIGH SHOW" performance from the New Year Gala program list. Jiang Haoyue confronted her, criticizing her for unilaterally altering the program. Due to Guoguo's injury, Lu Miao's group had to adjust their positions.

After an endurance competition to determine who would take Guoguo’s place, Lu Miao volunteered and won the role, taking on the challenge. Lu Miao began practicing diligently, pushing herself despite fatigue. Jiang Haoyue sought her out, telling her that regardless of what anyone else might have said, the hair pin he gave her was bought specifically for her, and she looked good wearing it.

For the next few days, Jiang Haoyue consistently accompanied Lu Miao on the rooftop of their building, helping her with her dance practice and offering encouragement. He noted her newfound diligence, expressing his belief that she might be able to achieve a truly regret-free youth. Time quickly passed, and the school's New Year Gala commenced. Backstage, Su Daifei offered Jiang Haoyue a tie she had chosen for him, but he declined, instead pinning Lu Miao’s hair pin to his collar.

Lu Miao, in the audience, recognized it, silently pleased. Su Daifei then took the stage for the opening song. Her performance was clearly imbued with her affection for Jiang Haoyue, as she repeatedly glanced at him, but he remained impassive. Midway through the gala, an announcement was made that a typhoon was approaching, requiring the event to conclude half an hour early for student safety. With only two performances remaining, one had to be cut.

Su Daifei quickly suggested removing Class 10's "HIGH SHOW" due to their prior injury. However, a teacher noted that the group had swiftly adjusted and had a high completion rate in rehearsals. Jiang Haoyue, aware this was his sister's performance, was unable to persuade the teacher otherwise. As co-host, when it was time to announce the next act after Luo Mengjie's guzheng performance, Jiang Haoyue began to introduce Class 10.

However, Su Daifei quickly interjected, announcing the "Mr. Hat" performance as the final act of the night, effectively cutting Lu Miao's group. Backstage, Su Daifei approached Jiang Haoyue, hoping to talk and clarify any misunderstandings. Jiang Haoyue, however, coldly stated that he found her method of solving problems by depriving others of opportunities to be extremely unreasonable, and that there was nothing for them to discuss.

As the final act finished and the audience began to leave, Jiang Haoyue suddenly rushed to the stage. He passionately introduced Class 10’s performance, highlighting the many setbacks they had overcome and their unwavering perseverance. He praised their unity and fighting spirit, calling their journey the "shiniest" aspect of youth. Seizing the unexpected opportunity, Lu Miao, Chen Guoguo, Shi Che, and Xie Ziye quickly rushed onto the stage and delivered their performance, earning the night's most enthusiastic applause.

After the New Year Gala concluded, Su Daifei found Lu Miao to apologize. She admitted lying about the hair pin, confessing she had merely encountered Jiang Haoyue by chance at the supermarket and hadn't helped him choose it. She explained that her actions against Lu Miao stemmed from jealousy, as she harbored feelings for Jiang Haoyue, and he seemed to treat Lu Miao with special consideration. Su Daifei then directly asked Lu Miao if she also liked Jiang Haoyue.

Lu Miao simply replied that she would continue to like him even if he didn't reciprocate, because her affection wasn't contingent on his. Later, Lu Miao recounted Su Daifei's confession to Jiang Haoyue. She expressed concern, believing Su Daifei liked him and that he might reciprocate, cautioning him against puppy love as the top student. Jiang Haoyue, however, countered that grades don't define everything, and girls who struggle academically can also possess many shining qualities.

He described "her" as lovely, enthusiastic, and charming, stating it was perfectly normal for him to like "her." Misinterpreting "her" as Su Daifei, Lu Miao vehemently warned Jiang Haoyue to "stay awake" and avoid distractions that could jeopardize his academic future. Jiang Haoyue then turned the argument on her, declaring that if he couldn't engage in puppy love, neither could she.

Upon returning home, the two siblings formally drafted and signed a detailed "Agreement of No Puppy Love," outlining rules such as not dating before adulthood, maintaining distance from other opposite-sex individuals, and refraining from using pet names for others.

Episode 11 Recap

Jiang Haoyue received numerous gifts from his female classmates. His friend Qu Wei jokingly expressed a desire for similar attention, prompting Jiang Haoyue to give him the gifts, explaining that someone would be displeased if he kept them. Qu Wei immediately understood that Jiang Haoyue was referring to Lu Miao. Later, as Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue walked home from school, Lu Miao shared that she had received a letter.

She assured Jiang Haoyue she would not accept it because of the "No-Relationship-In-Highschool Contract" they had signed. However, upon closer inspection, the letter was not a love letter but a "letter asking me to be his teacher" from an admirer of her acrobatic skills at the New Year’s Eve Party. Lu Miao, proud of her rising popularity, mused why Jiang Haoyue's popularity seemed to be decreasing, to which he attributed his adherence to the contract.

Their conversation was overheard by Shi Che, who later confronted Jiang Haoyue in the library. Shi Che accused Jiang Haoyue of forcing Lu Miao to sign the contract and of consistently interfering in Lu Miao’s interactions, citing past incidents like the Drum Battle, bike riding, and the New Year’s Eve Party. He directly asked Jiang Haoyue if he liked Lu Miao.

After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Haoyue claimed he was simply her brother, to which Shi Che retorted that he was not blood-related and was excessively meddling in her affairs. Shi Che, observing Jiang Haoyue's reaction, concluded that Jiang Haoyue likely harbored feelings for Lu Miao that went beyond sibling affection, though Jiang Haoyue himself might not have fully acknowledged them yet. Determined to act before their relationship could evolve further, Shi Che resolved to "stop it from happening."

Meanwhile, Chen Guoguo, who had previously viewed Su Daifei as a problematic student due to the New Year’s Eve Party incident, unexpectedly encountered her while purchasing milky green tea. He was initially annoyed by her overly complicated order, mentally labeling her a "bad woman." However, his opinion dramatically shifted when he accidentally spilled his green tea. Su Daifei immediately offered him a tissue and expressed concern about him getting cut, softening his heart instantly.

They later shared a bowl of porridge, signifying a newfound connection. The following day at school, Shi Che consistently interrupted Jiang Haoyue and Lu Miao's interactions. He intervened when they were about to share a bowl of porridge, asserting that siblings should not share food in a way that could be easily misunderstood by others, given the school’s strict policies on student relationships. Jiang Haoyue simply chose to get another bowl to split the porridge.

Later, Shi Che again interrupted their study session under the guise of exercising to keep warm. Jiang Haoyue, visibly annoyed by Shi Che's persistent interference, decided to leave, promising to help Lu Miao with her studies that evening. Lu Miao then confronted Shi Che, questioning his motives for constantly bothering them. Shi Che cryptically remarked that they were "obvious" and suggested that as siblings, they should "be more careful," implying Jiang Haoyue harbored an "ulterior motive."

Later, Lu Miao complained to Xie Ziye about Shi Che's behavior, misremembering the idiom "ulterior motive" as a different, nonsensical phrase. Xie Ziye gently corrected her and then pointedly asked if Lu Miao had noticed that Jiang Haoyue seemed less inclined to be her brother lately. Lu Miao, after reflecting, agreed with the observation but mistakenly concluded it was because her recent exam scores had declined, causing Jiang Haoyue to feel embarrassed by her performance.

Xie Ziye found Lu Miao's reasoning rather naive and bluntly suggested that Jiang Haoyue's behavior might stem from romantic feelings for her. Lu Miao immediately rejected the idea, emphasizing their strict sibling relationship and the "No-Relationship-In-Highschool Contract" they had signed, making any romantic development impossible. Yet, she conceded that despite their lifelong closeness, Jiang Haoyue possessed a private world she had never been allowed to enter or understand.

Xie Ziye offered reassurance, explaining that everyone has their own personal space, and often, people struggle to fully understand even themselves, let alone others. Simultaneously, Jiang Haoyue, acknowledging his burgeoning feelings for Lu Miao that surpassed mere fraternal affection, sought Qu Wei’s advice on how to navigate their sibling relationship appropriately. Qu Wei initially suggested that sibling interactions should ideally be devoid of gender differences, but when Jiang Haoyue then asked, "What is it like when you fall for someone?"

, Qu Wei's direct answer was, "You’d want to kiss her." Jiang Haoyue quickly diverted the conversation back to a math problem. Still troubled by the "No-Relationship-In-Highschool Contract" signed between Jiang Haoyue and Lu Miao, Shi Che sought advice online. He consulted with his friend Chen Guoguo, who suggested utilizing the internet. An online "net friend" provided a unique interpretation, suggesting the contract might secretly be a "declaration of their love" for after graduation.

However, the expert also advised Shi Che to find a common interest that Lu Miao was passionate about and he excelled in, to build rapport and present a different side of himself. Following this advice, Shi Che invited Lu Miao to a comic book store the next day after school, but she declined, stating she had promised to study with Jiang Haoyue. Later that evening, after finishing their studies, Jiang Haoyue and Lu Miao went out for popsicles.

Lu Miao, in a moment of childlike carelessness, got her lips stuck to the frozen treat. Jiang Haoyue gently cautioned her not to pull and then carefully used his warm breath to melt the ice, a moment that revealed an intense emotional connection. Lu Miao then offered him the popsicle which he refused and it fell to the ground. He explained that girls should not eat too much cold food.

Undaunted, Shi Che continued to devise ways to use comic books to gain Lu Miao's affection. He thought Jiang Haoyue would prevent Lu Miao from going to a bookstore, so he planned to borrow books for her, confident in his superior knowledge of comics. Unbeknownst to Shi Che, Jiang Haoyue, observing Lu Miao's intense focus on her studies, decided to encourage her to "combine exertion and rest" by taking her to a bookstore himself.

Lu Miao was overjoyed that her usually studious "Scholar-tyrant" brother was willing to engage in such leisure. Jiang Haoyue carefully selected several comic books for her, including one he suggested was perfect for straight-A students and another featuring a handsome protagonist whom he noted resembled Lu Miao. They enjoyed reading together.

As they left the bookstore late that night, Jiang Haoyue revealed he had already messaged Lu Miao's parents, informing them they were "studying outside tonight," a detail that impressed Lu Miao. He then unexpectedly asked her to "stop calling me brother," explaining that the term was "limited" and didn't fully encompass their multifaceted relationship as classmates, friends, and neighbors. Lu Miao tentatively tried calling him "Haohao," but Jiang Haoyue suggested "Little Jiang" would be fine.

