Northwards Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Northwards Synopsis

Northwards Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

In 1901, an Italian man with brown hair and blue eyes traveled to China to survey the historic Grand Canal project. During his time there, he befriended a local, settled down, and started a family. Over the long years that followed, the canal nurtured generations of families living along its banks.

The ships traveling north and south carried memories spanning ancient times to the present, making the canal not merely a route for the local people, but a compass that pointed the way to the world, representing their entire lives. In the summer of 2000, ten-year-old Xia Fenghua, Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo, all born and raised on Flower Street by the canal, were lively and mischievous children.

As usual, they coordinated their efforts to sneak into a boat cabin and steal watermelons. Even when discovered by the furious boatman, they simply laughed, leaped into the river, and swam away with their stolen bounty, eager to share their "labor" with each other. The boatman, unable to truly punish the children, reported the theft to Liang Haihong, Xie Wanghe's mother, accusing her son of stealing over a dozen watermelons and insisting her husband would have to pay.

Liang Haihong immediately apologized, promising to pay for the watermelons and asking the boatman not to be angry with the children. Meanwhile, the four culprits watched a lively ship wedding from the riverbank. Fenghua, captivated by the beautiful bride, declared that when she grew up, she wanted to have her own wedding on a ship, adding that if no one else would have her, she would marry Wanghe. Wanghe quickly retorted, joking that Fenghua's gluttony would bankrupt his family.

Soon after, Granny Ma returned with her granddaughter, Ma Siyi, a girl with striking mixed-blood features. The children enthusiastically greeted them. Fenghua, noticing Siyi's distinctive appearance, asked if she was a foreigner, to which Siyi quietly introduced herself. Unlike the boisterous children, Siyi was reserved and appeared to carry a lot on her mind. Fenghua later narrated that they didn't know then how this quiet, foreign-looking girl would change their lives.

Granny Ma later explained to some neighbors that Siyi's father had passed away, and her mother had remarried and had a son, leading her to send Siyi to live with her grandmother. This left Siyi unusually sensible and withdrawn, though she politely greeted everyone. Fenghua, ever outgoing, accompanied Siyi back to Granny Ma’s house for wontons, a frequent haunt for Fenghua. During dinner, Fenghua praised Granny Ma's wontons, recounting how she made them daily when Siyi was away.

Granny Ma mentioned that Siyi's grandfather's ancestors were foreigners. She showed them old photos, pointing out the foreign-looking people, including Siyi's grandfather and father. Siyi's father was particularly handsome with big eyes and a high nose bridge. Fenghua, excited, exclaimed that Siyi must be a foreigner, to which Siyi quietly affirmed she was Chinese, born in China, but with Italian ancestors. Granny Ma clarified that Italy was a very distant place.

Inspired, Fenghua declared that when she and Siyi grew up, she would drive a ship and take Siyi to Italy, inviting Granny Ma to join them. After dinner, Fenghua took Siyi to meet the neighbors. First, they visited the Zhou family. Fenghua introduced the family elder, Zhou Yipu, a kind and cultured man whom the children called Grandpa Zhou, and a refuge for them when they were in trouble.

She then pointed out Zhou Haikuo, her classmate, mentioning that he was good at studies and would do homework for money, a statement Haikuo quickly denied. Next, they met Zhou Haikuo's father, Zhou Yanlin, a master chef of Huaiyang cuisine who owned the "By the Canal" restaurant. Fenghua proudly added that Haikuo’s mother, Luo Zhimei, was a Kun opera singer, even prettier than Siyi.

Fenghua then took Siyi to her own home, introducing her dad, Xia Lao'er the seafarer, and her mom, Li Yan, who ran a breakfast stall. Fenghua jokingly complained about her mother's constant scolding and talkativeness, a comment that quickly made her flee from her mother's reprimand. They then met Liang Haihong, who ran the breakfast stall with Fenghua’s mom.

Finally, Fenghua introduced Xie Wanghe and his father Xie Tiancheng, whom she proudly called 'the boss of the Flower Street portion of the Grand Canal' and her father's successful seafaring partner, likening him to a Dragon King on the river. Wanghe quickly dismissed Fenghua's exaggerated claims, saying they wouldn't be renting if they were so rich. As they continued, they met Shao Xingchi.

Fenghua explained that his father, Shao Bingyi, was a writer at the cultural museum whose work had been featured in newspapers. The children's warm welcome began to help Siyi relax. Later, Fenghua, Wanghe, Xingchi, and Haikuo took Siyi to stargaze from a rooftop. Upon returning, Shao Bingyi, Shao Xingchi’s father, discreetly informed Zhou Yipu that Xie Tiancheng was planning to replace their ship.

Shao Bingyi expressed his bewilderment and dissatisfaction, noting that the current vessel was relatively new and had been purchased with everyone’s pooled money. He learned this from an antique seller whose son worked at a shipyard, where Xie Tiancheng had reportedly been negotiating for several rounds. Shao Bingyi urged Zhou Yipu to intervene, fearing Xie Tiancheng might act recklessly. Zhou Yipu reassured him, promising to speak with Xie Tiancheng when he returned.

Soon, Xie Tiancheng returned from his seafaring trip, proudly carrying gifts and distributing money to the families in the courtyard, making everyone's lives more prosperous. He announced that his recent trip with Xia Lao'er had earned them 24,000 yuan. Following the usual practice, half the money was kept for their shared account, and the other half was distributed according to each family’s shares.

With everyone gathered, he revealed his plan: capitalizing on the booming construction materials transport business and rising freight costs, he proposed selling their 500-ton ship, which he felt was too small, to buy a 1000-ton vessel. This upgrade would allow them to cover two trips of their old ship in one, saving time without significantly increasing fuel costs.

He calculated that with their current 200,000 yuan in the shared account, they would only need to raise an additional 100,000 yuan to acquire the larger ship. He confidently projected that two years of hard work with the new ship would cover the investment, with pure profit thereafter. Zhou Yipu’s son, Zhou Yanlin, however, voiced his concerns, pointing out that the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway would be fully operational by year-end, potentially impacting river transport.

Xie Tiancheng quickly dismissed these worries, arguing that while highways were fast, their costs were high, whereas river transport was free. He believed that by focusing on the Honghuai route, they would continue to thrive. He even cited the Jiangnan Shipyard’s two-year backlog of orders as proof of sustained demand. Zhou Yanlin tried to object further, but his father, Zhou Yipu, abruptly stood up and countered him.

Zhou Yipu, deeply sentimental about the Grand Canal, reminded everyone that as people born by the canal, they must never forget their roots, effectively silencing further debate. That evening, Liang Haihong expressed her misgivings to Xie Tiancheng, stressing that changing ships was a major decision requiring proper preparation and discussion. Xie Tiancheng remained convinced of the move's benefits, dismissing her concerns about potential losses, especially for Granny Ma who was raising her granddaughter alone.

He reminded her of his successful track record, claiming he had always led them to prosperity. Later, Xie Tiancheng, finding out about Wanghe’s watermelon theft, chased him with a slipper, determined to beat him, despite Wanghe’s attempts to justify himself by mentioning his father’s own childhood thefts of sweet potatoes and chives. Fenghua also faced punishment from her mother, Li Yan, for the same offense.

Shao Bingyi, already displeased with Xie Tiancheng's plan, discovered his son, Shao Xingchi, had submitted an essay riddled with errors and poor handwriting, which Xingchi admitted was written by Zhou Haikuo in exchange for ice cream. Infuriated, Shao Bingyi lashed out at his son. Despite his personal resentment towards Xie Tiancheng’s plan, Shao Bingyi refused to withdraw his shares, explaining to his wife that doing so alone would make him appear petty and betray the communal spirit.

Citing historical examples of individuals conforming to group decisions even when they believed them to be wrong, he reluctantly agreed to invest, insisting it was voluntary. Meanwhile, Li Yan and Xia Lao'er debated the new ship.

When Li Yan questioned if there was enough work for a bigger ship and Xia Lao'er replied that he merely followed Xie Tiancheng's lead, Li Yan angrily accused him of lacking his own opinion, reminding him that she, a "pure maiden," marrying him despite his lack of property was a blessing to his family, leading to a heated argument.

At the same time, Zhou Yanlin watched videos taken by Haikuo during the day, admitting to his wife, Luo Zhimei, that he regretted speaking negatively about the new ship in front of his father. He acknowledged his father’s profound emotional connection to the Grand Canal’s prosperity, not money. Zhou Yanlin agreed to invest, saying it wasn't a large sum and a potential loss would be worth his father’s happiness.

Luo Zhimei, however, worried about Granny Ma’s ability to contribute, recalling that her savings had been depleted by her son's medical expenses, leaving her struggling to raise Siyi. That night, Ma Siyi couldn't sleep. Lying in Granny Ma’s arms, she questioned why her Italian ancestors came to China during such turbulent times. Granny Ma then told her the family’s story, passed down by Siyi’s grandfather: Her great-great-grandfather, Ma Fude, an Italian, had arrived in China.

During the war, he fiercely protected his wife and children, killing two Japanese soldiers before being brutally attacked and killed by their wolfdogs. On his deathbed, Ma Fude expressed regret at not finding his brother, who was on a ship traveling north along the canal from Italy to find him. He instructed his son to continue the search. For generations, the family traveled south along the canal, eventually settling in Linqing, where Siyi's grandfather married Granny Ma.

They then continued further south, finally making Flower Street their home. When Siyi asked if Ma Fude's brother was ever found, Granny Ma sadly replied that too many years had passed, and the search was ultimately fruitless.

Granny Ma then reflected on human relationships, emphasizing the deep bonds and mutual support within their courtyard community, asserting that these neighbors, though not blood relatives, were closer than many distant family members, just like Siyi and her own mother who had grown apart.

Episode 2 Recap

Early one morning, Liang Haihong stood thoughtfully at her stall as other mothers from the courtyard gathered around. They noticed her troubled expression, and Liang Haihong explained her concerns about the proposed new ship. She worried about losing money, asking, "What if we can't?" Another mother tried to reassure her, saying that Boss Xie, her husband, was an expert on the canal and couldn't be wrong. However, Liang Haihong was not convinced.

She stated that they were just a small business and couldn't afford to take risks. She pointed out that while her husband and his partner could manage a 500-ton ship, a larger vessel would require hiring additional crew, significantly increasing their operating costs. Another mother expressed agreement, wondering about the potential expense. Ma Siyi transferred to the elementary school where Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe attended. Her distinctive appearance and quiet demeanor immediately drew attention.

During a lesson, Xie Wanghe attempted to pass a note to Ma Siyi. Xia Fenghua, witnessing this, reported him to the teacher. Both Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua were then sent to stand in the corridor as punishment. Back in the courtyard, the mothers discussed Ma Siyi staying. Granny Ma confirmed she had enrolled Ma Siyi in school and that the girl would remain with her.

Xia Fenghua's mother, Li Yan, expressed outrage, questioning Ma Siyi's mother's parental responsibility, exclaiming, "How could a mother abandon her own child?" Another mother defended Siyi's mother, explaining that she had remarried and had another child, making it difficult to raise both. However, Li Yan remained firm, stating that children should always come first, and she would prioritize her own daughter's feelings if she were to remarry.

That evening, while other families in the courtyard enjoyed lively dinners, Ma Siyi's home was quiet and somber. Missing her mother, Ma Siyi sat alone in her room, silently weeping. Granny Ma tried to comfort her, offering more food, but Ma Siyi politely declined, later promising to wash dishes after homework. The next day, the courtyard was bustling again as the mothers helped Granny Ma set up her breakfast stall.

Xie Wanghe, after a brief exchange with his mother Liang Haihong about it being Saturday and asking for money, secured five yuan for ice cream. Xia Fenghua, along with other friends, immediately demanded a share. Later, the children saw Ma Siyi secretly making a phone call from the street. Ma Siyi tearfully pleaded with her mother, asking how long she would have to stay with her grandmother and when she could return home.

She offered to help with housework and care for her younger brother, promising it wouldn't affect her studies. However, her mother responded coldly, saying Ma Siyi needed to be more considerate because Granny Ma needed care. She claimed she was too busy to take Ma Siyi back and that Ma Siyi would live with her grandmother from now on, quickly hanging up the phone when she claimed her younger son woke up.

Watching Ma Siyi weep after the call, Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe felt immense pity for her. Ma Siyi's distinct appearance soon attracted attention from other classmates, particularly a boy named Sun Sanliang, who persistently tried to befriend her. When Sun Sanliang approached Xie Wanghe, asking to be introduced to Ma Siyi and offering to buy her ice cream, Xie Wanghe immediately told him to stay away.

Sun Sanliang retorted that Ma Siyi was Xie Wanghe's neighbor, not his wife, and that Xie Wanghe should mind his own business. Incensed, Xie Wanghe confronted him, leading to a conflict that was quickly broken up by a teacher. While standing outside as punishment, Xie Wanghe noticed that Ma Siyi did not have a proper schoolbag, only an old cloth bag.

This prompted him to approach Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo to discuss pooling their money to buy Ma Siyi a new one. Xia Fenghua encouraged Ma Siyi to sneak out of her room through the window, and together they made and ate sugar syrup. While enjoying the treat, Xia Fenghua asked Ma Siyi about her favorite foods and school subjects.

Learning that Ma Siyi excelled in literature and essay writing, Xia Fenghua proposed a deal: Ma Siyi would help her with her essays, and in return, Xia Fenghua would protect her from any bothersome boys. Ma Siyi agreed, and a budding friendship began to grow between them. Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo gathered to count their pooled money, realizing it was far from enough to buy a new schoolbag.

To earn the remaining 80 yuan, Xie Wanghe led them to the river to dive for clams. They then took their catch to Shao Bingyi, offering to sell them for 80 yuan, which they claimed was the market price. Shao Bingyi, impressed by their negotiation tactics and insistence on upfront cash payment, agreed to buy the clams but reminded them to be careful in the river. He commented that the boys were quite "business-minded."

Later, Ma Siyi was deeply touched when her friends presented her with a new schoolbag, solidifying the bond among the five children. As noon approached, Zhou Yanlin's restaurant, "By the Canal," buzzed with activity. He had set up a special table for the children to eat, even instructing the chef to prepare light, healthy meals for them. At that moment, District Chief Gu A-lian arrived with her son, Chen Rui.

Explaining that her busy work schedule prevented her from cooking for her son, she hoped to enroll Chen Rui in the children's meal program. Zhou Yanlin welcomed them enthusiastically and was delighted to discover that Chen Rui was already a classmate of Xia Fenghua and the others. Ms. Gu insisted on paying, stating she couldn't allow her son to eat there otherwise, but Zhou Yanlin graciously declined, viewing it as a favor to him.

Chen Rui was quickly integrated into the lively group of children. As Shao Bingyi rode past, he spotted District Chief Gu A-lian and quickly approached her. He greeted her warmly and spoke about his cultural aspirations, mentioning his ongoing work on "The Story of the Canal" and Ms. Gu's offer of a cultural grant for the project. Meanwhile, the children listened intently as Zhou Yipu recounted tales.

He spoke of an ancient monument erected by Prime Minister Liu Luoguo, celebrating Flower Street's historical importance on the canal. He then transitioned to a story about a foreign visitor from Italy, whose name sounded like "Little Polo," who arrived from the South Sea and traveled north along the canal, carrying what locals called a "soul absorber" (which was merely a camera). Xie Wanghe, remembering Ma Siyi's mixed heritage, jokingly asked if this foreigner was her ancestor.

Ma Siyi immediately denied it, explaining that her grandmother had said her ancestors traveled south from the north, contradicting the story. Later, Sun Sanliang again pestered Ma Siyi, trying to give her ice cream she didn't want. When he wouldn't leave her alone, Xia Fenghua, Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo intervened, leading to a brawl with Sun Sanliang.

Covered in dirt, the children, fearing their parents' scolding, tried to sneak back into the courtyard but were caught by Liang Haihong. She pulled Xie Wanghe into their room, chastising him. When Xie Wanghe explained that they were defending Ma Siyi from bullies, Liang Haihong realized her mistake. She apologized to her son and urged him to continue protecting Ma Siyi, treating her like his own sister. Listening from outside the door, Ma Siyi was deeply moved by their conversation.

With her new friends, Ma Siyi's life became more vibrant. She asked Granny Ma about their neighbors, and Granny Ma lovingly described each family: the Zhou family, who had lived there since the courtyard was built, with the intelligent Haikuo; the Shao family, who arrived eight years ago when Xingchi was a hungry toddler; and Wanghe’s family, who moved in with Fenghua’s, known for their kindness and loyalty.

Granny Ma particularly recalled how Uncle Xie had selflessly helped her during Ma Siyi's father's illness. She emphasized that all the neighbors were good people and encouraged Ma Siyi to cherish these relationships, reminding her of the old saying, "Good neighbors are more helpful than distant relatives." Soon after, the four families gathered to discuss the new ship investment.

Xie Tiancheng presented the details, highlighting the new 1000-ton ship's imported, fuel-efficient, and quiet engine, and the favorable sale of their old vessel. He assured everyone that the new ship would be delivered within a week of payment. Though he offered an out to anyone uninterested, Shao Bingyi immediately brought money, stating his family was in.

Granny Ma, despite her limited resources and caring for Ma Siyi, was the first to wholeheartedly support the venture financially, insisting she wanted to contribute. Others, including Liang Haihong, also expressed their trust in Xie Tiancheng and committed their funds. The money was collected, and Xie Wanghe’s family successfully acquired the new 1000-ton ship, which was ceremoniously adorned with red silks and flowers as it returned to Flower Street.

The children's bond deepened, and their childhood was filled with joyful days of playing, often swimming in the river, as they grew up together. Seven years passed, and by 2007, all five friends were high school students. During one of their river outings, Xia Fenghua, feigning reluctance to swim without her swimsuit, mischievously made off with everyone else's clothes. Their playful antics were abruptly interrupted by screams coming from a nearby house.

The five friends rushed over to find out what happened. They learned that Wu, a seafarer from Flower Street who had recently acquired a new ship, had accumulated massive debts, primarily through gambling. He had borrowed money for the ship, struggled to find work, and was heavily fined for overloading during a recent coal shipment, leading him to despair and jump into the river.

The tragic incident underscored the changing times, as the increasing number of highways led to a decline in canal shipping, creating immense pressure on the boatmen and challenging their way of life, even as the spirit of the canal endured within them.

Episode 3 Recap

Seven years had passed, and the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway had long since connected, boosting the national economy but leading to a decline in canal shipping. The sense of honor and achievement for those who worked on the river dwindled as business suffered and profits shrank. The waterways, once bustling, now seemed to move backward in a world speeding ahead.

Shao Xingchi's cooking skills had grown impressively over the years, and his eel noodles alone were enough to win over his friends in the courtyard. As they gathered around the table, Ma Siyi remained quiet, still affected by the recent suicide of a man who jumped into the river. Xie Wanghe and others, however, didn't condone such a desperate act, believing that a man must be responsible and bear any burden, no matter how heavy.

Xia Fenghua teased them, accusing them of flattering themselves, and their mealtime quickly turned into playful banter. Xie Wanghe even joked that he'd charge Xia Fenghua for washing his swimming trunks, and Shao Xingchi declared his noodles would cost fifty yuan, dreaming of financial freedom. Xia Fenghua retorted that she’d pay him to shut up. After dinner, the group cycled to school as usual. Due to their varying academic achievements, they headed to different high schools.

The academically excellent Ma Siyi and Chen Rui attended No. 1 High School, a hub for top students, while the others, with their average grades and less disciplined behavior, went to No. 7 High School, located just across from No. 1 High. As they dropped Ma Siyi off at her school, they encountered Sun Sanliang, who, as mischievous as ever, tried to befriend Ma Siyi. However, Xia Fenghua intervened, chasing him off.

During a school assembly, the principal encouraged students to prepare for their upcoming college entrance exams, emphasizing how it could change their lives. Yet, the students of No. 7 High School sat listlessly, a stark contrast to the disciplined, slogan-chanting students of No. 1 High School. In class, Xie Wanghe, lost in thought, was called out by Mr. Xu, their teacher. Unfazed, Xie Wanghe argued that going to university wasn't the only path to success.

He cited Bill Gates and other successful entrepreneurs who lacked traditional degrees, emphasizing that a crucial element was a progressive way of thinking, creativity, foresight, and strategic planning, rather than mere rote memorization. He elaborated on his idea of a "test prep center" where students could continuously practice with guidance, boosting their scores. He explained that teachers could legitimately collect fees for "catering, nutrition, and printing" rather than for tutoring.

After a rapid calculation on the blackboard, Xie Wanghe, with Xia Fenghua’s enthusiastic support, convinced Mr. Xu and the class that by expanding the center using geometric progression, Mr. Xu could become a billionaire. The classroom erupted in cheers, hailing Mr. Xu as the future richest man in Honghuai. Xia Fenghua, meanwhile, dismissed the other students' inability to grasp such ambition, stating, "The swallows and sparrows will never understand the ambition of a swan.

It's a waste of effort if you tell those who don't understand." Later that day, Sun Sanliang blocked their path, demanding compensation for his "Air Force 1's" that Xia Fenghua had allegedly damaged. However, the moment he saw Xia Fenghua emerge from the school building, he sped off on his bike. Xia Fenghua, fantasizing about earning enough money to attend a front-row seat at her idol’s concert, was abruptly pulled back to reality by the sound of her parents arguing.

The changing times had hit the canal shipping business hard, making life increasingly difficult for many families in the courtyard. Xia Fenghua’s parents, Xia Maotian and Li Yan, were arguing about yet another loan request from Xia Maotian’s family. Li Yan expressed her long-held grievances, explaining that when their business was good, she tolerated her mother-in-law's favoritism and constant demands for money.

But now, with their own finances strained, she refused to lend more, pointing out the stark difference in earnings from seafaring compared to before. Xia Maotian, unable to retort, was left speechless, while Xia Fenghua stood silently at the door. Similarly, Xie Tiancheng, once a respected ship owner, now felt a significant disparity in his life, especially compared to Sun Sanliang's father, who had become a wealthy entrepreneur.

Although Sun’s family still owed money to Xie’s family, Xie Tiancheng hesitated to demand repayment, fearing it would jeopardize his remaining business, which relied heavily on Mr. Sun. This sparked a heated argument between him and his wife, Liang Haihong. Feeling restless, Xie Wanghe went to the rooftop, where he found Xia Fenghua, also troubled by her family's financial woes. They sat side by side, sharing their dreams for the future.

Xia Fenghua wished for a rich husband who wasn't overly filial, while Xie Wanghe dreamt of buying his father's boat and a city house with a garden for his parents, so they could retire and live worry-free. Meanwhile, Shao Bingyi’s literary works were repeatedly rejected by the publishing house as their themes were no longer in vogue.

His son, Shao Xingchi, suggested he try writing tomb-raiding novels like "Ghost Blows Out the Light," but Shao Bingyi, priding himself on his scholarly integrity, refused to stoop to such "despicable" genres. Luo Zhimei, Zhou Haikuo’s mother, felt stifled by her life as a housewife, her acting career forgotten.

Directing her frustration at her husband, Zhou Yanlin, she declared her decision to go to Hengdian to pursue acting, despite his protests that she wouldn't get her name back from small roles. Overwhelmed, Zhou Haikuo ascended to the rooftop, where he found his four friends already gathered. The five of them talked about their lives after graduation, agreeing that most of their families’ problems stemmed from money.

They discussed their ambitions, with Xie Wanghe expressing his desire to move to Beijing's Zhongguancun after graduation, determined not to passively await an uncertain fate. Later that night, after parting ways with her friends, Ma Siyi returned home. She overheard her mother tearfully confessing to Granny Ma the heartbreaking reason she sent Siyi to live with her years ago. Her mother, married to her second husband, Ge, had discovered him spying on 10-year-old Siyi in the shower.

Fearing for her daughter's safety, she had no choice but to send Siyi to Granny Ma. Now, with Ge bankrupt and her second child's tuition unpaid, Siyi’s mother had come to Granny Ma to borrow money, intending to try her luck in the south, even considering joining a pyramid scheme.

The next day in class, Ma Siyi and Chen Rui were caught using Morse code to communicate, prompting their teacher to give a lecture on Morse code and the importance of encrypting messages. After school, Ma Siyi found her mother hiding in a corner, crying. Distraught, Ma Siyi confronted her, demanding to know the extent of their debt, recounting her childhood trauma and daily insomnia that stemmed from being sent away.

Her mother confessed that Ge had incurred a huge debt for assaulting someone, and she had to repay it quickly to prevent debt collectors from harassing her younger son at school. Ma Siyi, offering to sell her blood to help, was overcome with emotion. Concerned, Xie Wanghe and his friends discussed ways to help Ma Siyi.

They dismissed Chen Rui’s idea of a game plug-in to mine gold coins as potentially illegal and damaging to their college prospects, and Shao Xingchi’s suggestion to borrow from his father. Shao Xingchi lamented the declining business on Flower Street and the pollution in the river. Eventually, Xie Wanghe proposed retrieving diesel from an abandoned, leaking boat at West Gate. He argued it would not only help Siyi but also contribute to environmental protection.

Xia Fenghua, upon hearing their plan, vehemently insisted on joining them to keep watch. Despite Xie Wanghe's initial refusal, she threatened to prevent anyone from leaving if she wasn't included. Realizing her determination, the boys relented, and the group set off, planning to borrow a cart from Flower Street for transportation.

Episode 4 Recap

Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe and his friends arrived at the riverside under the cover of darkness, intending to steal oil from a boat. Before they could act, police sirens blared. Everyone fled, but Xie Wanghe stayed behind to protect his friends and was apprehended by the police. As Wanghe was being led into the police car, Xia Fenghua cried desperately, and Shao Xingchi suggested they call Chen Rui to ask his mother, Gu Alian, for help.

Ma Siyi, having no other options for money, approached Zhou Yanlin at his restaurant. She offered to work part-time, handling tasks such as washing dishes, serving, and sweeping, and even agreed to accept half the standard wage. In return, she requested an immediate advance payment of 4,700 yuan. Zhou Yanlin, perceiving her desperation, offered to lend her the money directly, arguing that her final year of high school should be solely dedicated to her studies.

However, Ma Siyi’s determined insistence on working, coupled with her plea not to inform her grandmother, led Zhou Yanlin to understand the sensitive nature of her request, which she admitted was to help her mother. He reluctantly conceded, allowing her to work only on weekends, provided she used any spare time to focus on her homework. Ma Siyi gratefully accepted the advance and swiftly departed.

Unknown to Wanghe's friends, Chen Rui was at dinner, enduring a stern lecture from his mother, Gu Alian. She had learned from his teacher that Chen Rui had been using Morse code, a hobby taught to him by his father Chen Bo, to send secret messages to his classmate Ma Siyi during class.

Already critical of Chen Rui’s choice of friends (except Ma Siyi, whom she considered decent), whom she felt were a bad influence on his academics, Gu Alian’s frustration intensified. When Chen Rui received a phone call from his friends seeking help for Xie Wanghe’s arrest, his mother intercepted the conversation. Upon hearing that Wanghe was caught stealing oil, Gu Alian firmly refused to intervene, stating she would not use her position to bail him out.

Despite her refusal, Chen Rui felt compelled to be there for his best friend. As he attempted to sneak out, Gu Alian forcibly stopped him, leading to a struggle that resulted in him tumbling down the stairs and sustaining an injury. Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe, now in Officer Shen Yong’s police car, desperately pleaded that it was his first offense.

