Memory of Encaustic Tile Episode 4 Recap
> Memory of Encaustic Tile Recap
Shao Xue worried about how her family's love for her would be divided if she had a younger sibling. She expressed her fears to Zheng Sunian, recounting an old saying about the eldest child being the least favorite. Zheng Sunian reassured her that not only would their love not diminish, but she would also receive additional love from her younger sibling, who would adore her as their "amazing big sister" and motivate her to strive for excellence.
Excited by this, Shao Xue immediately wanted to talk to her unborn sibling to establish herself as the "boss." However, when she returned home, her mother, Ms. Yu, informed her that due to her age and health, she would likely not be able to carry the pregnancy to term. Saddened, Shao Xue embraced her mother, promising to love her twice as much, on behalf of herself and her unborn sister.
She felt blessed to have her parents and friends in her life. Later, Zhang Qi, confused about his feelings for a person, asked Zheng Sunian for specific signs of being interested in someone. Zheng Sunian described it as constantly wanting to see them, desiring to be close, and wishing to be the sole focus of their attention. Zhang Qi, realizing he felt none of these things, concluded he wasn't interested in Ran Mori and had always preferred Ai Haibara.
Zheng Sunian, amused, told him he was reading too much manga. On New Year's Eve, Shao Xue's mother, Ms. Yu, playfully scolded Shao Xue for asking for "salary" after running errands, to which Shao Xue jokingly retorted that getting scolded on New Year's Eve was a good omen. Zheng Sunian arrived and promised Ms. Yu he would make sure Shao Xue bought everything. The group of young people, including Lin Shiyin, set off for New Year shopping.
Lin Shiyin mentioned her afternoon flight to Hainan, where her family was spending the holiday, and was somewhat disappointed that Wu Huan had to work during New Year instead of joining them. Shao Xue suggested they split up to finish faster. While shopping, they encountered Wu Huan working at a stall selling baked flatbreads. Zhang Qi tried to jump the queue for baked flatbreads, but Wu Huan insisted he wait his turn.
Lin Shiyin also ordered baked flatbreads from Wu Huan and received free mutton skewers. Shao Xue invited Wu Huan and his mother to their family's New Year's Eve dinner, but he declined, promising to visit on the first day of the New Year. As they continued shopping, Zhang Qi suddenly became philosophical after remembering a game where his character, Zhao Ling'er, died.
He wondered how many more New Years they would spend together, fearing that Shao Xue, who always spoke of exploring the world, might eventually leave. Zheng Sunian expressed hope she would return. Approaching home, Shao Xue noticed Ms. Deng's steamed bun stall still displayed last year's New Year scrolls, which reminded Shao Xue that she had forgotten to buy new ones.
Worried about her mother's reaction, Zheng Sunian suggested they seek help from Mr. Luo, who was known for his excellent calligraphy. Upon arriving at Mr. Luo's home, they found him practicing calligraphy. He explained the custom of asking for "artwork" and graciously offered to give them some of his works. Shao Xue chose a couplet with a poem by Wang Anshi and a horizontal scroll reading "The beginning of a New Year."
Zhang Qi also picked a couplet, which Zheng Sunian identified as the first New Year scrolls in history, written by Meng Chang of the Later Shu dynasty. Shao Xue then requested a simpler, easy-to-understand horizontal scroll, and Mr. Luo kindly wrote "An auspicious New Year" for her. Back home, Shao Xue proudly displayed Mr. Luo's couplets to her parents. Her father jokingly suggested she should try to get a painting from Mr. Luo next to secure their family's future.
Soon after, Ms. Li arrived with exciting news. She revealed that Shao Xue's school was implementing a "two-plus-one" program, a study-abroad initiative where students would complete two years of high school in China and their senior year abroad, making it easier to enter prestigious overseas universities. Ms. Li confirmed that Shao Xue, despite her average grades but strong English skills, had been shortlisted for the program.
Shao Xue's mother was delighted but also concerned about her daughter being away for so long. She strictly warned Shao Xue not to tell anyone about this opportunity, as it was still confidential. Later, while delivering New Year gifts to neighbors, Shao Xue, Zheng Sunian, and Zhang Qi visited Mr. Sun's home.
They found Siyuan, Mr. Sun's grandson, tinkering with a new digital camera he had bought with money from a side job and given to Mr. Sun as a New Year's gift. Siyuan confessed he had been considering leaving the Restoration Department because his salary barely covered his living expenses. Despite his background in polytechnic, he admitted his heart still longed for restoration work. Zheng Sunian encouraged him, noting how handsome Siyuan looked when engaged in restoration.
Just then, Fu Qiaomu arrived to pay her respects. Mr. Sun introduced her as an art school graduate who would be joining the Restoration Department after the Spring Festival, making her Siyuan's future junior colleague. Siyuan, smitten by Fu Qiaomu's beauty, became flustered, even attempting to take photos of her with the new camera. Fu Qiaomu asked if he planned to stay at the department and if he could mentor her, which surprised Siyuan, causing him to spill water.
After taking some group photos in the snowy courtyard, Siyuan, emboldened, told his grandfather that he had decided to stay at the Restoration Department, much to Mr. Sun's joy. During the New Year's Eve dinner, Shao Xue excitedly shared her news about the "two-plus-one" program with Zheng Sunian and Zhang Qi. Zhang Qi teased her about her academic performance but Shao Xue proudly stated her English skills secured her spot.
When Zheng Sunian asked if she would indeed go if accepted, Shao Xue affirmed her intention, explaining it would be boring to stay in one place forever and she wanted to see the world to live without regrets. Zheng Sunian felt a sense of reluctance, knowing he would miss Shao Xue if she left. Zhang Qi supported her ambition.
At the dinner table, Shao Xue eagerly asked her mother for her New Year red envelope, but her mother announced that red envelopes were canceled this year. Instead, she would save the money for Shao Xue's university education, promising a big reward then. Zhang Qi also lamented the loss of his red envelope. Meanwhile, Wu Huan's mother gave him a red envelope for good luck, acknowledging his hard work in helping the family due to her poor health.
Later that evening, as the adults played mahjong, Shao Xue, Zheng Sunian, and Zhang Qi watched the Spring Festival Gala. Shao Xue and Zhang Qi made a bet on who could stay awake until midnight, with the loser buying the winner either a complete set of Detective Conan manga or twenty meals at Pizza Hut. Zheng Sunian was appointed as the judge. Shao Xue eventually dozed off on Zheng Sunian's shoulder, which made Zheng Sunian feel happy.
Having grown up together, they were accustomed to such closeness, and Shao Xue viewed Zheng Sunian as a dear older brother. As midnight approached, Shao Xue woke up, startled to find Zheng Sunian watching her. She quickly realized Zhang Qi had also fallen asleep. They woke him up, and all three joined the countdown, shouting "Happy New Year!" before heading outside to light fireworks.
Amidst the sparks, Shao Xue wished for her parents' health, her family's happiness, and to study abroad. Zhang Qi wished for his mother's work success and more time with her. Zheng Sunian, with a heartfelt inner thought of wanting everyone to be happy and for nothing to change, wished for Shao Xue and Zhang Qi's wishes to come true. After the celebration, Zhang Qi returned home.
He spoke to a portrait of his deceased father, reminiscing about past New Years when his father was absent. He expressed how much he missed him, while also acknowledging he hadn't forgiven his father for leaving them. He described his mother as a strong, independent "superwoman" now, but admitted that despite her outward strength, she still deeply missed his father.
