Remember My Boy Episode 9 Recap
> Remember My Boy Recap
Zhang Yang secured a rental apartment, explaining over the phone to his mother that he needed to move out to avoid disturbing his dormmates and would cover all expenses himself, regardless of his father's disapproval. Shen Yinghui, present during the call, subtly understood the nature of the conversation.
Shen Yinghui later informed Zhou Jingmang that Zhang Yang's father was invited to the school's gala, a fact that put immense pressure on Zhang Yang, particularly as his father was a powerful businessman frequently invited to sponsor school events. During a dance practice session, Zhang Yang's mood soured upon seeing Li Yu Xiang giving close guidance to Zhou Jingmang. When the team assembled, Shen Yinghui, prompted by Zhang Yang, introduced her new ballet segment and the required formation changes.
However, Zhang Yang soon lashed out at Zhou Jingmang, criticizing her for being distracted and making mistakes. He accused her of forgetting the ending pose and warned that her lack of seriousness could ruin the entire performance, expressing profound disappointment in her attitude. After the strained practice, Shen Yinghui comforted a disheartened Zhou Jingmang, attributing Zhang Yang's harshness to the immense pressure from his father's impending visit.
Zhou Jingmang was surprised by Shen Yinghui's extensive knowledge of Zhang Yang's personal life, feeling she knew very little herself. Zhou Jingmang, overwhelmed, decided to leave. Li Yu Xiang followed her, revealing that her motivation for joining the dance team was Zhang Yang, not a love for dance itself. He also pointed out that her sudden departure was due to Zhang Yang's critical attitude, not a fear of being a burden.
Li Yu Xiang assured her that Zhang Yang was equally strict with everyone during practice. Zhou Jingmang, whose feelings were exposed by Li Yu Xiang's accurate assessment, left without a word, her emotions growing more complicated that night as she reflected on his words. That night, Shen Yinghui found Zhang Yang still practicing. She cautiously asked if he had been too harsh on Zhou Jingmang and mentioned seeing him rent an apartment, hinting at her concern.
Zhang Yang abruptly cut her off, telling her to mind her own business and forbidding her from discussing his private matters with Zhou Jingmang. The next morning, Zhou Jingmang attempted to tell Zhang Yang in class that she wanted to quit the street dance group, believing her poor skills would hinder the team. Zhang Yang, however, feigned sleep, ignoring her pleas, and she reluctantly gave up.
Later, on the basketball court, Zhuang Jie playfully teased Zhang Yang, claiming he spent the previous night contemplating how to apologize to Zhou Jingmang. Zhuang Jie joked about Zhang Yang's earlier stern words regarding dance being a serious matter, yet still allowing the "uncoordinated" Zhou Jingmang to participate and even choreographing for her. Zhang Yang dismissed the teasing, calling Zhou Jingmang an "idiot" for wanting to quit.
After school, Zhang Yang, still refusing to accept her resignation, pulled Zhou Jingmang back to the dance studio. He promised to teach her until she mastered the moves and showed her a simplified version of her part. Despite the easier choreography, Zhou Jingmang struggled, frustrating Zhang Yang, who visibly took deep breaths to maintain his composure and patiently re-taught her.
He informed her that she would participate in the preliminary selection for the school ceremony the following day, suggesting her "unique" clumsiness might even become a memorable highlight. During the preliminary selections, various performances, including a "Three phrases and a half" skit and a "Suzhou English" stand-up comedy, were presented. Zhou Jingmang joined her street dance group on stage, and their performance was met with applause.
Afterwards, Zhang Yang praised their overall success but pointed out that Zhou Jingmang's rhythm still didn't quite sync with the group, suggesting they needed a strategy to divert audience attention during her segment. He invited everyone to celebrate with a meal. Zhou Jingmang declined, citing homework, and instead returned to the dance studio for solitary practice. Exhausted, Zhou Jingmang eventually fell asleep in the studio.
She awoke to darkness, realizing the door was locked from the outside and her phone had died, leaving her trapped and distressed. Zhang Yang, noticing her absence from the dorms, called her phone, which was off, and then came to the studio. Using a spare key he had acquired for the team's late practices, he opened the door. However, instead of comforting her, he immediately chastised her for being "stupid" and getting locked in.
Zhou Jingmang, already on the verge of tears, pushed him away in anger. She tearfully declared that she was not "fooling around" but earnestly practicing for everyone, including him. She confessed to overhearing his earlier comments about needing to "solve her problem" (distract the audience) and indignantly asked if he truly thought she was just a "stupid" burden who only caused trouble.
Feeling remorseful, Zhang Yang tried to lift her spirits by taking her to the basketball court to teach her how to shoot. Zhou Jingmang initially resisted, interpreting his actions as another attempt to make her look foolish. Patiently, Zhang Yang guided her and retrieved the ball himself. When she expressed her exhaustion and desire to return, he finally apologized for his harshness earlier and for misjudging her efforts that night.
Surprised by his rare apology, Zhou Jingmang agreed to try shooting again. Zhang Yang then shared a philosophical thought, explaining that dreaming is easy, but achieving dreams is challenging, akin to basketball where consistent effort eventually leads to success. He encouraged her that her hard work in dance would also eventually pay off.
Zhou Jingmang playfully asked if he wanted her to include his profound words in her novel and then inquired about his own dreams and his nervousness regarding his father's visit. He confirmed his father was coming but promised to reveal his dreams only when she published her article. He then jokingly told her to adopt a "bad attitude" towards anyone who tried to approach her in the future.
On the day of the school ceremony, as the street dance team prepared, Shen Yinghui meticulously helped Zhou Jingmang style her short hair. As Zhou Jingmang ascended the stairs to the stage, Zhang Yang was visibly struck by her distinct appearance, experiencing a sudden flutter in his heart.
A voiceover from Zhang Yang expressed profound gratitude for having met her, for the feeling of being unconditionally chosen and trusted, and for the valuable lessons he wholeheartedly imparted, which he hoped she would cherish. Despite the ongoing challenge of her uncoordinated movements, Zhou Jingmang silently vowed to perform her best. Five years later, in 2015, Zhou Jingmang, worried that Zhang Yang might have disappeared again, called Shen Yinghui from a taxi en route to Chang Xiang Building.
Shen Yinghui, however, lied, claiming her phone had lost signal and she had already left work, urging Zhou Jingmang not to worry and to return to her own job. In reality, Shen Yinghui was sitting opposite Zhang Yang and Yu Hui Tong. Visibly upset, Shen Yinghui confronted them, stating she had not told Zhou Jingmang about their encounter and demanded an explanation. Yu Hui Tong insisted their meeting was a mere coincidence.
Zhang Yang remained silent about his sudden departure years ago, asserting that they were all grown up and there was no need to revisit the past or maintain any connection. He explicitly stated they should all pretend they had never met and that he would treat them as strangers if they ever sought him out. As Shen Yinghui left the meeting, an internal monologue revealed her enduring feelings for Zhang Yang and her understanding that some relationships are simply destined for regret.