The officer, however, remained stern, reminding him that he was old enough to face consequences for his actions and even threatening to personally send him to prison, implying his father’s reaction would be "amusing." Wanghe then realized Shen Yong knew his father, and the officer confirmed a long-standing "past" where Xie Tiancheng had often bullied him as a child. Despite the initial harshness, Shen Yong surprised Wanghe by taking him to a late-night food stall.

From a discreet distance, Xia Fenghua, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo watched in bewilderment, unable to fathom why Wanghe was sharing a meal with the arresting officer. At the food stall, Xie Wanghe candidly discussed his low academic standing, ranking third from the bottom of his class, explaining that his focus was on "making money." He vented his frustration about his father, Xie Tiancheng, who he felt had squandered opportunities.

Once a respected "ship boss" during the thriving era of river transport before the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, his father now had to "grovel" to contractors, losing his masculine dignity. Shen Yong, enraged by Wanghe's disparaging remarks, slammed the table and rebuked him for his disrespect. After calming down, Shen Yong revealed his own history with Xie Tiancheng.

He recounted that when his mother fell gravely ill during his high school years, Xie Tiancheng, despite their adversarial childhood where Wanghe’s father had frequently bullied him, unexpectedly appeared at his house. Xie Tiancheng gave him 600 yuan in small bills—an immense sum in 1987—insisting that Shen Yong use it to hire a caregiver and not drop out of school.

He urged Shen Yong to pursue a good education and a stable job, emphasizing that street vending was not his destiny. Shen Yong further explained that throughout his mother's illness, Xie Tiancheng and his brothers took turns caring for her, often bringing fish that his mother eventually grew tired of. While acknowledging Xie Tiancheng’s sometimes "jerky" personality, Shen Yong affirmed that his father was a man who "never owed anyone favors; it's always others who owe him."

He stressed to Wanghe that despite any current rebellious feelings, his father was "a man of great integrity" and cautioned him not to bring shame upon his family, even threatening physical punishment if he continued his foolish ways. After Shen Yong paid the bill and departed, Xia Fenghua and the others escorted Xie Wanghe home. Their initial plan to steal oil having failed, they brainstormed new ways to help Ma Siyi.

Shao Xingchi argued against simply giving her money, recalling how Ma Siyi, even as a child, repaid Wanghe’s gift of a schoolbag with a Casio watch she bought from selling soda cans for a year. He emphasized her excellent academic record—top three in her key class—and urged them not to distract her with money, but rather to help her find a sustainable way to earn.

While Zhou Haikuo and Wanghe offered to sell their valuables, such as gaming equipment or Wanghe’s father’s motorcycle, Xia Fenghua announced she had a plan and insisted on absolute secrecy, especially from Ma Siyi. Just then, Ma Siyi appeared, having overheard their entire conversation. The boys attempted to cover up, claiming they were "just passing by," that the oil was "picked up," and that it was a "false alarm," even suggesting Wanghe was worried Ma Siyi might "sell blood."

Furious at Wanghe’s meddling and reckless actions, Ma Siyi struck him, told him to "watch himself," and retreated to her room in tears. Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo fretted over her anger. Ma Siyi’s Granny Ma found her crying and, having overheard their earlier exchange, consoled her. She acknowledged Wanghe's impulsive and "idiotic" nature but assured Siyi that he had a kind heart and became "a scatterbrain" whenever he saw her.

Granny Ma reminisced about a childhood incident where Wanghe, attempting to cheer Siyi up, claimed he could fly like Sun Wukong with a tablecloth, jumping from a table and breaking his leg. Even while hospitalized with his injury, in an ill-conceived attempt to demonstrate the scientific principles of a "lightning conductor" using a wire and an electrical socket, he electrocuted himself. Granny Ma characterized Wanghe as reckless yet profoundly loyal.

Later that night, Xie Wanghe, kept awake by his father’s snoring, discovered his mother, Liang Haihong, still awake in the living room, deep in financial calculations. Liang Haihong offered to rent him a separate room, but Wanghe countered that his father should sleep on the boat. His mother confirmed their river transport business had barely broken even due to rising oil and labor costs.

She revealed her plan to sell the boat, withdraw their shares, and invest in a heavy truck for land transport, asking Wanghe to research options online. Wanghe expressed apprehension about his father's reaction, observing that his father, usually "listless" at home, became a "different person," "full of energy," when on the boat. Liang Haihong then shared that Xie Tiancheng once likened himself to a "loach" that would "suffocate" if kept too far from water.

Feeling "useless" compared to past generations who achieved success at his age, Wanghe apologized for being unable to alleviate their financial burdens while still pursuing his studies. His mother comforted him, valuing his intentions above all else. Wanghe then promised to achieve success and make his parents proud, enabling them to "have their nose in the air." Separately, Li Yan, Xia Fenghua's mother, toiled late into the night making handbags for extra income.

She confided in Xia Fenghua about her problematic mother-in-law, who frequently visited with relatives to consume their food and take items, always complaining of poverty and inventing stories, like her pigsty being inappropriately located and causing a stench throughout the village.

Li Yan recalled a wedding gift from her mother-in-law: a meticulously wrapped "family heirloom" jade bracelet, falsely claimed to be Han Dynasty mutton-fat jade, which was later identified as inexpensive majestic white jade, cheaper even than the bags they were sewing. Xia Fenghua asked about her earnings and how much she could get for new jeans, finding her current pair "unfashionable." Her mother teased her, then praised Xia Fenghua’s beauty over Ma Siyi’s.

Xia Fenghua, in turn, boasted about her figure being better than Siyi’s. Her mother challenged her to improve her grades, promising a new phone alongside the jeans if she did. Xia Fenghua dismissed the value of good grades, instead praising Xie Wanghe, who, despite his poor academic performance, she believed possessed "brilliant ideas" and would become the "most, most promising" among his peers, even having left their teacher Mr. Xu speechless that day.

Li Yan, however, then painted a vivid and somewhat cruel picture for her daughter: a future where a successful Xie Wanghe, driving a Mercedes, would arrive with a university-educated Ma Siyi at Xia Fenghua’s humble fried radish cake stall, expecting a discount. The image left Xia Fenghua visibly disheartened, and she returned to her room.

The next morning, Xia Fenghua and her friends, after waiting in vain for Ma Siyi, who had already left for school on her own, wondered if she was still angry before heading to school. In another part of town, Xia Maotian, Shao Bingyi, Chen Bo, and Xie Tiancheng were sharing a meal.

Shao Bingyi sported a bite mark from his wife, Liu Yuling, humorously explaining her biting habits as responses to both joy and frustration, describing this instance as "a mix of both." Xie Tiancheng advised Xia Maotian to establish "rules" at home to ensure wives understood their husbands were "heaven."

Meanwhile, in a separate conversation, Liang Haihong, speaking to Liu Yuling (who was not present at the meal), strongly asserted that "women are the boss" at home and that physical violence was utterly unacceptable, offering her home as refuge if Shao Bingyi ever resorted to hitting her again. Liu Yuling, through Liang Haihong, rationalized her husband's actions as unintentional, attributing them to alcohol and work-related stress.

Chen Bo, expressing envy for Shao Bingyi's wife’s cooking prowess, contrasted it with his own wife, Gu Alian, who could barely fry an egg without mishap. He advised Shao Bingyi to show affection and a "sense of ritual" to his feverish wife to prevent their feelings from fading. Meanwhile, Granny Ma visited Zhou Yanlin at his stall, chiding him for not seeing off his wife, Luo Zhimei, who had gone to Hengdian.

She informed him that Luo Zhimei had arranged for a liver-protective herbal medicine from a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, entrusting Granny Ma to brew it and ensure Zhou Yanlin drank it, knowing he would heed her advice over his father’s. Granny Ma stressed the importance of mutual support and frequent communication in a marriage, cautioning that distance could erode affection. Zhou Yanlin promised to call his wife soon.

Episode 5 Recap

After class, Ma Siyi learned from Ms. Xia Fenghua that Chen Rui had fractured his lower leg the previous night and was hospitalized. Ma Siyi, worried, told her friends Xie Wanghe and others that she had to visit Chen Rui at the hospital. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Chen Rui's mother, Gu Alian, was busy with incessant work calls, including one about contaminated farmland.

Her husband, Chen Bo, arrived late, explaining he had been at a reception for the City Writers Association. Gu Alian, at her wit's end, complained about his tardiness, mockingly asking if it was the "Writers Association or Hairdressers Association." She then turned her attention to Chen Rui, worried about his studies, and blamed his injury on his attempt to bail out what she called "delinquent teenagers" the previous night.

Chen Bo defended the teenagers, saying they were decent children, while Chen Rui lay distraught in his hospital bed. Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, Zhou Haikuo, and Xia Fenghua arrived at the hospital, attempting to find Chen Rui's ward. The front desk nurse declined to provide the room number, citing patient privacy. In a clever maneuver, Xia Fenghua pretended to have a heart attack, dramatically collapsing and clutching her chest.

While the nurse was distracted, the friends managed to peek at the patient list and locate Chen Rui’s ward. They then burst into his room, instantly lifting Chen Rui's spirits. He laughed as they playfully teased him about his fractured leg and the challenges of using the bathroom. Ma Siyi, ever thoughtful, offered to copy her class notes for Chen Rui and clarify any difficult topics. Xie Wanghe boasted that he had an even better study plan involving practice questions.

The friends also reminded Chen Rui to avoid reckless behavior, especially after his recent run-in with the police. Chen Rui promised to stay out of trouble. Gu Alian then entered the ward, immediately causing the boisterous friends to quiet down. She sternly reminded everyone to focus on their studies with the college entrance exam approaching.

She listened as Ma Siyi told the others about Chen Rui's grades, expressing her satisfaction that he was a top 10 student but concern that his performance became "unstable" when he spent time with certain friends. She subtly disapproved of Chen Rui associating with the group, suggesting their parents wouldn't want them to "become monks at a young age." Following this, Gu Alian asked to speak with Ma Siyi in private.

She thanked Ma Siyi for offering to share her notes with Chen Rui and extended an invitation for Ma Siyi to stay at their home while Chen Rui was hospitalized. Gu Alian elaborated on a convenient arrangement: she would drive Ma Siyi to school in the mornings, Ma Siyi could then visit Chen Rui at the hospital after school to deliver and explain the notes, and Gu Alian would then drive her home.

Gu Alian then explicitly advised Ma Siyi that "good students like you and Chen Rui should pay all your attention to your studies" and "shouldn't hang out with those naughty people anymore," suggesting they "should stay away from them or even stop associating with them." Ma Siyi, understanding Gu Alian's underlying message, responded by asking if Gu Alian had an elder brother, to which Gu Alian replied she only had a younger brother in her hometown.

Ma Siyi then posed a hypothetical question, asking if Gu Alian would sever ties with her brother if it meant she could become a mayor. Ma Siyi went on to explain that, while others might not consider Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, Zhou Haikuo, and Xia Fenghua "model students," to her, "they are like my own brothers and sisters." She politely but firmly requested that Gu Alian refrain from speaking ill of her friends in her presence.

After saying thank you, Ma Siyi departed. After Ma Siyi rejoined her friends, Xie Wanghe asked her what Gu Alian had said. Ma Siyi informed them that she was heading to the bank to send money to her mother. Xie Wanghe, immediately worried, pressed her about where she got the money, fearing she might have resorted to selling blood.

Ma Siyi, exasperated, told him it was none of his business and that she would manage her own affairs, emphasizing that she didn't want to owe him such a significant favor, stating, "I can't repay your kindness." Xie Wanghe protested that he never expected repayment. Growing increasingly frustrated and echoing some of Gu Alian's earlier sentiments, Ma Siyi sternly told him to stop thinking "all that nonsense."

She then advised him: "If you don't want to go to college, drop out now! Then raise funds to start a business. If you want to go to college, start your revision from now on! Please be responsible for yourself." Ma Siyi's sharp words visibly hurt Xie Wanghe, who retreated to the rooftop feeling downcast. Xia Fenghua soon found him there, teasing him for being "sad and indignant again."

She then turned serious, agreeing with Ma Siyi that he should "seriously think about his future." Xia Fenghua lamented her own lack of intelligence, stating that if she were "half as smart" as him, she would "definitely study hard to be admitted to a good university," making her parents "overjoyed." She suggested that despite his intelligence, he often "experiences brain farts."

Xia Fenghua explained that she understood Ma Siyi's anger because Xie Wanghe "constantly wasted his time and talent and made his parents worried." Xie Wanghe tried to deflect, pointing out that she also worried her parents. But Xia Fenghua insisted that "we all hope you can be more reliable and put your brain to good use," adding that it was up to him to define what "good use" meant.

She then shared a poignant anecdote about her father, who, when he drinks too much, often regrets "he didn't study hard when he was young," which led to him only being able to do "seafaring all these years" and never achieving "any great achievement." She earnestly expressed her hope that when Xie Wanghe reaches his father's age, he "won't complain, regret, or make those who love you worried."

Later, at home, Xie Wanghe asked his mother, Liang Haihong, if she thought he would be successful. She lovingly affirmed he would, praising his intelligence, which she claimed he inherited from her family, unlike his father. Xie Wanghe then proposed starting a business, mentioning several ideas that could make him a lot of money if she would "support" him. Liang Haihong immediately suspected he was asking for money.

Xie Wanghe confessed his real intention: he wanted to "drop out of school." Liang Haihong reacted with fury, yelling and hitting him, declaring that the Xie family was "counting on him to bring honor with a high school diploma." She bitterly contrasted him with his father, Xie Tiancheng, who "ended up like this" because "he didn't finish school," having "no other skills" besides seafaring.

She added that Xie Tiancheng's business was "getting worse day by day" and that he had aged significantly in recent years. Meanwhile, Xie Tiancheng went to Dingsheng Building Materials Company to collect a debt from Crippled Sun, who was engrossed in a card game, trying to avoid him. Xie Tiancheng confronted Crippled Sun, mentioning that the Hengtong Group had already paid him over three million yuan the previous month.

Crippled Sun, however, denied this, feigning poverty and claiming his family could "barely make ends meet" due to tough canal business, and tried to fob him off with cheap items like cigarettes and a crystal trophy. Enraged by Crippled Sun's blatant lies and disrespect, Xie Tiancheng took him hostage with a sharp object.

To Xie Tiancheng's horror, Crippled Sun then threatened his son, Xie Wanghe, detailing his school, class, and regular internet cafe haunts, chillingly asking how many "Achilles tendons" Xie Wanghe had for him to cut. This forced a distraught Xie Tiancheng to abandon his demand for payment and release Crippled Sun. Luo Zhimei was in Hengdian, pursuing her acting career.

On set, she struggled with a scene and, during a break, expressed frustration over a delayed payment from another job, threatening to tear up the contract. Her friend, Ai Linlin, arrived with a script for a new drama in Beijing, offering Luo Zhimei a promising role with over 300 scenes and an opportunity to audition.

Luo Zhimei initially hesitated, wanting to return home soon as her son was preparing for the college entrance exam and her husband, Zhou Yanlin, was already "going crazy" from her absence. Ai Linlin strongly encouraged her, highlighting the project's prestige with A-list leads, an excellent script, and a talented director from the Beijing Film Academy, suggesting Luo Zhimei call Zhou Yanlin to discuss it.

Later, Luo Zhimei spoke with Zhou Yanlin on the phone, informing him she would wrap up filming the next day. He expressed relief, assuming she would return home. However, she then revealed her plan to go to Beijing for an audition for a "female number two" role in a drama with an "all-star cast" that was "set to air on satellite TV channels" and "bound to be a hit."

Zhou Yanlin's silence indicated his displeasure, though he calmly told her to "give it a good try." Luo Zhimei assured him she would return quickly if she didn't get the role, but if she did, she would certainly take it. At the very end of the episode, Luo Zhimei, having watched the director's previous work, called Ai Linlin again, expressing immense admiration for the director and her renewed determination to audition.

She affirmed that she would head to Beijing immediately after wrapping filming the next day, stating she had to "give it a shot no matter what" for "such a great director." Shao Bingyi approached the curator, demanding an explanation for why his research topic was rejected despite passing the initial selection.

The curator explained that "the organization" decided his topic's "value orientation had some issues," and openly ridiculed Shao Bingyi's focus on "Su Xiaomei's shoe size" and foot bindings, dismissing it as historically unverified and "distasteful."

Shao Bingyi passionately defended his research, asserting he was studying the "history of ancient customs" and citing historical poems and accounts to argue that Su Xiaomei, known for her outgoing personality and larger frame, would not have bound her feet and thus wore larger shoes (size 38, or at least 35). The curator, however, dismissed his evidence as "unofficial histories" and "impossible to verify," even misattributing a historical epitaph.

Shao Bingyi corrected him, clarifying the historical figure was "Shiniang," not Su Xiaomei, but the curator merely chided him for being "only left with boldness" in his scholarship. Shao Bingyi, growing increasingly agitated, then demanded to know who received the special grant.

The curator revealed it was Chen Bo, whose topic on "dialect changes in the Honghuai region" and the Grand Canal's role was deemed valuable, not only securing a special grant but also attracting a publishing house willing to print an initial run of 8,000 copies. Shao Bingyi was visibly shocked. Back in their office, Shao Bingyi sarcastically "congratulated" Chen Bo. Chen Bo clarified that an old school friend working as an editor at the publishing house found his manuscript impressive.

Shao Bingyi, however, scoffed, implying that Chen Bo's success, including the special grant and book deal, was all thanks to his wife, Gu Alian, being the district chief, suggesting that subordinates would curry favor and the government would buy the books. Chen Bo vehemently denied his wife's involvement, growing furious and demanding Shao Bingyi "make it clear" what the grant had to do with her.

Their argument escalated, with Shao Bingyi threatening to report Chen Bo and his wife for "abusing your power for personal gain and suppressing your colleagues." The curator, drawn by the commotion, intervened, admonishing them for their public squabble as "educated people." Back at home, Shao Bingyi continued to vent his frustration to his wife, Liu Yuling, complaining about being unfairly treated at work.

She urged him to drink less, but he retorted that "drinking harms the liver, but if I don't drink, my heart hurts." He bitterly blamed Chen Bo's success on his wife being the district chief, accusing them of impropriety and lamenting his own unrewarded efforts on his Su Xiaomei research, despite putting in so much "heart and effort." In a drunken rage, he pushed Liu Yuling, causing her to cry out in pain as her back was injured.

Their son, Shao Xingchi, witnessed the scene and immediately rushed over. He angrily confronted his father, telling him to quiet down and warning him that if he "gets drunk and acts crazy again," he would "report you to your workplace for domestic violence." Liu Yuling tried to pacify Shao Xingchi, assuring him she was okay.

Xie Tiancheng, frustrated by his inability to collect the debt from Crippled Sun and worried about his family's dwindling finances, found himself drinking outside with Zhou Yanlin (referred to as Lao'er). Later, a still-drinking Xie Tiancheng returned home and advised Xie Wanghe to learn Jay Chou's song "Listen to Mom" for Liang Haihong. His attempts to cheer up his son were short-lived, however, as Liang Haihong discovered a condom in his pocket. Enraged, she confronted him, accusing him of infidelity.

Despite Xie Tiancheng's denials, insisting he "never use this thing," Xie Wanghe confirmed it came from his father's pocket. Liang Haihong, deaf to Xie Wanghe's pleas to stop, chased and violently beat Xie Tiancheng. Later, Xie Wanghe, accustomed to such tumultuous family scenes, joined Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo on the rooftop. Shao Xingchi's face was bruised from a confrontation with his father, and he lamented his mother's back injury from a previous incident.

Xie Wanghe noted how his father "never fights back" when his mother hits him. The friends, wishing for a brighter future, envisioned themselves as successful individuals earning millions, their parents retired and content, with their biggest worry being their children's marriages. Zhou Haikuo then shared the charming story of his parents' meeting: his mother, an opera actress specializing in "qingyi roles," captivated his father during her first stage performance.

Though she initially "looked down on" his father, he "won her over" by cooking her a meal on their first date. Later, Xie Tiancheng explained the misunderstanding to Liang Haihong, revealing that Crippled Sun had indeed slipped the condom into his pocket during their contentious meeting.

He confessed his deep financial struggles, admitting he "haven't had any income for months" and was worried about not being able to pay back the dividends owed to their neighbors, especially feeling guilty about Granny Ma's difficult situation. He expressed his outrage at Crippled Sun, who "drives a Mercedes to the nightclub, blowing thousands in one night, but he doesn't pay back the money he owes."

Xie Wanghe overheard this and, enraged by Crippled Sun's deceit, grabbed a brick and rushed out, intending to smash Crippled Sun's car. However, he hesitated at the last moment, unable to bring himself to commit the act. Just then, Xia Fenghua appeared, telling him he was "smart enough." She explained that she had followed him from home after seeing him upset, fearing he would do something foolish. Xie Wanghe, still reeling, simply told her to leave him alone.

Episode 6 Recap

That night, Xia Fenghua accompanied Xie Wanghe on the bridge, expressing relief that he was no longer as impulsive as before. She noted that had he smashed Crippled Sun's car, as he originally intended due to Crippled Sun's unpaid debts and his mother's distress, it would have created serious problems, further burdening his parents.

Xie Wanghe admitted he hadn't considered the full implications but felt that as he was approaching eighteen, it was time to change his ways, a sentiment inspired by Ma Siyi. Xia Fenghua praised Xie Wanghe's intelligence, recalling how as a child he once advised her mother to sell different flavored soy milk at the school gate, significantly increasing her earnings and making her mother praise him constantly.

She encouraged him to believe in himself, assuring him he would achieve great wealth. They playfully discussed their future plans after graduation, with Xie Wanghe and his friends aiming for Beijing, and Xia Fenghua joking about following him. She then asked him to promise to invite Jay Chou to sing for her when he became rich, to which he promised to buy her a "three-wheeler."

Xie Wanghe then offered to lend Xia Fenghua money to replace her "worn-out" pants, calling her fashion sense similar to Quasimodo from Notre Dame, which led to a lighthearted chase and playful banter. Later, Shao Bingyi, feeling his talents were unappreciated, went to the river. He confided in someone that he had lost a fight and felt like he had never won in his life, confessing to despising himself.

The next day, Granny Ma called Luo Zhimei, who was busy filming in Hengdian. Luo Zhimei promised to return home after her current projects. However, Luo Zhimei's absence left Zhou Yanlin unusually irritable, causing him to lash out at his restaurant staff, threatening to send them home if they were not serious about their work. Granny Ma visited the restaurant and patiently tried to counsel Zhou Yanlin, encouraging him to show more concern for Luo Zhimei.

She explained that Luo Zhimei, despite her proud and stubborn nature, was going through a tough time as an actress in Hengdian and needed his care and support, suggesting even a few kind words could brighten her day. Zhou Yanlin offered Granny Ma some newly acquired Pu'er tea, explaining its benefits, and she humorously remarked that they were both trying to manage health issues.

In the evening, Zhou Yanlin stepped out of his restaurant and overheard his son, Zhou Haikuo, and Xie Wanghe discussing his parents' problems while playing pool. Zhou Haikuo expressed his wish for his mother not to return, as her presence always led to arguments with his father, which he found depressing. Xie Wanghe suggested that the primary fault lay with Zhou Yanlin, given that most people from Flower Street were seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Zhou Haikuo hoped his parents could discuss their issues calmly, even if it led to divorce, so they wouldn't become enemies. He then stated that if they did divorce, he would choose to stay with his father, whom he described as headstrong and prone to overthinking, needing someone to look after him until he smiled more often. Zhou Haikuo recalled his father's rare smiles, which only appeared when he watched Luo Zhimei perform Kunqu operas and received applause.

Zhou Yanlin took his son's words to heart. Later that night, as he looked at the starry sky, remembering his past with Luo Zhimei, he sent her a caring text message along with a photo of the night sky, noting that the stars on Flower Street were more beautiful in person than in pictures. Luo Zhimei responded, urging him, their son, and his father to take care and remember to take their medicine.

Meanwhile, Shao Bingyi massaged Liu Yuling's injured back. Xie Wanghe returned home with some money, easing his family's financial strain. The trio of friends returned to the courtyard, while Xia Fenghua danced and sang, mimicking Chris Lee, and Ma Siyi played her father's guitar, bringing a familiar rhythm to the small courtyard. The next day at school, Xia Fenghua was drawing a portrait of Chris Lee while listening to music.

Shao Xingchi teased her, calling her "tone-deaf" and "can't even sing well," like a "colorblind person" for music, causing her to hit him. Later, Shao Xingchi complained to Xie Wanghe and Zhou Haikuo that whoever marries Xia Fenghua would be "cursed." Outside school, Sun Sanliang showed off his new imported Japanese motorcycle, claiming it cost him two months' pocket money. Xie Wanghe mocked his showing off, and Sun Sanliang, attempting to imitate a movie scene, crashed into a tree.

Still smarting from Xia Fenghua's punch, Shao Xingchi, along with Xie Wanghe and Zhou Haikuo, devised a prank. They posted a fake Chris Lee QQ account on the school's online forum. Xia Fenghua, excited that "Chris" had added her and even sent a greeting, eagerly told her mother, who was unimpressed, asking if it would get her into a top university. Her mother later repaired her ripped jeans, declaring them "fashionable" and promising new shoes.

That weekend, Ma Siyi started a part-time job at By the Canal, delivering food for Zhou Yanlin, who also sent her home with salted pork for her grandmother. Meanwhile, Chen Rui, still hospitalized with a broken leg, was drawing in his bed. His mother, Gu Alian, revealed she had interfered, suggesting Ma Siyi move in with them, claiming it was for Ma Siyi's own good to distance herself from "bad influences" who didn't study.

She proudly recounted her own journey from a "farm girl with no background" to her current success through "perseverance and self-discipline." Infuriated by his mother's actions, Chen Rui angrily knocked over his meal. Elsewhere, Xie Wanghe and his friends were at a cyber cafe, monitoring Xia Fenghua's chat with the fake Chris Lee.

Impersonating "Chris Lee," they sent messages about recording a new album and then invited Xia Fenghua to a concert in Chengdu the following month, promising to wait for her. Xia Fenghua excitedly agreed, confirming her attendance, while the trio laughed, speculating she would soon try to borrow money for the trip. Xie Wanghe joked about his own expensive sneakers, which Shao Xingchi also coveted.

Xia Fenghua then confronted Xie Wanghe and his friends, having noticed their suspicious laughter and realizing their trick. She angrily questioned them, asking if they thought she was a fool, and menacingly asked how many bones a person has and how long it would take for broken ones to heal. She declared that while they didn't have to like Chris Lee, they had no right to mock her choices.

She made a solemn promise to her future self: that one day, Chris Lee would perform in the world's largest stadium, and she would earn enough money to buy a front-row seat to watch her sing. As Xia Fenghua walked home, she reflected on her earlier sighting of Ma Siyi delivering food for Zhou Yanlin. Her mother had dismissed Xia Fenghua's concern, suggesting Ma Siyi was "overthinking" and had "watched too many TV dramas."

Xia Fenghua argued that Ma Siyi tended to keep her troubles to herself, to which her mother advised her to face problems with sincerity rather than avoidance. Later, while sitting at a street stall, a photographer approached Xia Fenghua and complimented her, saying she was very photogenic. That evening, Xia Fenghua went to pick up Ma Siyi.

Noticing the smell of "kitchen grease" and "dish soap" on Ma Siyi, and spotting a book not from the library, Xia Fenghua deduced Ma Siyi's part-time job. Ma Siyi asked her to keep it a secret from her grandmother, as she had promised Zhou Yanlin. Xia Fenghua then proposed a "better method" for Ma Siyi to earn money quickly: becoming a model.

