Just an Encore Episode 7 Recap
> Just an Encore Recap
After basketball practice, Mr. Han approached He Xinliang, admiring his limited edition shoes and asking if he could borrow them. Mr. Han explained that Ms. Gu Yu had asked him to go jogging because she wanted to lose weight for the upcoming Games, where she would be raising a placard. He admitted he wanted to look handsome in front of her. He Xinliang, initially teasing Mr. Han about suddenly being called "buddy," eventually agreed to lend him the shoes.
However, He Xinliang was put off by the strong smell of Mr. Han's own shoes, which Mr. Han claimed was normal for a sportsman. Consequently, He Xinliang decided to return to the classroom to put on another pair of his own shoes instead of wearing Mr. Han's. Meanwhile, Yan Ze was in the classroom, attempting to pry open Gu Xiye's locker. In the process, she accidentally cut her leg with a screwdriver.
Despite the injury, she managed to open the locker. Inside, she quickly found an envelope containing an invitation for a debate competition. Reading it, Yan Ze was overcome with guilt as memories flooded back: Gu Xiye assuring Yan Ze that their friendship and family bond were unbreakable, and Yan Ze entrusting all her writings to Gu Xiye for safekeeping, with Gu Xiye promising to safeguard them.
Yan Ze then discovered her old composition book, realizing Gu Xiye had brought it to school to prevent Yan Ze's parents from seeing it, deepening her remorse. Yan Ze wanted to return the invitation, but it was now stained with her blood. Seeing this, she sat in front of the locker and burst into tears. He Xinliang, who had returned to the classroom, witnessed all of Yan Ze's actions.
With a deep, long cut on her leg, Yan Ze limped to the washroom to clean her wound. He Xinliang quickly joined her, providing alcohol and cotton swabs, and carefully tended to her injury. He advised her to go home so her parents could care for her instead of staying in the dorm, emphasizing the need for two days of good rest and avoidance of strenuous activities, without asking about the incident itself.
When Yan Ze struggled to walk, He Xinliang carried her on his back to the bus station, calling her "stupid" and "always playing tough" good-naturedly, a gesture that deeply touched her. Meanwhile, Mr. Han and Ms. Gu Yu rested after their run. Mr. Han complimented Ms. Gu Yu's running, to which she responded by calling herself ugly and fat.
He then mused if all girls felt unattractive, recalling how Yan Ze had recently asked him if she was pretty, even comparing herself to Gu Xiye. Ms. Gu Yu explained that while Yan Ze might not be a "stunning girl," she was "very special," possessing a lovely, easygoing, and energetic personality that made her attractive to boys. She also noted that being Gu Xiye's best friend naturally brought Yan Ze attention.
Mr. Han then wondered if being associated with handsome basketball players would make him more attractive to girls, but Ms. Gu Yu replied that attracting girls depended on one's determination. Spurred by this, Mr. Han declared his determination and went for another run, with Ms. Gu Yu joining him. While He Xinliang waited with Yan Ze at the bus stop, a sudden thunderstorm broke out.
He quickly found a taxi and took Yan Ze home, pretending it was on his way and denying that he was making a special trip just for her. He also dismissed her concern about him getting a cold, telling her to "get over herself" and listen to music. Upon arriving at Yan Ze's house, she offered to wash his wet jacket. Despite his initial refusal, she insisted.
As she got out of the car, he reminded her to be careful with her leg. He Xinliang then instructed the taxi driver to wait, opting to stay downstairs until he was sure Yan Ze had safely entered her home. Yan Ze's parents were surprised to see her return alone, especially on a weekday. Sensing her low spirits, they refrained from asking questions after she requested them not to, and her father offered to make ginger tea.
After seeing Yan Ze safely inside, He Xinliang went to Ji Xiao's house, entering through his window as was his habit. Ji Xiao informed him that He Xinliang's mother had called, asking him to convince He Xinliang to leave the basketball team and focus on his studies. He Xinliang responded that he couldn't control his parents' affairs, and they shouldn't control his either.
He denied being angry about his parents' impending divorce, stating that no matter how hard he tried, the family would still break apart. Therefore, he preferred to please himself rather than bending to others' expectations. Ji Xiao expressed his support but suggested He Xinliang discuss it with his family.
He Xinliang, however, dismissed the idea of discussion, declaring his desire to be authentic and follow his heart, even if it meant being perceived as a "bad guy" for prioritizing his own happiness over pleasing others. Ji Xiao acknowledged his feelings, reflecting that everyone has their own struggles and sometimes people just need to express themselves without intervention. At home, Yan Ze agonized over how to explain to Gu Xiye that her locker had been opened. She drafted several messages, considering various excuses, but each one felt like a confession or a transparent lie. As she pondered, Gu Xiye suddenly called her, startling Yan Ze.
