Flourish In Time Episode 22 Recap
> Flourish In Time 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."