She showed Ma Siyi the photos the street photographer, who also shot Taobao ads, had taken of her, explaining that modeling could earn 800 yuan cash for just a few hours' work. Ma Siyi found the idea "fishy," but Xia Fenghua insisted, showing her own pictures and boasting about her "good looks" that made anyone's photos turn out great.

Admitting she was "scared to go alone" due to fears of a "scam," Xia Fenghua urged Ma Siyi to accompany her to the photographer's city studio, highlighting that modeling offered far better pay than restaurant work. She painted a vivid picture of Ma Siyi becoming a famous model whose pictures would adorn website homepages, signing autographs on the street, and even having Jay Chou beg her to star in his music videos.

Later, Liang Haihong returned to the courtyard with a load of goods, and Ma Siyi immediately offered to help carry them, despite Liang Haihong's protests about the weight. Liang Haihong complained about Xie Wanghe's frequent absences, always "hanging out" instead of being home. Ma Siyi defended him, saying he was intelligent but simply disliked studying. Ma Siyi then revealed her plan to attend Honghuai Normal University, a second-tier school close to home, so she could visit her grandmother every week.

Liang Haihong affectionately called her a "good girl" but then sagely warned that being "too sensible isn't always good," suggesting it could lead to a hard life. Ma Siyi thanked her for the advice before leaving.

Episode 7 Recap

Xia Fenghua's mother, Li Yan, asked if she truly wanted to be a model after seeing her engrossed in a magazine. Xia Fenghua expressed excitement about modeling, even mentioning she hoped Ma Siyi could join, as it offered "much faster money than working a regular job." Li Yan then playfully cautioned Xia Fenghua, wondering if she worried the photographer might prefer Ma Siyi and "eliminate" her, comparing it to choosing a Mercedes over a Xiali.

Xia Fenghua was momentarily offended, but Li Yan quickly reassured her that to her, Xia Fenghua was "the prettiest. Even prettier than Gong Li or Zhang Ziyi." When pressed about a hypothetical choice, Xia Fenghua, thinking of Ma Siyi's financial struggles, stated that if only one could be chosen for the ad shoot, she would prefer Ma Siyi, reasoning that she herself had "parents and everything," while Ma Siyi "needs the money more."

Li Yan agreed that considering a friend's needs was appropriate, noting that "money-making opportunities, if lost, can be found again." She then started to ponder about giving up "something else," but quickly dismissed the thought. Soon after, Xie Wanghe and his two friends arrived at Xia Fenghua's house, calling out to her. Though she initially tried to avoid them, they insisted on talking.

Xie Wanghe presented her with a reimbursement voucher for a Chris Lee concert ticket, explaining that from then on, they would reimburse her for any concert tickets she bought. Despite her initial refusal, stating she didn't need their money, Xie Wanghe and his friends expressed that it was "our way of showing we care," and sincerely apologized for their past actions.

Pacified, Xia Fenghua happily accepted the voucher, playfully warning them that if they ever bothered her again, she would "sneak into your rooms at night and shave all your heads one by one." She laughed and told them, "Don't let this happen again." As the boys departed, Li Yan, seeing her daughter's cheerful mood, inquired what made her so happy, to which Xia Fenghua simply replied, "Nothing." Chen Bo joined Gu Alian for a late-night meal.

Gu Alian immediately confronted him about his suggestion to invite Ma Siyi to stay with them, suspecting he was either trying to "kick me out" or "create an opportunity" for Ma Siyi and their son, Chen Rui. Chen Bo defended his intentions, claiming it was purely "for our son's studies" as Ma Siyi was tutoring Chen Rui at the hospital, and he wanted to help her.

Gu Alian, however, accused him of "meddling too much," echoing Chen Rui's complaints about his father's overbearing nature. She argued that boys "need to be given more freedom" and expressed concern about Chen Rui's friends, like Xie Wanghe, believing they would have a "bad influence." Chen Bo countered that "poor grades don't mean they're bad people" and pointed out that Ma Siyi, despite her friendships, still maintained good grades.

Gu Alian then directly addressed Chen Rui's crush on Ma Siyi, stating that this "little spark of our son's puppy love must be strangled at birth. It's non-negotiable." Chen Bo called her "too cold-hearted," arguing that it's "normal for a boy to like a girl," even quoting an ancient saying. He started to reminisce about his own youth, prompting Gu Alian to become suspicious and demand details about his past "puppy love."

Caught off guard, Chen Bo quickly retracted, claiming he "didn't have the chance for puppy love." He tried to reason with her, suggesting a more subtle approach, but Gu Alian refused to listen, demanding he "handle it well" or face the consequences of revealing his past. Chen Bo, defeated, saluted her and promised to "complete the mission." Later, Chen Bo visited Chen Rui at the hospital.

Chen Rui asked his father to deliver a letter to Ma Siyi, but became flustered when Chen Bo teased him about it being a "love letter," insisting they were "just good friends, nothing more." Chen Rui explained he wanted to clarify some "inappropriate" things his mother had said. Chen Bo reassured him, stating he wasn't his mother and that writing love letters was common.

He then shared a personal anecdote about writing letters to a close female classmate in high school, even collecting stamps. Chen Rui then asked if he would become a "second-generation celebrity." Chen Bo replied that while he couldn't predict that, he "surely will have connections in the entertainment industry." Moving to a more serious tone, Chen Bo observed that Chen Rui's generation approached relationships "more casually," while his own generation had to "weigh it carefully in your mind."

When Chen Rui asked what to weigh, Chen Bo explained, "Whether you can make that person happy or not." He elaborated that while confessing feelings only required being "thick-skinned," truly liking someone meant being "clear about what you can do for that person." Chen Rui then pondered if his current inability to provide for someone didn't preclude future capability.

Chen Bo agreed, emphasizing that "if you want to make that person happy, you must do everything you can to make yourself stand out." He concluded that "in a responsible relationship, actions speak louder than words," and that if one couldn't provide "enough support and care on your own," it was "not the time to be in a relationship." Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe spotted Ma Siyi working a part-time job. He confronted her, asking "What are you doing?

Are you working part-time?" Ma Siyi defiantly told him "It's none of your business," and warned him not to tell Granny Ma. Xie Wanghe offered to pay her what she needed, insisting she "go back to school immediately," as this "last year is very important for you." Ma Siyi retorted that he should be the one focusing on school and that she didn't need him to worry about her.

When he threatened to involve her teacher and Granny Ma, she struggled free from his grasp, asking, "You may be able to tell me what to do once or twice, but do you think you can do that for the whole life?" Xie Wanghe confidently declared, "I can!" but then immediately recanted, "I can't," as he watched her walk away. Frustrated, Xie Wanghe rode his bike recklessly, narrowly avoiding a serious accident.

That night, Xie Tiancheng broke into Crippled Sun's office, intending to open a safe. His attempt was interrupted when Crippled Sun returned with a woman. Enraged, Xie Tiancheng confronted him, demanding his money and threatening to "kill you!" Crippled Sun claimed he had no money, but Xie Tiancheng mocked him for living lavishly—"fooling around with a woman" and driving a Mercedes—while evading his debts. An enraged Crippled Sun retorted by accusing Xie Tiancheng of attempting to "break in and steal."

During their physical altercation, Crippled Sun fell, hitting the back of his head on a table corner and losing consciousness amidst the woman's screams of "Murder!" Panic-stricken, Xie Tiancheng fled the Dingsheng Group office. Regretting his impulsive flight, Xie Tiancheng returned to help Crippled Sun, taking him to the hospital where a doctor confirmed his injuries were "not very serious" and advised rest.

However, Crippled Sun took advantage of the situation, accusing Xie Tiancheng of "aggravated assault" and threatening him with prison time, citing his "seven stitches and a mild concussion" and the legal ramifications if he reported it. Xie Tiancheng, while admitting to kicking him, argued that Crippled Sun's fall was his own doing and denied aggravated assault. Crippled Sun pressed on, reminding Xie Tiancheng that he had initiated the violence, and even threatened to add "burglary" to the charges.

Crippled Sun then proposed a deal: "The money I owe you, let's consider it as my medical expenses. This matter between us, let's put an end to it, okay?" Xie Tiancheng furiously rejected this, demanding his money back and offering to "take full responsibility." When Crippled Sun dared him to go to the Public Security Bureau, Xie Tiancheng, in desperation, pulled out a screwdriver and offered it to Crippled Sun, saying, "You got seven stitches.

Take it and make a cut right here. I'll pay you back those seven stitches." When Crippled Sun hesitated, Xie Tiancheng declared he would do it himself, begging for his "life-saving money." Crippled Sun finally admitted his own predicament, revealing he was "a victim too." His supplier had "abandoned his construction project and ran off with the money," leaving him unpaid, and his Mercedes was slated for repossession "the day after tomorrow" to cover debts.

He concluded, "If there's no water upstream, no boat can move," implying they were both stuck in similar financial difficulties. Disheartened by his failure to recover the debt, Xie Tiancheng returned home, his mood noted by Liang Haihong, who subtly inquired about "that money." The next day, Granny Ma and several other mothers, including Li Yan, were selling goods by the river.

Facing a lack of customers, Li Yan lamented their losses, but Granny Ma offered encouragement and began singing a piece from the Kunqu opera "The Peony Pavilion". Mid-song, she felt dizzy, attributing it to her age and inability to catch her breath. Concerned, the other mothers urged her to rest, and one suggested that Xie Wanghe call a traditional Chinese doctor for Granny Ma. The doctor, after examining Granny Ma, spoke gravely to the family.

While initially reassuring Granny Ma that her symptoms were a normal part of aging and prescribing medicine, he later informed the relatives, including Li Yan, that Granny Ma was showing signs of a "cerebrovascular event, in other words, a stroke." He warned that "if it's severe, it could lead to hemiplegia," and that "at her age, if she has a stroke, it'll be a disaster for the family," urging them to "be mentally prepared."

Upon learning the news, Xie Wanghe returned home to his mother, Liang Haihong, who initially chided him for his late return. Xie Wanghe quickly conveyed the doctor's diagnosis and the severe implications of a stroke for Granny Ma and her family. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive hospital examination and constant care, meaning Granny Ma "can't work at her stall anymore." Liang Haihong worried about their financial survival.

Xie Wanghe then proposed to "figure out a way to handle the money issue" by taking a "one-year leave of absence" from school to earn money. Liang Haihong strongly opposed, forbidding him from dropping out and insisting that his father would soon collect outstanding debts, which would resolve their financial woes. She told him to "only need to study hard and bring home your diploma. After that, you can do whatever you want. I won't interfere anymore."

Later that night, Xie Tiancheng, burdened by his financial failures, sat on the rooftop. Xie Wanghe joined him and asked how he earned his "first bucket of gold." Xie Tiancheng reminisced about going to Guangdong with Mao Tian at his son's age to buy silk scarves and selling them for a significant profit, which enabled them to buy their first small ship. Xie Wanghe then broached the topic of taking a one-year leave of absence.

Simultaneously, in her own home, Granny Ma spoke with Ma Siyi, who was still studying late. Granny Ma gently acknowledged Ma Siyi's part-time work was "for the family's sake" but cautioned her about sacrificing her studies. She highlighted Ma Siyi's good grades and the lost opportunity if she failed to get into college, adding that she would feel she "let your father down."

Back on the rooftop, Xie Wanghe explained to his father the high costs of stroke medication and care, arguing that Ma Siyi's family couldn't afford it, even if she went to college, necessitating his proactive financial planning. Xie Tiancheng tried to dismiss these "troublesome matters," insisting that adults would handle them. Xie Wanghe challenged his father's passive optimism, pointing out the family business's decline due to the new highway and his father's lack of a current plan.

When Xie Tiancheng dismissed the idea of making money as easy, Xie Wanghe confidently asserted he had several business plans, including an "Online smart question bank" that could help students and make him "the richest person in Honghuai." Xie Tiancheng, however, told him to "focus on getting into college" and not worry, asserting he could still provide for the family.

Xie Wanghe expressed his "disappointment" in his father's lack of ambition, encouraging him not to lose his "aspiration," and reminding him that "starting a new business won't be a problem" if he had the spirit. Xie Wanghe then had a premonition that his mother was awake, attributing it to their "telepathy," though Xie Tiancheng, preoccupied, admitted his "telepathy" wasn't working. Xie Tiancheng then confided in his son, admitting, "I'm unable to do anything but seafaring."

Xie Wanghe reassured him, "If you don't know, then learn," expressing confidence in his father's intelligence and ability to succeed with determination. Meanwhile, Liang Haihong saw them sitting together under the stars and felt a sense of gratification. The following morning, Xia Fenghua's mother, Li Yan, woke her, complaining about her laziness and the poor business at the market, suggesting they skip the weekend stall.

Tired, Xia Fenghua rose to greet Ma Siyi, who inquired about the reliability of the photographer Xia Fenghua had mentioned. After confirming his credibility, Xia Fenghua called the photographer, Hai, who requested an in-person meeting in the city. Ma Siyi was hesitant, but Xia Fenghua explained the necessity of a face-to-face meeting for modeling.

When Ma Siyi expressed concern about too many people knowing, Xia Fenghua reassured her, stating that "being a model isn't illegal" and that "the more money we make, the more glorious it is," suggesting they tell teachers they were helping a relative's shop. Ultimately convinced, Ma Siyi joined Xia Fenghua, eager to "make some money." Elsewhere, Xie Wanghe presented his business plan for an "online smart question bank" to Zhou Haikuo, seeking his assessment.

Zhou Haikuo immediately identified two critical aspects: "the quality of the questions and intelligent data processing." Xie Wanghe proposed sourcing questions from major high schools and relying on Zhou Haikuo for the programming. When Shao Xiaopang, another friend, voiced concerns about the workload, Xie Wanghe clarified they would start small with "existing programming templates" and later "hire programmers from outside" once they had capital.

Zhou Haikuo then raised the issue of server infrastructure, noting that while "virtual servers online" existed, "to guarantee storage and internet speed, you must rent a dedicated server," implying a trip to Beijing. Xie Wanghe stated he had already discussed it with his father, who "didn't agree, but he didn't object either." Zhou Haikuo doubted his mother's approval, but Xie Wanghe remained resolute, citing Bill Gates's example and asserting, "To do great things, we must all forge ahead through difficulties.

Anyway, I must do this." Zhou Haikuo then asked how he planned to spend the money once it was earned. Shao Xiaopang immediately declared he would "First, pay off debts" for his mother. Zhou Haikuo joked about buying "the latest model" phone and using it to make Xie Wanghe jealous by pretending to call a "darling."

Episode 8 Recap

Xia Fenghua and Ma Siyi arrived at photographer Hai's studio, where they were both stunned by the impressive environment and equipment, feeling as though they had stepped into a new world. Hai engaged them in a brief conversation, inquiring if they had any prior experience shooting commercials or signing with an agency, to which Xia Fenghua replied that it was their first time.

Hai explained that professional models are typically signed to agencies and have managers, and he sincerely invited them to join his company. He then went upstairs to retrieve a contract, telling a colleague that he had two "fresh meat" models, one of whom was a "real gem" with fair skin, a beautiful face, and long legs.

When Hai returned with the contracts, he informed them that each would receive a 10,000 yuan signing bonus if they signed that day, along with 800 yuan per ad and a guarantee of at least one ad per week. Xia Fenghua eagerly reached for a pen. Ma Siyi, however, suggested they take the contract home to discuss with their families first, expressing concern about signing on their first meeting.

Xia Fenghua dismissed her worries, stating that her parents wouldn't understand the industry anyway, and pushed to sign, warning that delaying would reduce their bonus. Ma Siyi highlighted the 50,000 yuan penalty clause, but Hai reassured them that it would only be triggered if they deliberately breached the contract and that all work arranged would be legal.

Still, Ma Siyi wished Xie Wanghe could review it, but Xia Fenghua snatched the pen and signed her name on the contract without hesitation. Meanwhile, the mothers in the courtyard were concerned about Granny Ma's health. Li Yan visited Granny Ma, offering a free health check-up slot she'd received from a middle school classmate who sells insurance. Granny Ma was reluctant, insisting she was fine after seeing a traditional Chinese medicine doctor.

Li Yan persuaded her, and Liu Yuling was asked to take Granny Ma to the hospital, borrowing Qian the vegetable seller's three-wheeler for speed. Later, Liu Yuling reported to Liang Haihong and Li Yan that Granny Ma's blood pressure and cholesterol were high, though other indicators were normal. She felt the situation wasn't ideal, noting that Granny Ma, who used to be full of energy, was now easily tired after just a half-day check-up.

To prepare for any emergencies, Liu Yuling suggested they conduct a stroke drill. Li Yan then pretended to be an unconscious Granny Ma, and Liang Haihong carried her from the courtyard towards the bridge. A passerby was surprised, but Liang Haihong explained it was just a drill. Xia Fenghua, seeing her mother being carried, initially panicked until she learned it was a "punishment" for Liang Haihong losing a card game.

After reaching the bridge, they concluded it took at least three minutes, and factoring in time to find a car and get to the hospital, they would need a car on standby and a stretcher. When Li Yan returned home, Xia Fenghua proudly presented the 10,000 yuan and the signed contract, boasting about her new modeling career. Li Yan, seeing the dense text of the contract, felt uneasy and immediately took it to Xie Wanghe for review.

Liang Haihong expressed skepticism, remarking that she would have believed it if Ma Siyi had signed a modeling contract, but Fenghua seemed "frumpy." Li Yan defended her daughter's beauty. Xie Wanghe carefully reviewed the contract, noting that while it seemed fine on the surface, with a clause guaranteeing legal work, there was a 50,000 yuan penalty for breach of contract. Li Yan was distraught, fearing they were dealing with scammers.

Xie Wanghe promised to accompany Xia Fenghua the next time she went to the agency to assess the situation. Relieved, Li Yan praised Xie Wanghe for always being dependable. Overjoyed with her earnings, Xia Fenghua told her mother she wanted to buy a new, latest-model phone for her dad, a new watch for her mom (as her old one was worn out), and a 150-yuan lipstick for herself.

Li Yan suggested saving the money for her dowry, but Xia Fenghua insisted on buying gifts to make her parents proud, especially wanting her dad to show off his new phone to Uncle Xie. Li Yan ultimately agreed to the watch and lipstick but not the phone for her dad, but Xia Fenghua persisted. Li Yan reminded her to always discuss important matters with the family to avoid being taken advantage of.

Meanwhile, Xia Maotian and Xie Tiancheng were drinking by the river. Xia Maotian lamented the decline of the Grand Canal, noting fewer boats and more cars on the highway, making him feel anxious. He declared the Grand Canal was "finished" and urged Xie Tiancheng to sell the ship and find an alternative livelihood, suggesting fish farming or a farmstay, citing an expert from Shanghai.

Xie Tiancheng tried to remain optimistic, recalling the canal's long history and resilience, but Xia Maotian confessed he was "struggling to hold on." He reminded Xie Tiancheng of the overdue dividends and his own family's financial difficulties, particularly Xia Fenghua's college tuition. In another part of the courtyard, Shao Bingyi returned home dejected and asked Liu Yuling about their remaining savings, expressing a desire to self-publish a book.

Liu Yuling hesitated, reminding him of their son's impending college education and the need to save money. Shao Bingyi then decided to confront Xie Tiancheng for the overdue dividends. Liu Yuling tried to dissuade him, suggesting that Xie Tiancheng must be in a tough spot if he hadn't paid. Shao Bingyi countered that Xie Tiancheng was still running boats, implying he should have money.

Liu Yuling offered to learn embroidery to earn money, but Shao Bingyi, needing immediate cash, dismissed the idea. Suddenly, Shao Bingyi cried out in pain, having strained his back, and his son rushed to help him. Xie Tiancheng found himself increasingly swayed by the collective sentiment. Shao Bingyi, after calming down, discussed the overdue dividends with Xie Tiancheng.

Shao Bingyi said he needed the money urgently, especially after hearing Crippled Sun had sold his car and fled, leaving his real estate projects unfinished. Xie Tiancheng promised to resolve the dividend issue within a week, assuring Shao Bingyi that he would try to recover the money owed to him by Crippled Sun and had a backup plan if that failed.

Xia Maotian reiterated his belief that the canal business was doomed and urged Xie Tiancheng to sell the ship to avoid further losses. Xie Tiancheng acknowledged that the ship, once a "golden goose," had become a "hot potato" and that everyone now wanted him to sell it. He confessed his regret for not heeding Haikuo's father's warning about the highway's impact on canal business years ago.

Later, Xie Wanghe joined his father on the rooftop, finding him in a contemplative mood. Xie Tiancheng shared his decision to sell the ship, prioritizing the community's interests over his own. Xie Wanghe, observing his father's struggle, offered to take a year off school to earn money and cover any potential shortfalls if his father chose to continue running the ship.

However, Xie Tiancheng, remembering his own father's independence, refused his son's help, stating that the men of the Xie family had broad shoulders and would bear their burdens themselves. The next day in class, Mr. Xu noticed Xie Wanghe engrossed in a notebook during a lesson on trajectory equations. Assuming Xie Wanghe was drawing, Mr. Xu confiscated the notebook, only to discover it contained a detailed "Test Prep Center Business Plan."

Surprised by Xie Wanghe's seriousness, Mr. Xu watched as the student declared his ambition to become the "richest person in Honghuai." After class, Xie Wanghe approached Mr. Xu, proposing to take a year off from school to pursue his entrepreneurial venture, promising to return and complete his high school diploma. Mr. Xu strongly objected, emphasizing that while a high school diploma might not be worth much on its own, lacking one would make it "hard to get anywhere" in society.

Xie Wanghe insisted that "time waits for no one" and that he needed to help his family, whose financial situation was dire. He clarified that his father did not object to his plan, but Mr. Xu maintained his opposition, urging Xie Wanghe to focus on his studies. Xie Wanghe retorted that he would be his own boss and would not need a diploma.

Episode 9 Recap

Mr. Xu was complaining about Xie Wanghe's ambition to start a business, asking, "You think it's that easy to start a business?" Xie Wanghe retorted that while his academics weren't stellar, he was much better at business. He insisted he was just taking a break, not dropping out, and didn't care for a diploma if he wasn't going to work for others. Mr. Xu told him to get his parents' signed application for a leave of absence.

Later, Mr. Xu lamented to Principal Wu that Xie Wanghe, a high school senior, wanted to take a leave of absence to start a test prep center. Principal Wu, however, found the idea "kind of interesting" and "pretty good" and suitable for a non-profit school program to boost college admission rates. When Mr. Xu pointed out it was Xie Wanghe's original idea, Principal Wu praised Xie Wanghe for his "selfless contribution."

Xie Wanghe was furious upon learning from Mr. Xu that the school had appropriated his test prep center idea, which Mr. Xu called a non-profit initiative for the greater good. Xie Wanghe, however, declared, "I don't care about honor. I want money." Mr. Xu dismissed his complaints, giving him a cola as compensation. In retaliation, Xie Wanghe mischievously filled Mr. Xu's drawer with instant noodles.

He later confided in Xia Fenghua about the school stealing his idea, but reassured her he had a "backup plan": an online smart question bank. He described it as an "online tutor" with a vast collection of questions that would analyze a student's weaknesses and adapt training accordingly, believing it was the optimal choice for anyone aspiring to college.

He announced his intention to take a leave of absence and travel directly to Beijing to rent a server and explore Zhongguancun for potential investors. Xia Fenghua, worried, offered him financial support, reminding him she had spent his money as a child. Xie Wanghe gently refused, saying, "What's yours is yours. I can't be spending your money."

He then promised that after she finished her modeling commitments, she could use her earnings to invest in his company, and he would make her "President Xia." Later, Ma Siyi visited Chen Rui in the hospital to copy his notes. Chen Rui, distracted, hesitantly asked if she was bothered by his mother's comments the previous week. Ma Siyi reassured him, saying she wouldn't have come if she truly minded.

Meanwhile, Zhou Haikuo, discussing the new online venture with Xie Wanghe, revealed he had sold his gaming account for 10,000 yuan to buy a suitable computer and server, presenting it as initial capital. Xie Wanghe, deeply touched, insisted that this "angel investment" be clearly accounted for first from their future earnings, stating that "even brothers settle accounts clearly," to which Zhou Haikuo readily agreed. The trio found a free boat cabin to use as their office.

Xie Wanghe enthusiastically declared the official launch of their "online smart question bank startup," likening their humble beginnings to those of tech giants who started in garages. He then announced he had bought a train ticket to Beijing, where he planned to rent a server and visit Zhongguancun to meet with internet "bigwigs" to secure investment.

While his friends questioned the urgency, suggesting he wait until after the college entrance exam, Xie Wanghe dismissed the idea for himself, citing his poor academic performance. He then grandly promised that in Beijing, they would rent a prestigious office with individual rooms for each of them. However, their excitement was cut short when they arrived home to find Shao Bingyi waiting.

Shao Bingyi angrily chastised Shao Xingchi for being out late and not focusing on his studies, implicitly blaming Xie Wanghe for distracting him. Shao Xingchi tried to defend himself, but Xie Wanghe quickly intervened, apologizing to Shao Bingyi and then instructing both Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo to concentrate on their academics, assuring them he would handle his own entrepreneurial journey. Later, Xie Wanghe sat alone on a rooftop, deep in thought, grappling with self-doubt about his entrepreneurial path.

Xia Fenghua found him there and, after a brief exchange where she asked if he thought he was annoying, confessed her feelings, saying, "I cherish you." Xie Wanghe, however, brushed it off as "terrible acting" and teased her about scaring people and needing to be more ladylike as a future star. They continued to playfully bicker as they enjoyed the evening view. Unbeknownst to them, Ma Siyi witnessed their interaction from afar and silently walked away.

The campus sports meet commenced, notably sponsored by Dingsheng Group, Sun Sanliang’s family business. Sun Sanliang immediately began provoking Xie Wanghe by disparaging his father’s refusal to pay transportation fees. Xie Wanghe retorted, calling Sun Sanliang's father "shameless," escalating into a confrontation that Mr. Xu quickly defused. The two groups then agreed to settle their rivalry in the 4x100 relay race: the losing team's members would ride their bicycles home without seats.

During the relay, Sun Sanliang deliberately tripped Xie Wanghe, causing him to tumble into a pile of white powder, ensuring Sun Sanliang’s team won the race. To clean off the powder, Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo took Xie Wanghe to the school rooftop for an impromptu shower. Unbeknownst to them, Sun Sanliang orchestrated a live broadcast, projecting their naked antics onto the main screen in the sports field, much to the shock and amusement of the entire student body.

It was Xia Fenghua who, upon seeing the broadcast, frantically rushed to the rooftop to alert them. After the chaotic incident, Sun Sanliang, surprisingly, commented to Xie Wanghe that Xia Fenghua was a "good girl" and expressed envy that Xie Wanghe had such a loyal friend. Ma Siyi echoed this, advising Xie Wanghe to treat Xia Fenghua better, revealing that despite her tough exterior, Xia Fenghua was "quite girly deep down." Xie Wanghe, however, appeared oblivious to these hints.

That evening, Xia Fenghua spoke with her mother on the phone, initially proposing to give half of her 10,000 yuan earnings to Ma Siyi, whose grandmother refused to let her model, to help with her studies. Her mother readily agreed, saying the money was hers to use as she wished. Her mother then reminisced about a gift Xie Wanghe gave Xia Fenghua in elementary school, teasingly mentioning the money would be her "dowry" for the "Xie family."