Lu Miao then decided to call him "Little Jiang student," after which she admitted to being very cold and wanting to return home quickly. Shi Che later visited the same bookstore to borrow comic books. He questioned the owner, Mr. Hao, about Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue's visit the previous night, expressing disbelief that Jiang Haoyue would be there. Mr. Hao, however, showed him undeniable proof, filling Shi Che with both surprise and irritation that Jiang Haoyue had outmaneuvered him.

Feeling dejected, Shi Che ran into Xie Ziye, who was returning a book titled "Miss Astrology." Shi Che initially teased Xie Ziye for reading what he perceived as a romantic novel, labeling her "hypocritical." Xie Ziye clarified that the book was about "astrology" and "constellation matching," explaining it could help one understand themselves and others, including compatibility. Shi Che, intrigued, then acquired a copy of "The Most Accurate Constellation Matching Guide."

He later presented it to Lu Miao, feigning it as a carefully selected gift for multiple holidays and an apology for his past actions. Lu Miao, however, was not easily fooled, suspecting he was merely giving her a book he had already finished. She then humorously gave him five yuan to buy his own chocolate, after he hinted at wanting a return gift.

As he left with the money, Shi Che reminded her that he was an Aries and to check his constellation. Upon returning home, Lu Miao's mother called, informing her that both parents would be working late and instructing her to warm up dinner and wash the dishes, to which Lu Miao responded with slight annoyance but compliance. Soon after, Jiang Haoyue arrived. He immediately noticed a wet towel behind the television and asked Lu Miao to hang it up.

Spotting the "Constellation Matching Guide" Shi Che had given her, Jiang Haoyue became intrigued. Lu Miao explained that Shi Che, being an Aries, wanted her to check his compatibility. She then proceeded to look up Jiang Haoyue's own sign, Scorpio. As Lu Miao left to hang the towel, Jiang Haoyue quickly opened the book. With a subtle manipulation, he changed the compatibility for Sagittarius (Lu Miao's implied sign) and Aries (Shi Che's sign) from a dismal -98% to something else.

Then, he dramatically increased the compatibility between Sagittarius and Scorpio (his own sign) to a perfect 99%. When Lu Miao returned, Jiang Haoyue reviewed her poor politics quiz results and questioned her focus on the book. Lu Miao, asserting her desire to not be simply his younger sister, challenged him to a game of cat's cradle to determine who would be the "elder." Jiang Haoyue accepted, explaining the game's underlying geometric principles. Lu Miao then asked him to teach her, calling him "Brother," to which Jiang Haoyue responded, "Okay, Sister."

Episode 12 Recap

Lu Miao secretly examined the horoscope book after returning home, while Jiang Haoyue was preparing dinner. She first checked her compatibility with Jiang Haoyue, finding that the Sagittarius-Scorpio match had been altered to 99%. However, upon reading the detailed description, she felt their zodiac signs were incompatible. She then checked her compatibility with Shi Che, finding it to be an alarming negative 98%, yet the specific content suggested a strong match.

This made Lu Miao suspect the book was pirated, especially since it cost twenty-eight yuan, and she even accused Shi Che of childishly defacing it. The next day at school, Chen Guoguo also looked through the book and noticed that Xie Ziye's Virgo and Shi Che's Aries had a 100% compatibility rating. Shi Che inferred that Jiang Haoyue must have been responsible for the alterations in the horoscope book, prompting him to confront Jiang Haoyue directly.

When questioned, Jiang Haoyue candidly admitted to changing the content of the book and agreed to compete fairly for Lu Miao's affection. To gain the upper hand and win Lu Miao's favor, Shi Che prepared an advertisement for a Naruto manga exhibition, offering a valuable prize of a signed Naruto manga, and invited her to participate in its cosplay competition. Lu Miao, being a fan of the Naruto manga series, readily accepted the invitation.

Shi Che then meticulously prepared their cosplay costumes, choosing a mermaid outfit for Lu Miao, hoping it would metaphorically unite them through Cupid's arrow. In response to Shi Che's determination to engage in a direct confrontation, Jiang Haoyue made his own move. When Lu Miao invited him to the manga exhibition, he declined, stating he had already decided to participate in the municipal debate competition.

However, the cunning student had a trick up his sleeve; that evening, he prepared a debate draft and secretly registered Shi Che for the competition under his name. The following day, as Shi Che was relishing the thought of his private outing with Lu Miao, school leaders unexpectedly informed him that he had been selected for the school's debate team, alongside Xie Ziye, to represent their school in the municipal competition on the same day as the comic exhibition.

Shi Che was devastated and felt wronged, but had no choice but to agree to participate. Upon hearing that Shi Che, a student often associated with disciplinary issues, had been selected for the school debate team, Qu Wei immediately realized that Jiang Haoyue was likely behind it. He began to sympathize with Shi Che, acknowledging that while Shi Che possessed many small clever tricks, he was ultimately no match for the calculating Jiang Haoyue.

On the day of the manga exhibition and debate competition, Shi Che initially planned to skip the debate, but his principal father intervened and forcibly drove him to the venue. Meanwhile, Jiang Haoyue accompanied Lu Miao to the manga exhibition, where Lu Miao personally designed a costume for him. During the debate, Shi Che was preoccupied with finishing as quickly as possible to join the manga exhibition.

As the fourth debater delivering the summary, he spontaneously combined his limited knowledge with personal experience, delivering a rambling yet surprisingly engaging speech that re-contextualized "knowledge" from beyond textbooks. To his astonishment, he won the audience's applause and was named the best debater. Elsewhere, Jiang Haoyue and Lu Miao, adorned in their manga costumes (Jiang Haoyue wearing the T800 costume Lu Miao designed), competed in the exhibition and successfully secured first place for Best Cos-player.

Rushing from the debate, Shi Che arrived to see Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue proudly holding their gold medal, fueling his anger at being outmaneuvered by Jiang Haoyue once again. Later that night, Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue went to the beach to watch the stars. Lu Miao expressed feeling that she understood him less as they grew up. Jiang Haoyue confided that he enjoyed stargazing because it helped him forget many of life's troubles.

As fireworks burst over the shore, illuminating the starry sky, the two teenagers, each with their own quiet thoughts, admired the beautiful display together. Jiang Haoyue explained celestial phenomena, drawing an analogy between a growing star system and his own growth and increasing number of friends. Lu Miao, in turn, affectionately compared Jiang Haoyue to the moon, always shining brightest in the night sky, even if its light was reflected from the sun.

Episode 13 Recap

Su Daifei, upon hearing that Jiang Haoyue had someone he liked, immediately decided to seize the opportunity and make herself his destined partner. Soon after, a video circulated online showing Su Daifei at the old schoolhouse. In the video, she looked into a mirror and saw Jiang Haoyue's reflection, leading to widespread campus rumors that they were a match made in heaven. The school had a long-standing legend known as Bai Lin's Blessing, one of its seven myths.

It was said that during a blackout when the old schoolhouse was first built, some pranksters locked a senior named Bai Lin, who couldn't speak, inside a classroom. To seek help, she used a mirror to reflect moonlight. The light shone on a senior relaxing on the playground, who then rescued her, and their romance blossomed.

Ever since, the legend claimed that if you passed the old schoolhouse when moonlight illuminated its mirror, your destined person would appear in the reflection, and you both would receive Bai Lin's Blessing, ensuring you'd be together forever. Lu Miao and Xie Ziye did not believe in this myth. Xie Ziye explained it as "The Suspension Bridge Effect," arguing that the racing heartbeat caused by a scary environment is often mistaken for romantic feelings.

Despite this, rumors about Su Daifei and Jiang Haoyue being a perfect match spread. Believing Su Daifei was behind the video, Lu Miao decided to confront her directly. However, Su Daifei, with a friend, denied creating the video, claiming she had been terrified by the unexpected appearance of a person in the mirror that night. Later, Lu Miao noticed students gossiping about Jiang Haoyue eating with her, questioning if Su Daifei was truly his destined lover.

Jiang Haoyue, overhearing the gossip, advised Lu Miao to ignore the rumors, stating that myths were simply "made up by people." Meanwhile, Shi Che was still devising ways to win Lu Miao's affection. Inspired by the recent video incident, he concocted a new plan. He intended to propose an activity to explore the "truth" about the old schoolhouse, inviting Lu Miao to join. His friend, Chen Guoguo, would hide and act as a ghost to scare Lu Miao.

When she was startled, Shi Che would dramatically appear, rescue her, and win her over as her "hero who rides on the seven auspicious clouds." Shi Che's detailed conversation about this plan was, unbeknownst to him, overheard by Su Daifei. Lu Miao's mother also warned her against believing in campus myths, urging her to focus on facts and avoid becoming susceptible to lies. That night, Shi Che, Lu Miao, Xie Ziye, and Chen Guoguo arrived at the old schoolhouse.

It was indeed eerie. They found the main door locked, but Xie Ziye, using a hairpin, skillfully picked the lock. Once inside, they heard strange noises. Qu Wei, who was also at the schoolhouse, explained he had arrived earlier through an unlocked back door and discovered the noises were coming from a radio someone had set up. Lu Miao, noticing newly bought embroidered shoes and still-wet paint, deduced that someone had intentionally placed items to scare them.

Chen Guoguo, with disheveled hair, then made his pre-arranged ghostly appearance, startling Xie Ziye and Lu Miao. In the ensuing chaos, Shi Che seized someone, assuming it was Lu Miao, and ran off, pulling the person into a protective embrace. He began to confess his feelings, expressing that their "friendship could be taken to the next level." However, to his dismay, he discovered he had grabbed Xie Ziye.

Xie Ziye, amused by his "love confession when fleeing," chided him and threatened to expose his romantic novel reading habit, while Shi Che retorted with a threat to reveal that the principal's son was in love and repeatedly failed. Separated from the group, Lu Miao explored alone. Meanwhile, Jiang Haoyue, worried after Lu Miao's father mentioned she hadn't returned home yet, arrived at the old schoolhouse. He found Lu Miao's phone with a dead battery.

He then encountered Su Daifei, who was also at the schoolhouse, trying to avoid Qu Wei, who seemed to be following her. Su Daifei, scared, questioned Jiang Haoyue about the mirrored photo in her video, asking if he had used "mirroring" to process it and if he liked her a little. Jiang Haoyue calmly dismissed her assumptions, stating he didn't care for rumors and was only there to pick up Lu Miao, adding that Qu Wei would help her leave.

He then advised her to stop engaging in "such boring things." Jiang Haoyue found Lu Miao, who was terrified and disoriented. She asked him to lead her out with her eyes and ears covered, which he did, distracting her by reciting the digits of Pi. As they finally approached a mirror, Lu Miao looked into it, and Jiang Haoyue's reflection appeared as he stood right behind her.

