Memory of Encaustic Tile Episode 30 Recap
> Memory of Encaustic Tile Recap
Shao Xue composed a message for Zheng Sunian, deciding that she would no longer go abroad. Before she could send it, Zheng Sunian messaged her, asking to meet. Happy about this, Shao Xue went to see him. Upon meeting, Shao Xue told Zheng Sunian that she had seen the drawings for "our apartment" in his room and loved every aspect of his plans for their future home.
She declared her decision to stay by his side and decorate their home together. However, to her utter shock, Zheng Sunian abruptly stated that he was breaking up with her. Distraught, Zheng Sunian returned to his room, as he privately struggled with his decision. Meanwhile, Shao Xue wept inconsolably. Shiyin tried to comfort her by offering chocolate and suggesting that Zheng Sunian must have his own difficulties, similar to when Wu Huan broke up with her.
It was then that Shao Xue learned Shiyin and Wu Huan had also broken up. Still desperate for answers, Shao Xue called Zheng Sunian, but he hung up on her. Unable to wait, she rushed out in the pouring rain to confront him in person. At Zheng Sunian's new apartment, Bai Yunsheng and Pei Shu arrived with alcohol, hoping to cheer him up. They found him in a somber mood.
Bai Yunsheng, also recently broken up with Yunjin, complained about women being "cold and ruthless." Zheng Sunian, however, argued that Bai Yunsheng's own actions had pushed Yunjin away. The conversation escalated into an argument, prompting Bai Yunsheng to leave, followed by Pei Shu, as Zheng Sunian expressed a desire to be alone. Just then, Shao Xue arrived and began pounding on the door, pleading with Zheng Sunian to open up and explain his reasons for the breakup.
Inside, Zheng Sunian, equally heartbroken, ignored her pleas. Shao Xue refused to leave, sitting outside in the rain, crying, while Zheng Sunian remained inside, guarding the door. Eventually, Zhang Qi arrived and gently persuaded Shao Xue to leave, promising to speak with Zheng Sunian. Once she was gone, Zhang Qi confronted Zheng Sunian, accusing him of being selfish for breaking up with Shao Xue and refusing to even see her, leaving her outside all night.
Zheng Sunian quietly admitted that if he had seen her, they would have reconciled, explaining he intended to "let her go" rather than "break up." Zhang Qi highlighted the significant difference between "letting go" and "breaking up" from Shao Xue's perspective, criticizing Zheng Sunian for not considering her feelings and being selfish. Zheng Sunian offered no further explanation, believing the breakup was necessary for Shao Xue to pursue her dreams.
The next morning, Shao Xue intercepted Zheng Sunian on his way to work, still demanding to know why he broke up with her. With no other explanation, Zheng Sunian falsely claimed he no longer loved her and told her not to seek him out again. Back home, Shao Hua was alarmed to find Shao Xue's eyes swollen from crying. Shao Xue, still heartbroken and confused, cried in her father's arms, asking why Zheng Sunian had stopped loving her.
Shao Hua realized the depth of her pain. He comforted her, acknowledging that some relationships might not work out immediately but suggesting that hope for the future could still exist. He encouraged her to focus on the path she had chosen. Pei Shu, trying to mend fences between Zheng Sunian and Bai Yunsheng, invited them to a hotpot dinner.
While in the hutong, they coincidentally ran into Zhang Qi and Wu Huan, who were heading to watch the Olympic opening ceremony. Zhang Qi, seeing Zheng Sunian, deliberately walked past without acknowledging him. Pei Shu and Bai Yunsheng then insisted on dragging Zheng Sunian along to watch the ceremony on a large screen, where he caught sight of Shao Xue. Despite the lively atmosphere, none of them were truly engaged, their minds preoccupied with their respective heartaches.
As Shao Xue prepared to leave for her flight abroad, her parents helped her pack. She found a sketchbook Zheng Sunian had given her, filled with drawings of places she longed to visit and even recipes for her favorite dishes. These memories stirred deep emotions, making it difficult for her to let go.
Shao Hua offered words of encouragement, reminding her that her path was set and that while she was leaving now, there might still be a future for her and Zheng Sunian. As she carried her luggage out, Shao Xue glanced wistfully at Zheng Sunian's closed door. Unbeknownst to her, Zheng Sunian was hidden behind his own door, secretly watching her departure, both shedding silent tears. Time passed quickly.
Shao Xue thrived in her new job abroad, while Zheng Sunian continued his dedicated work at the restoration institute. Wu Huan saw new developments in his logistics business and reunited with Tang Ya, who was also excelling in the same industry. Shiyin achieved her dream, becoming a television host and frequently appearing on screen. Since Shao Xue went abroad, Zheng Sunian became increasingly quiet, a change that concerned Shao Hua.
Even when Luo Huaijin organized group activities, like a dinner banquet and an afternoon of cherry-picking, Zheng Sunian was initially reluctant to participate. Luo Huaijin, however, insisted, telling Zheng Sunian he had been working relentlessly, even finishing next month's tasks, and needed to engage more. Zheng Sunian eventually complied, reluctantly joining the group activities.
