Just an Encore Episode 30 Recap
> Just an Encore Recap
Yan Ze returned home dejected after her exam, having only advanced five rankings, which was still far from her goal of the top 50. Distraught, she went out to clear her head. Meanwhile, her father went to Mr. Zheng, pleading for another chance for Yan Ze. Mr. Zheng was surprised to hear about the rumor of expulsion. Yan Ze’s father reminded him of the condition that she wouldn’t be expelled if she made it into the top 50.
Mr. Zheng confirmed it was a rumor but suggested they could use it as leverage to motivate Yan Ze to achieve that goal. Having overheard her father begging Mr. Zheng, Yan Ze went back to her classroom, packed her belongings, and declared she was quitting school. She felt useless and believed she was only causing her parents distress. Ji Xiao tried to calm her, but Yan Ze ran off with her things.
He Xinliang saw her leave and chased after her, urging her not to give up. Yan Ze, however, felt she was too unintelligent and had no hope. Suddenly, Director Zheng's voice boomed over a loudspeaker, announcing a second chance for Yan Ze: she now had to rank among the top thirty in the grade. This news plunged Yan Ze further into despair. The setback severely affected Yan Ze, causing her to lose her appetite.
Her father encouraged her to study, but Yan Ze felt it was pointless, arguing that the teachers only offered help because her father had "begged them." Her father, angered by her words, retorted that if she were more like Gu Xiye, he wouldn't have to "beg them" at his age. Their argument escalated, and dinner ended on a sour note.
Later, He Xinliang stood outside Yan Ze's home, provocatively calling her a coward and unworthy of dreams, hoping to ignite her fighting spirit. Though angered, Yan Ze still felt incapable. Then, Gu Xiye arrived to comfort her. She revealed that she never visited her parents, not because she was ashamed of them, but because she didn't know how to face them.
They were powerful figures who had provided her with a rich and hopeful life, and she feared her current state would only bring them guilt and sadness. Instead, Gu Xiye confided that she secretly sent them her report cards, full of good grades, to show them she hadn't fallen apart, was still excellent, and would one day be their pillar of support. Yan Ze lamented that she had nothing remarkable to offer, unlike Gu Xiye.
Gu Xiye reassured her that this applied to everyone: when you possess nothing else, your mind becomes your greatest asset. She acknowledged that studying might feel dull and arduous, but if Yan Ze persevered, it would empower her and make her exceptional. Inspired by Gu Xiye's words, Yan Ze resolved to rally herself, and with renewed determination, she immersed herself in her studies day after day.
Later, she shouted downstairs, responding to He Xinliang's earlier taunts, declaring that "his" life was hopeless, and she would have a brilliant future. On the eve of the college entrance exam, Yan Ze set her sights on getting into Peking University. Her father took her out for a drive to help her relax. During the drive, both father and daughter apologized for their past arguments.
Her father acknowledged her aspiration to enter Peking University and expressed his gratitude for her dedication, regardless of the exam's outcome. The college entrance exam finally concluded. Yan Ze's parents gathered Gu Xiye and Yan Ze for a family photo. Gu Xiye remarked that it was the most natural and heartfelt family photo she had ever taken. Ji Xiao arrived near Yan Ze's apartment building with cotton candy and other sweets.
As he ate, he reminisced about his moments with Yan Ze, his eyes welling up with emotion. Inside, Yan Ze mentioned how much she wished for a cake. Moments later, her father presented her with a cake, claiming he didn't know who had left it at their door. Inside the cake, Yan Ze and Gu Xiye discovered a note from Ji Xiao.
After reading it, Yan Ze rushed downstairs to see if Ji Xiao was still there, but he had already departed. Separately, Yan Hai formally confessed his feelings to Liu Xichuan. Ji Xiao later advised He Xinliang to act on his feelings quickly. However, He Xinliang revealed that his father was sending him to study at a university in the United States. He felt that confessing his feelings to Yan Ze now, only to leave for four years of long-distance, would be a selfish act.