He scolded her for sneaking out alone and worrying her parents, forbidding her from doing so again. Lu Miao asked if her father had sent him, but Jiang Haoyue confirmed her parents were unaware she was there. They then left the schoolhouse. Shi Che and Xie Ziye also safely exited the schoolhouse, just as a sudden rain began. Jiang Haoyue escorted Lu Miao home.

He explicitly told her that the strange noises she heard were intentionally created by Su Daifei and that the video of Su Daifei seeing him in the mirror was edited. Although Lu Miao accepted the video was fake, she admitted to still believing in the myth of destined lovers, because she felt she had "met hers." The next day, Su Daifei deleted all of Jiang Haoyue's photos from her phone.

She realized that while Jiang Haoyue had indeed opened his heart, it was only to Lu Miao, and she had no chance with him. It was better to give up than to pursue him endlessly. A video titled "Recording of the Ghost Event at No. 1 High School" soon went viral online.

Lu Miao, curious, watched it and realized it documented their exact experiences at the old schoolhouse the previous night, including the embroidered shoes, red handprints, a skull, Su Daifei crying, and Chen Guoguo's ghostly appearance. The group was puzzled, as they were all participants and no one among them had recorded it.

A flashback sequence then showed a younger Jiang Haoyue and another child playing on a set designed to look like the moon, with Jiang Haoyue's father setting up a camera to record them, playfully teaching them about the moon.

Episode 14 Recap

As the Chinese New Year approached, households busied themselves with preparations, and Lu Miao's family was no exception. Lu Miao's grandparents, visiting for the holiday, praised her recent exam results, with her grandfather humorously suggesting her mother had been a poor student herself, sparking playful banter. Lu Miao's grandmother also noted that Lu Miao's success was partly due to Jiang Haoyue's influence, then asked about him, prompting Lu Miao to eagerly go find him.

Lu Miao went to Jiang Haoyue's door, hoping to invite him to her home. Receiving no answer, she called him, only to find his phone disconnected. Meanwhile, Jiang Haoyue waited outside the police station for his father, Jiang Yi, who was being released after being caught in a small gambling ring. Jiang Haoyue, frustrated by his father's unrepentant attitude, questioned his father's character.

Jiang Yi, however, asserted his paternal authority, claiming Jiang Haoyue's mother, Chen Lu, had left them because he lacked money, and then provocatively mentioned Lu Miao's father, Lu Yongfei, implying he was responsible for Jiang Haoyue's leg injury. Jiang Haoyue angrily retorted that his academic success had nothing to do with his father and walked away, advising his father to "be on his own."

Despite the festive season, Lu Miao's mother received news of her impending layoff, a secret she kept from the family. Lu Miao sensed her mother's unhappiness, observing her spending an unusual amount of time in her room and noting her subdued demeanor at the New Year's Eve dinner. Despite her parents' attempts to reassure her and the joyous family gathering around handmade Taiping Swallow, Lu Miao remained concerned.

As the family toasted to a happy and peaceful New Year, Lu Miao hoped her mother would genuinely be happy. Later, Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue went outside to set off fireworks. Lu Miao secretly sipped on glutinous rice wine she had taken from her grandmother, quickly becoming tipsy. She made a video call to her friends, including Xie Ziye, Shi Che, and Meng. In her drunken state, she insisted Jiang Haoyue let Meng drink the rice wine.

She then questioned his connection to Su Daifei and Qu Wei, asking if he was using their relationship to hide his true feelings for someone else, and why he wouldn't openly admit his affections. She boasted about her gaming skills, complained about the difficulty of studying, and fancifully asked Jiang Haoyue to "pick the moon" for her, declaring that she knew he liked her and urging him to say it out loud so their "hearts could connect."

Jiang Haoyue attempted to calm her and take her home. After bringing Lu Miao home, Jiang Haoyue was swept into memories of his own family's happier past, a time shattered by his father's gambling and his mother, Chen Lu's, eventual departure, leaving him behind with a promise to return. The next morning, Jiang Haoyue spoke with his mother on the phone, only for his father, Jiang Yi, to discover him and seize his phone.

Later that day, Lu Miao's grandfather discreetly handed Jiang Haoyue a red packet, ensuring him that Lu Miao had also received one to maintain fairness, and strictly instructed him not to tell their parents. He also offered Jiang Haoyue words of wisdom, advising him not to starve himself at school and reminding him that academic success wasn't the only path in life.

With her parents and grandparents departing for their hometown, Lu Miao found herself alone and felt a sense of liberation. She promptly visited a skewer shop, ordering a large selection of items her mother usually forbade, including beef, crispy sausage, corn sausage, chicken sausage, bacon, fish tofu, quail eggs, and lettuce, all with extra chili.

At the same time, Shi Che was at a small bookstore, seeking the owner's advice on charming girls, specifically how to be more humorous and have higher emotional intelligence. He practiced pick-up lines with the owner. Just then, Xie Ziye, whom Shi Che referred to as "Chlorophyll," arrived to return a book, providing Shi Che an opportunity to try out a new, albeit cheesy, pick-up line. Lu Miao then invited her friends to a party at her home.

However, Xie Ziye and others had prior commitments, leaving only Shi Che available. He became smug, believing he had secured a private date with Lu Miao. That evening, a heavy rain began to fall. Lu Miao, suffering from stomach pain and a high fever after indulging in too much forbidden food, was being looked after by Jiang Haoyue.

When the ambulance was delayed due to the severe weather and traffic congestion, Jiang Haoyue, despite his own leg discomfort in the rain, decided to carry Lu Miao to the hospital. On the way, he stumbled and fell, bringing Lu Miao down with him. At that moment, Shi Che, who was en route to Lu Miao's house for the party, discovered them. He quickly took over, carrying Lu Miao to the hospital.

Watching Shi Che disappear into the rain, Jiang Haoyue was overcome with self-doubt, reflecting on his disability and his inability to protect Lu Miao, questioning how he could ever truly like her or offer her a future. Jiang Haoyue called Lu Miao's mother to inform her of Lu Miao's hospitalization, emphasizing that it was Shi Che who had brought her.

As he stood alone in the rain outside the hospital, Jiang Haoyue's thoughts drifted back to the night his mother left, recalling how he was hit by Lu Miao's father, Lu Yongfei, while chasing her car, an accident that cost him his leg. When Lu Miao's parents arrived at the hospital, Lu Yongfei rushed to shield Jiang Haoyue with an umbrella.

Overwhelmed by years of suppressed anger and resentment, Jiang Haoyue finally confronted Lu Yongfei, bitterly stating that his life would not have been ruined if not for that accident. He expressed the profound pain of feeling helpless as the person he wished to protect lay ill before him, a feeling that mirrored his helplessness ten years prior.

He questioned Lu Yongfei's attempts at "making amends," asserting that he was merely trying to assuage his own guilt rather than truly compensating for Jiang Haoyue's lost leg. A quick memory of a younger Lu Miao defending him from other children and promising to protect him when she grew taller briefly crossed his mind.

Episode 15 Recap

After recovering, Lu Miao was discharged from the hospital. She asked her mother if Jiang Haoyue had taken her there during the rain. Her mother, however, insisted that Lu Miao was confused by her fever and that it was Shi Che from her class who had carried her. Lu Miao later called Shi Che to thank him and inquired if Jiang Haoyue was also present at the hospital that day.

Shi Che recalled that Jiang Haoyue had arrived at the hospital later and asked him not to tell Lu Miao about his presence, so he lied to Lu Miao over the phone, claiming he had not seen Jiang Haoyue. Despite Shi Che's denial, Lu Miao remained convinced she had seen Jiang Haoyue in the rain that day. Over the next few days, she did not see Jiang Haoyue, leading her to believe he was avoiding her.

She eventually found him on the rooftop feeding chickens and immediately confronted him, asking why he had been avoiding her and if he had carried her to the hospital. Jiang Haoyue firmly denied taking her to the hospital, stating she had merely had a fever and dreamt it.

Lu Miao, certain she could distinguish between dreams and reality, grew frustrated by his emotional tone and threatened to stop talking to him, to which Jiang Haoyue retorted that dreams are all lies. At home, Lu Miao confided in her father about Jiang Haoyue's recent strange and incomprehensible behavior, asking if he knew something. Her father explained that as people grow up, they develop personal worries they might not want to share.

He suggested that Jiang Haoyue might be hesitant to tell her to spare her from worrying, implying that such anxieties often pass with time. When winter break ended, on the first day of school, Lu Miao attempted to walk to school with Jiang Haoyue, but he had already left alone. Jiang Haoyue was seen struggling to walk quickly, lamenting that he still could not.

In class, Lu Miao shared her concerns about Jiang Haoyue's abnormal behavior with Shi Che and Xie Ziye, who offered no immediate solutions. During this time, the teacher announced that students needed to decide whether to choose arts or science for the upcoming subject division. After school, Lu Miao approached Jiang Haoyue for guidance on her subject choice, explaining her grades were balanced but not exceptional.

She hoped he, as a good student, could advise her, but he refused, telling her that she must choose her own path and he could not help. This infuriated Lu Miao, as Jiang Haoyue, who usually helped her with studies, had become cold and distant. Jiang Haoyue then questioned why everyone else seemed to have choices, but he alone felt he had none.

Meanwhile, Lu Miao’s parents discussed Jiang Haoyue, with her father eventually revealing that Jiang Haoyue’s recent behavior stemmed from the old car accident. He explained that Miao’s recent illness was a shock to Jiang Haoyue, making him anxious but unable to help, which caused him to feel frustrated and blame himself, reminding him of the car accident that resulted in his leg injury.

He noted that as Jiang Haoyue grew up, it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to ignore the pain and trauma from the accident. After this discussion, Lu Miao, with Shi Che's unreliable help, eventually decided to choose arts. Later, Lu Miao again expressed her concerns about Jiang Haoyue to Shi Che.

Shi Che finally revealed the truth that Jiang Haoyue had indeed taken her to the hospital the day she had a fever but had asked him not to tell her. Shi Che also mentioned seeing Jiang Haoyue and Lu Miao's father talking, and their conversation did not seem pleasant.

Lu Miao realized Jiang Haoyue’s recent behavior was likely linked to the car accident that caused his leg injury, an incident for which her father felt immense guilt and self-reproach, having always treated Jiang Haoyue like his own child to mitigate the trauma. She recognized that Jiang Haoyue felt he had no choice in the matter, as she had always initiated their friendship without considering his feelings. Realizing her self-centeredness, Lu Miao resolved never to force Jiang Haoyue again.

