Memory of Encaustic Tile Episode 31 Recap
> Memory of Encaustic Tile Recap
While working abroad, Shao Xue faced criticism from her boss during a meeting for wearing dirty shoes, which he considered a sign of negligence. Soon after, Mo Hai called her, initially seeking fashion advice for a date with a girl he had a crush on in college. He then tried to inquire about Shao Xue's own romantic life, prompting her to quickly end the call, unwilling to discuss the topic. Later, Shao Xue had a video call with her parents.
Her mother, Yu Dongge mentioned a gathering they were attending for Zheng Sunian, but Shao Hua quickly interjected about tea eggs on the stove, sending Yu Donggeaway to manage it. Shao Hua then confided in Shao Xue, expressing concern about Zheng Sunian, who had become very quiet since she left. He wished Shao Xue would reach out to him.
When Yu Donggereturned, she chided Shao Xue for not visiting home in two years and commented on Shao Xue's pale complexion, urging her to take care of herself and comparing her to Zhang Qi, who was busy studying for his doctorate but still maintained a healthy routine. Shao Xue defended herself by saying Zhang Qi was a "night owl," to which Yu Donggeretorted, calling Shao Xue an "ingrate" for not visiting.
Shao Hua reassured Shao Xue that he and Yu Donggewere fine, and their health was the best gift for her. Meanwhile, Shao Hua's neighbors arranged a blind date for Zheng Sunian at Liuli Restaurant. He was seated with a girl named Yu, who was also from the Restoration Department. Yu tried to engage him in conversation, asking about his work in the facsimile division and why he always seemed so busy that he missed their previous arrangements.
She even suggested they go for a stroll. However, Zheng Sunian remained silent. When Yu pressed him, he wrote "I'm a mute" on a piece of paper, surprising everyone and causing Yu to leave in anger. The neighbors concluded that this approach wouldn't work and decided on a "second plan." This "second plan" involved Bai Yunsheng and Pei Sheng taking Zheng Sunian to a cafe for another arranged meeting.
The new date, aware of Zheng Sunian's previous "mute" act, introduced herself as working in HR and mentioned that Bai Yunsheng had praised Zheng Sunian's paintings. She questioned why he didn't start a business with Bai Yunsheng, noting his talent. In response, Zheng Sunian whispered that he and Bai Yunsheng "used to be together" and that Bai Yunsheng "doesn't want me anymore" and was now "pushing me to someone else." The woman, disgusted, called them "scumbags" and stormed off.
Pei Sheng quickly distanced himself, claiming he was not part of their scheme. Back in her apartment, Shao Xue cooked noodles by herself, recalling Zheng Sunian's past instructions for making them. She realized how much she missed the days when he cooked for her. Zhang Qi called, asking if she was returning for Christmas, but Shao Xue said her work wasn't finished. She then asked Zhang Qi about Zheng Sunian, and Zhang Qi confirmed that he still didn't talk much.
Zhang Qi then revealed that he had recently fought with his "Ph. D. girlfriend," who accused him of having "unpleasant memories from childhood and couldn't get over my first love." Zhang Qi had tried to reconcile, but she texted back that he "dared not face your innermost emotions." Zhang Qi mentioned he was in town to relax and wanted Shao Xue to show him around, but Shao Xue explained her heavy workload prevented her from taking time off.
Shao Hua, deeply concerned by Zheng Sunian's continued emotional state, sought him out. He empathized with Zheng Sunian's unspoken pain, acknowledging that he was still waiting for Shao Xue. Shao Hua, drawing from his own life experience, advised Zheng Sunian to stop waiting for Shao Xue, as she was "too ambitious" and unlikely to return. He urged Zheng Sunian to give himself a chance to move on.
At the restoration institute, Zheng Sunian’s master harshly criticized his work, tearing up his painting and calling it "a waste of paper," attributing his poor performance to his distracted state. Luo Huaijin then took Zheng Sunian for a walk. He understood Zheng Sunian's inner turmoil but reminded him that replicating ancient artifacts required a clear mind, free from personal burdens.
Luo Huaijin emphasized that restoration was a form of self-cultivation and that one needed an "empty heart" to truly comprehend the spirit of the predecessors. When asked what was on his mind, Zheng Sunian confessed, "I'm thinking about things that I couldn't get." Luo Huaijin advised him to let go, acknowledging that everyone has attachments, but as a restorer, one must strive for detachment.
