Go Ahead Episode 12 Recap
> Go Ahead Recap
Initially, Li Jianjian expressed deep sadness and unwillingness regarding the impending departure of her two older brothers, Ling Xiao and He Ziqiu. She felt their family bond was superficial, like "playing house," arguing that they weren't "real" family since they lacked the legal standing to sign surgery consent forms for her or her father, Li Haichao.
Li Haichao, disheartened, earnestly explained that He Ziqiu was leaving to study abroad to alleviate the family's financial burden and pursue his desired field, while Ling Xiao’s move to Singapore was to care for his birth mother, Chen Ting, rather than a personal choice. He reminded Li Jianjian that true family connection transcends physical distance, drawing a parallel to her future family.
Although Li Jianjian understood Li Haichao’s logic, she simply did not want Ling Xiao and He Ziqiu to leave and sometimes refused to answer Ling Xiao's calls. Over time, Li Jianjian’s initial heartache and stubbornness subsided. During a Chinese New Year, she opened her heart and ended her cold war, reconnecting with her brothers via video call. After a brief conversation, He Ziqiu’s poor signal caused him to disconnect.
Ling Xiao continued talking with Li Jianjian, who mentioned the pineapple tarts he had sent. When Ling Xiao playfully suggested she "act spoiled" as thanks, his cousin Qin Meiyang suddenly appeared, calling him for dinner and behaving in a spoiled manner, leaving Li Jianjian with an "unspeakable emotion." In 2012, Li Jianjian graduated high school and was admitted to a local university's sculpture department, where she became very busy with her studies in wood carving.
Ling Xiao took a leave of absence to care for Chen Ting in Singapore. The years of separation began to strain their once close relationship, with Li Jianjian, who used to confide everything, becoming hesitant during their conversations. Ling Xiao, through a video call, also warned her against dating, stating she was too young and should wait until after university.
He Ziqiu, who frequently video-called Li Haichao, planned to return home to start a dessert business after graduating from university, as his current major would require him to work in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, which he did not desire. He sent Li Jianjian photos of his practice desserts, admitting his skills were still lacking.
Li Jianjian, listening to his call with Li Haichao, understood that prolonged separation could lead to unspoken words and growing unfamiliarity, but she assured He Ziqiu she was not angry. During this period, Li Jianjian sometimes avoided Ling Xiao's calls, passing the phone to Ling Heping, who could only manage polite small talk and inquire about Chen Ting's improving condition; she was able to stand and assist with light chores.
Ling Xiao maintained contact with Qi Mingyue, secretly asking her to send him photos of Li Jianjian. After graduating, Li Jianjian partnered with her senior, Du Juan, to open a woodcarving studio named "Gap of Time." Li Haichao later revealed that Ling Xiao had graduated from university and been accepted by a local hospital in Singapore, with his internship hospital even offering him a permanent position.
This news deeply disappointed Li Jianjian and Li Haichao, as it meant Ling Xiao would not be returning to China for a long-term stay. Ling Heping speculated that Chen Ting was the reason for Ling Xiao's prolonged absence. Ling Xiao called Li Jianjian, explaining his decision to return in two years, once Qin Meiyang was older and capable of caring for Chen Ting. However, contact between Li Jianjian and Ling Xiao gradually dwindled, limited mainly to holiday greetings.
By 2018, Li Jianjian was 25 years old. Tang Can, having struggled to establish herself in Beijing, returned to their hometown. With her father's permission, Li Jianjian rented an apartment near her studio and began living with Tang Can and Qi Mingyue. Li Jianjian reflected that those who were truly meant to return would, and for those who wouldn't, there was no need to wait. The following year, when Li Jianjian was 26, her sculpture work won an award.
To celebrate, Li Haichao’s thriving noodle shop offered a special discount. Li Haichao received a call from Ling Heping, informing him that Ling Xiao was returning after nine years away. Qi Mingyue, who had rented an apartment for Ling Xiao, picked him up from the airport. Driving her new car, she mentioned Li Jianjian's award-winning exhibition and asked if he wanted to see it.
Ling Xiao, calm, thanked Qi Mingyue for the apartment but stated he had other things to do and asked her to take him directly home, as he wanted to eat Li Haichao's noodles first. Meanwhile, Li Jianjian, who that morning had chipped her tooth on a cucumber and encountered a pickpocket on a crowded bus (whom she cleverly marked with a drawn turtle on his back), arrived at the exhibition, where she was accidentally bumped into by a man.
Ling Xiao finally arrived home after nine years and ate Li Haichao's noodles. Li Haichao's noodle shop continued to flourish, and a regular customer, Aunt Qian, even praised Li Jianjian's consistent success in her woodcarving career and offered to help Li Haichao find a new partner.