The school basketball team held tryouts again. Shi Che, along with his friend Guoguo, tried out. Shi Che, who had been practicing intensely over the winter break, passionately stated that basketball was his way to prove that studying was not the only measure of value. Despite his dedication, Guoguo was selected for the team, while Shi Che was not.

A friend, Negative Score, found a dejected Shi Che reading comics in a bookstore and confronted him, suggesting that perhaps he lacked the natural talent for basketball and should not take the rejection so seriously. The cold war between Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue persisted, with them sitting at opposite ends of the bus on the way home from school, exchanging no words.

That evening, Jiang Haoyue reflected on Lu Miao choosing her own path and her statement that she could not always rely on him. He wondered if this was what he truly wanted and whether she no longer needed him. He then had a distressing nightmare where Lu Miao did not recognize him.

Episode 16 Recap

Jiang Haoyue consulted with a doctor about improving his physical fitness to bear more weight and run faster with his artificial leg. The doctor noted Jiang's excellent adaptation but recommended he switch to a newer, more flexible model since his current one was several years old. Jiang understood the advice. Meanwhile, Chen Guoguo expressed his dilemma to Shi Che and Xie Ziye, feeling awkward about being selected for the school basketball squad while Shi Che was not.

Guoguo admitted he considered quitting, seeing it as a "friendship-killing test." Shi Che challenged Guoguo to a game, asserting that this was the level of the school team and urging Guoguo to perform well and not "let him down." Lu Miao and Xie Ziye, observing their interaction, realized that Negative Score, as Shi Che was known, might not be as petty as they had initially thought.

Later, Xie Ziye found Shi Che and offered comfort by reciting a line from a classical poem, explaining that "what's done in the past is done, but your future is filled with possibilities." She clarified that since he had faced a setback in basketball, he should seek other opportunities to prove himself. She also apologized for some harsh words she had previously said at the bookstore, stating that people who pursue their dreams deserve respect, much to Shi Che's surprise.

The class faced new changes with the arrival of their new head teacher, Di Ren. Students grumbled about the class being moved from the first floor to the second, noting that the previous beloved teacher, Mr. Chen, had been poached by a rival school. Di Ren quickly asserted his authority.

Observing that Jiang Haoyue had consistently been absent from gym class due to his condition, Di Ren immediately mandated his participation in all outdoor activities, including gym class and morning exercises, declaring that any future absence would be counted as truancy. Jiang Haoyue quietly complied. Witnessing Jiang Haoyue struggling with the exercises, Lu Miao grew angry, convinced that Di Ren was deliberately targeting him. She felt compelled to "fight for him" and penned a complaint letter to Principal Shi.

In a meeting with Principal Shi, Di Ren addressed the complaint, acknowledging Jiang Haoyue as a top student. He explained that he had consulted a doctor who confirmed Jiang Haoyue was capable of light exercises. Di Ren argued that Jiang's previous special treatment had increasingly isolated him from the class, and learning to find his place within the group and cooperate with others was a more valuable life lesson than just achieving academic success.

Principal Shi fully endorsed Di Ren's approach. Outside of school, Jiang Haoyue diligently practiced fast walking and running with Qu Wei. Jiang confessed that he was training privately but was reluctant to participate in school gym classes because he didn't want others to witness him "embarrassing himself." Back at school, during preparations for the upcoming sports meeting, the class was required to practice a square array, with full attendance.

Jiang Haoyue was initially absent from practice, prompting Di Ren to declare that the class would not be dismissed until everyone, including Jiang Haoyue, was present. Some frustrated classmates openly expressed their annoyance, wanting Jiang Haoyue to join so they could leave. Lu Miao confronted Di Ren, accusing him of targeting Jiang Haoyue due to his disability, but Jiang Haoyue quickly intervened, stating he did not need special treatment and apologized to Di Ren for Lu Miao's outburst.

Later, during another parade practice, some classmates complained that Jiang Haoyue's presence made it impossible for them to march in sync and suggested he stand on the side. Jiang Haoyue then bravely offered to stand in the more challenging middle position to make the array more orderly, but another student, from the group that had been complaining, quickly offered to take the middle spot instead.

Di Ren then instructed Jiang Haoyue to stand next to Qu Wei and gave the class a break. Meanwhile, Lu Miao, Shi Che, and Chen Guoguo decided to take matters into their own hands to address the students who were targeting Jiang Haoyue. During the class's physical examination, they stealthily took one shoe from several of those students, declaring themselves the "Heroic Firearm Alliance."

They left a message, warning the students that their current discomfort was nothing compared to living with a disability and that if they continued to be sarcastic towards Jiang Haoyue, they would lose more than just a shoe. The affected students were furious and prepared to report the incident to their teacher.

Just then, Qu Wei appeared and sternly criticized them for their prejudice and exclusion of Jiang Haoyue, emphasizing the importance of class unity and empathy, reminding them that if their hearts were not united, their formation would never be. In a separate development, Jiang Haoyue's father, Jiang Yi, was confronted by Lu Miao's father, who insisted that Jiang Haoyue needed a new artificial leg because he had grown and his current one was old.

Lu Miao's father provided Jiang Yi with a bank card, specifically suggesting a hydraulic model, and instructions on how to acquire it. Though initially hesitant, Jiang Yi accepted the money, promising to ensure Jiang Haoyue received the new leg directly. Jiang Yi then transferred thirty thousand to Jiang Haoyue, claiming he had won the money, and instructed him to purchase the hydraulic artificial leg, warning him not to be stubborn.

With his new artificial leg, Jiang Haoyue showed significant improvement in his mobility. During parade practice, he continued to train diligently even when others rested. Inspired by his dedication and Qu Wei's earlier words about unity, the other classmates gradually joined him in practicing the formation. Di Ren observed this growing unity with satisfaction. Later, Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue met.

Lu Miao remarked on how fast he could run now with his new artificial leg and asked why he had been avoiding her, reflecting on a previous argument. Jiang Haoyue apologized for his recent anger and for the harsh words he had directed at Lu Miao's father, explaining it was due to his emotional state. Lu Miao, in turn, apologized for continuously pressuring him into a friendship he might not have wanted.

They reconciled, affirming that they were, and always would be, friends. As they walked, Lu Miao suddenly twisted her ankle due to a passing bicycle. Jiang Haoyue immediately offered to carry her on his back, insisting he wasn't tired despite her protests about being heavy, and carried her all the way home.

Episode 17 Recap

After the recent resolution of his cold war with Lu Miao and his continued progress with his new artificial leg, Jiang Haoyue was increasingly integrated into his class. As the school's sports meeting approached, the classes prepared for their unique entrance displays. Mr. Di tasked Jiang Haoyue with designing their class's formation change.

Jiang Haoyue conceived a "water drop" theme, where each student represented a single drop, emphasizing that only by uniting as an ocean could they achieve infinite strength and never dry up. The culmination of this display involved one student standing on a high platform and falling backward, trusting their classmates to catch them. After a class vote, Jiang Haoyue was chosen to perform this pivotal "water drop" action.

Meanwhile, Shi Che and Guoguo signed up for the 100-meter relay race, with Shi Che intending to use their victory as an opportunity to publicly confess his feelings to Lu Miao, whom he affectionately called "Meng," from the awards podium. To prepare, Shi Che sought help from Xie Ziye, borrowing her meticulously kept diary that contained rankings and evaluations of male students across the school. Upon finding his own score marked negatively, he discreetly altered it to a positive rating.

Shi Che also joined Lu Miao and others in decorating a blackboard, though his artistic contributions were met with some criticism from Lu Miao, who found his style "ugly." During a practice session for the formation, Jiang Haoyue fainted due to sunstroke. The school doctor advised him against further strenuous activity. Both Qu Wei and Mr. Di suggested that, given the circumstances, another student should perform the "water drop" action. However, Jiang Haoyue remained adamant about completing it himself.

Lu Miao quickly arrived, providing him with medicine and affirming that she knew he would not give up. She also uncovered Jiang Haoyue's deeper concern: despite his usual composed demeanor as a top student, he secretly doubted if his classmates would truly be able to catch him when he fell.

Still determined to confess, Shi Che approached Xie Ziye again, admitting his lack of poetic flair and asking her to write a love poem for him, promising a special gift pack of diary appliances in return. Xie Ziye, after some hesitation, dictated a poem on the spot. Shi Che left, greatly relieved and excited, while Xie Ziye watched him go, feeling a tinge of unspoken sadness. Later that day, after school, Lu Miao took Jiang Haoyue to a coastal walkway.

There, she personally demonstrated the backward fall, asking him to catch her. After he did, she explained that just as he had caught her, his classmates would also catch him, provided he was willing to fully entrust himself to them. On the day of the sports meeting's entrance ceremony, as Jiang Haoyue prepared for his performance, he remembered Lu Miao's recent demonstration and her words of reassurance.

Bolstered by this memory, he confidently completed the "water drop into ocean" formation, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the entire school. Later, Lu Miao showed him a video she had edited of his performance, celebrating his success. Jiang Haoyue expressed that for the first time, he truly felt a sense of belonging to Class 1, Grade 2.

Before the start of the 100-meter relay race final, Shi Che delivered a speech to the broadcast station, instructing them to read it aloud with great emotion once he won the championship and stepped onto the podium. The relay race commenced, and Shi Che, as the last runner for his class, successfully overtook his opponents, securing first place.

As he approached the podium, Jiang Haoyue, who was at the broadcast station, retrieved Shi Che's prepared speech from Qu Wei and began to read it over the loudspeakers. It soon became clear that the poem was an acrostic, with the first characters of each line forming a hidden insult. Students throughout the school began to quietly snicker as they understood the prank. Shi Che, standing on the podium, also realized Xie Ziye had tricked him.

Just as Principle Shi, Shi Che's father, stepped forward to present the award, Jiang Haoyue, quick-witted, altered the final line of the speech, changing the intended recipient of the "confession" to Principle Shi himself. This unexpected twist diffused the awkward situation into a humorous misunderstanding, and Principle Shi, touched by his son's "declaration," expressed his sincere delight. That evening, Jiang Haoyue encountered Lu Miao's father, Uncle Lu, downstairs. Uncle Lu invited him to dinner.

During their meal, Uncle Lu gently denied financially assisting Jiang Haoyue with his new artificial leg, assuring him that his own father deeply cared for him and encouraged him not to overthink things. Jiang Haoyue apologized for having been angry and complaining to Uncle Lu during a recent rainy day. Uncle Lu dismissed the apology, saying he never held grudges, especially given how much Lu Miao herself could "annoy" him.

