Memory of Encaustic Tile Episode 5 Recap
> Memory of Encaustic Tile Recap
Shao Xue had a nightmare where the college entrance exam, personified as a villain, shot mathematical formulas at her like hidden weapons. She woke up terrified to find Zheng Sunian and Zhang Qi had written many words about the college entrance exam on her face as a prank. When asked what they were doing, Zhang Qi jokingly said they were cheering for her, and Zheng Sunian added that he was correcting Zhang Qi's potential misspellings.
Shao Xue, annoyed, told them to leave, explaining to Shiyin that she had been praying every day to be selected for a study abroad program to avoid the college entrance exam. Shiyin then shared some "good news": she was taking Shao Xue to her rural hometown down south. Shao Xue was surprised, as they had just celebrated the Spring Festival.
Shiyin expressed her dislike for her hometown, describing it as shabby with no modern amenities like a water heater, toilet, or many TV channels, and her elderly relatives, including her hard-of-hearing grandmother, made conversations difficult. Shao Xue was initially hesitant, fearing her mother's disapproval, but Shiyin assured her that her mother had already gotten approval, stating, "if you're willing to go, you can go."
Shao Xue’s mother, however, was filled with worry as Shao Xue prepared to leave, giving her endless instructions about staying warm and not being picky with food at other people's houses. Shao Xue, finding her mother's nagging tiresome, quickly got into the car to escape. Shiyin's mother advised Shiyin to endure the visit to avoid upsetting her father. Meanwhile, Zheng Sunian and Zhang Qi were at a bookstore.
Zhang Qi, considering his future, casually mentioned he might also study abroad to keep Shao Xue company. Zheng Sunian became quiet, revealing his underlying discomfort with Shao Xue leaving. He worried that if she left, their relationship would change, and she would find new friends and a new life, growing distant from them.
Zhang Qi, with a more optimistic outlook, reassured him that some bonds, like their friendship, were unchanging, comparing them to cherished "antique clocks" that retain their value regardless of new trends. He reminded Zheng Sunian of his own longing for Zhang Qi during a month-long summer camp as proof of their enduring bond.
Later, Zhang Qi received a call from Sun Siyuan, inviting them to the art academy for an assignment from Grandpa Sun, and they decided to go in the afternoon. Upon arriving at Shiyin’s hometown, Shao Xue was charmed by the rustic environment, finding it picturesque and akin to a vacation spot she once wanted to visit. Shiyin, in contrast, maintained a sullen expression, clearly disliking the rural setting.
Many relatives had gathered at Grandma's house, curious about the new toilet Shiyin's father had installed for Grandma, who had difficulty squatting. The scene amused Shao Xue, especially when an elderly relative accidentally dropped his false teeth into the new toilet. Shiyin, however, dismissed the relatives as "country bumpkins" and refused to join the commotion or even look at a cute lamb Shao Xue excitedly pointed out, commenting that Shao Xue was "being a country bumpkin" too.
At dinner, Shao Xue enthusiastically enjoyed the local dishes, praising Grandma’s cooking. Grandma, happy with Shao Xue's appetite, continued to serve her more, including local bamboo shoots. Shiyin, on the other hand, barely touched her food, citing a diet and her general dislike for "country food," appearing distant and unappreciative of Grandma's efforts. After dinner, Grandma offered to take them to the market, but Shiyin declined, finding the idea "tacky." Shao Xue readily offered to help Grandma feed the chickens.
At the art academy, Sun Siyuan and Fu Qiaomu explained their plan to shoot a graduation film about the college entrance exam, featuring Zheng Sunian, Zhang Qi, and another friend as high school students. Their proposed concept—showing students studying, encouraging each other, and running—was immediately criticized by Zheng Sunian as "unoriginal" and "boring." Fu Qiaomu expressed desperation, explaining she needed to submit the project soon to graduate and continue working at the Bronzeware Restoration Division.
Zheng Sunian, inspired by Shao Xue's recent nightmare, suggested a new approach: portraying the college entrance exam as a "battle" rather than a mere "publicity film," and offered to take charge of the creative direction. Later that evening, while in Grandma's room, Shao Xue discovered old photographs, realizing that Grandma was once an elegant lady, reminiscent of a star from Old Shanghai. She also found a box of old jewelry.
Shiyin initially dismissed the jewelry as "tacky trinkets," but Shao Xue persuaded her to try on a rabbit pendant, her zodiac animal. To Shiyin's surprise, she liked how it looked. They then took joyful photos with Grandma, who wore a bangle, creating a happy memory. That night, Shiyin opened up to Shao Xue about her past. She confessed that she moved to Beijing at three and was often bullied and called a "country bumpkin" due to her humble background.
Her proud mother, despite their financial struggles, bought her expensive clothes to present her as a "little princess." This experience made Shiyin terrified of others knowing about her rural upbringing and her "tacky" relatives, fearing they would no longer respect her. She admitted to forcing herself to forget her past and never replying to her grandma's and aunt's letters, which made her feel ashamed.
However, seeing Shao Xue happily engaging with her grandmother that day made her realize that being proud of her roots was not embarrassing. She just didn't know how to bridge the emotional distance she had created. Shao Xue comforted her, reminding her that those who love us, like her grandma and aunt, deserve to be cherished and given a chance. The next day, as Shiyin's family prepared to leave, Grandma offered Shao Xue some lucky money, which she gently declined.
However, Shiyin accepted 500 yuan from Grandma. Shiyin's parents were surprised, noting that this sum was several months of Grandma's living expenses, especially since Grandma still wore mended shoes to save money. This revelation deeply moved Shiyin. She immediately asked the car to stop, ran back to Grandma, and returned the money. She embraced her grandmother tightly, promising to visit often and invite Grandma and Aunt to Beijing, where she vowed to buy Grandma "the most beautiful shoes in Beijing."
Her parents watched, touched by her newfound maturity. On the journey back, Shiyin thanked Shao Xue for accompanying her, realizing the true value of family love. Back in Beijing, Shiyin distributed the local specialties from her hometown to neighbors. Jin Ning informed Shao Xue that Zheng Sunian had a gift for her. Shao Xue excitedly went to find him.
Zheng Sunian presented her with a carefully selected set of IELTS study materials, including books on English conversation, writing methods, and a practice question bank tailored to her level. He confessed his initial selfish desire for her to stay, explaining that he admired things that remained unchanged, like the Forbidden City, symbolizing permanence. However, he realized that her yearning to "see a bigger world" was just as deeply rooted as his desire for stability.
He acknowledged that stifling her ambition would bring her great unhappiness, and his ultimate wish was for her to always be "happy Xue." Shao Xue then asked him if his fear was that she would forget him if she left.