Separately, Xie Wanghe presented Mr. Xu with a signed leave of absence application, asserting his parents' approval. He hinted at a new, secret venture, assuring Mr. Xu he would return in a year if it failed, and even if it succeeded, as "No. 7 High School will always be my home." Mr. Xu, though skeptical, ultimately signed the application. Xia Fenghua went to Hai's studio for a photoshoot. Hai, impressed by her natural appearance, chose a women's outfit for her.

While getting her makeup done, Xia Fenghua mentioned that she had never really worn makeup before, except for secretly trying her neighbor's lipstick as a child. Hai praised the finished photos, describing her as "pure and innocent with a touch of rebellion," and immediately offered her the lead role in a sneaker advertisement scheduled for the next day.

He insisted she stay overnight in a hotel room at the studio to ensure she was well-rested, brushing aside her concerns about her mother worrying. Excited by this career advancement, Xia Fenghua called her mother to inform her of the overnight stay. Later that night, Hai unexpectedly arrived at her hotel room, claiming an important client, thoroughly impressed by her photos, insisted on treating her to dinner.

He pressured her to go downstairs for a few drinks, but Xia Fenghua refused, citing exhaustion and her inability to drink alcohol. Hai then forcibly entered her room, dismissing her concerns about the contract not including client meetings and asserting, "You are just having dinner, not sleeping with them." He physically tried to drag her out, accusing her of being ungrateful for the money and comparing her situation to "international models" who "entertain clients." Xia Fenghua desperately screamed for help.

Just as Hai was manhandling Xia Fenghua, Xie Wanghe suddenly appeared, punched Hai, and quickly pulled Xia Fenghua away. They ran, but Xia Fenghua's leg, injured during the struggle with Hai, gave out, and she collapsed. Xie Wanghe offered to find a pharmacy for her, but Xia Fenghua, still visibly shaken and clutching his arm, was too scared to be left alone. Recognizing her fear and pain, Xie Wanghe picked her up and carried her on his back.

Sensing her suppressed emotions, he gently told her, "If you want to cry, just let it out. I won't laugh at you." Xia Fenghua, still reeling from the ordeal, warned him that if he told anyone what happened, she would "kill him."

Episode 10 Recap

Xie Wanghe, worried about Xia Fenghua, had Zhou Haikuo investigate the photography studio where she worked. Haikuo managed to hack into their online photo album, revealing that while the studio publicly claimed to take pictures for Taobao, it actually profited from lingerie and explicit photos. Learning that Xia Fenghua was already downtown, Xie Wanghe rushed to find her, fortunately arriving in time. Xie Wanghe took Xia Fenghua to a diner, commenting that she didn't look bad with makeup on.

He told her to eat something first, then they would find an internet cafe and stay up until dawn, taking the first bus back to Flower Street in the morning. Xia Fenghua asked how he knew she was in trouble and even knew her hotel room number. Xie Wanghe explained that her mother's contract had made him uneasy, so he'd asked Haikuo to investigate the studio.

Haikuo found an email address linked to an online photo album, which he then hacked. They discovered it was a "gang of perverts." Xie Wanghe explained that the photos were merely lingerie shots, not illegal enough for a police report, and that involving the police would harm her reputation at school.

He revealed that Haikuo and Shao Xingchi had gone to the police station to report her missing, using her ID number, and a familiar old police officer had helped them locate her. He added that Haikuo and Shao Xingchi were waiting at the police station entrance, ready to call the police if anything went wrong. He then raised his cup, celebrating her "narrow escape."

Xia Fenghua mused that she thought her luck would finally turn around, but Xie Wanghe countered that simply not getting into trouble was a blessing. He advised her to stop getting involved in such schemes, adding that even if pies were falling from the sky, she wouldn't be the one to catch them. Xia Fenghua jokingly accused him of being ungrateful, saying she didn't ask him to rescue her and that he was meddling.

Xie Wanghe, feigning anger, declared it his last time helping her, saying he would just watch if she fell into deep trouble again. Later, as he carried her on his back, he told her she sounded terrible singing. He then paid for some medicine and offered to pay for the internet cafe and drinks, to which Xia Fenghua promised to drink until he went bankrupt.

The next morning, as Xie Wanghe drove Xia Fenghua back to Flower Street, she asked if she should return the money she received from the studio. He advised her to return it to avoid further trouble, noting that the photos were not illicit enough to press charges and that involving the police would damage her reputation. Xia Fenghua expressed her anger, saying she wouldn't return it and would fight the man if he came looking.

Xie Wanghe then suggested she tell him to sincerely apologize, otherwise she wouldn't return the money, and promised that if anyone came looking for trouble, it would be his fight, not hers. Upon arriving home, Xie Wanghe announced his intention to go to Beijing to start a business. Xia Fenghua was surprised and worried, asking how long he'd be gone and if his parents knew.

He explained it was a "act first and report later" situation, as his parents wouldn't approve. She offered him money, but he declined, promising to buy her a car upon his return. When Xie Tiancheng and his wife learned about Xie Wanghe's departure, they were furious. They summoned Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo, who nervously affirmed their support for Xie Wanghe's venture.

Both boys were subsequently reprimanded and disciplined by their parents; Shao Xingchi's father, Shao Bingyi, for instance, threatened to disown him if he didn't do well on his exams. Xie Wanghe, meanwhile, was brimming with confidence as he embarked on the bus journey to Beijing. The bustling metropolis seemed vast and exciting to him, like an eye-opening experience. Upon arrival, he sought to rent a server.

He was taken aback when he overheard a nearby client discussing a project that required hundreds of servers and millions of dollars, making his own project seem tiny in comparison. Subsequently, at a telco, due to his small-scale needs and limited funds, he was directed to a micro-client area and offered a secondhand domestic server that had been used for over a year. He accepted the server, recognizing it would suffice for now.

Back in Honghuai, Xia Fenghua, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo went to school to cover for Xie Wanghe. Mr. Xu was initially angered by Xie Wanghe's absence, threatening expulsion if they didn't explain. He expressed skepticism about Xie Wanghe's ability to succeed, calling him "eye-high, hand-low" and predicting his project would fail within six months.

The trio revealed that Xie Wanghe had gone to Beijing to rent a server for an online project, assuring Mr. Xu that he would be back in a few days and that his project, if successful, could benefit the entire Honghuai area. Mr. Xu agreed to help if they could provide an excuse note, warning them not to write "starting a business" as the reason. They then brainstormed excuses in class.

Shao Xingchi suggested saying Xie Wanghe's grandmother was critically ill, but Xia Fenghua rejected it as his grandmother was already deceased. Sun Sanliang rudely interjected, mocking Xie Wanghe's intelligence and questioning who gave him the confidence to start a business. Xia Fenghua defended Xie Wanghe, saying he was doing something important that would benefit everyone, and warned against snitching. Later, Shao Xingchi came up with the idea of saying Xie Wanghe went to Beijing to see a canal culture exhibition.

Xia Fenghua decided to have Zhou Haikuo write an essay about it and get Grandpa Zhou to revise it, believing the school would support cultural activities. Liang Haihong was skeptical, insisting that Xie Wanghe was just "fooling" Xia Fenghua, who was too naive to see it. At the hospital, Gu A Lian (Ms. Gu) saw Ma Siyi and Chen Rui studying together.

She invited Ma Siyi to her home on weekends for tutoring with Chen Rui by a retired first-class teacher. Ma Siyi initially hesitated, but Chen Rui persuaded her to accept, citing that otherwise, Ms. Gu would keep pestering her. Meanwhile, Liang Haihong and Li Yan noticed Granny Ma was missing from her stall. Concerned, Liang Haihong returned home to find Granny Ma collapsed on the floor.

They frantically called Zhou Yanlin for help, and together they rushed Granny Ma to the hospital. Liang Haihong saw Ma Siyi at the hospital and brought her to Granny Ma’s room. It was then that Ma Siyi learned her grandmother had suffered a cerebral thrombosis. She broke down in tears by the bedside, but Granny Ma gently comforted her, telling her not to worry.

Li Yan and Liang Haihong, observing from outside, lamented the Ma family’s already poor financial situation, now made worse by this illness. That evening, a somber Ma Siyi returned home. Xia Fenghua took her home for some black chicken soup, preventing her from dwelling on her worries alone. Zhou Yanlin gathered the neighbors in the courtyard to discuss how to care for Granny Ma. They considered applying for a minimum living allowance for her or collectively contributing money and effort.

Recognizing that Ms. Gu handled such matters, Zhou Yanlin asked Shao Bingyi for help. Shao Bingyi, despite his previous conflicts with Chen Bo (Ms. Gu's husband), reluctantly agreed. The next day, he brought a gift to Chen Bo, apologizing for past disagreements and seeking reconciliation. After school, Xia Fenghua and her friends visited Granny Ma in the hospital.

The neighbors had arranged for a telephone to be installed at Granny Ma’s house, explaining that she always hesitated but now it was a necessity for emergencies. Zhou Yanlin also brought Ms. Gu to visit Granny Ma's stall.

Ms. Gu stated that she could not directly violate policies to help but advised them to collectively write a detailed report about Ma Siyi's situation for the community to submit, promising that they would take it seriously and try their best to resolve the difficulties. The community rallied together, offering money and assistance. Zhou Yanlin even gave Granny Ma a precious 1982 Angong Niuhuang Pill that he had saved for his late wife, urging her to live for Ma Siyi.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, Xie Wanghe was at a cyber cafe, informing Zhou Haikuo via phone that he had successfully set up the server. He then overheard a nearby patron, "Qiang," discussing his extensive experience in the internet industry since 1995. Xie Wanghe, intrigued, introduced himself and sought advice from Qiang. Qiang warned him that many young people like him, full of passion and dreams, often ended up with broken hearts and empty wallets after a few years in Beijing.

Xie Wanghe, however, remained resolute, arguing that "failure is the mother of success" and citing Ma Huateng's early struggles with Tencent, concluding that he wouldn't know if he could succeed without trying.

Episode 11 Recap

In Beijing, Xie Wanghe consulted with Brother Qiang, who revealed himself as the founder of "Pet Home," China's first pet operations website. Brother Qiang candidly shared his experience of successfully raising capital only to burn through it all in two years, leaving his partners burdened with debt. He emphasized the extreme difficulty of internet entrepreneurship, noting that out of millions of aspiring founders, very few secure funding or achieve listings on major exchanges.

His advice was clear: without substantial personal wealth or extensive resources, mere passion and creative ideas are insufficient to succeed. While still absorbing this disheartening information, Xie Wanghe received an urgent message from Xia Fenghua, informing him that Granny Ma had suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Overwhelmed with worry, he immediately decided to return home.

Before leaving, he asked Brother Qiang about the potential for an online smart question bank, only to be shown another failed venture by an MIT graduate, which further crushed his spirits. Dejected, Xie Wanghe missed his bus on the journey home, finding himself sitting alone by the street with his broken computer case. Back in Flower Street, Granny Ma began her slow recovery, supported by her neighbors.

As she returned to her courtyard, she was met with a warm welcome from the community, who cheered her on for taking her first steps. Zhou Haikuo remarked that it was a small step for Granny Ma but a giant leap for their entire courtyard. Granny Ma, grateful for their concern, advised them to let her work less and to tell her if they needed anything. Xie Wanghe finally rushed back to the courtyard, relieved to see Granny Ma recovering.

However, his mother, Liang Haihong, was furious about his unauthorized trip to Beijing. She scolded him for prioritizing money-making schemes over his studies, contrasting his actions with his father's sacrifices in a different era. Liang Haihong insisted that she and his father were responsible for the family's finances, and it was not his time to earn money. During their argument, Mr. Xu, Xie Wanghe's teacher, arrived for a home visit.

Liang Haihong initially tried to cover for Xie Wanghe, claiming he was at an exhibition, but Xie Wanghe truthfully stated he had been renting servers. Mr. Xu reassured them that the school would not punish Xie Wanghe for his truancy, citing a "business plan" he had submitted. Mr. Xu then spoke directly to Xie Wanghe and his mother, acknowledging Xie Wanghe's intelligence despite his academic inconsistencies.

He expressed confidence that with focus and hard work, Xie Wanghe could still achieve university admission. To illustrate his point, Mr. Xu referenced Google's rise against the then-dominant Yahoo, attributing its success to deep knowledge and systematic thinking. He emphasized that systematic learning builds a crucial foundation, much like a building's height depends on its deep base.

Responding to Xie Wanghe's earlier comparison of himself to ebony wood, Mr. Xu explained that for wood to become priceless, it must first be a mature, well-formed tree, not merely a green foxtail waiting for time to pass. Moved by Mr. Xu's words, Liang Haihong vowed to ensure Xie Wanghe studied diligently, even threatening to discipline him herself if he failed to do so. Mr. Xu's heartfelt advice profoundly impacted Xie Wanghe.

After the teacher left, Xie Wanghe confessed to Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo that his trip to Beijing had revealed his narrow-mindedness, making him feel like a "frog in a well" compared to the countless bright minds struggling in Zhongguancun. Zhou Haikuo encouraged him to pursue higher education, suggesting his intellect could secure him a spot at a second-tier university at least.

Xie Wanghe reflected on his family's financial struggles and his sister Siyi's tuition-free path, feeling the emotional weight of his father's burdens. Shao Xingchi, however, advised him against "emotional blackmail," urging Xie Wanghe to focus on his own aspirations. Resolved, Xie Wanghe decided to dedicate himself to studying, acknowledging it was his only viable path forward.

He declared his ambition to get into a good university to alleviate his father's worries and playfully challenged Xia Fenghua to study alongside him, suggesting she'd be embarrassed if she were the only one left behind. Xia Fenghua playfully retorted that if he truly got into a prestigious university, she would set up a breakfast stall outside and dramatically claim to be his abandoned first love.

Meanwhile, Liang Haihong shared her new plan with Li Yan: she intended to quit her stall and pursue a career driving large trucks. She had already found a local truck owner, Old Zhang, who was sick and wanted to rent out his truck, which she planned to use after getting her license, with the ultimate goal of buying her own. Knowing Xie Tiancheng would likely object, Liang Haihong decided to secure her license and establish herself first.

Li Yan fully supported her. In turn, Li Yan shared her and Xia Maotian's idea of opening a "floating supermarket" on a boat, which Liang Haihong also enthusiastically backed, despite the hard work it would entail. Liang Haihong later went to driving school to learn how to drive a large truck. There, she was mocked by a group of men, which ignited her competitive spirit.

She vowed to master driving, and the men made a bet with her: if she obtained her license, each of them would give her ten yuan. At Granny Ma's stall, while the young people enjoyed breakfast, Granny Ma praised Ma Siyi's cooking but humorously challenged her to learn the Ma family's secret braised meat recipe, hinting that one would need to marry into the family to acquire it.

Xie Wanghe, ever quick-witted, immediately declared his willingness to "marry in" to learn the recipe, much to Xia Fenghua's visible annoyance. Back at school, Xie Wanghe's suggestion for a test-prepping method was officially adopted, with their class chosen as a pilot program. The teacher publicly praised Xie Wanghe, calling him a "hero."

Despite the acclaim, Shao Xingchi reminded him that he could still pursue his intelligent question bank after college, but Xie Wanghe remained steadfast in his academic focus, determined to catch up and surpass his peers. After school, Hai confronted Xia Fenghua, demanding the 10,000 yuan he had paid her for modeling, plus a 50,000 yuan breach of contract fee. Xie Wanghe, Zhou Haikuo, and Shao Xingchi immediately stepped forward to defend Xia Fenghua.

Xie Wanghe accused Hai of exploiting minors for inappropriate photos, warning him that they had screenshots of his photo album and would expose him to the Public Security Bureau and the media if he continued his harassment. He even mockingly suggested a sensational newspaper headline detailing Hai's alleged misconduct. Hai, visibly unsettled by the mention of the album, attempted to dismiss the accusations, claiming it was legal lingerie modeling.

Xie Wanghe, however, stood firm, stating that as students, they had nothing to lose and would ensure Hai's business reputation was ruined if he pursued the matter. He threatened to beat Hai every time he saw him if he dared to bully Xia Fenghua again, with Shao Xingchi adding that all three of them would join in the next time.

Although Xia Fenghua admitted to being scared, Xie Wanghe reassured her that Hai wouldn't risk his entire business over 10,000 yuan. He promised Xia Fenghua that no one would bully her except her friends, vowing their fierce protection. However, the warmth of their camaraderie quickly faded when Xia Fenghua returned home to find her grandmother and aunt.

Her grandmother immediately began to mock her appearance, comparing her unfavorably to her childhood self and sarcastically asking if she was modeling for pig feed, while her aunt mentioned Hai's previous attempt to sign Xia Fenghua as a model. Xia Fenghua, ignoring her family's jabs, quietly asked about her father, only to learn he had left early. She deduced that her grandmother and aunt's visit was another attempt to extract money from her family, but she resolved not to give them any.

Episode 12 Recap

Li Yan initially believed Xia Fenghua's grandmother and aunt had come for money, but their true intention was to adopt a young boy from their hometown, Xiaobao, into the family to ensure a male heir for Xia Maotian. Xia Maotian was stunned upon learning this, while Li Yan was enraged. Fenghua, after speaking with Xiaobao, discovered her grandmother’s underlying motive was to claim family assets.

Xiaobao revealed that his original name was Xiaojun, but his grandma now called him Xiaobao, as in "baby," and that his grandma had told him he would inherit the family property because Fenghua's family only had a daughter. He also mentioned that Fenghua's family owned a large ship. Xia Maotian vehemently rejected the plan, accusing his mother of feudal thinking.

His mother countered, arguing that girls cannot be entered into the family genealogy, and without a son, who would continue their family line? She emphasized the Xia family's ancient lineage as a prestigious clan and worried that without a male heir, his deceased father would not rest in peace. Li Yan firmly stated she would never accept another child, asserting her happiness with just Fenghua and warning that if Xia Maotian gave in, she would divorce him.

She passionately recounted the hardships she faced raising Fenghua, including postpartum confinement without help, and how Fenghua was treated coldly for being a girl, causing her to doubt if she was truly her parents' child. The grandmother and aunt, however, continued to mock Li Yan, even suggesting Fenghua was worth less than a stray dog.

Xia Maotian tried to calm the escalating argument, but his mother sat down on the ground, crying and making a scene, drawing the attention of neighbors. Meanwhile, Xiaobao approached Fenghua, explaining that he was starving for three days before her grandmother "bought" him and that he just wanted to live. Fenghua then took him to get food. Xie Wanghe arrived, finding Fenghua disturbed.

He was shocked by the grandmother's actions and, recalling his promise to defend Fenghua, took charge of the situation. Xie Wanghe felt that Xia Maotian, being too filial, needed outside support. Xie Tiancheng, Shao Bingyi, and Zhou Yanlin confronted Xia Maotian, advising him that while filial piety is a virtue, blind obedience is not, especially given modern times. They warned him that if he didn't stand by his wife and daughter now, their hearts would be broken beyond repair.

Li Yan reinforced her ultimatum, stating she would leave with Fenghua if he accepted the boy. Finally, Xie Tiancheng’s stern words compelled Xia Maotian to stand firm. Xia Maotian confronted his mother, revealing he knew her true intention was to claim the demolition compensation from a proposed photovoltaic base in their village, a detail he learned from the village secretary.

He declared he wanted none of the compensation, offering it all to his mother and aunt if they would take the child and cease troubling Li Yan and Fenghua, whom he cherished as his life. He even offered to sign a notarized transfer contract for the compensation.

The grandmother, after a brief pretense of contrition, quickly agreed, expressing her belief that Fenghua's father truly loved her, and stating that if Fenghua's family didn't want the boy, others in the village would. The grandmother and aunt then left with Xiaobao. As they walked away, Xie Wanghe and Officer Shen arrived. Xiaobao courageously confessed to Shen that he was kidnapped by "bad people," giving his parents' names as Zhang Liangyong and Liu Cuiying, although he couldn't remember his home.

Shen immediately recognized this as child trafficking. The grandmother knelt, pleading ignorance and claiming the child was "given" by neighbors and that she simply paid them. Shen, however, stated that forgiveness was not his decision and that she needed to go to the police station to clarify the situation. Fenghua questioned Xie Wanghe if this was "too much," regretting that it was her own grandmother.

Xie Wanghe sarcastically offered to seek a reduced sentence for her, then playfully chided Fenghua for her ingratitude. That evening, Xia Maotian sat silently outside, reflecting. Fenghua joined him, and he shared his remorse, promising to stand up for her and her mother in the future, regardless of anyone's disapproval. He confessed that he had nothing of pride in his life except his daughter, and thanked her for inspiring him to act like a real man in a difficult moment.

Meanwhile, business on the canal was suffering due to the decline of river transport. Xie Tiancheng visited Xia Maotian's newly opened "Flower Street Floating Supermarket," noticing its success. Despite Xia Maotian's attempt to sell him live fish at a discount, Xie Tiancheng bought "belly-up" fish, remarking that all fish die eventually, reflecting his own somber mood. On the other hand, Liang Haihong struggled with driving lessons for a large truck, her instructor calling her the "dumbest person he's ever seen."

Liang Haihong pleaded for another chance. Later, Xie Tiancheng, drinking at home, found Liang Haihong's driving school payment slip. He confronted her about learning to drive a truck, expressing concern for the physical toll it takes, citing their friend Zhang's health issues from the same job. Liang Haihong countered, asking if he had checked their family finances, revealing they had very little money left and still owed neighbors many dividends, asking if they should "run away from debts."

She acknowledged his worry but insisted they had "no way out" and proposed they shoulder the burden together to alleviate his stress. She also suggested he consider opening a floating supermarket like Xia Maotian's, but Xie Tiancheng silently retreated to his room, unable to move past his own emotional block. At school, the "test paper drilling" initiative was a success, with Xie Wanghe’s class average score jumping from an estimated 84 to 92.

Mr. Xu and the principal were delighted, with the principal promising to treat the class to a meal if they maintained their performance in an upcoming joint exam with No. 1 High School. However, after evening self-study, Mr. Xu announced yet another set of test papers from Jiangxi Normal University Affiliated High School, leading to groans and complaints from students, who felt overworked and blamed Xie Wanghe for initiating the rigorous program.

Xie Wanghe apologized and offered to treat them to supper, but a classmate sarcastically thanked him, implying future success would not necessarily lead to gratitude. Unable to find a good buyer for his father's ship in a collapsing market, Xie Wanghe went to a cyber cafe with Zhou Haikuo and Shao Xingchi to post selling information online. He also wanted to find a better solution for a test problem, jokingly lamenting his lack of a "Sharingan" for the upcoming exams.

Xie Wanghe shared his deep concern for his parents, describing his father’s pride on the ship and his mother’s daily struggle with growing gray hairs. He expressed that his only desire was for his parents to live less strenuously, believing nothing else mattered. Upon returning home, Xie Wanghe found his father heavily drunk, crying and apologizing for being a failure who held his son back from his studies. He urged Xie Wanghe to be successful and regain the family's honor, leaving Xie Wanghe heartbroken.

Episode 13 Recap

Xia Fenghua and Ma Siyi were walking together when they unexpectedly saw Luo Zhimei return with her luggage. Zhou Yanlin was overjoyed, believing Luo Zhimei would finally settle down at home. However, Luo Zhimei revealed that she was only staying for a few days before returning to Beijing to work as a producer for a friend, Aililin, whose film company needed one.

Zhou Yanlin expressed his dissatisfaction, questioning her ability to handle such a demanding role and the financial risks involved. Luo Zhimei, however, insisted she could do it and wished to remain in the industry. Zhou Haikuo also found it puzzling why his mother always desired to leave.

His grandfather, Zhou Yanlin's father, Zhou Yipu, explained that everyone has the right to pursue their dreams, just as Haikuo himself dreamed of going to Beijing or Shenzhen, and that Luo Zhimei had sacrificed a lot for her husband and son. Haikuo then recalled his mother confiding in Granny Ma about feeling suffocated in their home.

Granny Ma, confirming this, shared that she too often felt stifled and had once encouraged Luo Zhimei to follow her aspirations, but Luo Zhimei worried about her family and son. Later, Zhou Yanlin confronted Luo Zhimei, accusing her of being selfish for constantly being away from home, her husband, and their child.

Luo Zhimei retorted, reminding him of his broken promise to return to Beijing with her, and her own need for a stage as an actress, unlike him, who was thriving there. Feeling their desires for life were too different and their coexistence was a burden, Zhou Yanlin, overwhelmed, proposed divorce, which Zhou Haikuo overheard. Meanwhile, Granny Ma spoke with Ma Siyi about bringing her half-brother to live on Flower Street.

Ma Siyi was upset, pointing out that the boy shared no blood relation with Granny Ma and had his own father. Granny Ma, with a compassionate heart, explained that the boy's stepfather, Ge, had been imprisoned for organizing illegal gambling, and Siyi's mother was planning to move south to pursue new ventures, leaving the young child with no one to care for him. Granny Ma hoped this arrangement would give Siyi another relative to rely on.

She emphasized that a person cannot stand alone and needs mutual support, just like the character '人' (person) in Chinese, formed by two strokes supporting each other. Despite Siyi's strong objections, her frustration stemming from her mother's past abandonment and absence, Granny Ma persisted, highlighting her own debt to Siyi's mother for giving her such a wonderful granddaughter. Ma Siyi reluctantly accepted. Luo Zhimei went to her son's room, finding him somewhat downcast.

She told him she would not leave for now, at least not until after his college entrance exam. However, Zhou Haikuo encouraged her to pursue her dreams, asserting that her presence wouldn't guarantee his success nor would her absence lead to his failure. He reiterated that everyone has the right to change their destiny and that, even if she and his father divorced, she would always be his mother. Luo Zhimei was touched to tears.

Haikuo then urged her to "fly to the highest sky." That evening, Zhou Yanlin and Xie Tiancheng were drinking at By the Canal, both feeling disheartened. Yanlin informed Xie Tiancheng that Luo Zhimei was indeed going to Beijing to be a producer. Xie Tiancheng then worried about the Grand Canal's future. Yanlin explained that the Grand Canal was being nominated for World Heritage status, and if successful, it would be protected by the nation and restored to prosperity.

Hearing this, Xie Tiancheng regained some confidence, regretting that he hadn't sold his boat. However, Yanlin quickly reminded him that once the Grand Canal's World Heritage status was confirmed, his polluting diesel ship, along with other high-emission vessels, would be phased out. This news extinguished Xie Tiancheng's last glimmer of hope. Yanlin understood his friend's pain, acknowledging that despite Flower Street's decline, neither of them had ever truly wanted to leave, as it was their home and their roots.

Yet, he urged Xie Tiancheng to adapt to the times, suggesting he come ashore and await the canal's revitalization, after which he could return to the river. Xie Tiancheng wondered if he could ever truly go back. As time passed, the Xia family's floating supermarket operated smoothly, and Granny Ma successfully applied for and received a minimum living allowance, securing her livelihood.

Liang Haihong formed friendships at the driving school and passed her driving test on the first attempt, earning the respect of her male peers and even Coach Du, who had initially not thought highly of her. Coach Du, now impressed, gave her tips for long-haul trucking. Liang Haihong decisively cut her hair short, found a reliable co-driver named Mr. Chen, and officially began her career as a long-haul truck driver.

That night, Xie Tiancheng was once again drinking by the river. Xie Wanghe approached him, asking honestly if he truly intended to sell the boat, offering to help him keep it if he didn't. Xie Tiancheng confirmed his decision to sell, stating one cannot fight fate. He accepted Wanghe's online offer of 120,000 yuan for the ship to be used for earthwork, with payment upon delivery in Linqing.