He fondly reminisced about Jiang Haoyue's first visit to their home after getting his new leg, recalling how Lu Miao, then a young child, had been fascinated by it and wished she had one too, wondering if she had been "ignored by God" because she couldn't be a "RoboCop" like him. Uncle Lu then extended an open invitation for Jiang Haoyue to come to their home for dinner anytime. Jiang Haoyue expressed a desire for Aunt Fang's specialty ribs.

Before parting ways, Jiang Haoyue explained to Lu Miao a philosophical reflection on the universe: that atoms formed stars, and since those same atoms form our bodies, we are inherently stars ourselves. He concluded that when he looked at her, he was looking at a star, a thought Lu Miao embraced, realizing the closest star was herself.

Episode 18 Recap

As the first year of high school ends, students prepare to enter different classes based on their choices of liberal arts or science. Xie Ziye is the only one among her close friends to choose science, while Guo Guo, Shi Che, and Lu Miao all opt for liberal arts.

During a farewell dinner, Xie Ziye expresses her mixed feelings, admitting that while she has always been a top student, she cherishes the experiences and happiness she found with Lu Miao, Shi Che, and the others. She emphasizes the importance of their friendship, hoping it will last a lifetime, even as they pursue different academic paths. As the new semester begins, Lu Miao and Shi Che perform poorly in the assessment test.

Principal Shi speaks with his son, Shi Che, urging him to focus on his studies. However, Shi Che remains determined to pursue sports, leading to a bet between them. If Shi Che can rank within the top 200 in liberal arts in the next exam, his father will support his decision. Lu Miao's homeroom teacher informs her mother about her poor grades.

Enraged by her daughter's academic performance and the fact that she hid it, Lu Miao's mother confronts her at school. Lu Miao seeks refuge behind Jiang Haoyue, who attempts to mediate the situation, advising Lu Miao to take her studies more seriously. However, Lu Miao is more concerned about avoiding a beating when she gets home. Lu Miao's mother visits a shopping mall intending to buy lipstick, but after receiving news of another unsuccessful job interview, she leaves empty-handed.

She receives a flyer for tutoring services and decides to enroll Lu Miao. However, she discovers her bank card is empty when attempting to pay. This leads to a heated argument with Lu Miao's father about the missing money. Feeling responsible for her parents' conflict due to her poor academic performance, Lu Miao calls Jiang Haoyue and asks for his help with tutoring. The next day, Shi Che hears about the tutoring sessions and insists on joining.

One evening, while Lu Miao is away, her parents argue again. Her mother believes that Lu Miao's father has been using their money to support Jiang Haoyue, which angers her because she feels he is neglecting their own daughter's needs. Lu Miao's father defends his actions, stating that his responsibility to Jiang Haoyue outweighs the importance of money.

Unable to resolve their differences, Lu Miao's mother threatens divorce and leaves to care for her ailing father, putting their argument on hold. The tutoring sessions begin, with Jiang Haoyue helping Lu Miao and Shi Che memorize their textbooks. After weeks of studying, both students significantly improve their grades on the second monthly exam. Lu Miao even manages to rank within the top fifty in liberal arts, which she happily shares with her mother over the phone.

Her mother asks Lu Miao if she'd like to live with her alone. Meanwhile, Shi Che wins his bet with his father and celebrates by making his father write his name backward; he also gets his father's permission to pursue his dream of attending sports university.

Episode 19 Recap

Lu Miao was deeply troubled by her parents' impending divorce. Jiang Haoyue found her on a rooftop and, to comfort her, began telling a fairy tale about his own life. He spoke of Mr. Dog, a carefree wanderer who, one day, saw Ms. Rabbit in her mushroom shop and fell in love at first sight. Mr. Dog had a bad reputation in the village, so Ms. Rabbit hesitated to be with him.

However, when a menacing Wolf threatened to destroy Ms. Rabbit's shop for "protection fees," Mr. Dog intervened, biting the Wolf's neck in defense. This act led to Mr. Dog's imprisonment. Several years later, he was released, his love for Ms. Rabbit unwavering. He proposed, promising to risk his life for her, and a moved Ms. Rabbit agreed, hoping he would change. Soon after, Mr. Dog and Ms. Rabbit had a child they called Cat.

Ms. Rabbit was constantly busy with the shop and their baby, but Mr. Dog, unable to settle down, frequently sneaked into the shop to steal their most valuable mushrooms. He would often return home drunk and gamble away their savings, leading to many arguments between him and Ms. Rabbit. Despite his willingness to risk his life for her, Mr. Dog could not abandon his destructive habits.

As Cat grew, Ms. Rabbit became increasingly weary of their financial struggles, with money always flowing out and none coming in. Finally, she decided to leave Mr. Dog, believing Cat would be a burden if she took him with her. On the night his mother left, young Jiang Haoyue, symbolized as Cat in the story, cried as he chased her departing car.

Tragically, Lu Miao's father, Lu Yongfei, happened to drive by and accidentally hit him, causing Jiang Haoyue to lose a leg. After this accident, Jiang Haoyue, who had lost hope for life, found a new light when he met young Lu Miao. Her bright eyes and lively personality brought color back into his dimmed life. Continuing the fairy tale, Cat fell into a valley and broke a leg. Fortunately, he met Chick there—a cheerful, round-headed little creature with big eyes.

Cat and Chick grew up together. As time passed, Chick started to worry about the world outside their peaceful valley, anxious about facing the unknown. Cat, holding her hand, reassured her, saying she could look to him when she was scared because he had already seen the outside world for her.

Jiang Haoyue concluded his story by telling Lu Miao that it was inevitable to grow up and face worries, but no matter what challenges she encountered, he would always be there for her. Despite Jiang Haoyue's comforting words, Lu Miao remained sad. Her friends, including Meng, tried to cheer her up, but nothing worked. Her school performance plummeted; she slept in class and stopped submitting homework. Her teacher even spoke to Jiang Haoyue about Lu Miao's alarming decline.

Determined to help, Jiang Haoyue enlisted Qu Wei's help to create a "Miracle Comes" wishing website. He planned to leverage the upcoming blue moon phenomenon to create a magical wishing pool for Lu Miao. Jiang Haoyue and Qu Wei transformed a dilapidated old willow pond that Jiang Haoyue used to visit as a child into a vibrant wishing tree and pool.

Lu Miao, initially skeptical of the website's legitimacy, followed the instructions to register and accumulate luck, eventually "winning" a special wishing coin. Jiang Haoyue had secretly preset the system to ensure she would get the lucky number, confident she wouldn't give up before reaching it. Meanwhile, on a rainy night, Lu Miao's father, Lu Yongfei, met Jiang Haoyue's father, Jiang Yi, at a roadside stall.

Lu Yongfei pleaded with Jiang Yi to quit his drinking and gambling habits and to stop demanding money from him. Jiang Yi defiantly declared he would never change, insisting that since Lu Yongfei had caused his son’s injury, he was owed lifelong responsibility. Their argument escalated into a brawl, with Lu Yongfei delivering a harsh beating to Jiang Yi. On the night of the blue moon, despite the pouring rain, Lu Miao insisted on going to the wishing pool.

Jiang Haoyue accompanied her. When they arrived, the rain miraculously stopped. Lu Miao found the site initially disappointing, noting its shabbiness and coldness. She even expressed doubt, thinking the wishes wouldn't come true. Jiang Haoyue, after momentarily admitting that his own childhood wishes at this very spot had not yet come true and that there might be no real miracles, was encouraged by Lu Miao, who reminded him of his past belief. Reinvigorated, Jiang Haoyue urged her to believe.

Lu Miao made her wish, hoping her parents would stay together forever, and tossed her special coin into the water. At that moment, the blue moon broke through the clouds, casting its glow upon them. They both felt that their voices had been heard and that miracles were indeed possible. Later, back home, Lu Miao noticed Lu Yongfei was injured from the fight with Jiang Yi.

He confessed to Lu Miao that her mother, Lin Wenfang, was upset not because of their financial struggles or Lu Miao's grades, but because of his own "rotten nice guy" persona. He admitted his long-standing sense of responsibility towards Jiang Haoyue had led him to neglect the feelings of his wife and daughter.

Lu Miao, however, told him that Jiang Haoyue was also part of their family and expressed confidence that her mother, who loved them dearly, would understand and would not want their family to fall apart. Jiang Haoyue soon discovered that Uncle Lu had paid for his new artificial leg.

This revelation made him realize that the bitter arguments between Uncle Lu and Aunt Fang were directly caused by his own father, Jiang Yi, who had been demanding money from Lu Yongfei. Heartbroken and disillusioned, Jiang Haoyue confronted Jiang Yi, calling him a "bastard" and declaring that he would no longer allow his father to torment Lu Miao's family. He then called his mother, Lin Wenfang, deciding to move abroad to be with her and finally escape Jiang Yi's destructive influence.

Episode 20 Recap

Having decided to go abroad to distance himself from his difficult father and spare Lu Miao's family further trouble, Jiang Haoyue began making arrangements. Meanwhile, Lu Miao's grandpa was admitted to a city hospital for treatment. After Lu Miao and her grandma returned home from the hospital, Lu Miao noticed her mother, Lu Fang, was still unwilling to forgive her father, Mr. Lu.

Despite the tension, her parents had prepared a bed for her grandma in Lu Miao's room, urging her not to stay at the hospital. Lu Fang insisted on sleeping on the sofa to ensure her mother's comfort. After confirming Lu Miao would stay with her grandma, Lu Fang and Mr. Lu left for the hospital to relieve Lu Miao's grandpa. That night, Lu Miao found her grandma meticulously documenting decades of her life with Lu Miao's grandpa in a notebook.

Seeing her grandma's fatigued appearance, Lu Miao comforted her, assuring her that grandpa would certainly recover. At school, preparations for the annual recommendation for admission were underway for senior students. Jiang Haoyue informed his teacher that he intended to give up this opportunity, as he had already decided to study abroad. This decision came as a complete surprise to his friend, Che, when Jiang Haoyue later revealed his plans.

Later, Lu Miao was engrossed in making "Safety bracelets" for her dad, mom, grandpa, grandma, and Jiang Haoyue. Her friend, Meng, playfully asked her to make one too, but Lu Miao teasingly refused, saying Meng wasn't family. Jiang Haoyue then arrived and offered to accompany Lu Miao to the hospital to visit her grandpa. At the hospital, Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue found their grandpa in a non-responsive state.