Later, Shao Xue faced difficulties at her company during a presentation to Mr. Smith, admitting they hadn't found a perfect solution to a problem. Zhang Qi, appearing as her technical advisor, stepped in to suggest an alternative approach, which seemingly saved her. After the meeting, Shao Xue thanked Zhang Qi for his timely help. She then received a call from her boss, asking her to return to the office.
Her boss informed her that she was being removed from Mr. Smith's case due to doubts about her abilities and would be demoted to basic translation duties. Shao Xue refused the demotion and promptly resigned. Distraught, she later cried, venting to Zhang Qi about the unfair treatment and her desire to sue. Zhang Qi, however, pointed out the lack of evidence and funds for a lawyer, once again suggesting she return home.
Shao Xue felt too ashamed to go back jobless. At that moment, Mo Hai called again. He informed Shao Xue that he was now the regional head of his company's branch and was shorthanded, renewing his job offer. Shao Xue, eager for a new opportunity, accepted and agreed to an interview the next day. Mo Hai immediately dismissed the need for an interview, telling her she could start right away, but Shao Xue insisted on following the proper procedure.
Shao Xue then called Zhang Qi to excitedly share the news of her new job. She went to Mo Hai's office, where he introduced his partner and fiancée, Pang Xin, revealing that she was the "college crush" he had mentioned earlier. Mo Hai and Pang Xin explained that their company, a large translation firm, handled challenging projects for documentary crews and volunteer organizations, requiring extensive travel to remote and difficult locations like Africa and polar regions.
Despite the demanding nature of the job, Shao Xue readily accepted. Recognizing that Shao Xue hadn't been home since leaving, Mo Hai offered her a few days off to visit her family, with the company covering her flight. Shao Xue gratefully accepted, calling Zhang Qi to tell him she would meet him at the airport. Shao Xue returned home and reunited with her friends at Liuli Restaurant.
Wu Huan arrived first and excitedly announced his upcoming marriage to Tang Ya, whom Shao Xue affectionately called "Princess Jasmine." Lin Shiyin then arrived, and Shao Xue warmly embraced her. When Zheng Sunian finally entered, an awkward silence fell over the group. Zhang Qi tried to lighten the mood by offering to order, but the tension lingered. Zheng Sunian, after briefly glancing at the menu and noting that "nothing has changed," handed it back to Zhang Qi to order.
Zhang Qi then suggested they go to Cashbox for karaoke after dinner. Suddenly, Shao Xue claimed she had urgent work and left, despite Zhang Qi's protests.
Shortly after, Zheng Sunian also excused himself, stating he had "things to do," and walked out, watching Shao Xue from a distance as she departed, both unable to bridge the gap between them, with Zheng Sunian hoping to help her and Shao Xue wishing he would cherish her like before, but neither acted on their feelings. Left in the restaurant, Zhang Qi lamented how difficult it had become for Shao Xue and Zheng Sunian to simply share a meal.
He then received a call from his "contract couple" and, complaining about his lack of "personal freedom," left as well, leaving Wu Huan and Lin Shiyin alone. The two discussed their own relationship statuses; Wu Huan spoke of his engagement, and Lin Shiyin, now a TV host, mentioned being too busy for suitors.
Lin Shiyin then dedicated a song, "The Little Li Flying Dagger," to "lonely folks in the city," hoping they would "find their own happiness soon," a song Wu Huan recognized as one she always loved, teasing her that it was for a "handsome colleague." Later, Zhang Qi joined Zheng Sunian at his home for drinks, where they played "True or Dare."
Zhang Qi asked Zheng Sunian why he had intervened in high school when they stole an exam paper, to which Zheng Sunian replied he wanted them to graduate. Zhang Qi drank as a forfeit. Zhang Qi then asked if Zheng Sunian had intended to give Shao Xue a birthday gift during a cultural performance years ago, which Zheng Sunian confirmed, revealing the crystal ball was still at Zheng Sunian's house.
Zheng Sunian then asked Zhang Qi what gift Shao Xue had given him before college. Zhang Qi retrieved a cup inscribed, "For Sunian who's the best in the world, Shao Xue." Zheng Sunian then produced his own cup, inscribed, "To the silliest person in the world, Zhang Qi." They toasted, and Zhang Qi then remarked on how, despite these gifts, Shao Xue and Zheng Sunian hadn't been in touch for all these years.
