Just an Encore Episode 21 Recap
> Just an Encore Recap
He Xinliang approaches Ji Xiao, asking if their competition extends to eating, claiming Ji Xiao is impossible to beat. He Xinliang explains his presence in the dining hall means basketball is no longer the priority, and he's attending a "Hongmen banquet." Mr. Zheng, recently promoted to chief director of the Academic Affairs Office at Yangming Middle School, hosts the gathering to express his gratitude.
He states that while the school has excelled in quality education, it must now seriously address the promotion rate of graduates. He emphasizes the school's responsibility as a key institution to send excellent students to top universities. To achieve this, recreational and sports activities will be reduced, and student-athletes' training time will be significantly cut to prioritize academic studies. He announces that the Cultural and Recreational Department and the Sports Department will be merged under unified management.
Everyone remains silent, showing their reluctance and helplessness. Yan Ze asks He Xinliang if he was aware of Mr. Zheng's plan beforehand. He Xinliang confirms that Mr. Zheng had told him, intending to make him an example by having him quit basketball and pursue a top university based on academic performance.
Yan Ze expresses her strong disapproval of Mr. Zheng's methods, stating that he "fawned over" student-athletes when they were useful for achievements, but now that he's promoted, he suppresses them, likening it to "Once the birds are gone, cast aside the bow. After the cunning hare is killed, the hound is boiled." She further worries about working with Xiao Zhuo'an if the departments merge, as Xiao Zhuo'an wouldn't fight for their rights, and she fears being made vice-head.
While gesturing emphatically, she accidentally bumps into Ji Xiao, who had been listening quietly behind them, making the atmosphere awkward. During a subsequent meeting between the Sports and Cultural Departments, Yan Ze and other student-athletes vociferously oppose the merger. When asked to speak, Mr. Han demurs, deferring to Miss Gu. Miss Gu cautiously suggests some benefits of the merger, like streamlining operations.
Xiao Zhuo'an, however, fully supports Mr. Zheng, arguing that his intention is good, as many student-athletes fail due to poor academic performance. Then, Liu Xichuan intervenes, offering a sharp rebuttal. She challenges Xiao Zhuo'an's understanding of Mr. Zheng's true motives, claiming he aims to "kill a chicken to frighten a monkey" by suppressing student-athletes to force all students to focus solely on academic results and promotion rates, disregarding individual student situations.
She asserts that for student-athletes, their professional skills are paramount for their future livelihoods, not just academic scores. Yan Hai, seemingly provoked by Liu Xichuan's blunt assessment of their academic potential, suddenly declares his support for the merger and his intention to focus on academic studies, adding a lighthearted comment about more "beautiful girls" being available from the merged departments. This unexpected turn frustrates Liu Xichuan and others.
He Xinliang, however, understands that Yan Hai's real intention is to avoid being looked down upon by others. While Ji Xiao is in a meeting, Yan Ze calls him out. Initially, he acts somewhat reserved, but eventually adjourns his meeting to meet her. Yan Ze seeks his help regarding the merger of the Cultural and Sports Departments, explaining that Mr. Zheng's plan essentially forces all student-athletes into academic remedial classes, suppressing their specialized activities.
Ji Xiao points out that the self-management committee, student union, and youth league are independent organizations, suggesting she approach the student union chairman or He Xinliang. Yan Ze dismisses He Xinliang as he is "unable to defend himself," but expresses confidence that Ji Xiao can find a solution. Seeing her innocent, pleading eyes, Ji Xiao is moved and agrees to help. Later, as Yan Ze attempts to approach He Xinliang, Xiao Zhuo'an intercepts her.
Xiao Zhuo'an asserts that the merger is a done deal and that Yan Ze's persistent resistance will only provoke Mr. Zheng further. Yan Ze vehemently states that while she doesn't care about the art students, she will never abandon the student-athletes. Xiao Zhuo'an then suggests that Yan Ze's efforts are simply because she doesn't want to work with her after the merger. Yan Ze, disheartened, admits it and leaves.