Grandma assured them that while his mind might not be clear, he remembered them in his heart. Lu Miao noticed her grandpa had lost weight and was visibly worried, but Jiang Haoyue comforted her, promising that grandpa would recover.

Seeing Lu Miao's low spirits, Jiang Haoyue couldn't bring himself to tell her about his plans to study abroad, and when Lu Miao, noticing his quiet demeanor, asked if he had something to tell her, he simply replied, "No." That evening, Jiang Yi discovered Jiang Haoyue's application to go abroad, leading to a heated argument between father and son. Jiang Yi angrily confronted his son, accusing someone named Chen Lu of influencing him.

Jiang Haoyue asserted his independence as an adult, stating his mother abroad would handle all arrangements and that he would go regardless of his father's approval. Enraged, Jiang Yi tore up the application and brought up the money for Jiang Haoyue's artificial limb, which he claimed was owed to Mr. Lu. He sternly reminded Jiang Haoyue that he would always be his son and could never escape him.

Moments later, Lu Miao, who had been in high spirits earlier, returned home carrying two red bracelets she had made for her mom and grandpa, hoping they would bring safety. She became visibly upset after overhearing the argument between Jiang Haoyue and his father. The next morning, while waiting for the bus, Lu Miao overheard Jiang Haoyue listening to TOEFL speaking lessons through his headphones. She felt a surge of anger, perceiving his actions as an eager desire to leave.

Her friend, Ziye, tried to rationalize Jiang Haoyue's silence, suggesting he might have kept his plans private to spare Lu Miao sadness, but Lu Miao dismissed it, calling him selfish. Later, Jiang Haoyue received a call from his mother, who informed him she had rented an independent apartment for him near his school. She justified it by saying she had a new family and was concerned he might not adapt to living with them.

However, Jiang Haoyue, intelligent enough to understand her true intentions, realized she was actually unwilling for his arrival to disturb her new life and saw him as a burden. He challenged her, asking if she never intended to live with him, but she avoided the question, mentioning his younger brother. Jiang Haoyue, frustrated by her avoidance and true intentions, abruptly ended the call. Jiang Haoyue then had a poignant flashback to his childhood when his leg had just recovered.

His mother, visiting him, urged him to hide some money and called his father a "bastard" who would never change. Despite Jiang Haoyue's heartfelt plea to be taken away with her, she cruelly refused, promising only that she would take him away "one day." It was then that a young Lu Miao embraced a tearful Jiang Haoyue, assuring him that he still had her.

Back in the present, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, Jiang Haoyue recorded a long message for Lu Miao, expressing his innermost thoughts. In it, he recalled their shared past, from the time she forced chocolate into his hand when he was pretending to sleep, to their shared joy of raising a pet chick, and his many fights for her in middle school.

He thanked her, confessed his plans to study abroad, and assured her his mother would take care of him. He encouraged Lu Miao to continue studying hard in his absence and promised he would never forget her. Feeling dejected, Lu Miao took her pet chick, Congcong, for a walk along Binhai Avenue. There, she encountered Su Daifei, who was jogging while wearing a posture corrector. Su Daifei noticed Congcong and Lu Miao noticed Su Daifei's unique exercise gear.

Su Daifei, aware of Jiang Haoyue's plans to go abroad, asked Lu Miao if she would be accompanying him. Before continuing her run, Su Daifei offered Lu Miao some advice: "When you don’t know what to do, just run ahead. You’ll find the answer at the end." She then proceeded to run along the levee. Meanwhile, Lu Miao's grandma, while out for exercise, was accosted by two young men attempting to extort money from her.

Jiang Yi happened upon the scene and intervened, fending off the thugs and ensuring her safety. Elsewhere, Mr. Lu, trying to cheer up Lu Fang, bought a new sofa she had always wanted. He even attempted to save on delivery fees by hauling it himself, with Lu Miao's help. However, their efforts were in vain. Upon returning home, Lu Fang immediately demanded that the sofa be returned.

She argued that with Lu Miao's grandpa hospitalized and requiring funds for treatment, and Lu Miao's tutoring fees to consider, they simply couldn't afford such a luxury item. She lamented about constantly thinking of money and questioned if their marital issues could be resolved by a mere sofa.

Overwhelmed by her mother's persistent focus on financial strain, Lu Miao, having suppressed her emotions for days, finally erupted in frustration, asking why everything had to revolve around money and expressing her family's desire for her mother to stay, not leave. She then angrily told Jiang Haoyue, "You've already decided to leave, don't worry about our family matters anymore." Jiang Haoyue gently pulled Lu Miao back, trying to calm her.

Later, Mr. Lu sat down with Jiang Haoyue for a heartfelt conversation. He acknowledged Jiang Haoyue's decision to go abroad and stated his full support if it was for a better future or to be reunited with his mother. However, Mr. Lu firmly stated his disagreement if Jiang Haoyue was leaving because he felt like a burden to the family. He emphasized that he had always treated Jiang Haoyue as his own son and never considered him a burden.

Jiang Haoyue expressed his deep gratitude, reiterating that going abroad was genuinely beneficial for him in all aspects. Mr. Lu respected his decision as an adult and reassured him that he was welcome to return at any time if he found life there difficult. Jiang Haoyue thanked him again. Lu Miao’s dad comforted her later, telling her that her mom had been wearing the red bracelet Lu Miao made, indicating her underlying affection.

The next day, Lu Miao went to the hospital to apologize to her mother. Her mother, Lu Fang, also acknowledged her own difficult mindset and apologized to Lu Miao. Lu Fang informed Lu Miao that she and her father would be returning to their hometown the following morning and assured her that her grandpa would recover once back home.

When Lu Miao tentatively asked if her parents would still get divorced, her mother replied that they would address that matter later, prioritizing her grandpa's health for now. Meanwhile, back at home, while packing his belongings, Jiang Haoyue discovered an old video from his and Lu Miao's childhood birthdays. The video showed them drawing together, a young Lu Miao gently touching a chick, and a family photo being taken.

In the video, a young Jiang Haoyue asked if they would ever separate, to which young Lu Miao confidently told him it would be a "very, very long time." Recalling these cherished memories, Jiang Haoyue went for a solitary walk by the sea, gazing out at the waves, clearly reluctant to leave the city where he grew up and the person who had been by his side for so long.

Episode 21 Recap

The friends noticed Lu Miao's unusual quietness and absence from their usual haunts, the milk tea store and the bookstore. They recognized she was deeply affected, not only by her grandfather's illness and her parents' impending divorce but also by the news of Jiang Haoyue's departure. Realizing how important Jiang Haoyue was to her, they resolved they "must do something" to prevent him from leaving.

Shi Che cornered Jiang Haoyue on the rooftop, questioning why he would choose to leave at such a difficult time for Lu Miao, especially when she cared for him so much. Jiang Haoyue insisted that his departure was for Lu Miao's own good, believing that "only I leave so she could live well."

Unconvinced, Shi Che scoffed at Jiang Haoyue's reasoning and, using provocation, declared that he wanted Jiang Haoyue to leave, implying he would then take care of Lu Miao himself. Despite his personal happiness at Jiang Haoyue's planned departure, Shi Che prioritized Lu Miao's well-being. He decided to employ a strategic diversion to make Jiang Haoyue reconsider.

His plan was to publicly confess his feelings to Lu Miao using paper airplanes, a gesture he hoped would create a sense of urgency for Jiang Haoyue. Shi Che's friend doubted this would work, but Shi Che confidently asserted that if he were in Jiang Haoyue's shoes, he would stay. Lu Miao struggled with the impending farewell to Jiang Haoyue. Her father, seeing her distress, took her to the seashore.

He showed her a "water rocket" he had crafted in his youth, explaining that when he felt troubled as a child, he would write his worries on paper, insert them into the rocket, fill it with water, and launch it into the sky over the sea, symbolizing his troubles flying away. Together, they wrote their own anxieties on notes, put them inside the water rocket, and launched it into the sky over the sea.

In an elaborate public display, Shi Che prepared 195 paper airplanes, each representing a country, along with corresponding flight tickets. From a rooftop, he began throwing the planes, declaring through a loudspeaker that he had prepared flights to every country to make Lu Miao happy and that their shared future would be a unique journey. Lu Miao initially misconstrued the gesture as an invitation to travel and enthusiastically shouted out countries she wished to visit, like Morocco, France, and Mauritius.

Just as Shi Che was about to explicitly say "I like you," his loudspeaker malfunctioned. Later, Xie Ziye found one of the discarded paper airplanes, noting the word "Switzerland" written on it, and placed it within her book. Undeterred by the loudspeaker mishap, Shi Che made another attempt to confess to Lu Miao in the corridor, directly in front of Jiang Haoyue. Jiang Haoyue, visibly uncomfortable, turned and walked away.

Upon Lu Miao's gentle but firm rejection, stating she liked someone else, Shi Che quickly shifted his demeanor, pretending it had all been a joke, even playfully remarking on Lu Miao's surprised expression. Later, back at the bookstore, Xie Ziye confronted Lu Miao, revealing that Shi Che had genuinely harbored feelings for her for a long time, citing his past rivalry with Jiang Haoyue and the confession letter he had written during the school games.

Xie Ziye explained that Shi Che had wanted Lu Miao to discover his feelings on her own. Lu Miao, however, reiterated that she genuinely liked someone else and could not reciprocate Shi Che's affection. Meanwhile, Xie Ziye's personal "male assessment" system finally yielded a perfect score for Qu Wei, prompting her to confess to him as she had planned.

She presented him with a confession gift, explaining that he topped her list of assessed males and fit her criteria best, even surpassing Jiang Haoyue in her system. Qu Wei, however, respectfully declined, explaining that true affection isn't found through a scoring system. He stated that it's about meeting the right person first, and then the feeling of affection develops naturally, rather than the other way around.

As Jiang Haoyue's departure loomed, his father cautiously probed during a meal, suggesting he could help Jiang Haoyue refuse his mother if he didn't truly wish to leave. Jiang Haoyue simply told his father to manage his own affairs. Later, while at the dike, Jiang Haoyue captured beautiful sunset photos, seemingly for Lu Miao, but left his laptop behind. Seeing Shi Che's dejected state on the sports field after his failed confession, Xie Ziye took him to an amusement park.

They rode a thrilling "Flying High" attraction, and through the shouts and screams, Shi Che found a release for his lingering sadness, proving to himself that he was courageous and could overcome fear. Simultaneously, Lu Miao intercepted Jiang Haoyue at the classroom door to apologize for her earlier outburst, acknowledging she hadn't managed her emotions well. She then gave him a handmade amulet, instructing him to wear it for safety.

