Just an Encore Episode 14 Recap
> Just an Encore Recap
He Xinliang was stunned to learn about Xiao Zhuo'an's return. Yan Ze tearfully recounted her disappointment regarding Ji Xiao's supposed confession, openly criticizing a girl's perfection that all boys seemed to adore, implicitly referring to Gu Xiye. She pressed He Xinliang about his childhood sweetheart, Xiao Zhuo'an, being back and suggested he go see her.
He Xinliang, though visibly affected by the news, feigned indifference, claiming he hadn't even blinked when Xiao Zhuo'an left before, and questioned what her return could possibly change now. Yan Ze accused him of faking his composure as she could see his facial muscles twitching. As Yan Ze continued to express her heartbreak and confusion, questioning why Ji Xiao had given her unrealistic hope, He Xinliang, at a loss, let her cry on his shoulder until she eventually fell asleep.
They remained there until dawn, waking up to the sunrise. He Xinliang explained to Yan Ze that when one is in darkness, the sun has already risen; it simply takes eight minutes for its light to be felt. He then took her to Ji Xiao's house, urging her to clarify matters. When Ji Xiao appeared, He Xinliang intervened, insisting that Ji Xiao properly identify the object of his "confession."
He placed Yan Ze's hand in Ji Xiao's, prompting them to speak face-to-face. Ji Xiao told Yan Ze that he was truly happy to be her desk-mate and hoped she wouldn't change seats. Yan Ze then realized the message had been about their shared desk, not a romantic confession, and she was instantly overjoyed, assuring him she had no intention of changing seats. Confused, Yan Ze asked Ji Xiao why the message had been sent to Gu Xiye's phone.
Ji Xiao explained that he had sent the message to the number he found on her Youth League Card, which Yan Ze then admitted was Gu Xiye's number that she had carelessly put down and never changed. Seeing their misunderstanding resolved, He Xinliang left, his heart heavy. Yan Ze, however, was in a state of euphoria, constantly smiling and laughing. Gu Xiye found Yan Ze's continuous glee strange and asked her what was happening. Yan Ze happily explained everything.
Gu Xiye then asked if Yan Ze was angry with her regarding the past rumors about her and Ji Xiao. Yan Ze quickly reassured her, emphasizing that their long-standing friendship far outweighed any recent connection with Ji Xiao. Later, at dinner with Yan Ze's parents, Yan Ze's mother mentioned preparing mooncakes and gifts for Gu Xiye's parents and asked her to take them when she visited them.
This deeply saddened Gu Xiye, who abruptly left the house to clear her head. Yan Ze's parents discussed Gu Xiye's reluctance to visit her incarcerated parents, with Yan Ze's mother insisting she should, while her father and Yan Ze herself argued that Gu Xiye should go only when she feels ready. Out alone, Gu Xiye coincidentally met He Xinliang, who was on his way to Ji Xiao's house. She asked why he wasn't home for the Moon festival.
He Xinliang explained his parents were divorced, and he preferred Ji Xiao's home, also lamenting his mother's habit of cooking only alkaline noodles. He Xinliang advised Gu Xiye to call Yan Ze when going out late, as it was unsafe to be alone. Gu Xiye walked to a spot where she, Yan Ze, and Xiao Zhuo'an used to play.
Memories flooded back, recalling how Xiao Zhuo'an had once promised to always take them with her wherever she went, and their shared dream of attending Yangming Middle School together. Later, Yan Ze spoke with Ji Xiao on the phone. He asked about her plans for the student union elections in the new semester. Yan Ze expressed uncertainty about her chances, comparing herself to Liu Xichuan.
Ji Xiao praised Yan Ze's interpersonal skills, rating them superior to Liu Xichuan's, which delighted Yan Ze. However, he also frankly pointed out her weaker academic performance. Yan Ze, not deterred, asked him for more help. Upon hearing that He Xinliang had recently praised her, Ji Xiao promptly offered to take her to the library to study. Yan Ze was ecstatic, agreeing to meet early at 8 AM when the library opened.
The next day, Yan Ze arrived early at the library, surprised to see Ji Xiao already there, impeccably dressed. A few students nearby commented on Ji Xiao's handsome appearance and classy attire, while disparaging Yan Ze's "trashy clothes" and calling her his "lackey." Later, Yan Ze officially took over as the head of the Sports Department from Liu Xichuan. She immediately called He Xinliang to help move items.
Liu Xichuan, witnessing their interaction, commented that she had initially thought He Xinliang and Yan Ze were a couple. Both Yan Ze and He Xinliang swiftly denied it, with He Xinliang humorously stating that Yan Ze was his "good buddy" and not like a girl, and Yan Ze adding that they were "like sisters." Liu Xichuan then noticed the bulletin board announcing Xiao Zhuo'an as the new head of the Cultural and Recreational Department, which visibly angered her.
As if on cue, Yan Hai and Xiao Zhuo'an walked by. Yan Hai made a show of being close to Xiao Zhuo'an, offering to carry her books, further enraging Liu Xichuan, who then snapped at Yan Ze not to speak to her. Left alone, Yan Ze reflected on being left with tasks while others enjoyed themselves, and how the sun's light eventually triumphs over darkness, a comforting thought after the day's events.
