Memory of Encaustic Tile Episode 8 Recap
> Memory of Encaustic Tile Recap
After Shao Xue's poor test results are revealed, her mother, Yu Dongge, confronts her at home. Furious, she scolds Shao Xue for her declining grades, accusing her of being distracted by her dream of joining the twinning program to study abroad. She compares Shao Xue unfavorably to the ever-successful Zheng Sunian and the recently improved Zhang Qi. Stung by the criticism, Shao Xue retorts that her mother's constant pressure is the real problem.
In a burst of anger, she tells her mother to go adopt the other kids she praises so much, declaring she doesn't want her as a mother anymore. Shao Xue calls a sulking Zheng Sunian, coaxing her out of the house to help her vent her frustration. Shao Xue admits she's now angry with herself, feeling stupid for not getting good grades despite her efforts.
Sunian comforts her by revealing his own secret struggles; he wakes up at five every morning and studies relentlessly, yet he still feels his English isn't as naturally gifted as hers. He encourages her to give it her all just once, to show him how brilliant she can be. He then shares another secret: he often sees her mother awake in the yard at that same early hour.
Shao Xue is stunned into silence, realizing her mother rises before dawn every day just to make her breakfast. The next morning, Yu Dongge wakes up to find that Shao Xue has already prepared breakfast for her and her husband. Left on the table is a note. In it, Shao Xue apologizes for her poor grades and promises to work hard to improve.
More importantly, she thanks her mother for the daily breakfasts that give her the energy to face each day. Touched by her daughter’s thoughtful gesture, Yu Dongge sits down to eat, her anger replaced by emotion. Zheng Sunian falls ill with a fever after getting caught in the rain. When Zhang Qi’s mother calls Zhang Qi with the news that Sunian is home alone, Shao Xue overhears and immediately rushes to his side.
She finds him delirious in bed with a high temperature. Meanwhile, Zhang Qi tries to buy some nourishing food from the corner store but, having spent all his money, returns empty-handed. In Sunian's kitchen, Shao Xue attempts to cook him some noodles, only for Zhang Qi to point out that she forgot to turn on the stove. She then patiently tries to feed the barely conscious Sunian.
Watching her, Zhang Qi asks if she would care for him the same way if he were sick. Shao Xue jokes at first but then assures him that as her good friend, she and Sunian would both take care of him. By the time Sunian's mother, Jin Ning, returns, his fever has broken. She explains to her son that Shao Xue had been there the whole time, diligently changing the cold towels on his forehead to bring the fever down.
While Sunian recovers, Jin Ning shows Shao Xue old photo albums, much to his embarrassment. She points out photos from when Sunian's grades were poor, noting his perpetually serious expression, which only changed to a smile after his academics suddenly improved in the fifth grade. Sunian begs her to stop sharing his "dark history," but Jin Ning playfully teases him further, revealing that their families had arranged a childhood engagement for him and Shao Xue.
She even recalls arguing with Zhang Qi's mother, Zhang Ling, who insisted her son was a better match for Shao Xue. Back at school, the class welcomes several new transfer students, including the outgoing Wu Nana, Yu Huai, and the timid Tang Ya. At the same time, Zhang Qi makes a dramatic farewell to his old class before officially moving to the elite competition class. Expecting a warm reception, he is instead met with a cold, studious silence.
The other students ignore his introduction, and the teacher curtly tells him to find a seat and not disturb the class, leaving Zhang Qi feeling isolated. Shao Xue is summoned by her teacher, who gives her some exciting news: representatives from a foreign university are visiting, and the school has selected her to be the official student interpreter. The teacher explains she was chosen for both her English skills and her photogenic appearance.
Thrilled and proud, Shao Xue promises not to disappoint. She later befriends her new deskmate, Tang Ya, who confides that her English is terrible and that she has always struggled to make friends. Shao Xue immediately offers to help her study and protectively declares, "I'm your friend now." The news of Shao Xue’s prestigious new role spreads quickly through the neighborhood, growing more exaggerated with each telling.
Neighbors congratulate her on being interviewed by foreign television and even giving a speech at the embassy. At home, Shao Xue diligently practices her English aloud from a book. When her mother questions the need for it, Shao Xue passionately explains that she cannot afford to embarrass herself, her school, or the city of Beijing. Deeply committed, she continues to prepare for the important day.