Lu Miao reflected on her future without Jiang Haoyue by her side, believing she would be more independent and happier. Later, Lu Miao stumbled upon Jiang Haoyue's laptop at the dike. Though hesitant, considering it an invasion of privacy, she opened it. She discovered a video Jiang Haoyue had recorded. The video contained clips from their shared past: a young Lu Miao introducing herself, calling herself his sister, challenging him in games, protecting him from bullies, and comforting him.

Jiang Haoyue's voice narrated how he had grown accustomed to her presence, how she had brought color to his childhood, and how he had believed he would always be her brother, neighbor, and friend. He expressed sorrow that what he took for granted was now fading, stating, "I’m leaving next month. Sorry, I can’t be with you." He then said he wanted to give her "the best sea, the best sunset." As Lu Miao watched, tears streamed down her face.

She cried out, "Without you, it makes no sense," and pleaded, "Will you not go? Don’t go! Jiang Haoyue, don’t go! I won’t let you go." The video also contained a flashback to a young Jiang Haoyue being confronted by his father for trying to call his mother, with his father claiming she had abandoned him, and young Jiang Haoyue retorting that his father had driven her away. A young Lu Miao intervened, offering Jiang Haoyue chocolate and asserting that sweet things bring happiness.

Episode 22 Recap

Jiang Haoyue confirmed to Lu Miao that he has decided not to study abroad, stating it's his own choice to stay in China. Lu Miao, however, suggested he might have better educational opportunities and a future abroad, urging him to reconsider his decision.

Jiang Haoyue explained that whether he goes abroad or not isn't important to his mother, emphasizing that after a long time of escaping, he needs to learn to face things, and he now has the courage to do so. Lu Miao pledged her unwavering support, promising to stay with him no matter where he goes or what he chooses to do. They then shared a moment speculating about what lies beyond the universe, concluding with "chocolate."

Jiang Haoyue presented Lu Miao's father with a notebook meticulously detailing all the expenses Lu Miao's father had incurred for him over the years. Jiang Haoyue expressed gratitude for the kindness and promised to repay the debt in the future, stating that staying was his own choice and he wanted to live more comfortably by following his heart. Lu Miao's father, however, reiterated that Jiang Haoyue shouldn't worry about them or his own father if he chose to study abroad.

Upon seeing the notebook, Lu Miao's father tore it up without a word, stating that these were expenses he should bear and didn't expect Jiang Haoyue to repay. He then playfully told Jiang Haoyue to help him wash the car, effectively dismissing the idea of repayment. Lu Miao's maternal grandfather passed away. After Lu Miao's mother received a call, her father informed Lu Miao that they must return to their hometown for the funeral.

At the wake, Lu Miao greeted her fifth maternal uncle and other relatives. Poignant memories of her grandfather secretly giving her favorite snacks came to mind. Feeling depressed, Lu Miao went alone to a small river in the village to clear her mind. Later, after sending off the mourners, Lu Miao's father comforted his weary wife, urging her to rest and assuring her that he would handle their financial concerns.

His wife clarified that she didn't prioritize money, emphasizing their bond as a family. Lu Miao's father acknowledged his past failings as a "yes-man," apologizing for allowing his wife and Lu Miao to endure hardship alongside him. He admitted that despite his desire to handle everything, he was lost without her. The couple shared a heartfelt moment of reconciliation, bringing Lu Miao a sense of relief amidst her grief.

Jiang Haoyue's mother returned to China, explicitly stating her intention to take him away with her. Jiang Haoyue firmly refused to leave. His mother warned him that continuing to live with Jiang Yi will inevitably lead him to become "a second Jiang Yi," claiming that his father, like an old house, will never change, and Jiang Haoyue will have no future in such an environment.

She admitted her past incapacity but asserted that she is now ready and capable of taking him away, questioning if he intends to sacrifice his life for such a person. Jiang Haoyue confronted her, questioning if her absence after his car accident was also out of fear that he would hinder her life.

He painfully recalled waiting for her daily in the hospital, only to realize that as his mother, no one could have truly prevented her from visiting if she wished. He pointed out that while his father shirked his husbandly duties, she shirked her maternal ones, but he himself no longer wishes to shirk his responsibilities. His mother stated she too had a difficult time but doesn't regret leaving, as it provided her a fresh start.

She offered to compensate him if he agreed to accompany her, urging him to trust her. Jiang Haoyue presented his mother with a watch she had left for him years ago, remarking that its time had been frozen since she departed and he lost everything, but now it can resume its function. His mother declined the watch, instead leaving him a passbook containing a sum of money she had saved for him.

She asserted that this offers him a choice and that she never forgot her promise. As Jiang Yi returned, seemingly having been drinking, Jiang Haoyue's mother urged him to leave with her, stating that Jiang Yi is beyond help and that Jiang Haoyue cannot support him indefinitely. Jiang Haoyue countered by stating that her family and home are abroad, but his family is here, making this his home. With that, he helped his father up and took him away.

Later, Jiang Haoyue reflected on his childhood, recalling how he longed for his mother to bring him dessert after school, a wish that was never fulfilled. He also remembered chasing her car for two blocks when she first left, realizing then that she would never return. He noted that her latest departure didn't evoke the same pain or hatred as before, as he now sees her as a stranger, which has allowed him to find peace.

On the basketball court, Shi Che attempted to teach Xie Ziye how to play. Xie Ziye, flustered and seemingly aware of her growing feelings for Shi Che, struggled with the game, while Shi Che remained oblivious to her emotions, playfully teasing her. Soon, Lu Miao's father and Jiang Yi joined Shi Che, Xie Ziye, and Chen Guoguo for a game. The older generation, including "Scholar-tyrant’s father" Jiang Yi, played fiercely against the younger students, ultimately winning.

After the game, Shi Che sprained his ankle, and Jiang Yi apologized by offering them money for their trouble. Later, Jiang Yi sat down with Lu Miao's father, confirming he has quit drinking. Jiang Yi reflected on his past, acknowledging he has been "a jerk most of his life."

He revealed that hearing Jiang Haoyue tell his mother that he was not a burden and that he wanted to stay with him made him realize the depth of his past failings. Inspired to become a "qualified father," Jiang Yi explained he has closed his mahjong parlor and intends to pursue a "decent business," even if success is not guaranteed. Lu Miao's father encouraged his efforts.

One evening, Lu Miao's mother encountered Jiang Haoyue downstairs, returning from his evening study session with only instant noodles and snacks for dinner. Concerned, she insisted he come home for a proper meal. Jiang Yi was already present when they arrived. During dinner, Lu Miao's mother scolded Jiang Yi for his apparent neglect of Jiang Haoyue, especially with the upcoming gaokao, contrasting his indifference with the attentiveness of other parents.

Jiang Yi, visibly remorseful, agreed with her assessment, admitting he has been "a jerk." He then encouraged Jiang Haoyue to eat more of the nourishing soup prepared by Lu Miao's mother. When Lu Miao tried to take some of Jiang Haoyue’s portion, her mother gently redirected her, prioritizing Jiang Haoyue's nutritional needs during his intense study period. A month later, Jiang Haoyue achieved a total score of 702, securing his position as the top gaokao scorer in the province.

During college applications, Jiang Haoyue revealed he has chosen Astrophysics, an "unpopular major." Jiang Yi expressed concern, deeming it a waste of his son's high score and arguing that interests don't guarantee a living. He earnestly shared his fear that Jiang Haoyue might end up like him, lacking a "decent job," facing societal disdain, and even losing his family. Jiang Haoyue then asked his father if he regrets loving his mother.

When Jiang Yi replied he does not, Jiang Haoyue declared that he too has no regrets about any of his decisions. Meanwhile, Su Daifei bid farewell to her alma mater. Chen Guoguo, misinterpreting her wave as a personal farewell, excitedly approached her, offered his WeChat ID, and declared they "don’t say goodbye." Su Daifei clarified she was addressing the school and playfully dismissed Chen Guoguo's earlier recollections of her kindness, attributing them to a "truth or dare" game.

Despite her teasing, she found Chen Guoguo's earnestness endearing. As Jiang Haoyue prepared to leave for college, Lu Miao's mother expressed concern about his minimal luggage. Lu Miao inspected Jiang Haoyue's meticulously organized gaokao study materials, jokingly suggesting they could fetch a high price due to their quality, before confirming she intends to use them herself. Jiang Haoyue then gave her all his useful gaokao notes and materials. Lu Miao promised to cherish his notebook.

She admitted her worry about him going to a new, unfamiliar place alone, while he reassured her, saying he will quickly catch up to her achievements. Lu Miao, in turn, promised to catch up to him soon. Before he departs, Lu Miao took his phone and slipped her photograph inside its case. They shared a heartfelt goodbye, pledging to "study hard and meet at the top."

Episode 23 Recap

With only 100 days left until the Gaokao, the pressure was mounting. Lu Miao, Shi Che, and Chen Guoguo sought Xie Ziye's help for math tutoring. During one session, while Xie Ziye explained geometry, Shi Che was completely distracted by her. He recalled a past conversation where she claimed that when two people make eye contact, the one who looks away first is the one who has feelings.

When their eyes met again, Xie Ziye pointed out that he was the one to look away first, leaving him to ponder the implication. Lu Miao, ever observant, sensed a strange atmosphere developing between them. Shi Che also expressed his envy for Xie Ziye's ability to memorize history, a subject he found boring compared to comics.

During another study session, Shi Che deliberately sat next to Xie Ziye, who internally noted his actions aligned with the "seating rule" from her "Rules of Love." When he then drank from her beverage, she recalled the "drink rule," a sign that a boy might like a girl. Flustered and wondering if Shi Che truly had feelings for her, Xie Ziye declared she had to leave for her cram class. As she hastily departed, she stumbled.

Shi Che, puzzled by her sudden rush, commented on her hurried exit, while his friend quipped that Shi Che's luck was turning and he should buy a lottery ticket. Meanwhile, Lu Miao's parents debated how to support her. Her father proposed a trip to Beijing to visit Jiang Haoyue for motivation, but her mother was hesitant about Lu Miao's reliance on him. Her father retorted that Lu Miao might rely on him for life.

When asked, Lu Miao firmly rejected the idea, stating that traveling would disrupt her studies and she didn't want to see anyone, including Jiang Haoyue. Her father, surprisingly, expressed pride in her determination. Shortly after, a package arrived from Jiang Haoyue, which her mother correctly guessed contained learning materials. Later, while playing basketball, Chen Guoguo asked Shi Che if he liked Xie Ziye.

