Just an Encore Episode 27 Recap
> Just an Encore Recap
Yan Ze asked Ji Xiao why he always helped her. Ji Xiao simply replied that it was because they were desk-mates. He encouraged her to ask him any questions she had and to always seek his help when needed. Yan Ze then remembered a story Ji Xiao had once told her about six children with varying personalities. Their relationships shifted like plate movements, sometimes embracing tightly, other times colliding and drifting apart.
Yet, one smart child chose to drift alone, ensuring everyone else could remain true to themselves. Understanding the implied meaning of the story, Yan Ze seemed to grasp Ji Xiao's selfless nature and shed tears. Mr. Zheng announced to the class that Xiao Zhuo'an would be transferring back to Shanghai that afternoon due to her parents' work, advising students to see her off if they wished. Gu Xiye had seemingly prepared a letter for Xiao Zhuo'an.
After finishing her transfer procedures in Mr. Zheng's office, Xiao Zhuo'an emerged to find He Xinliang waiting for her. They immediately fell back into their old playful habits, teasing and sparring. Xiao Zhuo'an returned He Xinliang's phone, telling him she now knew all his secrets. Gu Xiye, who had intended to give Xiao Zhuo'an her letter, saw their cheerful reunion and hesitated, keeping the letter.
As He Xinliang walked Xiao Zhuo'an away, she confessed her reluctance to leave and her worries for him and Gu Xiye. He Xinliang assured her they could take care of themselves, advising her to control her temper in Shanghai. He then sincerely apologized for his previous actions, acknowledging her as a very good girl and wishing her happiness. The old animosity between them dissipated, and they both smiled genuinely.
Upon hearing that Xiao Zhuo'an had left, Yan Ze frantically ran out, encountering He Xinliang who confirmed it was too late, as Zhuo'an was likely already at the airport. He Xinliang questioned why Yan Ze, supposedly Zhuo'an's "deadly foe," was so eager to see her off. Yan Ze clarified that their past disagreements stemmed from her jealousy; she felt Xiao Zhuo'an and Gu Xiye were closer and a better match in every way, and that she felt ignored.
He Xinliang playfully called her "careless." He then asked about her current relationship with Ji Xiao. Yan Ze firmly stated they were merely desk-mates, a relationship that had always been the same, and that she had "figured things out" regarding him. She likened her past admiration for Ji Xiao to Cinderella receiving a crystal shoe, realizing it didn't fit her and needed to be returned.
Yan Ze then shifted the conversation, asking He Xinliang why he hadn't given Gu Xiye a clear answer to her feelings, mentioning something Xiao Zhuo'an had said about their junior high days. He Xinliang grew agitated, dismissing Zhuo'an's comments as "delusions" and stating he wanted to confront her about it. He then swore to Yan Ze, "I've never liked Gu Xiye." Unbeknownst to them, Gu Xiye, on her way to deliver her letter to Xiao Zhuo'an, overheard He Xinliang's declaration.
Heartbroken, she lamented that she was so unloved and didn't even have a true friend, then ran off. Yan Ze and He Xinliang immediately gave chase. Distraught and distracted, Gu Xiye failed to notice an oncoming car and was struck. Overwhelmed with self-blame, Yan Ze rushed Gu Xiye to the hospital.
A doctor soon emerged from the operating room, explaining that Gu Xiye desperately needed a blood transfusion and had a rare RH-negative blood type, which neither Yan Ze nor her parents possessed. As Yan Ze wept in despair, He Xinliang tried to comfort her. Suddenly, Yan Ze remembered that Xiao Zhuo'an also had RH-negative blood.
He Xinliang quickly called Xiao Zhuo'an, who, upon hearing the news, dropped her luggage at the airport and immediately took a taxi to the hospital, urging the driver to speed up. At the hospital, Xiao Zhuo'an confirmed her blood type matched Gu Xiye's and offered to donate. Yan Ze tearfully thanked Zhuo'an and apologized for their past behavior. Xiao Zhuo'an smiled, saying, "We are friends." She jokingly mentioned the trouble of leaving her luggage behind due to the urgent call.
Yan Ze asked if Xiao Zhuo'an was truly leaving. Zhuo'an explained that her parents' business move to Shanghai was the reason, and she had no choice. She clarified that she wasn't running away because of a fight and hoped to build a better life there. Yan Ze then handed Xiao Zhuo'an Gu Xiye's letter, emphasizing its importance. All past misunderstandings and animosity vanished as the friends embraced tightly. They affirmed their bond as "S. H. E."
(their friend group name), pledged to "live and die together," and promised to never forget each other. Xiao Zhuo'an reassured Yan Ze, telling her not to be afraid because she would always be there for her. Gu Xiye remained unconscious despite being out of critical danger. Watching her parents by Gu Xiye's bedside, calling her name as she murmured in her sleep, made Yan Ze feel deeply conflicted. He Xinliang gently led her out of the hospital room.
In the taxi, Xiao Zhuo'an opened Gu Xiye's letter. In it, Gu Xiye confessed that she had wanted to reconcile with Zhuo'an since her return but couldn't overcome her pride. She expressed her admiration, need, and reluctance to see Zhuo'an go, admitting she already missed her. She then asked if Zhuo'an would agree to make up if she put aside her ego, concluding with a simple, "Let's make up."
Reading the letter, Xiao Zhuo'an was moved to tears, then chuckled, accepting the childish plea and agreeing, "Fine. Let's make up." He Xinliang walked Yan Ze home, reassuring her not to worry as the doctors had confirmed Gu Xiye was out of danger. Yan Ze then reflected on her past.
She recounted how she had invited Gu Xiye to live with her after her family's misfortune, sharing her room, pocket money, snacks, and toys, as Gu Xiye had once done for her. However, she never expected to share her parents. She confessed her regret for feeling jealous that Gu Xiye had "taken" some of her parents' love.
Seeing Gu Xiye lying in the hospital bed, calling for "Mom and Dad," with only her adoptive parents by her side, made Yan Ze realize how much pain Gu Xiye must have felt. She acknowledged her own privilege of having a loving family and felt ashamed of her previous narrow-mindedness. He Xinliang acknowledged that Gu Xiye's biological parents surely loved her too, but praised Yan Ze's family for providing Xiye with genuine warmth.
Yan Ze declared her decision to "give" her parents to Gu Xiye, so Xiye could experience the warmth of a complete family, and promised to reflect on her own shortcomings. When He Xinliang asked if she was scared to be alone, Yan Ze confidently stated she feared nothing. He Xinliang jokingly reminded her that she was "not a girl" and told her to call him if she needed anything. He Xinliang then spent the entire night sitting downstairs outside Yan Ze's apartment building.