Wanghe offered to have Uncle Xia deliver the boat, but Xie Tiancheng decided to take it himself for one last journey with his son. The next morning, Xie Tiancheng watched as his cherished diesel ship was driven away, running frantically to the bridge to gaze after it until it disappeared from view. Later, Xie Tiancheng gathered everyone in the courtyard for a meal.

He announced he had sold the boat for 120,000 yuan and, to their surprise and protest, distributed the entire sum among them according to their shares, keeping none for himself. Li Yan and Shao Maotian then invited Xie Tiancheng to join them as a partner in their floating supermarket. Li Yan admitted she had pushed Shao Maotian to start it, and it had been profitable.

She added that Shao Maotian had been lost and distraught without Xie Tiancheng's guidance, like a "soul lost". Xie Tiancheng readily agreed to the partnership. From the rooftop, Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe observed the scene. Xia Fenghua wondered aloud why the older generation loved seafaring so much, as she had never found it enjoyable. Xie Wanghe explained that in the past, during a time of scarce transportation, ship owners were highly respected and felt deeply needed.

He noted that they were still living in the glory and honor of that past era. He expressed his frustration at seeing them like this and his inability to help. Xia Fenghua encouraged him to strive and improve, making them proud. Xie Wanghe doubted himself, but Xia Fenghua praised his directness and genuine nature, calling him "thick-skinned," and asserted these qualities would make him successful with clients and help him forge friendships in business.

She even suggested he join her in Beijing someday, calling him a "potential stock." Xia Fenghua then asked about Ma Siyi, and Xie Wanghe responded that Siyi's personality was better suited for academics than for starting a business. Fenghua pressed further about Siyi's place in his future beyond professional endeavors, but Wanghe playfully dismissed her questions, telling her to watch fewer idol dramas lest her intelligence decline further.

Episode 14 Recap

Ma Siyi returned to the courtyard late at night and saw Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua playfully bickering. Wanghe joked that Fenghua shouldn't watch so many soap operas because she was "already not smart" and "the more she watches, the dumber she gets." Fenghua was annoyed, asking who he was calling dumb and demanding an apology. Wanghe then lightheartedly suggested a "security guard" position in his future company would be perfect for Fenghua, who playfully promised to keep him safe.

They wished each other good night. Witnessing their interaction left Ma Siyi feeling a pang of sadness. Later, she found Granny Ma, who asked if she had eaten and was tired. Ma Siyi then asked, under the pretense of asking for a classmate, how one could tell if a person truly liked them. Granny Ma, sensing Siyi's true feelings, patiently explained that if someone truly liked her, she would "naturally know," comparing it to the aroma of cooked rice.

She added that if a man liked her, "he'll only have eyes for you," recounting how her grandpa was so clingy and only had eyes for her when they first met. Granny Ma then told Siyi that she would find someone like that, someone who only had eyes for her. Noticing Siyi's continued melancholy, Granny Ma asked if she was worried, to which Siyi denied it was about her.

The joint exam between No. 7 High School and No. 1 High School commenced. The principal of No. 1 High School encouraged his students to take the exam seriously, striving to show the excellence of their school.

In contrast, the principal of No. 7 High School advised his students not to be overly nervous, but to relax and perform at their usual level, promising that if they did well, he would ask the principal to treat them to a celebratory meal. Meanwhile, Xie Tiancheng had begun working with Xia Maotian on the floating supermarket. Being new to the business, Xie Tiancheng made decisions without much consideration for costs.

While stocking up, he insisted on buying large quantities of items like water, bread, vinegar, and soy sauce, disregarding Lao'er's advice to be more cautious. Xie Tiancheng confidently asserted that supermarkets on land were similar to those on water, relying on his seafaring experience and telling Lao'er to "think big" and not "focus on loose change."

During sales, he generously offered wholesale prices to old acquaintances and even threw in complimentary laundry detergent, calling it "customer cultivation" to ensure future business. Lao'er expressed concern that these practices would lead to losses and make it difficult to charge regular prices later, but Xie Tiancheng maintained his "bigger picture" philosophy. Xia Maotian returned home late, visibly upset and not hungry. When Li Yan asked if he had argued with Xie Tiancheng, he explained his frustrations.

He acknowledged Xie Tiancheng's expertise in seafaring but highlighted his inexperience in running a supermarket, stating he had "no experience at all" and simply made decisions haphazardly. Xia Maotian recounted how Xie Tiancheng "just grabbed whatever he wanted" when stocking goods, dismissing his advice that certain items wouldn't sell.

He also complained that Xie Tiancheng sold products at wholesale prices to save "face" with old friends, resulting in them losing 50 yuan after a day of work instead of making a profit. Xia Maotian felt it was "useless to talk to him" because Xie Tiancheng "wouldn't listen to him."

Li Yan, although worried, comforted her husband, telling him to "wait for a few more days" and suggesting that perhaps Xie Tiancheng would adjust and "it'll get better" once he adapted. She urged him not to panic. Granny Ma went to the bus station to pick up Ma Siyi's half-brother, Ge Siwei. A staff member remarked on his young age and his mother's carelessness for not coming in person, to which Granny Ma simply said Siwei's mother was "too busy."

Siwei was distraught, openly declaring, "I don't want to be here! Sir, I want to go home!" Granny Ma gently introduced herself as Ma Siyi's grandma and tried to persuade him to come home, but he remained unwilling. Later, Ma Siyi returned home, seemingly after a phone call where she accepted an invitation for crucian carp and tofu soup. Inside, she found Granny Ma trying to get Siwei to wash his hands.

Siwei vehemently pushed Granny Ma, causing her to fall to the ground. Enraged, Ma Siyi rushed to Granny Ma's side, then confronted Siwei, screaming, "She's my grandma, not yours! Your grandma is in Wenzhou!" She warned him that if he dared to misbehave again, she would "beat him up!" Siwei threatened to tell his mother, but Ma Siyi furiously chased him out of the house, demanding, "Why did you come here?"

Granny Ma, distressed, pleaded with Ma Siyi to open the door, reminding her that "he's your brother." However, Ma Siyi adamantly refused, declaring, "I have no mother or brother! The only family I have in this life is Grandma!" She left Siwei crying loudly outside. Granny Ma, with a heavy heart, went out to comfort him and helped him up. That night, Ma Siyi sat alone on the rooftop, visibly distressed.

Xia Fenghua joined her, at first playfully suggesting that naughty kids like Ge Siwei "need to be spanked" and that he would have "kicked him" himself. He teased Ma Siyi for crying, asking if her "hands hurt from hitting him," but Siyi confessed, "My heart hurts. I feel sorry for my younger self." She recalled being ten years old when her mother "kicked me out, like a bag of trash."

Fenghua tried to console her, suggesting she "should thank your mom" for sending her away, as it allowed her to "meet me, Wanghe, Xingchi, and Haikuo," and without them, she "might have become depressed already." Ma Siyi acknowledged that she "doesn't know what I would have become" without them, to which Fenghua jokingly replied she'd be "miserable, wallowing in self-pity all day and washing your face with tears."

Ma Siyi then posed a hypothetical question to Fenghua, asking how he would react if his mother abandoned him. Fenghua confidently stated his mother "would never do that," but if she did, he would "scream and yell and roll on the ground," making "tearful protests," emphasizing that "no one dares to abandon me. The price is too high." He then commented on Siyi being "such a soft touch," who "just cry secretly under the covers" and blames herself.

Ma Siyi admitted it was a "sickness" she "can't change." She confessed that initially, when she heard her brother crying outside, she "felt great," even "gloating" because she had been abandoned for him and now he was in the same plight. However, when she "really saw him sitting on the ground crying," her "heart hurt." She recognized that they "are the same," both "thrown out like trash," and that in the future, they "will have to rely on each other."

Fenghua, however, rejected the idea, asserting, "If you're going to rely on anyone, it should be me, not that little brat. He doesn't deserve it." The next morning, Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, and others gave Ge Siwei a ride to school. Ma Siyi was protective of Siwei, telling him not to learn from the older boys, but Xie Wanghe reassured Siwei, promising to teach him fun things.

At school, Ma Siyi reminded Siwei to wait for her after class, but he defiantly declared he didn't need her pick-up, to which she warned him not to blame her if he got lost. Shao Xingchi lightheartedly commented on Siwei and Ma Siyi's differing appearances, joking that they must have different fathers. In class, Mr. Xu announced the joint exam results.

While No. 1 High School's Class 2 had the highest average science score, No. 7 High School's Class 3 achieved an unprecedented fourth place in Honghuai, just 23 points behind the top school. Mr. Xu likened their performance to an "amateur boxer facing Tyson" who "finished the fight and lost all his teeth, but he was still standing!" He announced it was "No. 7 High School's highest score in history," and the students erupted in celebration.

Mr. Xu then confirmed his earlier promise: the principal would treat them all to a meal at "By the Canal" after school. The principals were later seen happily reviewing the exam results, with the principal acknowledging Xie Wanghe's "test prep center" idea, expressing hope that he understood it was for the school's greater good, a sentiment Wanghe confirmed.

Later that day, Ma Siyi went to pick up Ge Siwei from school but found all the students had left and he was nowhere to be found. She rushed home, only to discover he hadn't returned there either. Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe arrived. Fenghua jokingly raised Ma Siyi's anxieties by suggesting Siwei might have fallen into the hands of human traffickers, adding that Siwei could be sold for a high price.

Xie Wanghe, however, quickly dismissed Fenghua's unsettling comments and urged Ma Siyi to "report to the police first," reassuring her that they "will find him." At the police station, Shen Yong calmed Ma Siyi, explaining that surveillance cameras would help. After verifying Siwei's identity from a photo, Shen Yong confirmed that Siwei had left school early that morning, boarded a long-distance bus with the license plate ending in 8732, and was headed for Suqian.

Ma Siyi realized he had gone to "my mother's home." Shen Yong drove Ma Siyi, Xia Fenghua, and Xie Wanghe to Suqian. On the way, Ma Siyi anxiously asked how much longer it would take, but Shen Yong explained that speed limits prevented them from going faster, leading to Xie Wanghe telling Fenghua to stop talking so much. They eventually found Ge Siwei outside his old house.

Ma Siyi, overcome with a mix of fury and relief, called out his name and then hit him. Siwei retaliated, demanding, "Why did you hit me? I'll fight you to the end!" Fenghua suggested letting Ma Siyi handle "her family business" as she angrily confronted Siwei, asking, "What were you thinking?" and "What if you got lost?" Siwei cried out, "I want Mom!"

Ma Siyi showed him the changed lock on the door, explaining that "this house has probably been sold already" and "this isn't your home anymore." Siwei, heartbroken, continued to wail, "I want Mom! I don't have a home!" Later, at a street stall, after they had eaten, Siwei reiterated his desire to find his mother and refused to go home with Ma Siyi. Ma Siyi then sat down with him for an earnest talk.

She praised his bravery for running away, confessing she only "dared to think about it" when she was abandoned, while he actually took action. Siwei, proud, said he was brave like his dad, who "dares to do anything," which is "why he ended up in jail." Ma Siyi then shared her past resentment towards their mother for abandoning her for a son, but confessed she felt "instantly better" when their mother later abandoned Siwei too.

Siwei vehemently insisted his mom hadn't abandoned him, but Ma Siyi told him to stop yelling, explaining their mother "only loves herself." She then told him that the best thing their mother ever did was "send me to live with Grandma." She described the Flower Street courtyard as having "warmth inside," assuring him he would feel it after living there for a while.

She explained that there, "no matter how bitter or upset you feel, there will be people by your side, loving you and caring for you. . . Even if you had an iceberg in your heart, they could make it melt away." Siwei, still feeling alienated, remarked that those friends were hers, not his.

Ma Siyi reassured him, "What's mine will be yours too," on the condition that he "treat me as your sister," not just in words but "in your heart." If he could do that, she promised to treat him as her "real brother." Siwei acknowledged he was her real brother and jokingly mentioned she had pinched him too hard earlier. Ma Siyi, with a smile, promised never to hit him again, and they "pinky swear" their promise.

Siwei then asked if they could go home, and Ma Siyi agreed. Ge Siwei, finally agreeing, held hands with Ma Siyi and returned with her in Shen Yong's car. On the way back, Fenghua jokingly commented that Ma Siyi had "went easy on him," adding that if it were his own brother, he "would have beaten him so hard that he couldn't get out of bed."

Xie Wanghe reminded Fenghua that Siwei was "also your brother now," to which Fenghua playfully threatened Siwei, "If you don't behave, I'll beat you to a pulp," before Xie Wanghe interjected, telling him to "be gentle, he's sleeping." Back at the courtyard, Granny Ma was still awake, relieved that Siwei was found and learned he had gone to look for his mother.

After bringing the sleeping Siwei inside, Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe prepared to leave, declining Granny Ma's offer of food. Ma Siyi thanked them for their help, and Xie Wanghe playfully demanded she "buy me breakfast tomorrow" and asked for "two extra tea eggs," which Ma Siyi readily agreed to. Granny Ma beamed, proud of Siyi.

Later that night, Ge Siwei, scared of the dark as he always slept with his mother at home, woke Ma Siyi and asked to sleep with her. Ma Siyi agreed, warning him not to "toss and turn too much" as she was a light sleeper, and Siwei promised to stay still. Curious, Siwei then asked Ma Siyi if Xie Wanghe, who had carried him in, was her boyfriend.

Ma Siyi clarified that his name was Xie Wanghe and he should call him "Brother Wanghe." When Siwei probed about their relationship, Ma Siyi avoided directly answering but praised Wanghe as a "really nice guy, very righteous," urging Siwei to "be polite to him." However, Siwei, recalling his mother's cynical view that "people don't be nice to others for no reason," jumped to his own conclusion, announcing, "I'll just call him my brother-in-law when I see him again."

Ma Siyi chided him for his thoughts, while also refuting their mother's selfish view, affirming that "everyone in this yard is very nice." The next morning, as the group dropped Siwei off at school, Fenghua began offering Siwei dubious advice on how to deal with bullies, suggesting he should "just fall. . . and then start twitching and foaming at the mouth" if pushed, a tactic he claimed had saved him from a bully named Liang.

Ma Siyi criticized Fenghua for teaching the young boy to "fake injuries," but Fenghua insisted it worked. As Siwei departed for school, he turned to Xie Wanghe and boldly called him "Brother-in-law," adding, "Be nice to my sister, or I'll beat you up." Xie Wanghe was visibly delighted, while Ma Siyi, embarrassed, exclaimed, "Who are you calling your brother-in-law?" Fenghua, however, looked annoyed, remarking that Wanghe was "crazy" and that he "will have to give him a beating again tonight."

Later in class, Shao Xingchi discussed Siwei's unusual address for Wanghe. Xia Fenghua, though denying jealousy, appeared thoughtful. Shao Xingchi then told Fenghua that "Xie Wanghe and Ma Siyi can't be together," citing Wanghe's belief that a man needs a "helpful wife" to succeed, and that Siyi's current situation would likely "hold him back." Fenghua defended Siyi, but Shao Xingchi then bluntly told Fenghua, "You don't have a chance either," explaining, "You're too silly."

Episode 15 Recap

Two catering executives, Mr. Li and his brother, arrived at By the Canal to meet Zhou Yanlin. Luo Zhimei introduced them, highlighting Zhou Yanlin as her husband and a master chef. The executives praised his Huaiyang imperial cuisine, prepared using Qing Dynasty methods, stating they were truly impressed for the first time in their many years in the restaurant business.

They revealed plans to open a high-end restaurant called Suzhen Pavilion near the Workers' Sports Complex in Beijing, capitalizing on the upcoming Olympics, and offered Zhou Yanlin a high salary, shares, and dividends for his apprentices. However, Zhou Yanlin declined, explaining that he had lived in Beijing before and wasn't happy there. He offered to send his apprentice instead, citing his age and reluctance to disrupt his peaceful life in "this small place."

Luo Zhimei was furious, accusing him of making things tense and wasting a good opportunity. She urged him to consider their son, Zhou Haikuo, a high school senior, whose studies would be affected by a move. Zhou Yanlin retorted that he respected her choices and asked her to respect his decision not to go to Beijing, reiterating his disinterest in big cities where people don't truly appreciate food.

Later that evening, Luo Zhimei complained to Zhou Yipu about Zhou Yanlin's stubborn refusal. She felt it was a waste of his talent to stay in a small town when a first-tier city offered better opportunities for him and Haikuo. Zhou Yipu gently reminded her that it was "her" vision of the future, not Zhou Yanlin's. He supported her if going to Beijing made her happy but urged her not to force Zhou Yanlin, who wouldn't be happy there.

Zhou Yipu then recounted Zhou Yanlin's difficult childhood, constantly moving with him, rarely smiling until he secretly began learning to cook from an old Huai'an chef, a family chef of Shen Jingsi. It was while cooking that Zhou Yanlin genuinely smiled, feeling like an orchestra conductor. Zhou Yipu stressed that for a chef, the greatest joy isn't money but having people appreciate their food. He subtly alluded to Zhou Yanlin's past painful experiences in Beijing.

Zhou Yipu advised them to cool off and not rush a divorce, suggesting they wait until Haikuo finished his exams. Meanwhile, Zhou Yanlin returned to his quiet courtyard. He found Zhou Haikuo engrossed in a video game and took his console. Haikuo indifferently asked when the divorce would happen, saying his father seemed to lack decision-making power. Haikuo questioned why Zhou Yanlin hadn't tried to persuade Luo Zhimei to stay or why he refused to go to Beijing.

Zhou Yanlin explained there was no difference waiting for her here or in Beijing, as she was always away filming. Haikuo grew emotional, asking why they needed to divorce if his mother pursued her acting and his father cooked. He tearfully expressed his sadness, referencing how Ma Siyi grew up without her parents, accusing his parents of selfishness, despite understanding their individual dreams. He pleaded with them to consider him.

Deeply affected by his son's distress, Zhou Yanlin later called Luo Zhimei, asking her not to let their future decisions about their marriage hurt Haikuo or make him view marriage negatively. She agreed. The next morning, Luo Zhimei left Flower Street. Zhou Haikuo feigned sleep but secretly watched his mother's departing figure from his window. Zhou Yanlin told her Haikuo was still asleep. At breakfast, Zhou Yanlin asked Haikuo why he hadn't seen his mother off.

Haikuo replied it wasn't "saying goodbye forever." To lift Haikuo's spirits, Zhou Yanlin made a deal: if Haikuo could rank in the top ten of his class, they would take him to Beijing to visit famous sites like the Bird's Nest, Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Tiananmen Square. Haikuo asked Ma Siyi to be his witness, and she agreed. Later, neighbors discussed Ge Siwei, with one calling him "hard to take care of."

Granny Ma admitted he was difficult when he first arrived but had improved. Another neighbor recounted how Ge Siwei cried when he woke up and realized he wasn't next to his mother. The neighbors cautioned Granny Ma that Siyi's mother was selfish and unreliable. Granny Ma explained her intention to build good karma, hoping Siyi's mother would treat Ma Siyi better if anything happened to her. The neighbors reassured Granny Ma that they would always be there for her.

That evening, Ma Siyi returned home with Ge Siwei, scolding him for getting into a fight. Ge Siwei blamed Xie Wanghe, who he called "brother-in-law," for teaching him a "scam" strategy: lying on the ground, rolling his eyes, and twitching to make bullies back off. Ma Siyi clarified that he used the trick to threaten classmates into buying him chips and got beaten up.

Ge Siwei insisted Wanghe liked Ma Siyi and called him "brother-in-law" because Wanghe "kept sneaking glances" at her. Annoyed, Ma Siyi chased him around. Granny Ma intervened, telling Ma Siyi to be gentler. After Ge Siwei fell asleep, Granny Ma gently nudged Ma Siyi about Xie Wanghe's feelings for her, expressing her support if they liked each other. Ma Siyi denied any interest, stating Wanghe liked Xia Fenghua because she "overheard Fenghua confess to him."

Granny Ma suggested Wanghe might not reciprocate Fenghua's feelings and believed he liked Ma Siyi. Ma Siyi, however, firmly declared her focus was solely on the Gaokao (college entrance exam), promising Granny Ma she would become a teacher and return to live with her in two years. Meanwhile, Xia Maotian returned home, telling Li Yan he only made 30 yuan from the floating supermarket that day, not even covering their meal costs.

He attributed their losses to Xie Tiancheng's excessive pride, which led him to give steep discounts to old acquaintances like Mr. Du and overstock goods without proper judgment. Li Yan complained about their continuous losses, contrasting their situation with other profitable supermarkets. Xia Fenghua, overhearing the argument, relayed the details to Xie Wanghe on the phone, adding that Xie Tiancheng's pride, constant discounts, and poor inventory choices were causing significant financial losses. Wanghe assured her he would find a solution.

Wanghe then confronted his father, Xie Tiancheng, who was drinking alone. Xie Tiancheng expressed his exhaustion and indignation, finding selling goods tiresome and demeaning compared to seafaring, especially having to "serve" his former peers. Wanghe attempted to offer business advice, suggesting his father research retail industry rules and adjust his mindset from a "commander of the elite army" to a collaborative business partner. Xie Tiancheng became furious, dismissing Xia Maotian as "cowardly" and asserting his own way of doing business.

He told Wanghe to focus on his studies. Wanghe retorted by asking if his father had made any money, contrasting it with his own improved grades, accusing his father of being "guilty" of the losses. Xie Tiancheng lunged at him, but Wanghe stopped him, urging him to cease drinking for his health. The next day, Xie Tiancheng attempted to return unsold inventory to a wholesaler. The wholesaler reluctantly agreed to take back bottled water, citing their long-standing relationship.

However, he adamantly refused to accept the bread, which was perishable and nearing its expiration date, with some loaves expiring the very next day. Xie Tiancheng pleaded, explaining the bread would go to waste if he couldn't return it, but the wholesaler was firm. Dejected, Xie Tiancheng returned home and started drinking again. When Wanghe tried to stop him, Xie Tiancheng became violent.

Later, after school, Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo were buying snacks when a group of thugs ambushed and attacked Xie Wanghe. Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo quickly intervened, chasing the attackers away, but Wanghe suffered fractured ribs and a fractured left arm. The thugs reported back to their boss, "Hai," who was pleased but vowed to "think about how to deal with that girl" (Fenghua), emphasizing that his pride had been wounded.

Meanwhile, Xie Tiancheng, while on his floating supermarket, saw an elderly woman attempting to jump into the river. Without hesitation, he rushed to her rescue and pulled her to safety. Xie Wanghe, with his friends, was being examined at the hospital for his injuries when Xie Tiancheng arrived, bringing the rescued elderly woman. Fenghua, upon hearing the news, rushed to Wanghe's side, crying with concern.

Wanghe and his friends quickly concocted a story about him falling while playing basketball, but Xie Tiancheng was unconvinced, questioning how one could simultaneously injure a left arm and a right cheek. He scolded Wanghe, calling him a "hollow log" only good for firewood, then hoisted him onto his back and carried him home, ignoring Wanghe's embarrassment.

Back home, with Li Yan, Ma Siyi, and Granny Ma present, Xie Tiancheng gave away his unsold bread to the neighbors, explaining that he had overstocked. Li Yan, frustrated by the ongoing losses, loudly complained to Xia Maotian, accusing Xie Tiancheng of recklessly giving away their hard-earned money. Xie Tiancheng sheepishly admitted his mistake. When Xia Maotian later asked Zhou Haikuo about the fight, Haikuo maintained the cover story of a basketball injury.

Episode 16 Recap

Xie Tiancheng privately asked Zhou Haikuo for assistance in locating Tong San, the leader of the thugs who attacked Xie Wanghe, at a barbershop. Zhou Haikuo quickly found Tong San, describing him as a "big and burly" man with a silver earring. Xie Tiancheng sent Zhou Haikuo home, intending to confront Tong San alone. Xie Tiancheng questioned Tong San about the attack on Xie Wanghe, a student from No. 7 High School.

Tong San, with an extremely arrogant demeanor, admitted to it, claiming he "didn't like the look of him" and proudly declared himself "Tong San of Flower Street." Soon after, Tong San's subordinates arrived carrying sticks, but then Tong San's father appeared and began hitting his son for causing trouble, ordering him to kneel and apologize to Xie Tiancheng.

Tong's father expressed deep regret for not disciplining his son properly, explaining that his wife had passed away early and he had been too busy earning a living. He asked about Xie Wanghe's injuries, and Xie Tiancheng confirmed that Xie Wanghe had suffered broken ribs and a fractured left arm. Xie Tiancheng emphasized that money was not the main concern, but a sincere apology from Tong San was required, to which Tong San hastily agreed.

Meanwhile, Xia Fenghua brought a bowl of pork trotter soup, specially brewed with eucommia and goji berries for strengthening bones, to Xie Wanghe. As she playfully fed him, a scene of affectionate banter unfolded. Xia Fenghua teased Xie Wanghe, asking if he was happy about getting beaten up, leading to a playful argument between them. Ma Siyi then arrived and was immediately offered soup by Xia Fenghua, but she declined, showing concern for Xie Wanghe's condition.

Xie Wanghe jokingly dismissed his injuries as "terminal cancer," prompting Xia Fenghua to scold him for his inauspicious remarks. Their banter continued with a minor tug-of-war over his arm. As Ma Siyi left, stating she had homework, Xia Fenghua followed her out. Xia Fenghua reassured Ma Siyi that Xie Wanghe's injury was "just a bone fracture."

She then suggested they take turns caring for him, but Ma Siyi declined, claiming she was clumsy and lacked patience, insisting that Xia Fenghua was "much better at this." Later, back at home, Ma Siyi sat alone at her desk, quietly shedding tears. Outside, Tong's father and Tong San arrived at Xie's home with a fruit basket to offer their apologies to Xie Wanghe, drawing a crowd of curious neighbors.

Still upset by the incident, Xia Fenghua sternly reprimanded Tong San, stating that a simple apology was insufficient for such a severe beating in a "society governed by law," warning him of potential jail time if they chose not to accept mediation. Tong San, acknowledging his wrongdoing, promised to stay out of Xie Wanghe's way. Tong's father again apologized to Xie Tiancheng.

Xie Tiancheng then said that he and Tong's father had "used to run on the same river" and there was "no need to make things so tense," to which Xia Fenghua praised Xie Tiancheng's magnanimity. Xie Tiancheng then instructed Xia Fenghua to ensure Xie Wanghe took his medication and advised Xie Wanghe not to disclose the true cause of his injuries to Liang Haihong, suggesting he claim it was from playing basketball, a cover story Xie Wanghe agreed to.

Xia Fenghua remarked that both their mothers would "try to kill them" if they knew the truth. Xie Tiancheng then sent Xia Fenghua home. Later, Tong San, still puzzled, asked his father why he seemed so afraid of Xie Tiancheng. His father clarified that it was not fear, but "respect." He recounted how, in their youth, when they made a living on the ships, the "upstream crews" would often "gang up on them."

Xie Tiancheng, known then as "Boss Xie," had "risked his life to seek justice for them," suffering "three ribs broken" in the process. He emphasized that "many people on Flower Street owe him." Xie Wanghe reflected on his father, Xie Tiancheng, once revered as the "Water Dragon King," now feeling like a "piece of driftwood fallen from a ship," drifting aimlessly and "dejected," unable to find direction.