Afterwards, Ji Xiao takes Yan Ze to eat hotpot to cheer her up, and she happily orders spicy beef. On her way back, Yan Ze encounters Xiao Zhuo'an. Xiao Zhuo'an asks why Yan Ze despises her and why they can't be friends again, noting she hasn't done anything to Yan Ze. Yan Ze retorts that after Xiao Zhuo'an's unexplained departure, she no longer considered her a true friend.
She emphasizes that true friends don't leave without a word, causing pain, especially to Gu Xiye, who changed significantly after Xiao Zhuo'an left. Yan Ze concludes that the three of them can never return to their past friendship.
Xiao Zhuo'an tries to convince Yan Ze that she chose Xiye over her when she left because she thought they were closer, but Yan Ze insists that Xiao Zhuo'an's return has caused Gu Xiye to change again, and that Xiao Zhuo'an doesn't understand the meaning of friendship. After Yan Ze leaves, Xiao Zhuo'an receives a phone call discussing "economic crimes." She then ominously vows to make Yan Ze "re-comprehend the meaning of 'good friends'."
Yan Ze leads a group of student-athletes to protest against Mr. Zheng, demanding to know why he stopped their training right before an upcoming match. Mr. Zheng dismisses their concerns, accuses them of rebellion, and warns them against pushing their luck, claiming his actions are for their and the school's benefit. He then scolds them and threatens disciplinary action, pointing out He Xinliang's absence from the protest as an example of a "sensible" student who immediately returned to his studies.
Mr. Zheng announces that all student-athletes must attend remedial classes during afternoon and evening self-study hours, with all training canceled, and that He Xinliang, due to his excellent academic record and understanding, is exempt from these remedial classes. Undeterred, Yan Ze returns to Ji Xiao, expressing her frustration and disappointment over Mr. Zheng's dismissal and threats of demerits. Ji Xiao reassures her he will help and explains that direct confrontation is counterproductive.
He suggests a strategic approach: convince the school and Mr. Zheng that specialized training actually boosts promotion rates. Ji Xiao proposes seeking help from Miss Wang Zhenhua, a teacher known for truly understanding students, who could potentially influence Mr. Zheng. Yan Ze is skeptical, questioning Miss Wang's effectiveness. She considers a more drastic measure: pulling the power switch in the amphitheater. Later, Yan Ze confronts He Xinliang on the way home from school, asking why he didn't join the protest.
He Xinliang coldly replies that it's "none of his business," that he intends to keep playing basketball, and that Mr. Zheng can't interfere with his personal life. Yan Ze, angered by his perceived selfishness and lack of loyalty, accuses him of being self-serving and challenges him to do something for the collective good. Before the evening self-study, Ji Xiao genuinely approaches Miss Wang for help, and she agrees.
However, Yan Ze, still unconvinced by Miss Wang's influence, takes matters into her own hands and orders He Xinliang to pull the power switch in the amphitheater, bringing Gu Xiye along. Gu Xiye initially believes He Xinliang wants her company, which delights her, but he quickly clarifies that Yan Ze sent them, and he brought Gu Xiye only because he worried she'd slow him down otherwise, a way of showing care while pretending not to.
After they successfully pull the switch, they encounter Xiao Zhuo'an. Xiao Zhuo'an confronts them, warning them that they don't know who Gu Xiye truly is. He Xinliang dismisses her dramatic tone, but Xiao Zhuo'an then cruelly reveals Gu Xiye's secret, declaring that she is "the daughter of a criminal." Enraged by the exposure of her personal secret, Gu Xiye slaps Xiao Zhuo'an.
Later that evening, Yan Ze learns from a friend that Xiao Zhuo'an has spread the word, gathering a group from another school, planning to beat Gu Xiye to "teach her a lesson." Gu Xiye is distraught, feeling that the person who once protected her now intends to harm her. Yan Ze reassures her that she still has her.
Gu Xiye, composing herself, advises everyone to attend class and study as usual the next day, stating that while academic achievements are important, pursuing one's passion makes life meaningful, and being responsible for one's life begins with persisting in dreams.
