Memory of Encaustic Tile Episode 6 Recap
> Memory of Encaustic Tile Recap
Shao Xue openly questioned Zheng Sunian, asking if his hesitation about her studying abroad stemmed from a fear that she would forget him. Zheng Sunian conceded that it might be a factor, but Shao Xue quickly reassured him that some individuals and experiences leave an indelible mark on one's memory, a sentiment she recalled Zhang Qi also sharing. Shao Xue added that Zhang Qi genuinely wished her well.
Zheng Sunian, however, cautioned that it was too early to consider, noting the intense competition for limited study abroad opportunities. Shao Xue expressed unwavering faith that he would achieve his aspirations. Later, Fu Qiaomu's graduation project, a promotional film for the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), achieved a perfect score. Shao Xue praised Zheng Sunian for his brilliance after hearing about the perfect score.
Fu Qiaomu, the director, later publicly acknowledged Zheng Sunian's suggestion to frame the NCEE as an intense "battle" rather than a mere advertisement, a concept vividly brought to life in her film "The Exam Battleground." Zhang Qi comically claimed his "superb performance" was key to the film's success, implying he wanted to be in it.
At home, Zheng Sunian was apprehensive when he found his father, Zheng Jin, waiting for Jin Ning to prepare dinner, as it was his mother's turn to cook, and her culinary skills were generally poor. He attempted to find an excuse to leave, but Zheng Jin insisted he stay. When Jin Ning served her homemade steak, both father and son found it quite unpalatable.
Zheng Sunian tactfully suggested to Jin Ning that if all foreign food tasted similarly, he should learn Chinese cooking from his father before considering going abroad. Meanwhile, Zhang Qi, home alone and eating instant noodles, was pleasantly surprised by a delivery of sushi and sashimi, a thoughtful surprise from his mother, Zhang Ling, who called him to explain. In another household, Wu Huan was tending to his mother, Xin Jie, when his mention of Zheng Sunian sparked a furious outburst.
Xin Jie accused Jin Ning of ruining their family and demanded that Wu Huan harbor hatred for the entire Zheng family. She also irrationally blamed Wu Huan for his father's death, calling him a jinx. A flashback revealed that years prior, Xin Jie had been dismissed from the Restoration Department for stealing a painting from Luo Huaijin.
During a dramatic scene caused by Xin Jie at the institute, Jin Ning attempted to intervene, but Luo Huaijin prevented her, believing her presence would only exacerbate Xin Jie's anger. This incident fueled Xin Jie's intense resentment towards Jin Ning, whom she disparagingly called a "wretch." Wu Huan eventually managed to calm his mother and ensure she took her medicine. As news of rapidly escalating SARS cases in Beijing spread, widespread panic began to grip the city.
Shao Xue initially remained unfazed but soon observed a palpable shift in her neighborhood, with residents becoming cautious and avoiding casual interactions. At school, Zhang Qi suddenly developed a high fever, causing alarm among students and staff fearing SARS infection. Shao Xue, concerned for Zhang Qi, wanted to visit him at the hospital. Zheng Sunian, anticipating the need, provided her with a mask. However, upon arrival, hospital security denied them entry, citing strict quarantine protocols.
Zhang Ling, having learned of her son's isolation, rushed to Shao Xue's home, distraught and seeking information. Just then, Zhang Qi called Shao Xue. Zhang Ling immediately snatched the phone, frantically instructing her son to protect himself and avoid any physical contact with others. Zhang Qi, having already recovered from his fever and expecting to be released soon, then discreetly requested Shao Xue to bring his new Naruto comics from home, complaining of the extreme boredom during his isolation.
Shao Xue agreed and enlisted Zheng Sunian's help. After school, the two covertly returned to the hospital and successfully passed the books to Zhang Qi through a window, narrowly escaping detection by a vigilant security guard. The SARS epidemic continued to intensify, with daily new cases escalating and igniting widespread fear. Residents expressed anxiety about healthcare workers returning to the neighborhood, fearing they might unknowingly bring the virus home to the elderly and young.
Shao Xue and Zheng Sunian witnessed these escalating tensions, realizing the true gravity of the situation. Following the surge in cases, the school announced its immediate closure and the suspension of all classes. Students were instructed to continue their studies at home, emphasizing the importance of diligence for the upcoming NCEE. After delivering the comics, Shao Xue and Zheng Sunian went to the Restoration Department to return Zheng Sunian's father's phone.
There, they met Baiqing, who immediately recognized Shao Xue despite her having grown significantly. Baiqing revealed that he had returned to China at his mentor's request to contribute to SARS vaccine research. He mentioned being temporarily locked out of his own home because his father had changed the lock. Soon after, Baiqing's father, Mr. Sun, appeared, urging Baiqing to rest and reminding him to wear a mask.
Mr. Sun then generously offered Shao Xue and Zheng Sunian some "foreign stuff" Baiqing had brought back, as he himself didn't care for such "foreign things." Seizing the opportunity, Shao Xue asked Baiqing about life abroad, while Zheng Sunian, with more concern, inquired about potential challenges. Baiqing assured them of safety but noted that foreign food could be monotonous, advising Shao Xue to learn to cook before she moved abroad.
Later, at Zheng Sunian's house, Shao Xue discovered a collection of cassette tapes belonging to Jin Ning. Among them was a tape featuring English lyrics personally written by Jin Ning, titled "From Afar." Zheng Sunian shared that his mother would listen to this particular song whenever she longed for his father during her time studying abroad. Shao Xue found the song to be melodious and felt as if it conveyed a heartfelt story.
Soon after, Baiqing deployed to a designated hospital in Xiaotangshan to treat SARS patients on the frontline. Everyone expressed deep worry for Baiqing, keenly aware of the inherent dangers. Recognizing that Mr. Sun, despite maintaining a stoic facade, was undoubtedly consumed with anxiety for his son, Shao Xue proposed that she, Zheng Sunian, and Zhang Qi visit him to offer comfort and companionship. Shao Xue's mother supported the idea, even preparing some braised beef for them to take.
The three friends went to Mr. Sun’s home. Shao Xue noticed Mr. Sun seemed to have forgotten to eat and inquired about his lunch. Zheng Sunian offered to cook noodles for him, a new skill he had learned from his father. While Zheng Sunian prepared the meal, Zhang Qi attempted to play chess with Mr. Sun, but the elderly man remained visibly distracted, his mind clearly preoccupied with his son's perilous work on the front lines. Before leaving, Shao Xue urged Mr. Sun to eat the noodles Zheng Sunian had prepared.
