Memory of Encaustic Tile Episode 11 Recap
> Memory of Encaustic Tile Recap
The school's cultural performance began with Shao Xue narrating the story of a beautiful princess who fell gravely ill. Two brave warriors, Zheng Sunian and Zhang Qi, embarked on a quest to find the legendary jasmine flower that could bring her back to life. Upon reaching the jasmine's location, the warriors, both desiring to be the princess's one and only, began to quarrel.
Zhang Qi stumbled over his lines, prompting Shao Xue to remind him of the script, much to the amusement of the audience, who commented on the amateurish acting. As the two argued, Wu Huan, playing the dragon guarding the jasmine, descended and spewed blazing flames. The warriors, putting aside their differences, worked together to defeat the dragon. However, a new problem arose when the script called for one warrior to die, but both Zheng Sunian and Zhang Qi dramatically collapsed.
Shao Xue, frustrated, insisted that only one should fall. Zhang Qi then got up and lay down again, still confused. When Tang Ya, as the princess, appeared on stage, some audience members remarked that she looked too ordinary to be worth dying for. The princess was meant to sing to revive the fallen warrior, but Tang Ya, overwhelmed by stage fright, remained silent. The audience grew impatient, shouting for her to sing and eventually to leave the stage.
With the performance in chaos, Shao Xue reluctantly had the curtains drawn. Ms. Miao, the teacher, concluded that the students were not suited for stage plays and should focus on their studies. Backstage, Tang Ya was heartbroken, blaming herself for the failure. Wu Huan comforted her, pointing out that Zhang Qi and Zheng Sunian had forgotten their lines, so she wasn't the only one at fault.
Tang Ya felt that even remembering her lines was useless if she couldn't utter a word on stage. Wu Huan reassured her that her rehearsals were excellent and encouraged her not to doubt herself, revealing that he, too, struggled with confidence but was trying to overcome it. He persuaded Tang Ya to give it another try, promising everyone's support. Meanwhile, Shao Xue appealed to Ms. Miao for another chance, explaining that they hadn't had enough time to rehearse.
Ms. Miao, while acknowledging Zheng Sunian and Zhang Qi's excellent academic records, reiterated that they should prioritize their studies over extracurricular activities. She suggested Shao Xue watch other drama club performances first. Elsewhere, Shiyin was enduring rigorous dance practice. After her classmates left, her teacher kept her behind, candidly stating that Shiyin lacked natural talent but commended her hard work.
He reminded her that he had chosen her from many, and on her own, she wouldn't have been a lead dancer, emphasizing that his guidance had brought her into the spotlight. He chastised her for questioning him in public, to which Shiyin apologized. The teacher then instructed her to continue practicing until her dance was flawless.
Wu Huan, who had been watching, intervened, telling Shiyin not to believe the teacher's harsh words and calling the teacher "incompetent" for finding validation by hurting others. Shiyin, however, fiercely defended her teacher as an "artist" and told Wu Huan to mind his own business. Later, while practicing alone, Shiyin twisted her ankle. Wu Huan immediately rushed to her side and carried her to the infirmary.
The doctor confirmed that while the injury wasn't severe, Shiyin would be unable to dance for a while, deeply upsetting her. Wu Huan tried to console her, suggesting that dancing for such a teacher wasn't worth the pain. Shao Xue expressed her frustration with Zheng Sunian and Zhang Qi's previous performance, calling them "unreliable" and jokingly suggesting even a shop owner would have done better.
Just then, Wang Haoran approached Shao Xue, complimenting her play and lamenting its poor execution by the actors. As the president of the drama club, he formally invited her to join his club and star as Juliet. Shao Xue declined, stating she already had her own production. Wang Haoran persisted, claiming she deserved "better partners" than her current friends, whom he deemed unworthy. Zhang Qi and Zheng Sunian arrived, confronting Wang Haoran. Zhang Qi mocked him as "Romeo."
Wang Haoran tried to entice Shao Xue with pizza and a discussion about acting, but Shao Xue, still annoyed with her friends, walked away. Zhang Qi openly declared Wang Haoran "unwanted," while Wang Haoran confidently stated that Shao Xue didn't share their sentiments. The argument continued, with Wang Haoran claiming he was merely there to observe "junk food" culture. Shao Xue, fed up, left them to their bickering. Wang Haoran found their hostility towards him "interesting."
At home, Zheng Sunian found himself constantly thinking of Shao Xue. Puzzled by his feelings, he asked his father how he knew when he fell in love with a woman. His father, initially evasive, eventually shared a simple yet profound thought: "If you like someone, that feeling lasts for a lifetime." The next day, Zheng Sunian visited Ms. Miao, earnestly explaining Shao Xue's dedication to the play and successfully convinced the teacher to give them another chance.
Shao Xue was astonished and grateful. During the subsequent rehearsal, Tang Ya expressed concerns about the script, questioning who the true protagonist was and why the princess would be so devoted to the warrior, feeling the "love for the princess" wasn't clearly portrayed. Shao Xue struggled to address these points. Zheng Sunian then offered an improvised speech, passionately declaring his character's love for the princess and his readiness to fight for her, which deeply impressed Shao Xue and Tang Ya.
Shao Xue, remembering her initial goal to help Tang Ya build confidence, affirmed her decision to keep Tang Ya as the princess. Zheng Sunian, impressed by her dedication, then pledged his full support. Wu Huan, whose dragon role was less demanding, took the opportunity to leave practice early to check on Shiyin. Tang Ya remained anxious about stage fright.
Wu Huan offered a unique solution: he suggested she imagine the audience as inanimate objects, like boxes in a warehouse, and placed a teddy bear in the front to represent himself, urging her to sing to them. This creative approach helped Tang Ya practice her singing with renewed confidence. On Shao Xue's birthday, her parents surprised her with a math tutoring class as a gift, which disappointed her. They quickly left for work, having restoration tasks.
Zhang Qi, with a hidden gift, tried to give it to her, but Zheng Sunian's arrival caused him to conceal it. At the cultural performance, Shiyin, still recovering from her ankle injury, was in the audience, supported by her friends who cheered her up before heading backstage. The second performance of "Princess Jasmine" began. Shao Xue narrated the tale with the audience praising the elaborate costumes and props.
Zheng Sunian and Zhang Qi, as the warriors, delivered their lines and acted with improved conviction. They united to defeat Wu Huan, the dragon, earning positive remarks from the teachers about their much-improved performance. As Tang Ya, the princess, stepped forward to sing, a vengeful Wang Haoran, upset over Shao Xue's earlier rejection, subtly sabotaged the sound system, cutting the power.
Panic arose, but Tang Ya, remembering Wu Huan's advice and seeing the teddy bear he had placed in the audience, took a deep breath. She bravely began to sing "Good Jasmine Flower" without amplification. Her clear, powerful voice filled the hall, captivating the audience, who erupted in thunderous applause. Everyone felt immense satisfaction at Tang Ya's triumph, with Shao Xue commenting on the perfectly fulfilling evening.
