Memory of Encaustic Tile Episode 24 Recap
> Memory of Encaustic Tile Recap
After Wu Huan finished work, Tang Ya was waiting at his doorstep. He invited her into the courtyard, where she revealed she had been accepted into an international logistic management program and had started her first day of work, meaning they would soon be colleagues. Just then, Lin Shiyin arrived. Upon seeing Tang Ya, Lin Shiyin immediately embraced Wu Huan, making Tang Ya feel the two had an established relationship. Tang Ya bid them goodbye and left.
Lin Shiyin then insisted Wu Huan acknowledge her as his girlfriend. Wu Huan stammered at first but, encouraged by Lin Shiyin, finally declared loudly, "Lin Shiyin is Wu Huan's girlfriend," a statement that made him feel very happy. Meanwhile, Zheng Sunian was in his dorm, looking online for reasons why Shao Xue hadn't received her acceptance letter. Pei Shu jokingly chimed in, suggesting she must have failed the exam, much to Zheng Sunian's annoyance.
Zheng Sunian then went to the post office to inquire about Shao Xue's acceptance letter. He learned that due to system issues and understaffing, many letters were backlogged. Zheng Sunian helped the postal worker locate Shao Xue's letter, which had been buried under a pile of other mail. Later, as Shao Xue was anxiously waiting, the postman delivered the letter. Her entire family was overjoyed. Shao Xue was thrilled, exclaiming that Zheng Sunian's "magic wand" wish had truly worked.
Zheng Sunian and the postman exchanged a subtle nod, acknowledging their success. To celebrate Shao Xue's admission and their graduation, Zhang Qi gathered his closest friends and the entire class at their high school. Shao Xue and Zheng Sunian also waited for Zhang Qi's plane to fly overhead before his departure abroad, though Zheng Sunian mentioned it wouldn't be visible from their location.
Standing beneath the building, they loudly called out for Mr. Liu, their teacher, to express their gratitude for his dedicated guidance over the years. Mr. Liu was initially annoyed by the commotion but became deeply moved as Zhang Qi spoke. Zhang Qi, in his usual playful yet heartfelt manner, thanked Mr. Liu for believing in him, a "troublesome" student, and preventing him from becoming a social outcast.
Shao Xue and Lin Shiyin also shared their thanks, with Shao Xue appreciating his efforts that gave her the opportunity to study abroad (even though she ultimately didn't), and Lin Shiyin thanking him for returning her confiscated (and expired) cosmetics. The whole class bowed in unison, bringing Mr. Liu to tears. Through his tears, Mr. Liu jokingly told them not to return unless they achieved success.
After this emotional gathering, Zheng Sunian received a call from a colleague of Bai Yunsheng, asking him to pick up a heavily intoxicated Bai Yunsheng. Zheng Sunian rushed to a hotel where he found Bai Yunsheng in the restroom, barely able to stand after throwing up. As he helped Bai Yunsheng sober up outside, Bai Yunsheng confessed his weariness about his internship, where his manager forced him, a designer, to drink with clients to secure projects.
He felt compelled to do this for money, as he dreamt of buying an apartment in Beijing for Yunjin, his girlfriend, to live with him. A rich young lady who had been pursuing Bai Yunsheng approached them, offering to drive him home, but Bai Yunsheng politely declined, insisting Zheng Sunian take him.
He later explained that he was being cordial with her because her father was a major fabric distributor in Jiangsu, and her connections would be invaluable for his jewelry business. He viewed it as a mutually beneficial arrangement, not a romantic one, asserting that her interest was merely a "whim." Back at the dorm, Yunjin called Zheng Sunian, worried because she couldn't reach Bai Yunsheng.
Zheng Sunian reassured her that Bai Yunsheng was asleep and promised that he wouldn't change, despite her concerns that he was becoming "different" since moving to Beijing. It was time for Shao Xue to start university. Despite Beijing being close to home, her mother, Yu Dongge, was heartbroken, crying profusely. She had packed two oversized suitcases for Shao Xue and expressed feeling "empty inside," like she was "losing her job" as a mother.
Shao Xue tried to comfort her, promising to visit every weekend. Zheng Sunian accompanied Shao Xue to her university orientation, attentively taking care of her. At the Italian Department's registration booth, a male senior named Mo Hai recognized Shao Xue due to her impressive foreign language scores. He was particularly helpful with her registration process and offered to show her around the students' union. Zheng Sunian noticed Mo Hai's overt attention and felt uneasy.
When Mo Hai inquired if Zheng Sunian was Shao Xue's boyfriend, Zheng Sunian clarified that he was her "neighbor's brother," to which Mo Hai commented on how "considerate" neighbors were nowadays. Excited about the prospect of joining the students' union, Shao Xue quickly completed her registration and eagerly left with Mo Hai, leaving Zheng Sunian behind to guard her luggage. Back home, Yu Dongge counted the days, missing Shao Xue terribly.
Shao Xue called them from the students' union, explaining she was very busy with activities, including assisting an exchange student group and planning a large welcome party. She excitedly shared that Mo Hai had invited her to join the public relations department, providing many practical opportunities to interact with foreign guests. She also mentioned she hadn't had time to see Zheng Sunian. Zheng Sunian, meanwhile, was growing increasingly concerned about Shao Xue's close involvement with Mo Hai.
Pei Shu and Bai Yunsheng noticed Zheng Sunian's distress and urged him to contact Shao Xue. Zheng Sunian called her dorm, but the resident assistant informed him that Shao Xue was still at the students' union, often returning late due to activities.
Pei Shu dramatically warned Zheng Sunian that the students' union was a "large-scale blind date site," where seniors might easily "steal" new students' affections, likening it to a romantic scenario involving characters like Ziwei and Erkang from a popular drama. Concerned by the late hour, Zheng Sunian decided to visit her the next day. The following day, Bai Yunsheng accompanied Zheng Sunian to the university. They found Shao Xue and Mo Hai returning to the dorms together.
Shao Xue cheerfully announced that she and Mo Hai were rehearsing for a "comedic version of Titanic" for the welcome party, with her playing Rose and him playing Jack. Zheng Sunian, agitated, immediately protested, forbidding her from participating because she couldn't swim. Shao Xue clarified it was a stage play and wouldn't involve actual swimming. She then quickly changed into her costume, wanting to look good for her senior, and left with Mo Hai for rehearsal.
Bai Yunsheng advised Zheng Sunian that he needed to be more assertive and "make a move soon," or Shao Xue would be "snatched away" or taken advantage of. Later, Pei Shu, trying to devise a plan, characterized Mo Hai as a "routine pervert" with "outdated tricks." He then tried to comfort Zheng Sunian by comparing Mo Hai to "Fahai," a villain from a folk tale, suggesting that antagonists only make a love story more "soul-stirring."
Unbeknownst to Pei Shu, Mo Hai had overheard their entire conversation and revealed himself, stating, "I'm the Fahai you speak of." Shao Xue, having learned about their conversation from Mo Hai, confronted the three of them. She expressed her disappointment, particularly in Zheng Sunian, whom she had always respected, for speaking ill of someone behind their back. Pei Shu attempted to take all the blame, but Shao Xue insisted on hearing Zheng Sunian's explanation directly.
