Meeting You Episode 4 Recap
> Meeting You Recap
As a child, Nan Xi, then known as Xiaomutou, was punished for fighting back against bullies and being unable to explain himself. While being made to stand in the hallway, he met Xia Rui, his Xiaolingdang, who shared his sentiment that adults only listen to obedient children. To comfort him, Xia Rui told him a story about a brave baby whale named Xiaohui who got lost because its song was unique.
She then bravely retrieved his toys, asserting her role as his protector and promising him that the Rui in Chenghua School would be an even better protector than the Xiaolingdang in Xin Hua Kindergarten. Years later, Xia Rui instinctively stood in front of Nan Xi, ready to protect him. However, she found he had grown so tall she had to tiptoe to playfully touch his head.
Seeing her outstretched hand, Nan Xi subtly lowered his head, then took off his hat and knelt down, allowing her to pat his head just like when they were children. Xia Rui then placed the new whale carving Nan Xi had made for her around his neck, a symbol of their rekindled bond. They pledged to each other that neither would suddenly disappear again, promising that together they would face anything without fear.
Xia Rui playfully warned him not to get emotional, joking that she didn't want to lose face by crying too often. At Xia Rui’s casual remark that he looked better without his hat, Nan Xi took it off, revealing his handsome face to the class for the first time. This caused a stir among the students, with both girls and boys marveling at his appearance.
Nan Xi's sudden openness and his connection with Xia Rui didn't escape the notice of their friends, Zhao Yishu and Cheng Erluo. Prompted by their questions, Xia Rui invited them to a coffee shop after school and revealed that she and Nan Xi had known each other since kindergarten. Cheng Erluo expressed disbelief and joked that Nan Xi, who appeared like a Prince Charming, seemed to have an intense personality.
Despite Nan Xi's impressive academic abilities, evidenced by his amazing exam summary, his reserved nature created a rift. He declined Cheng Erluo's enthusiastic invitation to watch the latest EVA anime, making Cheng Erluo feel excluded and lament that a fourth person had suddenly disrupted their long-standing trio. Previously, Nan Xi had discussed Xia Rui’s academic struggles with their teacher, Mr. Hu.
Noting Nan Xi's own progress and willingness to help, Mr. Hu suggested to Xia Rui’s mother, Madam Shao, that Nan Xi tutor Xia Rui one-on-one instead of sending her to a cram school. Madam Shao, initially skeptical, agreed to the arrangement but on the condition that Xia Rui's score must reach one hundred on her next test.
Although Xia Rui was frustrated that her life seemed to revolve solely around grades, Nan Xi, despite warning her of his strict approach, reassured her he would help. The next morning, Cheng Erluo excitedly invited Xia Rui and Zhao Yishu to watch the newly downloaded EVA movie on Saturday, and Xia Rui, forgetting her tutoring commitment, readily agreed.
Soon after, it was announced that Mr. Hu would be absent due to an emergency, turning the first grammar class into a self-study session. Mr. Hu tasked Nan Xi with providing answers for cloze passages and collecting questions. When Cheng Erluo tried to convince Xia Rui to skip the session and play basketball, she refused. Taking her role as a subject representative seriously, she actively maintained order in the classroom, much to Cheng Erluo's annoyance.
At lunch, Xia Rui again declined Cheng Erluo's plans, choosing to buy reference books with Nan Xi instead. Feeling increasingly abandoned, Cheng Erluo complained to their friend Mr. Yi at the coffee shop, dismayed that Xia Rui was prioritizing Nan Xi and using her subject representative title as an excuse.
Zhao Yishu defended Xia Rui, explaining she was worried Nan Xi couldn't handle the class alone and was just adhering to school rules, but Cheng Erluo remained unconvinced, feeling Xia Rui's generosity extended only to Nan Xi. He decided to confront her when they were supposed to watch the anime on Saturday. On Saturday, Cheng Erluo and Zhao Yishu waited for Xia Rui, only to be stood up.
Furious, Cheng Erluo found Nan Xi's address from Mr. Hu's office files and stormed over with Zhao Yishu to confront her. Unaware of their impending arrival, Xia Rui was at Nan Xi's house for their first tutoring session. Feeling tired, she leaned on Nan Xi's shoulder and fell asleep. Nan Xi, despite his arm growing sore, remained still to avoid disturbing her. This tender moment was what Cheng Erluo witnessed through the window, further fueling his anger.
Barging in, Cheng Erluo accused Xia Rui of ditching them to do homework with Nan Xi and demanded to know how many times she had stood them up since reconnecting with him. Xia Rui apologized, but Cheng Erluo, feeling their friendship was threatened, childishly demanded she choose between them, referencing an old "either-or happiness" game.
Xia Rui reminded him of how she had stood up for him when he was a chubby new transfer student being bullied in third grade, which was how their trio was formed. She urged him to be mature, asserting that Nan Xi was not a bully and that she knew him well. When she refused to make a choice, a defeated Cheng Erluo left angrily with Zhao Yishu. Xia Rui found his behavior childish but felt concerned, while Nan Xi remained silent, unable to comprehend the complex emotions behind the conflict.