He observed his mother, Liang Haihong, "alone sticking it out for the family," bearing the heavy burden. He wondered when this difficult period would end for them. Meanwhile, Liang Haihong faced a challenging situation on her truck route when her regular partner, Chen, called in sick with a fever, and his buddy, Sun, took his place. During their trip, Sun made unwelcome advances towards Liang Haihong in the truck, making inappropriate comments.

Liang Haihong fiercely resisted, kicking him out of the vehicle. She then continued her journey alone, driving the large truck through the night rain, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to stay strong. Upon her return, Liang Haihong found Xie Tiancheng proudly hanging a congratulatory banner, an acknowledgment from the community for his heroic act of saving an elderly woman from drowning in the river. Neighbors gathered, praising Xie Tiancheng as a "savior."

The elderly woman's son and daughter-in-law expressed profound gratitude, explaining that she had jumped into the river after a minor argument with their child. Xie Tiancheng humbly brushed off their thanks, saying he was "just passing by and lent a hand." However, Liang Haihong's demeanor shifted as she confronted Xie Tiancheng, angrily questioning his recklessness and disregard for his own safety. She reminded him of a past promise and pointed out that others present at the scene had not intervened.

Xie Tiancheng became defensive, arguing that he had "saved someone's life" and couldn't be wrong, even sarcastically stating he wouldn't save anyone again. Liang Haihong then revealed the hardships she faced, asking, "If you have time to save other people, have you ever thought about saving me?" She showed him her worn hands, describing the physical and emotional toll of her work, explaining she had to appear masculine just to feel "a bit safer out there."

She recounted the recent incident with Sun, explicitly stating that someone had "taken advantage of me." Hearing this, Xie Tiancheng became enraged, demanding to know who dared to harm her. Overhearing his parents' heated argument, Xie Wanghe rushed out and angrily confronted Xie Tiancheng for his idleness and drinking while his mother endured such struggles. In a fit of determination, Xie Wanghe declared his intention to quit school and join his mother on her truck runs to protect her.

That night, Liang Haihong awoke from a nightmare, visibly shaken. Xie Tiancheng, witnessing her distress, gently comforted her, finally understanding the depth of her suffering. He announced his decision to accompany her on her truck runs, explaining that his floating supermarket was losing money and he should withdraw from the business he shared with Maotian and his wife. He humbly added that at his age, he "can't really accomplish much anymore."

Liang Haihong, deeply moved, began to cry, expressing her own suffering. Xie Tiancheng, now resolute, promised to obtain a driver's license soon and "bite the bullet for two more years" to earn enough for Xie Wanghe's tuition fees. He then informed her that he had already prepared breakfast. Later, by the flowing Grand Canal, Xie Wanghe, reflecting on his family, made a pivotal change. He burned his "Dragon King" banner, symbolizing a shift in his priorities.

He promised Xie Tiancheng he would take good care of himself, not cause worry, avoid internet cafes, and eat at Xia Fenghua's home, assuring his father that he would no longer be a source of trouble. Xie Tiancheng and Liang Haihong then set off on their first truck journey together. As they drove, Xie Tiancheng played a cassette tape Xie Wanghe had given him before they left.

A radio announcer introduced the song, "Love You Dad," dedicated to his father by Xie Wanghe from Honghuai No. 7 High School. Xie Tiancheng was visibly touched by the gesture, humorously checking his hair and then dismissing it as "just a song," though clearly moved by his son's words. Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe noticed that Ma Siyi seemed unusually subdued and mentioned his concern to Zhou Haikuo, suggesting that "something's off with her," possibly related to her mother.

They decided to ask Xia Fenghua to talk to her. Xia Fenghua approached Ma Siyi, who was engrossed in her studies, and conveyed Xie Wanghe's concern about her recent low spirits. Ma Siyi replied that she "just wants to focus on the college entrance exam" and that "nothing else matters." When asked about her plans after the exam, she stated, "We can leave that for later," indicating she had no time for other thoughts.

Mustering her courage, Xia Fenghua then directly asked Ma Siyi if she "likes" Xie Wanghe. Ma Siyi responded that "the word 'like' is too much of a luxury for me," adding, "at least for now, I don't deserve it." She then told Xia Fenghua that, besides her grandmother, she considered Xia Fenghua her "closest and best sister," expressing a hope that their friendship would never "fall out" over something trivial.

Ma Siyi offered Xia Fenghua a piece of advice: to "work hard, and then harder," to "always look straight ahead," and "don't look up to people," describing "being humble" as "a disease, a terminal one." She concluded that Xia Fenghua would "understand when you're older." The next morning, Xie Wanghe waited for Xia Fenghua and Ma Siyi. Xia Fenghua complained to Xie Wanghe that she had waited for him until midnight, implying their conversation with Ma Siyi hadn't yielded much. Ma Siyi, seeming eager to leave, rushed off to school without acknowledging Xie Wanghe, with Xia Fenghua quickly following her. Xie Wanghe, left behind, appeared frustrated by their hurried departure.

Episode 17 Recap

Liang Haihong observed Xie Tiancheng’s low spirits as they drove their large truck, despite successfully ensuring full payment for a trip where a client had attempted to dock their earnings. This was a situation Xie Tiancheng had handled with the same tough demeanor he’d developed as a seafarer. Liang Haihong had been contemplating their future, suggesting they save money to send their son to college, then retire to a simpler life on a small boat.

However, throughout the 2,000-kilometer journey, Xie Tiancheng remained distant, barely speaking. Realizing his profound unhappiness, she later told him he belonged to the river, like a fish that couldn't survive without water, fearing he would fall ill from suppressing his true calling. When she mentioned that Liu Yuling had informed her of Shao Bingyi’s idea for him to organize a canal rescue team, Xie Tiancheng confirmed it but was hesitant.

Liang Haihong strongly encouraged him to pursue it, assuring him of her full support. She emphasized that while the family had once relied solely on him, she could now share the burden, and their son would undoubtedly succeed. She implored him not to lose his spirit and the charismatic aura that had initially captivated her. While Xie Tiancheng was buying groceries, Shao Bingyi approached him.

After a brief discussion about Shao Bingyi’s book, he proposed that Xie Tiancheng initiate and organize a canal rescue team to aid drowning victims, citing a recent incident in Liu Village. Shao Bingyi explained that this endeavor would bolster the canal's bid for World Heritage status by highlighting Flower Street's unique and commendable local culture of kindness, rather than historical romantic tales. Xie Tiancheng, suspecting Shao Bingyi’s ulterior motive, directly asked if he intended to write an article about it.

Shao Bingyi playfully denied it, asserting that good deeds deserved public recognition and that their collaboration would be a "win-win": Xie Tiancheng would perform the deeds, and he would immortalize them in writing. Xie Tiancheng jokingly suggested splitting any writing fees, but Shao Bingyi prioritized the "honor." Xie Tiancheng stated it was a major decision requiring consultation with his wife.

Shao Bingyi concluded by remarking that if the canal achieved World Heritage status, Xie Tiancheng could finally return to his life on the river. Later that evening, Xie Tiancheng sought out Xia Maotian by the river to discuss the rescue team. Despite some initial hesitation, Xia Maotian supported Xie Tiancheng's decision.

The two men then lit incense and prayed to the River God, earnestly wishing for the canal to prosper again so they could return to their beloved boats, the familiar smells of kerosene and diesel, and the roar of engine. Empowered by Liang Haihong's unwavering support, Xie Tiancheng proceeded to form the canal rescue team. Shao Bingyi promptly arranged for reporters to cover the inauguration, attracting a crowd of curious onlookers.

Xie Tiancheng, addressing the reporters, spoke of the canal's rich history and culture, emphasizing the team's responsibility to ensure its safety. Over time, the rescue team successfully saved numerous lives, accumulating an increasing number of commendation banners. Their heroic deeds were regularly featured in newspapers, with one article praising Xie Tiancheng and his team for embodying the selfless spirit of Dr. Norman Bethune.

While discussing one such article, Liu Yuling innocently inquired why Xia Maotian's name wasn't explicitly mentioned, creating an awkward silence. Xia Maotian quickly interjected, explaining that as a member of the rescue team, any praise directed at the team implicitly included him, pointing to a photograph as evidence. Another neighbor light-heartedly suggested cutting out the article and displaying it, remarking on how men, like Xie Tiancheng, valued public recognition.

During a casual chat between Ma Siyi and Xia Fenghua, Xie Wanghe startled Xia Fenghua. Zhou Haikuo inquired if Ma Siyi was truly set on attending Honghuai Normal University, suggesting her excellent grades qualified her for Beijing universities. However, Ma Siyi expressed disinterest in Beijing, echoing Xie Tiancheng's sentiment that some people simply aren't suited for it.

Xie Wanghe tried to persuade her to broaden her horizons, but Ma Siyi countered that she had already experienced Beijing and realized she was "an ignorant fool," though she intended to return when ready to "make a name for myself." She then challenged Xie Wanghe's constant talk of "success" being solely about making money, asserting that for her, success meant living a contented life, surrounded by her family and pursuing her studies.

She concluded by stating, "People with big dreams like you can never understand the goals of someone like me." Unconvinced, Xie Wanghe urged her to aspire to a "bigger world." As the final semester of high school began, the school announced a strict Monday-to-Friday closed-off boarding policy for all senior students. Ma Siyi, however, applied to be a day student, citing her responsibility to care for her young brother and ailing grandmother.

Despite the teacher's concerns that her family obligations were negatively impacting her academic performance and might jeopardize her college entrance exam, Ma Siyi promised to maintain her grades and self-discipline. The teacher, acknowledging her unique situation, agreed to seek an exception from the school, stressing the critical importance of the final semester. Later, Chen Rui approached Ma Siyi, also advising her against becoming a day student.

Ma Siyi reiterated her family's precarious situation, explaining that her brother's schooling and her grandmother's potential hospitalization meant she had to be home. Chen Rui offered to lend her money from his personal savings to hire a caregiver, but Ma Siyi, feeling already indebted for his past kindness, such as providing free tutoring at his home, politely declined. Meanwhile, a deeply distressing incident unfolded involving Xia Fenghua.

A malicious Photoshopped image of her in lingerie, with her face superimposed onto another's body, began circulating online among students. Classmates, including Xie Wanghe and Zhou Haikuo, stumbled upon the picture, some commenting on the explicit details. Xia Fenghua, upon seeing it, was aghast, vehemently denying ever taking such a photo and recognizing it as a clear fabrication. Xie Wanghe immediately suggested reporting the post and contacting the forum administrator for removal.

However, Zhou Haikuo discovered it was a private forum, making deletion difficult without the owner's cooperation and hacking it a time-consuming process. He warned that the post could severely damage Fenghua's reputation, especially since the perpetrator, identified as Hai, had threatened to release "more juicy content." Overwhelmed, Xia Fenghua broke down in tears. Fenghua's distraught cries enraged Xie Wanghe.

He stormed into Hai's studio, where Hai was gloating, claiming Fenghua "should've returned my money" and "deserved" what she got, warning this was "just the beginning." Enraged, Xie Wanghe physically assaulted Hai and smashed his studio equipment, warning him to leave Fenghua alone. Hai, in turn, threatened to call the police and have Xie Wanghe jailed.

Simultaneously, Xie Tiancheng was hailed a hero for rescuing a drowning child from the river, but his moment of triumph was cut short by a phone call informing him of Xie Wanghe's violent outburst. At the police station, Officer Shen informed Xie Tiancheng that Xie Wanghe had been detained for assaulting a photographer and vandalizing his studio, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the potential for a prison sentence.

While acknowledging Xie Wanghe's "sense of justice," Officer Shen criticized his impulsive "temper" and tendency to act "without considering the consequences." Xie Tiancheng, however, insisted his son wouldn't act without reason. Officer Shen advised seeking the victim's forgiveness and, if unsuccessful, to request a forensic medical examination, warning that a confirmed injury could ruin Xie Wanghe's future. Xie Tiancheng visited Hai, identified as Pang Dahai, in the hospital.

Pang Dahai, still fuming, cursed at Xie Tiancheng, refusing any forgiveness and vowing to ensure Xie Wanghe "rots in jail," recounting how Xie Wanghe had simply burst in and smashed his equipment while he was working. Upon receiving the urgent news, Liang Haihong immediately arranged for a colleague to take over her driving duties, sacrificing her earnings for the trip, and rushed home.

There, she confronted Xie Tiancheng, chastising him for being absent and drinking while their son faced trouble, accusing him of failing to protect their child. In a show of community solidarity, neighbors began collecting signatures for Xie Wanghe's support, with 124 households on Flower Street signing petitions. Even Granny Ma, despite her age, came to show her concern. The neighborhood committee and the school also prepared to intervene.

Officer Shen contacted them to schedule a mediation session for the following day. Xie Tiancheng, having experienced Pang Dahai's stubbornness, expressed pessimism about a peaceful resolution. Just then, Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo arrived, explaining the full extent of Pang Dahai's malicious actions: he had Photoshopped Xia Fenghua's face onto a lingerie-clad body and posted it on the school's online forum, leading to Xie Wanghe's angry retaliation.

Li Yan and Xia Maotian were shocked by the revelation, wondering why they hadn't been informed sooner. Zhou Haikuo assured them that the offensive photos had been discovered quickly, traced to their source, and successfully deleted with the school's help. Realizing Xie Wanghe had acted to defend Fenghua, Li Yan and Xia Maotian regretted not intervening to prevent him from taking matters into his own hands.

Zhou Haikuo admitted that while they lacked direct evidence against Pang Dahai due to his use of a proxy server, they suspected he took the original photos, but a police report would be necessary to investigate further. Given the urgency, they all agreed to prioritize getting Xie Wanghe released. The police had suggested meeting Pang Dahai's demands for compensation to ensure Xie Wanghe could avoid legal consequences and not miss his college entrance exam.

Shao Xingchi was indignant about compensating Pang Dahai, but Li Yan quickly silenced him, urging him not to escalate the situation further. Overwhelmed with guilt, Xia Fenghua wept, believing she had ruined Xie Wanghe's college prospects. Xia Maotian, comforting her, reminded her that Wanghe saw her as a sister and they would honor his kindness by facing the consequences together. Meanwhile, Shao Bingyi took Shao Xingchi aside, lecturing him about the rule of law versus vigilantism.

When Shao Xingchi pressed him on how to seek justice against Pang Dahai if the law couldn't effectively punish him, Shao Bingyi suggested legal action, but Shao Xingchi countered that without clear evidence, a lawsuit would be futile, leaving Shao Bingyi momentarily speechless. The next day, Xie Tiancheng and Liang Haihong arrived at the Tangbei Police Station in Qingtang District, Honghuai City for the mediation.

The police mediator clarified that their purpose was to establish legal responsibilities and facilitate a resolution, not to merely gloss over the conflict. He confirmed from surveillance footage that while Xie Wanghe had initiated the property damage, he had not physically harmed Pang Dahai until Pang Dahai first attacked him, leading to Xie Wanghe's retaliation.

The mediator stated that both parties had committed "picking quarrels and making trouble" and urged them to reach an understanding to mitigate the legal consequences, warning that failure to agree would result in formal charges, detention, or sentencing. Liang Haihong requested a private conversation with Pang Dahai. She began by apologizing for her son's actions, but Pang Dahai dismissed it as "too late."

Liang Haihong then confronted him, hinting that he knew the true cause of the incident and questioning his morality for targeting "a young girl." Pang Dahai feigned ignorance and threatened to sue her for defamation. Shifting tactics, Liang Haihong appealed to him as a mother, revealing that Wanghe was their only son and their sole hope for a better future, as she and Xie Tiancheng considered themselves "ordinary."

She warned that if he extinguished that hope, they would have nothing left to lose and would "drag him down." When Pang Dahai accused her of threatening him, Liang Haihong clarified it was a "negotiation," passionately pleading with him "not to ruin the futures of both our families."

After a moment of consideration, Pang Dahai agreed to drop the criminal charges but demanded a total of 100,000 yuan for his medical expenses, recovery costs, and damaged equipment, insisting on a one-time, full payment. Despite Xie Tiancheng's outrage at the exorbitant demand, Liang Haihong swiftly accepted the terms and moved to sign the agreement, silencing her husband.

Episode 18 Recap

The Xie family faced immense difficulty raising the 100,000 yuan compensation. Li Yan, overwhelmed by guilt over her daughter Xia Fenghua's role in the incident, brought money to help. She told Liang Haihong, "This matter happened because of this 10,000 yuan. As her mother, I made a mistake. I didn't stop her from doing such a stupid thing, implicating Wanghe. Wanghe did it for Fenghua. So take it. Saving the child is more important."

Zhou Yanlin also offered financial assistance, but Liang Haihong was hesitant, noting that they themselves needed the money. Li Yan insisted, saying, "No, it's an emergency. Take it. I'm leaving." Liang Haihong accepted, assuring them she would remember their kindness and repay them later, to which Li Yan replied, "No need. We should pay for it." Despite their own financial struggles, Granny Ma gave Ma Siyi 2,000 yuan to deliver to Liang Haihong.

However, Liang Haihong refused to accept it, telling Siyi to take it back. She explained that if Xie Wanghe could share meals at their home when she was away driving trucks, it would be the greatest help. Another neighbor, Mr. Zhou, added, "Siyi, they've got us. Go back and tell Grandma. We're here. Don't worry." He reassured Siyi that they would not let her worry.

Faced with a significant shortfall for the compensation, Liang Haihong, after exhausting all other options, resorted to borrowing from loan sharks. She needed another 20,000 yuan and offered her two pieces of gold jewelry as collateral, promising the lender, "I'll pay you back the principal and interest together when the time comes. Not a penny less!" While playing with Ge Siwei, Granny Ma felt unwell and retreated to her room to rest, telling him, "Play by yourself. I'm tired.

I'll take a rest." In the kitchen, Ma Siyi overheard Li Yan and Liu Yuling discussing Liang Haihong's desperate measure. Liu Yuling mentioned that even after "Lao'er" (Xie Tiancheng) asked Fenghua's aunt, it still wasn't enough. Li Yan worried, "Don't borrow money from loan sharks. With the interest, you could go bankrupt." Liu Yuling confirmed, "Haihong must have gone to borrow money. She can do anything for Wanghe."

They feared that even if Xie Wanghe were released, he would be burdened by debt for life. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Ma Siyi entrusted her younger brother, Ge Siwei, to Xia Fenghua, saying, "Siwei, Grandma is resting. I'll take you to Fenghua's house for some treats." She then asked Xia Fenghua to watch him and make his dinner, as Granny Ma was sick.

Ma Siyi then went to Chen Rui, asking if his offer to lend her money was still valid. Chen Rui readily agreed, offering up to 30,000 yuan. Ma Siyi requested 20,000, promising to repay it with bank interest, a condition Chen Rui waved off. Meanwhile, Ge Siwei persuaded Xia Fenghua to take him to see the movie "Iron Man," as all his classmates had already seen it.

That evening, Ma Siyi delivered the 20,000 yuan to Liang Haihong, imploring her to accept it and secure Xie Wanghe's release quickly, so as not to jeopardize his college entrance exam. Liang Haihong questioned the source of the money, but Ma Siyi insisted it was within her means and reiterated Wanghe's need for freedom to focus on his studies. After delivering the money, Ma Siyi returned home, calling out for Granny Ma.

She soon discovered her grandmother had quietly passed away in her bed. The next morning, Shen Yong picked up Xie Wanghe from the detention center, assuring him that the police had handled the issue of the photos, supervising the person who posted them to delete all copies and punishing him according to the law. Xie Wanghe and his parents, Liang Haihong and Xie Tiancheng, went to a restaurant.

Though relieved, Liang Haihong cautioned her son to be more thoughtful and less impulsive in the future. Xie Wanghe was stunned to learn they had paid 100,000 yuan in compensation. He adamantly declared he would rather die than "bow down to these thugs and scoundrels." Enraged by his obstinacy, Liang Haihong slapped him, asking, "Can you be mature? Enough!" Later, Xie Wanghe sat alone by the river.

His father, Xie Tiancheng, brought him food and sat down, reflecting that Wanghe's temperament, always standing up for others, was much like his own youthful self. Xie Wanghe defended his actions, saying he wasn't wrong to protect Fenghua from that "bastard" who uploaded those photos. " If I were a coward, who knows what might happen in the future? So I absolutely refuse to bow down to such people. I was protecting my family and friends. Was I wrong?"

Xie Tiancheng then revealed the full extent of the sacrifices made for the 100,000 yuan, explaining that neighbors and outsiders contributed, including Ma Siyi's 20,000 yuan. He shared the heartbreaking news that after Siyi returned with the money, Granny Ma had already passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage, unable to receive timely rescue because no one was with her. Xie Tiancheng urged his son to "Grow up quickly. Your mother and I are old.

We can't keep up with your antics anymore." Overwhelmed with grief upon hearing the news, Xie Wanghe rushed back to the courtyard, collapsing in tears before Granny Ma's portrait. Ma Siyi, who had been kneeling by the portrait, continued to express her regret, weeping, "I just went out for a moment, how could I lose my grandma just like that?" Xia Fenghua, witnessing Ma Siyi's profound sorrow, was deeply affected.

At home, Xie Wanghe knelt before Liang Haihong, tearfully admitting his mistakes. Liang Haihong, accepting his apology, instructed him, "From now on, be better to Siyi. Do your best in this lifetime to spare her from suffering. This is what you owe Granny Ma." Meanwhile, Xia Fenghua was consumed by self-reproach, confessing to her mother, Li Yan, "I feel terrible inside. I didn't take it seriously. . . I even took Siwei to watch a movie.

If we had been at home, Granny Ma wouldn't have passed away. . ." Li Yan tearfully comforted her daughter, reminding her that cerebral hemorrhage was very dangerous and that even medical intervention might not have saved Granny Ma. The neighbors were deeply concerned about Ma Siyi's well-being. Mr. Zhou found her refusing to eat, still grieving. He gently urged her to eat, reminding her, "If you get hungry, your grandma will come to our dreams and scold us."

He then revealed that a month prior, Granny Ma had approached him to draft a power of attorney, instructing him to sell her house if necessary to ensure Ma Siyi could complete her university education, as Siyi was her greatest concern. Mr. Zhou then told Siyi that the house might not need to be sold, as he was there to represent all the neighbors. He assured her, "You don't need to worry about money.

Even if you study for a doctorate, we'll support you. From this moment on, you, Ma Siyi, are the child of all of us." Ma Siyi broke down, weeping in his arms. While the neighbors busied themselves with funeral arrangements, they worried about the impact on Ma Siyi's studies, especially with her younger brother, Ge Siwei, to care for. Zhou Yanlin proposed speaking with Siyi's mother to have her take Siwei back, at least for the critical final semester.

Some neighbors voiced distrust towards Siyi's mother, recalling her past demands for money. Zhou Yanlin advised caution, suggesting they first assess her attitude before taking a unified stand against any unfairness. On the rooftop, Xie Wanghe and his friends also expressed their sorrow, lamenting that they would no longer taste Granny Ma's fried radish cakes. Siyi's mother arrived on the day of the wake, immediately criticizing Ma Siyi for not adequately looking after Granny Ma.

When Mr. Zhou and Li Yan spoke with her, she declared her intention to take Ge Siwei with her, leaving Ma Siyi to focus on her college entrance exam. Mr. Zhou reassured her, "Actually, regarding Siyi, you can rest assured. We neighbors treat her like our own child." He informed Siyi's mother that their families had established a fund to cover Ma Siyi's living expenses and future university tuition. Hearing this, Siyi's mother beamed, expressing gratitude for such wonderful neighbors.

However, after the neighbors departed, Siyi's mother turned to Ma Siyi and muttered, "Mom knows they're good to you, but they're still outsiders, aren't they? They can be nice to you for a few days, but they can't be nice forever, can they?" Ma Siyi, already weary from grief and her mother's comments, simply responded, "I'm tired. Do as you please." Her mother then disparaged her as a "heartless and unfeeling child," solidifying Ma Siyi's deep annoyance with her.

Episode 19 Recap

Ma Siyi was deeply affected by Granny Ma's passing. She sat alone in the classroom, lost in thought, until Chen Rui tried to comfort her. He suggested they write down their most inexpressible thoughts on the blackboard to release their pent-up emotions. Ma Siyi wrote "I HATE MY MOM!" which other classmates echoed in agreement regarding their own mothers. Chen Rui then encouraged everyone to erase the negative feelings, prompting Ma Siyi to finally smile.

Time flew by, and the teenagers entered the final sprint for the college entrance examination. Xie Wanghe and his friends diligently prepared, while Xia Fenghua felt overwhelmed by the intense revision. On the day admission tickets were distributed, everyone's mood was complex and heavy; three years of high school were ending, signaling different paths ahead. Returning home, Xie Wanghe saw his father, Xie Tiancheng, taking down his commendations and felt puzzled.

When he discovered his father had obtained a large truck driver's license, he realized the immense financial burden his tuition fees placed on the family. Xie Wanghe apologized to Xie Tiancheng, promising that once he earned money after college, he would buy his father a grand ship. Xie Tiancheng joked that he'd want a 10,000-ton ship. Just then, a heated argument erupted from Shao Xingchi's home.

Shao Bingyi's application for a cultural project for his "Story of Flower Street" had been rejected. He had only just learned that the cultural center had given the sole spot to Chen Bo. Shao Xingchi sarcastically accused his father of being jealous, further enraging Shao Bingyi, who retorted that Shao Xingchi should get into a good university before mocking him. Shao Xingchi hated that his father would drink and beat his wife whenever things didn't go his way.

In defiance, he tore up his admission ticket, stunning everyone present. Liu Yuling fainted from the shock. After Liu Yuling regained consciousness, Shao Xingchi urged her to move to Beijing with him to escape Shao Bingyi, but she refused, stating Shao Bingyi had been kind to them in the past. Meanwhile, Shao Bingyi sat by the river, weeping, as a homeless man silently offered him a tissue. That evening, Ma Siyi's mother brought her some soup, probing her future plans.

She repeatedly pressed Ma Siyi to apply to a top university, settle in a big city, and financially support her younger brother, Ge Siwei. Ma Siyi was exasperated by her mother's mercenary attitude and questioned why her mother, who had abandoned her to Granny Ma's care, would expect her to care for Ge Siwei.

On the morning of the college entrance exam, Luo Zhimei returned from out of town, and Zhou Yanlin specially prepared Scholar Congee and Number One Scholar Cakes for Zhou Haikuo, symbolizing good fortune. Although Zhou Haikuo's and Xie Wanghe's parents wanted to accompany them, the two boys, feeling sympathy for Shao Xingchi, politely declined. As expected, Shao Xingchi waited for them at the entrance, singing "Beijing Welcomes You" loudly. Everyone was filled with hope, many tearing up.

Later, the exam results were announced. Mr. Xu, via the school broadcast, joyfully announced that Xie Wanghe and Zhou Haikuo were the only two students in the school to surpass the admission threshold for top universities, to the delight of the principal and congratulations from all students. Shao Xingchi sat in the classroom, dazed, until Xie Wanghe and Zhou Haikuo came to talk to him.

The three then wrote their future aspirations on a desk: Xie Wanghe wished to be so rich that he'd be "poor, with only money left," Zhou Haikuo desired to "be himself" and "not compromise his principles for a mediocre salary," and Shao Xingchi wrote, "Don't regret it. Be nicer to your mom." Chen Rui, who scored first in liberal arts for the entire town, declared his intention to apply to Honghuai Normal University, just like Ma Siyi.