Shi Che admitted his confusion, a stark contrast to his straightforward pursuit of Lu Miao in the past. He mused that love was more complex than just enjoying someone's company, and given Xie Ziye's strong personality, he simply hoped not to be disliked. Concurrently, Jiang Haoyue was anxiously checking his phone, as Lu Miao hadn't messaged him in a week. His friend, Qu Wei, tried to reassure him, but Jiang Haoyue worried that Lu Miao no longer needed him.

When Lu Miao finally called, she expressed immense gratitude for the history comics he had sent. Jiang Haoyue then presented her with a complex math problem. When she struggled to follow his rapid dictation and asked him to repeat it, he playfully refused, citing the "no repeats" rule of listening exams. After the call, his friend Qu Wei calculated the answer to be 521.

1314, immediately recognizing the hidden romantic message ("I love you, forever"), a nuance completely lost on Lu Miao. One night, after a nightmare about the exam, a sleepless Lu Miao went to the rooftop to study and encountered a visibly inebriated Jiang Yi, Jiang Haoyue's father. Jiang Yi, missing his son, tried to use Lu Miao's phone to call him, but Lu Miao, sensing his true motive was his own loneliness, dissuaded him.

She confessed her own anxieties about the Gaokao and her fear of not being good enough to attend the same university as Jiang Haoyue. The next day, Jiang Yi called his son, fabricating a story about Lu Miao's severe stress and weight loss to lure Jiang Haoyue home, when his real intention was simply to see his son. Two days later, Jiang Haoyue returned for a week.

Upon seeing Lu Miao eating heartily, he was perplexed, as her appetite contradicted his father's claims. While preparing, Lu Miao asked Xie Ziye if she liked Shi Che. Xie Ziye initially denied it but later admitted her uncertainty, preferring to defer the decision until after the Gaokao. Jiang Haoyue, having arrived at Lu Miao's house, explained he came because she hadn't visited him.

Lu Miao shared her anxieties about moving to a new city, and Jiang Haoyue confessed how much he missed her when he first felt lost in Beijing. To support her, he gave her the stationery set he had used for his own Gaokao, calling it "blessed by the top scorer." He advised her to avoid anxiety, laziness, and over-reliance on him. Lu Miao revealed her deepest fear: not being good enough for his university.

Jiang Haoyue reassured her that no matter the outcome—even if she chose another school or had to retake the exam—he would always be by her side, affirming she would always be "the best" in his heart. Reinvigorated, Lu Miao vowed to succeed. The night before the Gaokao, Lu Miao's parents were a bundle of nerves, with her father preparing a "Gaokao dedicated vehicle" and a symbolic breakfast signifying a perfect score, while her mother fretted over a pre-exam checklist.

On Gaokao morning, a crisis struck when Lu Miao's father got a sudden stomachache. At the same time, Jiang Haoyue discovered he had left the gas stove on at his house. At the exam venue, Lu Miao realized to her horror that she had mistakenly taken Jiang Haoyue's admission card instead of her own.

Panicked, she called Jiang Haoyue, telling him her card was on her desk and her mother was on her way back for it, but might not make it in time. Hearing her distress, Jiang Haoyue promised to deliver it. He got out of his car, which was stuck in traffic, borrowed a bicycle, and raced through the streets. He found a despairing Lu Miao outside the gates and handed her the correct card. Overcome with relief, she embraced him tightly. After gently asking how long she planned to hug him, he urged her into the exam hall, helping her with the stuck gate when she struggled.

Episode 24 (Ending) Recap

Lu Miao, accompanied by Congcong, sincerely wished on the rooftop to be admitted to a university in Beijing so she could study and live with Jiang Haoyue. When the Gaokao results were released, she anxiously checked, initially fearing she had scored too low, but then joyfully discovered her score was 570, ten points above Capital University's admission line. Overjoyed, she exclaimed that she could finally go to Beijing with Jiang Haoyue.

On the day of their graduation photoshoot, Mr. Wen, their class teacher, hoped to take photos with his students individually. However, Lu Miao and her friends initially seemed to avoid him, quickly leaving after asking him to take a group photo for them. Later, Mr. Wen confided in a colleague, expressing his reluctance to part with his boisterous class, having taught them for three years.

He wished he could teach them for another three years, while his colleague advised him that teachers eventually get used to such farewells and learn to face the emotional goodbyes. Mr. Wen returned to his classroom, only to find all his students waiting for him. They had deliberately pretended to leave earlier to surprise him. Lu Miao, chosen to speak on behalf of the class, expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Wen's three years of guidance and care.

She thanked him for enduring their troubles, providing unwavering support, and never giving up on any student. Lu Miao stated that graduation was not an end but a new beginning for all of them, and that all students would remember him. Following this, the students shared their post-graduation plans and reflections on how much they had changed or not changed during high school. Shi Che boasted about his internal transformation, while Xie Ziye pointed out his unchanging sharp tongue.

Guoguo comically admitted his "progress" in waking early only meant he found a new place to sleep. Lu Miao noted the significant change in her relationship with Jiang Haoyue, evolving from academic rivals with a "river boundary" on their desks to best friends. Jiang Haoyue reflected on feeling more mature, with the "fog" of his future clearing, allowing him to see his path more clearly.

The friends then shared their aspirations, with Shi Che aiming for personal success and a beautiful wife, while Qu Wei declared his ambition to become a world-class basketball star and travel the world with his beloved. Jiang Haoyue's father decided to sell all his old gambling equipment, declaring he was "not made for gambling" and that the sight of mahjong and cards now made him sick.

He announced his plan to open a sweet soup shop, proudly telling Jiang Haoyue that from now on, he could tell anyone his father was a "legit businessman." Jiang Haoyue’s father suggested naming the shop "Jianghu Sweet Soup," a play on their surname and the expressions "Time flies" and "Things change," which Jiang Haoyue approved. " Jianghu Sweet Soup" officially opened, with Lu Miao diligently helping Jiang Haoyue manage the business with his father.

Lu Miao's mother, noticing her daughter constantly going out with Jiang Haoyue, speculated to Lu Miao's father whether the two were now in a relationship. Lu Miao's father, however, believed the children were old enough to handle their own affairs, remarking that he didn't want to be a "feudal parent" who hindered free love. While helping out at the soup shop, Lu Miao accidentally broke her sandal.

Jiang Haoyue’s father, Jiang Yi, fondly called Lu Miao "girl" and immediately suggested that Jiang Haoyue carry Lu Miao back home, even insisting when Lu Miao initially declined. Jiang Haoyue then carried Lu Miao home, assuring her that she wasn't heavy and that he felt at ease with her on his back. Jiang Haoyue gathered his courage and formally expressed his feelings for Lu Miao to her mother, Aunt Fang.

He declared his love and desire to be with Lu Miao. Aunt Fang responded, explaining that she had watched him grow up and knew he was a good person. She emphasized her and Lu Miao's father's deep love for their daughter, and their wish for Lu Miao to have an easy life, free from hardship.

She hoped Lu Miao would find an easy job after graduation, and marry someone who could protect her and give her a simple and happy life. Jiang Haoyue affirmed his understanding and earnestly promised Aunt Fang that he was indeed the one who could protect Lu Miao. Recalling his unwavering care for Lu Miao since their childhood, Aunt Fang was convinced and finally gave her approval. That night, Lu Miao's mother joined her in bed for a heartfelt conversation.

Lu Miao's mother mused on how quickly Lu Miao had grown up, and Lu Miao, in turn, pondered the hardships of adulthood compared to the carefree school days. When her mother asked about her feelings for Jiang Haoyue, Lu Miao confessed her profound affection for him, explaining that she wanted to accompany him and alleviate his loneliness, just like the poem she found in his bookmark suggested: "I am all alone in the heavy snow."

Her mother warned that being with Jiang Haoyue would be "a hard life" as she would "have to look after him all the way." However, Lu Miao enthusiastically countered, saying she would be thrilled to care for "Jiang Haoyue" and that it would make her feel amazing. She affectionately reminded her mother of a childhood incident involving pickled chicken feet, highlighting her mother's "sharp-tongued but soft-hearted" nature.

Lu Miao then reassured her mother, emphasizing her happiness with Jiang Haoyue and her newfound independence after being admitted to a Beijing university, stating she could now create her own happiness without relying on others. Seeing her daughter's steadfast determination and happiness, Lu Miao's mother finally relented, symbolically agreeing to "end the contract" that had previously restricted her from dating.

Jiang Haoyue and Qu Wei discussed vacation plans, with Qu Wei offering Jiang Haoyue advice on how to romantically confess to Lu Miao, suggesting more emotional and romantic phrases. Soon after, Lu Miao, Xie Ziye, and Guoguo joined them, surprising everyone, and they all decided to play games on the beach. Later, while walking along the shore, Lu Miao shared her past dreams of a glowing green sea, concluding that the reality with Jiang Haoyue was even more beautiful.

They made a heartfelt promise: to live by the sea when they grew old, walk hand-in-hand, and even eat sweets with dentures, a testament to Lu Miao’s unwavering affection for him. Jiang Haoyue solidified their pact, declaring it a "new contract" valid "forever and ever." Meanwhile, Shi Che and Xie Ziye went to buy food. Shi Che found a notebook belonging to Xie Ziye, which she desperately tried to retrieve, threatening to throw it into a fish tank.

After snatching it, Shi Che discovered he had received full marks in her hidden rating system. Shi Che then used this to directly express his feelings, reminding her of their past agreement: that she would confess to him once he received full marks, subtly pressing her to keep her promise. As night fell, the group gathered around a bonfire on the beach for a barbecue.

Shi Che expressed his sadness at the prospect of not seeing his friends regularly after graduation, though he was playfully reminded that their friendship wouldn't end and they would stay in touch via phone. As they enjoyed their seafood dinner, they planned to light sparklers later.

A reflective narration mused on their youthful dreams of "having the whole world," ultimately defining it as the beautiful elements of nature, and more importantly, the presence of her shining friends—likening them to dazzling planets in her world—concluding that true splendor lay in having her beloved by her side "at the end of the world." Years later, on Lu Miao’s birthday, she waited by the familiar hometown beach, wondering if Jiang Haoyue had forgotten her, remarking on the cold.

Just then, Jiang Haoyue arrived, wishing her a happy birthday. As snow began to fall, he presented her with a gift. Their journey from childhood friends to lovers had spanned over a decade, and with this enduring bond, they were resolved to face whatever the future held, together, until the very end.