However, his mother, Gu Alian, informed him that Ma Siyi had submitted blank papers for every subject, resulting in a total score of zero. Chen Rui was shocked. Hearing this, Ma Siyi's mother was furious but then decided it was an opportune time to sell Granny Ma's old house. This sparked a fierce argument between Ma Siyi and her mother, drawing the attention of their neighbors.

The neighbors vehemently condemned Ma Siyi's mother for wanting to sell the house, emphasizing that it was a place for Siyi to always return to. Ma Siyi declared she would disown her mother. Chen Rui also rushed out to defend Ma Siyi. Enraged, Ma Siyi's mother packed her belongings and forcibly dragged Ge Siwei away. Ge Siwei cried and resisted leaving, calling out "Brother-in-law!" towards Xie Wanghe and the others by the river.

Ma Siyi's mother cursed at Ge Siwei, and in her chase, scared him into jumping into the river. A cargo ship was approaching. Xie Wanghe and the others tried to rescue him but were too late, watching helplessly as the river turned blood-red. The police recovered only parts of Ge Siwei's body. Ma Siyi's mother, distraught, unleashed her fury on Xie Wanghe, blaming him for her son's death.

Ma Siyi, rushing to the police station after hearing the news, collapsed upon confirming her brother's death. Though not at fault, Xie Wanghe was overwhelmed with self-reproach. Everyone worried Ma Siyi couldn't bear the grief, and Xia Fenghua stood outside her window, concerned. Soon after, Ma Siyi opened her door and allowed Xia Fenghua to bring in some wontons. Ma Siyi ate them silently, feigning strength. After her meal, Ma Siyi asked Xia Fenghua to accompany her for a walk.

Sitting by the river, they released river lanterns. Ma Siyi shared that before the exam, Ge Siwei had dreamed of their father and grandmother. Xia Fenghua patiently comforted her, saying Granny Ma didn't want her to be sad, and that despite her loss, her friends were still there for her.

Episode 20 Recap

Returning to the courtyard, Ma Siyi overheard the neighborhood elders discussing ways to help her. Overwhelmed, she retreated to her room, and the sight of her empty home, coupled with memories of Granny Ma and Ge Siwei, brought her to tears.

The elders were debating whether their family should cover Ma Siyi's tuition if she chose to repeat a year, with some emphasizing her sensitive nature and others suggesting she could start a small business with Xia Fenghua if university wasn't for her. One elder passionately declared he would sell his blood to support his own daughter if she could get into university, highlighting the contrast in their situations.

Ma Siyi's poignant memory was of Ge Siwei innocently offering her candy he had licked, and Granny Ma playfully scolding him while affirming Ge Siwei would grow up to protect his sister. Before dawn the next day, Ma Siyi left Flower Street alone, leaving a heartfelt letter for her neighbors and insoles handmade by Granny Ma for the children.

She apologized for not saying goodbye in person, stating that her eight years in the courtyard were the happiest of her life and that she would cherish their kindness. Meanwhile, Chen Rui found an IOU Ma Siyi had left for him. Xie Wanghe and others rushed to stop her, but Ma Siyi departed on a bus without looking back. Her departure marked the definitive end of their youth.

The summer after their high school graduation stretched endlessly, forcing them to learn to feign smiles through countless difficult nights. On graduation day, the entire school gathered for a group photo. Simultaneously, a sunken ship from years ago was salvaged from the river in Flower Street, drawing a crowd of onlookers. An internal thought expressed how a relationship had ended before it even began, and that the rediscovered ship was a symbol of rebirth.

As a new year dawned, the friends gathered to watch the Spring Festival Gala. Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua sent New Year's greetings to Ma Siyi, but received no reply, prompting them to wonder if she had ever truly been in their lives. After the New Year, the friends gradually moved to Beijing, fulfilling their childhood dreams. Xie Wanghe enrolled in economics at Renmin University, effortlessly becoming the top student.

Zhou Haikuo pursued computer science at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he met his first love on the very first day. Chen Rui, committed to his promise to Ma Siyi, defied his family's wishes and entered the archaeology department at Honghuai Normal University. Xia Fenghua and Shao Xingchi unexpectedly ran into each other on a bus in Beijing. Neither had attended university, and they were working ordinary jobs.

They reminisced about their carefree days in Flower Street and how much they now appreciated their parents' protection. Meanwhile, the discovery of the sunken ship in the canal sparked Chen Rui's interest in researching the history of Flower Street in college. He joined an expedition team with Chen Bo and Shao Bingyi.

By 2014, the golden era of internet entrepreneurship, Xia Fenghua had, after years of hard work, established her own express delivery station in Haidian and earned a self-study diploma in business management. After graduating, Xie Wanghe joined Bee Delivery, excelling in his role and earning attention from headhunters offering lucrative positions. He politely declined these offers. Elsewhere, Shao Xingchi was illicitly selling fake diplomas in a computer market. Unbeknownst to him, it was a police sting operation.

Sensing trouble, he fled, desperately calling Xie Wanghe and others, but they were all occupied and couldn't answer. He was eventually apprehended, taken to the police station by Officer Xia. Xia Fenghua, upon hearing the news, immediately contacted Chen Rui, stating she had already bailed Shao Xingchi out multiple times for similar offenses. Upon returning to his office, Xie Wanghe informed his boss, Mr. Meng, about the headhunter's offer.

Impressed, Mr. Meng promoted Xie Wanghe, assigning him to the Haidian branch with the crucial task of increasing Bee's market share in the district to over 50%. Xie Wanghe accepted, reassured by Mr. Meng's full backing. He would have to confront a veteran employee's brother-in-law, Qiu Lin, who managed the Haidian distribution station. Xie Wanghe clarified his intent was not to cause trouble but to prioritize company survival over personal connections if necessary.

Xia Fenghua personally bailed Shao Xingchi out, scolding him for his shiftless lifestyle. Frustrated by her perceived lack of understanding, Shao Xingchi angrily smashed a plate and cup before storming off. Separately, Xie Wanghe transferred a substantial sum of money to his parents. His mother, speaking to him over the phone while her husband changed a tire by the roadside, expressed relief that, with this payment and their current delivery trip, their family's debts would finally be cleared.

She urged him to take care of his stomach issues, while Xie Wanghe worried about his hot-tempered father. Despite clearing their debt, his parents planned to continue working to save for a potential down payment on a house for Xie Wanghe in Beijing. To help Shao Xingchi find a stable path, Shao Bingyi visited his friend, Mr. Du, with gifts, imploring him to teach Shao Xingchi a craft.

Mr. Du agreed, though he questioned Shao Xingchi's willingness, to which Shao Bingyi vowed to force him to learn. Shao Bingyi confessed to Mr. Du that Shao Xingchi had been causing constant trouble since moving to Beijing, including multiple arrests, and expressed his desperation for help. He then rushed off, prioritizing a new discovery at the sunken ship excavation over calling his son, whose phone was off. Later that evening, Xie Wanghe and his friends gathered.

The atmosphere was tense as Xie Wanghe angrily confronted Shao Xingchi about his reckless behavior, expressing his disappointment. Xia Fenghua tried to lighten the mood by proudly presenting her self-study university diploma. While everyone congratulated her, Shao Xingchi made cynical remarks, questioning the value of a self-study diploma and dismissing her efforts, which further ignited Xie Wanghe's anger, leading to a heated argument. The dinner ended abruptly. On a balcony, Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua talked.

Meanwhile, Zhou Haikuo and Chen Rui tried to reason with Shao Xingchi, who insisted he was merely "unlucky" and defended his illicit activities by claiming he was "contributing to society" and would find "diploma mills abroad" for "real" fake certificates to circumvent the law. His friends tried to persuade him to pursue an honest living, reminding him that they, too, were struggling but working diligently.

Chen Rui pointed out that even Xia Fenghua, despite her modest academic background, worked hard for her diploma, while Shao Xingchi only offered cynical comments. Xia Fenghua then tried to return money to Xie Wanghe, money he had paid as compensation after getting into a fight for her in high school. Xie Wanghe initially refused, but she insisted, wanting to feel a sense of accomplishment for rectifying past wrongs. He eventually agreed to hold onto the money for her.

As Xie Wanghe walked Xia Fenghua to the subway station, they reflected on how quickly time had passed and how Beijing, once a symbol of endless possibilities, now felt like a vast city that pushed them further apart. Xia Fenghua shared an anecdote about an elderly lady at her express station who regularly received flowers from Guangzhou, emphasizing that true connection transcends distance. They bid each other goodnight, with Xie Wanghe asking her to text him upon arriving home. The next day, their plans to visit the Great Wall were canceled, as both Zhou Haikuo and Chen Rui had pressing work and thesis deadlines, highlighting their continuing busy lives.

Episode 21 Recap

Shao Xingchi returned to his cramped basement room only to be greeted by a phone call from his mother, who chided him for having his phone off all day. She then informed him that his father had arranged for him to learn bamboo carving from a renowned master, Uncle Du, emphasizing that it was an intangible cultural heritage. Xingchi promptly hung up.

His father, Shao Bingyi, was enraged when he couldn't get through again, lamenting that while other children like Wanghe, Haikuo, and Fenghua were making strides, Xingchi, almost thirty, was still in his rebellious phase. Shao Bingyi blamed himself for allowing his son to go to Beijing. The following morning, at the express delivery station, Xia Fenghua found her supervisor, Sun Daqing, attempting to evict He Tianming's family.

Sun argued that the station was a business, not a charity, and could not afford to support He Tianming's wife, child, and mother. He callously suggested they find other accommodation or even live under a bridge. Fenghua, recalling her past as a colleague with He Tianming and understanding his family's difficult circumstances, intervened. She defended He Tianming and his family, noting that his mother cooked for the station and his wife helped with sorting, so they weren't idle.

When Fenghua tried to appeal for a few more days, Sun Daqing remained unyielding and insulted Fenghua, suggesting she had no right to help others given her own financial standing. Outraged, Fenghua confronted Sun, reminding him that she was the original contractor for the station and he had no right to dismiss her employee. Sun retorted, questioning her self-study diploma and her financial acumen. Fenghua then demanded he settle accounts and leave, declaring she would run the station herself.

Sun left with a final defiant remark about them going their "separate ways." Afterwards, a guilt-ridden He Tianming apologized to Fenghua, offering to take on additional management duties without extra pay to help recover lost business. Fenghua, touched by his loyalty, accepted his offer. Meanwhile, Shao Bingyi, Chen Bo, and Zhou Yipu gathered at the site of the Flower Street shipwreck. Shao Bingyi presented an arrow found on the ship, suggesting it had been attacked.

Zhou Yipu, however, expressed skepticism about the late Qing dynasty ship's archaeological value, noting seven fruitless years of investigation and an unknown owner. Shao Bingyi countered by revealing new findings, including a compass, a pocket watch, a fountain pen, and a water-damaged notebook, confirming the ship's Italian owner.

He explained that Chen Rui had made a significant discovery from the notebook's photocopy and had gone to Beijing to consult Professor Su, the expert who supervised the original excavation, hoping to validate their years of effort. Chen Rui met Professor Su and explained that after copying the notebook and learning ancient Italian, he found it to be the ship owner's travel diary.

While Professor Su acknowledged that many Westerners visited China during that era and their journals might not hold significant historical value, Chen Rui highlighted a peculiar coincidence: the notebook listed the surnames of the ship's attendants as Xie, Zhou, Xia, and Shao—matching those of the families in Flower Street. He hypothesized that these families might be descendants of the shipwreck survivors and requested the original notebook to uncover the owner's true identity.

Professor Su agreed to have his staff search the warehouse for the original. Life on Flower Street was bustling again. Liang Haihong visited Li Yan's thriving tofu pudding shop, bringing a salted duck from Nanjing. They chatted about their children, with Li Yan mentioning her second son's successful floating supermarket. Liang, though tired from her work, expressed her and her husband's desire to save more money for Fenghua, worrying about her struggles alone in Beijing.

Li Yan reassured her, sharing that Xie Wanghe had told her of Fenghua's impressive management of a large team at her station, while also pointing out Xie Wanghe's own career trade-offs, where a higher position meant less commission. Liang then prompted Li Yan to consider "adult matters."

Later, Zhou Yipu attempted to set up a blind date for his son, Zhou Yanlin, with a female high school teacher, but Yanlin quickly rebuffed the idea, leading to a discussion about his father's own single status. Zhou Yanlin challenged his father, asking if he remained single out of necessity or choice, and if his father could endure loneliness for him, why couldn't he do the same for himself?

Zhou Yipu insisted that out of respect for their neighbors' good intentions, Yanlin should at least meet her. Ultimately, Liang Haihong and Li Yan decided that Xie Wanghe, being a peer and close friend, should try to persuade Zhou Yanlin. Xie Wanghe met with Zhou Haikuo, who explained his girlfriend Jiang Xiaohui was at a class reunion. Xie Wanghe hesitantly informed Haikuo that their parents were trying to find a partner for his father, Zhou Yipu.

Haikuo agreed that it was high time his father found companionship, having given up on his parents reconciling after his mother, Luo Zhimei, prioritized a cameo role over New Year's family plans. Xie Wanghe then confided in Haikuo about his upcoming transfer to the Haidian branch, revealing his concerns about navigating competition from rival platforms like Yuntu and "Eat Well," as well as the intricate company politics.

Zhou Haikuo advised him to be resolute, recommending he read "Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance" for strategic insights. He reminded Xie Wanghe of his past acumen during the "group-buying war," where his advice to shift focus to food delivery saved Bee, assuring him that his boss, Meng Wei, would recognize his value and support him. Upon arriving at the Haidian branch, Xie Wanghe was introduced to Qiu Lin, the local supervisor, by Mr. Song.

Qiu Lin, who had previously complained to a colleague about Xie Wanghe's "parachute" arrival as a territorial threat, was openly hostile. Xie Wanghe wasted no time in conveying headquarters' dissatisfaction with the Haidian branch's declining market share, emphasizing its critical importance. Qiu Lin angrily blamed the company's lack of subsidies and the fierce competition from Yuntu and "Eat Well" for the low market share, threatening to resign. Xie Wanghe calmly offered to process his resignation.

He then recounted Bee's arduous journey during the "group-buying war," where, despite limited funds, they survived by strategically focusing on smaller cities and relying on sheer determination. He stressed that Bee's new shift to local food delivery services necessitated conquering major cities like Beijing. Xie Wanghe then declared his pledge to Meng Wei: to achieve a 50% market share in Haidian within a year.

When Qiu Lin scoffed at this ambition, Xie Wanghe ominously stated that if he failed, he would resign, but would ensure all "responsible parties" resigned with him. Meanwhile, Shao Xingchi was attempting to find legitimate work and was inquiring about welding jobs when he unexpectedly encountered Officer Xia. The officer playfully hinted at Xingchi's past involvement in selling fake certificates. Xingchi insisted he had changed, lamenting that "prison food isn't good" and that he was now seeking honest work.

Officer Xia, who had investigated Xingchi's background and knew about his "acts of bravery" in previous years, questioned him about his hometown and past ventures. He critically noted that Xingchi's "legitimate businesses" had failed due to his lack of a diploma, but warned against resorting to illegal activities, even if more profitable. Officer Xia then suggested food delivery as a viable and lucrative option, describing the demanding but potentially high-earning nature of the job.

Seeing Xingchi's interest, Officer Xia offered to use his influence to help him secure a position at a local delivery station, urging him to turn his life around. At his own workplace, Zhou Haikuo was exchanging a bubble tea with Jiang Xiaohui when their team leader harshly reprimanded them for fraternizing during work hours, deducting points from each.

Zhou Haikuo defiantly retorted that the company was not a prison and they were not convicts, challenging the team leader to fire him if he was so displeased. Jiang Xiaohui quickly pulled him away. Haikuo later explained to her his frustration, recounting how he had helped the team leader when he first started, only for the leader to climb the ranks through flattery and tattling, eventually firing a helpful colleague.

Haikuo expressed his disdain for the company's culture, where merit was secondary, and his increasing desire to quit, finding the job too stable, boring, and unchallenging, feeling his "brain was almost rusted." Jiang Xiaohui voiced concern about his job prospects, but Haikuo remained confident in his abilities. Later, Xiao Li approached Xie Wanghe, discreetly informing him that Qiu Lin was secretly encouraging Bee's delivery riders to switch to Yuntu, promising them company shares and asserting Bee's inability to compete.

Xie Wanghe instructed Li to continue observing the situation without taking immediate action, assuring him he would handle the larger company issues. Li then pointed out Xie Wanghe's vulnerable position as a newcomer with only one assistant, surrounded by Qiu Lin's loyalists, and advised him on the critical importance of building his own team, even with Meng Wei's support. Xie Wanghe acknowledged the advice and tasked Li with keeping a vigilant eye on matters in his absence.

That evening, Xie Wanghe visited Shao Xingchi in his cluttered basement room, bringing him food. After some lighthearted banter about Xingchi's messy living conditions, Xie Wanghe revealed his new mission at the Haidian branch and invited Xingchi to join his food delivery team, emphasizing the immense potential of the industry. Xingchi initially declined, recounting a brief, "boring" experience helping Fenghua with express delivery and expressing concern about being a hindrance.

Xie Wanghe, however, reassured him of his capabilities, suggesting he merely hadn't found the right industry, and urged him to seriously consider the offer. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a call from Chen Rui, who excitedly reported spotting Ma Siyi at a bar on Houhai Bar Street. Xie Wanghe and Shao Xingchi immediately rushed to the location, only to find that Ma Siyi had already left.

The bartender confirmed that Siyi had performed there for about two months but had left mid-last month for a "long trip," declining even a raise. Shao Xingchi was visibly distressed, blaming himself for Ma Siyi's past attempt to jump from a building and lamenting her continued silence. Despite efforts from Xie Wanghe and Chen Rui to console him and suggest Siyi's "heavy-hearted" nature, Shao Xingchi remained in despair. Unable to contain his emotions, Xie Wanghe impulsively took to the stage, dedicating a heartfelt song to "a friend who left without saying goodbye," Ma Siyi.

Episode 22 Recap

The next morning, Xie Wanghe arrived at the company and presented his carefully prepared plan to Qiu Lin and Mr. Song. He announced that his first initiative would be to shorten delivery times and increase rider commissions. Qiu Lin immediately opposed the idea, calling it "wishful thinking" and questioning how the company would make a profit with already low margins.

Xie Wanghe clarified that delivery times would be adjusted from 50 minutes to 42 minutes, making them two minutes shorter than competitor Yuntu. He predicted this would lead to a significant increase in order volume, ensuring that even with higher commissions, profits would not decrease. Mr. Song expressed his support for Xie Wanghe's strategy, but Qiu Lin warned that the original 50-minute delivery time already pushed riders to their limits, and shortening it further could "cost lives."

Xie Wanghe dismissed Qiu Lin's concerns, stating, "You don't make the call here," and proposed they hear everyone else's opinions. The delivery riders soon gathered in the hall, openly discussing their dissatisfaction with the proposed 42-minute delivery time, claiming it would make their lives impossible. Xie Wanghe addressed them, asking if their primary goal was to earn money. One rider retorted that while they wanted to make money, they wouldn't risk their lives for it.

Xie Wanghe then broke down the numbers, highlighting that the previous commission of 5. 9 yuan per order resulted in a monthly income of only seven to eight thousand yuan, barely enough after expenses. He promised that with the new system, once they got used to the increased intensity, each of them could "earn over 10,000 yuan per month."

To address their concerns about payment, he announced a new real-time settlement method: half of the commission for each delivered order would be deposited immediately, with the rest settled at the end of the month, accessible via their phones, thus preventing future labor disputes. He also offered a substantial incentive, an additional 10,000 yuan cash bonus each month for the rider with the highest delivery quota. Convinced by the financial prospects, the riders agreed and eagerly returned to work.

Meanwhile, Xia Fenghua learned from He Tianming that Bee, described as a "big company with headquarters in Beijing," was aggressively poaching couriers from other companies in the high-tech zone by "offering higher salaries." He Tianming mentioned that one of Fenghua Express's early employees, Liu, seemed interested. While Xia Fenghua trusted Liu's loyalty, she worried about the significant pay difference. She instructed He Tianming to closely monitor Bee's activities and gather information on their recruitment methods.

Later, Xia Fenghua received a phone call from her parents, Xia Maotian and Li Yan, who were concerned about her well-being and asking if she had received some lotus roots. She mentioned she was too busy to cook and suggested giving them to Xie Wanghe. Her mother then subtly inquired about Xie Wanghe's promotion and salary, comparing it to Fenghua's earnings.

Li Yan then tried to set Fenghua up with a "handsome" young man from a prestigious university in Beijing, whose photo she and Xia Maotian had already approved. Xia Fenghua promptly hung up. Her parents then had a minor argument; Li Yan supported Fenghua's independent career in Beijing, while Xia Maotian believed she should get married at her age.

Li Yan, frustrated, retorted that if she hadn't been held back by him, she would have also gone to Beijing to "venture out like Fenghua" and become rich. At the same time, Xie Wanghe was holding a successful recruitment event, passionately appealing to job seekers. He declared, "We're not hiring delivery riders, but dreamers. Bee Group is willing to give everyone a chance to realize their dreams.

As long as you're willing to work hard, earning over 10,000 a month is not a dream." A large crowd eagerly lined up to apply. In stark contrast, Xia Fenghua struggled to recruit new couriers, with some employees leaving for higher pay. One departing employee explained that while he wouldn't quit for money under normal circumstances, his family's need for a new house meant he had to accept a better offer.

Xia Fenghua tried to defend her "small-scale operation," emphasizing their experience and efficiency, and warning about companies that "burn through money recklessly." Despite her best efforts at a job fair, including offering free lunch, she recruited "zero" people, feeling disheartened by Xie Wanghe's flourishing recruitment. Xie Wanghe then invited Xia Fenghua to lunch at a casual restaurant. Fenghua complained about the choice of eatery, but Xie Wanghe defended it as "down-to-earth."

He shared details about Bee's new "speed" strategy, explaining how their system uses real-time rider locations to prioritize orders by distance and navigates to avoid congested routes, all while increasing commissions. Xia Fenghua acknowledged its sophistication but was skeptical about its practical impact on speed. Xie Wanghe then casually mentioned an idea of providing subsidies for riders to purchase motorcycles, which immediately angered Xia Fenghua. She exclaimed, "Are you out of your mind?

Riding a motorcycle at that speed can be fatal!" and warned him not to claim acquaintance with her if he implemented such a dangerous plan. Xie Wanghe quickly clarified it was "just the initial idea." They then drifted into a conversation about their friends, noting how everyone seemed worried about a mixed-race girl, and Fenghua herself was hesitant to admit her feelings for Xie Wanghe.

Fenghua admitted she was "tired," stating that the parcel delivery industry had passed its peak and should aim for stability, unlike Bee, which still needed to "grit our teeth and push forward." Xie Wanghe playfully offered to support her if her company failed, which she quickly dismissed as a "jinx." She reminded him of his previous business failure, contrasting it with Zhou Haikuo, who had lost everything helping him. She emphasized that these were "favors you'll need to repay."

She also stated that he owed her, prompting Xie Wanghe to jokingly call her "auntie" for her nagging advice to "leave yourself a way out." That evening, Xie Wanghe found Zhou Haikuo at home, eating snacks on the sofa, looking dispirited due to "annoying things at the company." Recognizing Zhou Haikuo's discontent, Xie Wanghe extended an invitation for him to join Bee's Haidian branch, mentioning that Shao Xingchi was also coming.

Xie Wanghe acknowledged that the initial salary wouldn't be very high, but promised higher income with performance bonuses, though it would require more effort than his current job. Zhou Haikuo, a programmer, wondered what he could contribute to a food delivery company. Xie Wanghe reassured him that food delivery also falls under the "information and communication technology industry," and his talent wouldn't be wasted. He suggested Zhou Haikuo take two days off to "get a feel" for the company.

Zhou Haikuo playfully accused Xie Wanghe of "begging," then asked him to "open that nice bottle of wine." Meanwhile, Chen Rui and Shao Xingchi were engrossed in their research on the sunken ship. Chen Rui informed Shao Xingchi that the ship's owner was an Italian, and surprisingly, the surnames of his companions were Xie, Shao, Xia, and Zhou, which Chen Rui found to be a remarkable coincidence. Shao Xingchi got "goose bumps" upon hearing this.

Chen Rui further connected this to the Italian artifacts found in each of their families: Zhou Yipu's Italian silver coin, Shao Bingyi's Italian-made dagger, Xie Wanghe's silver wine flask with foreign writing, Shao Xingchi's shoehorn with foreign writing, and Xia Fenghua's makeup mirror, also with foreign writing. He speculated that all these foreign inscriptions might be in Italian, linking their families' histories. Shao Xingchi praised Chen Rui's efforts, calling it a "great service" if he could connect their families.

Chen Rui then visited Professor Su Weilang in Beijing to examine the original notebook found on the sunken ship. Professor Su showed him a blurry page with "Polo. D," identifying it as a "typical Italian name."

Professor Su advised Chen Rui to use the "method of exhaustion" to trace all surnames starting with 'D' and to contact the local cultural authorities in Verona, a city mentioned in the diary, as the owner's ability to travel with many attendants suggested he came from a "wealthy family" whose aristocratic records were likely well-preserved in Italy. Chen Rui decided to email the local cultural authorities.

Shortly after, Chen Rui informed Zhou Yipu, Shao Bingyi, and Chen Bo that Professor Su had located the original notebook, and he had found the ship owner's full signature, "Polo. D," on its cover. Zhou Yipu immediately recognized the name, exclaiming "Little Polo!" and confirming it was the same "Little Polo" from their oral history.

Shao Bingyi and Chen Bo were ecstatic, believing that with Chen Rui already having contacted the Italian cultural authorities, "it won't be long before we know Little Polo's entire life story." Zhou Yipu remarked that Little Polo's "story is about to surface." Elsewhere, Li Yan had arranged a blind date for Zhou Yanlin with a "Ms. Bian" at a restaurant.

Li Yan tried to reassure Ms. Bian that Zhou Yanlin was "very kind and genuine" but "a bit quiet," and advised her to find topics of conversation. She suggested "food," as Zhou Yanlin was a famous master of Huaiyang cuisine. However, the date quickly became awkward. Ms. Bian, a Chinese teacher from No. 7 High School, discovered that Zhou Yanlin's son had graduated from the same school, but she was still in college at the time.

When discussing food, Zhou Yanlin revealed he didn't cook much at home and preferred "quick-frozen products." Ms. Bian shared that her generation, like his son, tended to be "homebodies" who "enjoy the solitude of being single" and "don't want to get married," preferring to "eat snacks, read books, watch shows, and browse websites."

Li Yan and Zhou Yipu, who were eavesdropping, thought the conversation was going well, with Li Yan even commenting on Ms. Bian's appearance and suitability, dismissing the age difference. However, Zhou Yanlin later informed them he would not be arranging a second date, explaining, "She's from the same generation as Haikuo." He insisted that the decision about suitability was his alone. Meanwhile, Fenghua Express faced escalating conflict with Shuntong Express.

A Fenghua Express courier caught a Shuntong courier "stealing packages" in their territory, Keyuan Nanli, leading to a physical altercation. The Fenghua Express couriers were furious, with one boasting, "I'll beat him up every time I see him." He Tianming tended to an injured courier, as the team complained about Shuntong's relentless bullying. Xia Fenghua intervened, reminding them that the police's timely arrival prevented the loss of packages, which would have caused bigger problems.

She suspected Mr. Wei, Shuntong's manager, was orchestrating the aggression and decided to confront him. Noting Shuntong's bustling business, Xia Fenghua warned He Tianming that they were there to "negotiate, not to pick a fight." Mr. Wei greeted them sarcastically, implying Xia Fenghua was seeking revenge. Xia Fenghua attempted to discuss business boundaries, asserting that Fenghua Express had established itself in Keyuan Nanli first. An argument erupted between He Tianming and Mr. Wei's employee over who arrived first.

Xia Fenghua tried to calm the situation, suggesting the area had enough business for both companies. However, Mr. Wei defiantly stated, "Territory is won with fists. Whoever has the stronger fist calls the shots." Xia Fenghua countered, reminding him that they were "delivering packages, not taking lives. . . entrepreneurs, not thugs." Mr. Wei challenged her to "find out" if they were thugs, then arrogantly drove away, leaving He Tianming to lament the futility of reasoning with such people.

Back at Bee, unrest brewed as riders confronted a manager about the new fines. The manager blamed company policy and Xie Wanghe, directing them to address their complaints to him. The riders then surrounded Xie Wanghe, arguing that the fines, which increased alongside commissions, effectively negated their earnings. Xie Wanghe explained that "rewards and punishments go hand in hand," and while commissions had increased, they were contingent on timely deliveries, which many riders had failed to meet.

He offered to revert to the old system if they couldn't comply. The local boss, who had previously questioned Xie Wanghe, spoke up on behalf of the riders, arguing that the blame lay with the company's lack of agreements with nearby merchants, forcing long-distance deliveries, and a "buggy" navigation system.

In response, Xie Wanghe made a clear promise: by the end of the month, Bee would secure all neighborhoods within three kilometers to the east, and a major system upgrade would be implemented to eliminate all faults before launch. In return, the riders had to commit to reducing their overtime rate to five percent, or fines would increase further. The local boss pressed him on what would happen if he failed to deliver on his promises.

Xie Wanghe stated unequivocally, "Then I'll cancel the penalties. . . I have no right to make things difficult for you." The riders, satisfied, applauded. The manager encouraged them to continue approaching Xie Wanghe with questions, assuring them that "Mr. Xie doesn't mind the trouble." After the meeting, Shao Xingchi questioned Xie Wanghe about the local boss's confrontational attitude, suspecting a grudge. Xie Wanghe explained that the man had been the previous manager of that point, making his resentment understandable.

Shao Xingchi suggested firing him, but Xie Wanghe refused, stating the man hadn't committed any fireable offense. Zhou Haikuo then raised the issue of system bugs, and Xie Wanghe explained that they relied on a third-party navigation system, and modifying its interface often led to delays.

Xie Wanghe then outlined their strategy and assigned tasks: Shao Xingchi was to "canvass" the eastern three kilometers, meaning he had to "enter every door, talk to everyone, and sign a contract as soon as an agreement is reached," using "any method" necessary. Zhou Haikuo was tasked with "testing the system, finding bugs, and reporting back immediately." The team got to work, with Shao Xingchi approaching businesses and Zhou Haikuo diligently testing the system for glitches.

Xie Wanghe also instructed his team to promptly address program vulnerabilities and accelerate the third round of testing for their self-developed map by Thursday. Meanwhile, someone was dispatched to "find out about the current situation of Haidian branch."

Episode 23 Recap

Xie Wanghe's three-person team had worked tirelessly and successfully brought their overtime rate down to five percent. Meanwhile, at Xia Fenghua's express station, employees began to resign en masse, drawn by the better benefits offered by Bee. Fenghua approved their departures, telling them to prioritize their health while earning money, as medical care in Beijing was expensive. Looking stressed, Fenghua later reached out to Shao Xingchi, inviting him for coffee to discuss him joining her station.

Xie Wanghe, overhearing this, quickly interrupted, joking about Fenghua poaching his staff. He refused to let Shao Xingchi go, instead suggesting that Fenghua join Bee herself, an offer she flatly refused. Unpersuaded, Fenghua continued to deliver parcels herself. While on a delivery, she witnessed a Shuntong courier being struck by a car.

She immediately instructed her employee, He Tianming, to call for an ambulance and the police, then quickly blocked the offending vehicle from fleeing, managing to save most of Shuntong's parcels. Mr. Wei, the head of the local Shuntong station, rushed to the scene upon hearing the news. Seeing Fenghua's actions, he felt a mix of gratitude and shame. After ensuring the situation was under control, Fenghua and He Tianming left.

He Tianming commented on Mr. Wei's lack of a "thank you," but Fenghua dismissed it, saying it was enough if he felt it in his heart, and that she considered it a good deed. Elsewhere, Shao Xingchi expressed concern for Fenghua to Xie Wanghe, saying she always shares good news but hides the bad. Xie Wanghe, however, believed she brought the trouble upon herself.

He recounted how he had tried to convince her to join him at Bee, where she'd earn more and he could look after her, but she refused because she couldn't abandon her employees. He angrily recalled her crying at his doorstep after her staff left for a mere 300 yuan pay increase from another company. Later that night, Shao Xingchi visited Fenghua, bringing crayfish.

He apologized for upsetting her, but Fenghua playfully told him to keep an eye on Xie Wanghe, implying he was prone to reckless behavior, which made Shao Xingchi slightly jealous. A few days later, Shuntong couriers once again harassed Fenghua's station staff, attempting to damage their parcels. Mr. Wei, passing by, intervened to stop the altercation. When Fenghua arrived, Mr. Wei uncharacteristically apologized for his employees' behavior and agreed to compensate for any damaged items.

The two then formally discussed a new partnership, agreeing to jointly manage the Keyuan Nanli area. Fenghua initially proposed a 40-60 split, but they settled on a 30-70 split in Shuntong's favor. Aware of the high accident rate among couriers, Fenghua proposed a new insurance plan to her employees: she would cover half of the "five social insurances and one housing fund," and they would cover the other half.

However, her employees, including He Tianming, were reluctant, viewing insurance as useless and preferring to keep their earnings. They explained that they came to Beijing to make money and most planned to return home eventually, feeling no sense of belonging. Fenghua then appealed to her company's headquarters, proposing the company split the costs with her to relieve the employees' burden, but the request was flatly rejected, with the company claiming such a plan would lead to bankruptcy.

Mr. Meng was very pleased with Xie Wanghe's performance and gifted him a car as a reward. He further motivated the riders in Haidian District by announcing a doubling of commissions for the next month. Amidst the enthusiastic cheers, Xie Wanghe proudly introduced Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo to Mr. Meng, emphasizing their lifelong friendship. After the meeting, Zhou Haikuo confided in his girlfriend, Xiao Hui, about his plan to resign and fully commit to Bee.

Xiao Hui expressed reservations, stressing that while childhood friendships are precious, one must ultimately rely on oneself as an adult. Later, at a KTV celebration, a jubilant Xie Wanghe again invited Fenghua to join Bee, promising to absorb all her employees into his team and assuring her of much higher earnings. Fenghua, however, was unimpressed and resolutely declined his offer, stating she had no interest in working for him.

Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe's father, Xie Tiancheng, and his wife, Li Yan, were on a long-haul truck route when they discovered someone stealing their fuel. Xie Tiancheng confronted the thief and was stabbed in the abdomen. Upon receiving a frantic call from his mother, a distraught Xie Wanghe prepared to rush to Tianjin. Fenghua, realizing he had been drinking, took his car keys and drove him there herself.

She instructed Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo to manage the company in Beijing, anticipating potential trouble from their rivals, Mr. Song and Qiu Lin. At the Tianjin hospital, Li Yan explained to the arriving pair that Xie Tiancheng was stable. His injuries were not life-threatening, requiring only a dozen stitches. While Xie Wanghe sat by his father's bedside, Fenghua comforted Li Yan, who asked her to keep an eye on Wanghe.

When Li Yan asked why she had refused Wanghe's job offer, Fenghua explained that she preferred running her own business and couldn't be bothered listening to his nonsense. Back in Beijing, Xiao Hui learned that Xie Wanghe's team had tried to poach Fenghua. Zhou Haikuo explained that Fenghua would never join Bee. He speculated that her primary reason for coming to Beijing was Xie Wanghe, and becoming his subordinate would effectively end any romantic possibilities between them.

Zhou Haikuo believed Xie Wanghe was aware of this unspoken truth, but neither of them dared to address it directly, fearing that if things didn't work out, they wouldn't even be able to remain friends. The next morning, Xie Tiancheng awoke to his son's complaints about his impulsive heroism. Fenghua pulled Xie Wanghe into the hallway, cautioning him against upsetting his recovering father. Meanwhile, Mr. Song and Qiu Lin attempted to take advantage of Xie Wanghe's absence.

Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo were forced to deal with them, reporting that while market share had increased, order volume had decreased due to rival company Yuntu's increased subsidies. Mr. Song and Qiu Lin pushed for Bee to match the subsidies, but Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo, adhering to Xie Wanghe's strategy, suggested further optimizing delivery processes and reducing delivery times instead.

Episode 24 Recap

Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo found themselves in a difficult situation at work, as their colleague Mr. Song seemed to be deliberately causing trouble. Shao Xingchi suggested they call Xie Wanghe to inform him. Wanghe, currently in the hospital, confirmed his father, Xie Tiancheng, was doing well after receiving a few stitches and would be discharged in two days. He instructed Xingchi and Haikuo not to make any decisions regarding the company's issues until he returned.

Meanwhile, Xie Tiancheng, despite being in the hospital, urged his son to stop pretending to be busy and "hurry up and give me a grandson" as a true act of filial piety. Wanghe, mentioning another acquaintance, Liang, who had a daughter, was told to quickly find a girlfriend. When Wanghe claimed to be too busy, Xie Tiancheng suggested, "If you really don't have time, finding someone who's already available is fine too," implicitly pushing him towards Fenghua.

Concurrently, He Tianming called Fenghua, informing her that his mother had fallen while working and was now in the hospital, requiring a CT scan. In a moment of urgency, he asked to borrow 5,000 yuan, stating he had some funds but was concerned it wouldn't suffice. Without hesitation, Fenghua immediately agreed and transferred the requested amount to him. Due to the overwhelming amount of work at her express station, Fenghua had to return to Beijing.

Li Yan assured Fenghua that Xie Tiancheng understood her need to leave, and they would all meet for a meal in Beijing later. Wanghe offered his car for her drive back, explaining that Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo needed it for their intensive street canvassing. Although Wanghe expressed concern about her driving while tired, Fenghua brushed it off, confident in her endurance from past demanding periods. After Fenghua departed, Xie Wanghe reflected on his conversation with his father.

Xie Tiancheng had directly challenged Wanghe, asserting that Fenghua's continued struggle in Beijing's competitive environment was not for ambition but for him. He revealed that his younger son had discovered Fenghua's diary during a renovation, which was "all about you," indicating her deep-seated feelings. Xie Tiancheng pressed Wanghe, asking if he didn't want to "give it a try with her," leaving Wanghe with a complex mix of emotions.

Chen Bo, his father, Zhou Yipu, and Shao Bingyi were engaged in an intense discussion about advancing the sunken ship research. Chen Bo reported that he had emailed Verona's cultural department about potential merchant ships between China and Italy during the Qing Dynasty, but hadn't received a reply. He suggested checking remaining customs records, though they first needed to identify the families involved, noting that a name like "Little Polo" was too common to easily trace.

The group collectively decided to begin their investigation by examining local county records and their family genealogies along the canal, using surnames from a notebook. Shao Bingyi offered to obtain a copy of his family's genealogy. Chen Bo also suggested looking for old family artifacts, similar to his family's old silver coins. The conversation included a humorous mention of a shoehorn.

They recalled Shao Xingchi having previously mentioned a small wine flask belonging to the Xie family and an item with foreign writing from the Xia family. Someone inquired about Shao Xingchi's return, but it was unknown. The elders then pondered Shao Xingchi's carefree attitude, emphasizing that parents shouldn't be overly strict and wishing he would simply not cause trouble. Meanwhile, Zhou Yanlin encountered Ms. Bian, who he had previously been set up with for a blind date.

She sought his cooking advice, claiming the quick dishes he taught her hadn't turned out well and asking for a demonstration. Ms. Bian expressed a strong interest in cooking and even suggested becoming his apprentice. However, Yanlin was direct, stating he didn't believe they were a good match and that she wasn't fully aware of his situation. He explicitly told her, "I still want to wait for her a bit longer."

When Ms. Bian pointed out that "she's been gone for a long time" and questioned if he intended to wait his entire life, Yanlin steadfastly replied that while he didn't know if he would wait forever, he was certain he "will definitely regret it" if he stopped waiting and she returned. Later, Fenghua greeted He Tianming's mother upon her return from the hospital.

She urged He Tianming's mother to take good care of her health and undergo a comprehensive physical examination, not just X-rays for bones, citing an example of an elderly neighbor who suddenly had a stroke. Although He Tianming's mother found the comment inauspicious, Fenghua reiterated the importance of regular check-ups. Her thoughts then turned to Granny Ma and Ma Siyi.

Fenghua called her own mother, asking her to burn gold ingots at Granny Ma's doorstep, not paper money, explaining that she missed her, even though it wasn't the Qingming Festival. While on the phone, she looked at a picture of Ma Siyi, expressing how much she missed her. Under pressure from his wife, He Tianming reluctantly approached Fenghua to apply for work-related injury reimbursement for his mother.

Fenghua informed him that because the company had purchased insurance, the medical expenses would largely be covered by the insurance payout, making it unnecessary for him to pay upfront. Relieved, He Tianming was about to leave, but a warning glance from his wife prompted him to return and request a raise of 1,000 yuan per month, citing former colleagues at Bee earning significantly more.

Fenghua was surprised by this demand, but upon hearing his wife's cough from their room, she understood the situation. She directly stated that a raise was impossible. She then told He Tianming that if he desired to join Bee, she wouldn't stop him, but he would have to take his mother and wife with him, as she could no longer afford to support "idle people."

He Tianming's mother was devastated by her son and daughter-in-law's actions, crying and accusing them of being heartless. She vowed not to meddle in their affairs anymore, telling them to choose their own path. His wife, however, defiantly suggested that if Fenghua were to fire them, they would receive severance, which they could then use to start their own delivery business. The following morning, He Tianming went to Fenghua, sincerely apologizing and withdrawing his request for a raise.

When Fenghua pressed him for his true feelings, he admitted to being "blinded by money." Fenghua explained that due to the industry's downturn, a raise was genuinely impossible. He Tianming then expressed deep regret and filial guilt, admitting his desire to provide a better life for his child and especially for his mother, who had endured hardship and almost lacked medical funds while living with him. In a gesture of immense kindness, Fenghua agreed to let him transfer to Bee.

She also allowed his mother and wife to remain employed at her express station, explaining that if his heart was elsewhere, he wouldn't perform well at her company. She encouraged him, stating that a grown man providing for his family was commendable. Fenghua even lightened the mood with a humorous request: if he encountered Xie Wanghe at Bee, he should play some minor pranks on him, like putting pebbles in his sandals or discarding his instant noodle seasoning packet.

Li Yan, undeterred, continued her efforts to find a suitable partner for Zhou Yanlin. She proposed another match to Zhou Yipu: a beautiful and capable company owner from the city, asking if Yanlin would like to meet her. Zhou Yipu, however, believed Yanlin was uninterested, likely because "he probably hasn't moved on his heart" from Luo Zhimei.

Acknowledging his son's stubborn nature, Zhou Yipu suggested asking Granny Ma to intervene, recalling how she had previously mediated conflicts between Yanlin and Zhimei. He decided to seek Granny Ma's help to persuade Yanlin. Furthermore, Zhou Yipu proposed that Granny Ma should also "vet" any future potential partners for Yanlin, as "she's good at judging people." Meng Wei was enraged by the continuous decline in data from the Haidian district.

With Mr. Song fanning the flames, Meng Wei summoned Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo for an explanation. Qiu Lin, trying to explain, admitted to oversight and mentioned that Wanghe's two subordinates, to whom the week's tasks were assigned, were still in an adjustment period. Meng Wei retorted, questioning if they were "adjusting or just slacking off." Zhou Haikuo tried to take the blame, offering to be fired, but Meng Wei dismissed him, asking if that would solve the problem.

When Meng Wei inquired about Xie Wanghe, he learned Wanghe was in Tianjin because his father, Xie Tiancheng, had been hospitalized after being stabbed while intervening in a crime, though his life was not in danger. Furious that Wanghe had left without notice, Meng Wei ordered them to call Xie Wanghe and tell him to return "today," threatening, "If he doesn't come back today, don't ever come back!" Upon his return, Xie Wanghe met with Meng Wei.

Meng Wei began by inquiring about Xie Tiancheng's health, but quickly expressed anger that Wanghe hadn't informed him about his father's hospitalization, feeling Wanghe didn't treat him as "one of his own." Wanghe apologized, attributing it to leaving in a hurry. Meng Wei then lectured him, stressing that in the future, Wanghe should inform him of difficulties immediately, allowing Meng Wei to find solutions first. Meng Wei criticized Wanghe's two subordinates for their inexperience, noting they were "a bit green."

The conversation shifted to the intense competition with Yuntu, particularly their strategy of subsidies and shorter delivery times. Wanghe argued against matching Yuntu's subsidies, as they were designed to force Bee to burn cash. He also deemed further shortening delivery times unrealistic. Meng Wei dismissed this, reminding Wanghe of his previous suggestion to use motorcycles, but Wanghe rejected it as too dangerous.

Meng Wei then delivered a metaphor, describing a company as a precisely structured machine where every part must function perfectly. If a part cannot keep up, it must be "either fix it or replace it," rather than waiting for the entire machine to fail. After the meeting, Wanghe looked deflated. Shao Xingchi inquired, but Wanghe denied being scolded, instead asking about Mr. Song and Qiu Lin's activities, which Xingchi reported as merely attempts to label Wanghe as unprofessional.

Xingchi also mentioned Yuntu's server upgrade. Wanghe asserted that online aspects were less crucial than offline delivery speed. When Xingchi highlighted Yuntu's superior app user experience, Wanghe demanded they "change it." Xingchi expressed frustration, noting he was alone against Yuntu's large UI team and that Zhou Haikuo's ideas had been ignored by the programming department. Wanghe, growing irritated by their complaints, sarcastically questioned their purpose if he had to handle everything himself.

He then reiterated that delivery times "needs to be shortened further." When Xingchi explained they were already "squeezing it out of the delivery riders," Wanghe retorted, "Cut the crap. If you want to do it, do it. If not, get lost!" Zhou Haikuo was furious, interpreting Wanghe's harsh words as directed at him. That evening, Xie Wanghe made an impromptu visit to Fenghua Express, finding Fenghua still at work, personally delivering urgent orders for her staff.

Fenghua confronted him for his unannounced appearance. Wanghe, in turn, expressed frustration, stating that "They pissed me off," referring to his colleagues and then adding, "You piss me off too." Fenghua denied angering him. Wanghe complained that she hadn't offered him tea, and Fenghua, in turn, accused him of poaching her employees. Wanghe retorted that the departures were due to "market demand" and higher food delivery wages, asserting it was "normal" for people to seek better opportunities.

He then proudly shared Bee's ambition to go public next year, aiming for market dominance and "industry status," wanting to make a "contribution to this world." Fenghua acknowledged his lifelong aspirations, admitting she had doubts but mostly wished him well, even hoping to brag about their connection. However, she then sternly declared, "I need to stay away from a company that doesn't treat its employees as human beings. Or else I'll have bad karma."

She criticized Bee's recent performance as ruthless, comparing him to Emperor Qin. Wanghe defended his aggressive strategy, explaining it was driven by "capital's demands" for rapid expansion and market seizure to avoid becoming "a stepping stone." Fenghua conceded he had the potential for success, but called his approach "cold-bloodedness." When Wanghe, exasperated, asked if he should become a "philanthropist" and let the company fail, Fenghua’s only request was, "don't be too harsh on my old employees."

The conversation ended on a sour note, reflecting their deep ideological differences. Later that night, Shao Xingchi was out drinking with Zhou Haikuo, trying to calm him down by suggesting Wanghe was also under immense pressure. Haikuo, however, regretted leaving his previous stable job for Wanghe, admitting his girlfriend, Xiaohui, had opposed the move due to the high failure rate of startups. Haikuo expressed concern about Bee's Series C funding running out and the potential for share dilution and acquisition.

Xingchi noted that Wanghe, with his equity, wouldn't lose out in an acquisition. Haikuo felt Wanghe had "changed" from a brother to a demanding leader, leading to unreasonable behavior. In their anger, both Haikuo and Xingchi fantasized about pranking Wanghe: Haikuo wanted to stuff chewed gum in his keyhole, while Xingchi suggested putting cockroaches in his bed and pulling out the fuse.

Xingchi then lightened the mood by ordering a "pig brain" for Haikuo, joking it was to "nourish your brain and appease Xiaohui." Late in the night, Wanghe returned home to find them still there. He demanded they open the door, mockingly identifying himself as "your dear old dad" and claiming to be desperate to pee. Inside, he confronted them, demanding an apology. Haikuo and Xingchi defiantly refused, calling him a "reactionary bully, landlord, capitalist."

When Wanghe finally gained entry, he was dismayed to discover they had opened and finished his prized "Latour" wine, leaving "not a drop left." They claimed ignorance of its value. Wanghe then pointed out that Haikuo was sitting on his leg, adding to the absurdity of the situation.

Episode 25 Recap

Xie Wanghe apologized to Zhou Haikuo in a lighthearted manner, even playfully suggesting he would kneel. However, Zhou Haikuo initially retorted with sarcasm and joked about Xie Wanghe's "flamboyant antics," comparing him to Concubine Hua and suggesting he donate his mouth if he couldn't speak properly, to which Xie Wanghe returned the quip. The conversation then turned serious as Xie Wanghe confessed to feeling immense pressure.

He suspected that Yuntu, their competitor, had an informant within their company, explaining Yuntu's rapid and accurate counterattacks. He rallied Zhou Haikuo and Shao Xingchi, asserting that their unity and effort would ensure they wouldn't lose. The three then shared a meal of Wagyu fried rice, engaging in playful banter about animated shows and fantasizing about using their future company’s wealth to fund sequels once they went public.

The next morning, at the company, while reviewing performance metrics, they were astonished to find a new employee, He Tianming, had completed nearly 500 orders in just one month. Xie Wanghe was very impressed with He Tianming's performance, especially since He Tianming had previously worked for Xia Fenghua. He took the opportunity to ask about Xia Fenghua, learning that she often suffered from back pain due to working tirelessly and leading by example.

He instructed another employee, Li, to ensure the delivery riders chatted with He Tianming to learn from his insights. Soon after, Xia Fenghua received a box of Traditional Miao medicinal plasters. Believing it was from her mother, Li Yan, she called her, but Li Yan denied sending them, saying she wouldn't send plasters if Fenghua was fine.

Meanwhile, Li Yan was at her shop, chatting with Liu Yuling, when she mentioned Zhou Yipu's recent forgetfulness, specifically how he seemed to have forgotten that Granny Ma had passed away. Zhou Yanlin overheard their conversation, and Liu Yuling advised him to take his grandfather for a hospital check-up, emphasizing the need to be prepared for any outcome. Zhou Yanlin agreed it was necessary and later approached Zhou Yipu about getting a health screening.

Initially, Zhou Yipu was hesitant, claiming nothing was wrong with him. However, Zhou Yanlin calmly explained that annual check-ups are standard medical advice and that it's always better to be proactive. Zhou Yipu eventually agreed but insisted that Zhou Yanlin get a check-up as well, warning him about the toll of middle age. While shopping at a supermarket, Shao Xingchi saw a concert poster for Chris Lee and remembered Xia Fenghua's dream of attending one.

He rushed to buy two expensive tickets for 1,280 yuan each, even though he was surprised by the price. However, Xie Wanghe was one step ahead. He arrived at Xia Fenghua's express station while she was busy with orders, teasing her that he was not poaching employees directly but "behind her back". He then presented her with the concert tickets, making her overjoyed.

Xia Fenghua joked that she'd have to scold him more often to see what other gifts he'd bring her. Shortly after, when Shao Xingchi hurried to the express station, an employee informed him that Xia Fenghua had just left for the concert with Mr. Xie from Bee, who had delivered the tickets. Heartbroken, Shao Xingchi left to deliver parcels. At the concert, Xia Fenghua was ecstatic, recalling how she had dreamed of this moment multiple times.

Xie Wanghe reassured her of his unwavering belief in her ability to achieve great things, prompting her to confess, "Xie Wanghe, I cherish you." They reminisced about their childhood conversations and playful promises, including Fenghua saying she'd marry Wanghe if no one else wanted her, and Wanghe promising to make her "President Xia" by having her invest in his company. After the concert, they took photos and then went to a restaurant for crayfish.

Xie Wanghe recounted the past difficulties he, Zhou Haikuo, and Shao Xingchi faced, and how they would often drink there and cry together. Xia Fenghua playfully chided him for not inviting her, joking that he was embarrassed and thought she was immature. She then pressed Xie Wanghe, asking if he saw her as a brother or a woman. Xie Wanghe paused, then replied that she was a "child," immediately picking up a napkin to wipe her mouth.

As they left, Xie Wanghe advised her to be more careful and less scatterbrained. Xia Fenghua retorted, asking if being careful would make him see her as a woman, to which he replied, "That depends on you." Unbeknownst to them, Shao Xingchi was eating nearby and witnessed their intimate interaction, turning away in despair. On the way back, Xia Fenghua mused about what life would be like if Ma Siyi had stayed and also gone to Beijing.

Xie Wanghe dismissed such "what ifs" as meaningless, shifting the conversation to their future plans once Bee went public. He spoke of achieving financial independence, buying a three-bedroom apartment in Beijing, and starting a family. When Xia Fenghua asked about his ideal partner, Xie Wanghe meticulously described a woman with good character, warm-hearted, filial, generous, not petty, easily pacified, responsible, and someone who, despite not often dressing up, could look stunning with just lipstick or in high heels.

He concluded by lamenting that there was such a woman at Bee's headquarters, but "too bad she's married," clearly hinting at Xia Fenghua and teasing her until she told him not to talk nonsense. The atmosphere in the car became increasingly romantic. Before parting ways, Xia Fenghua asked Xie Wanghe if he was the one who bought the Traditional Miao medicinal plasters for her.

After a brief, playful denial, he admitted that he had asked a colleague to find the local herbal remedy for her. He then playfully demanded a thank you, which Xia Fenghua gave before leaving. Later, Xia Fenghua called her mother, who playfully teased her about having a boyfriend. Upon returning home, Xie Wanghe found Shao Xingchi completely drunk and slumped at the doorstep.

As he helped Shao Xingchi to his room, Xie Wanghe noticed two concert tickets fallen on the floor, immediately understanding Shao Xingchi's unspoken feelings. Shao Xingchi, still reeling from what he witnessed at the restaurant, confessed to Xie Wanghe that he had been in love with Xia Fenghua for a long time and wanted to pursue her. However, seeing them together made him realize that Xia Fenghua only had eyes for Xie Wanghe.

He pleaded with Xie Wanghe not to disappoint her, telling him to be serious if he was going to commit and not to hurt her. Xie Wanghe, visibly uncomfortable, then challenged Shao Xingchi's understanding of happiness, arguing that true happiness meant providing the life the loved one desired. He spoke of his parents' struggles, as well as Zhou Haikuo's, and acknowledged that Fenghua, having been raised like a boy, was open-minded and easygoing.

However, he insisted on wanting the ability and financial means to pamper her, stating he wouldn't make empty promises until he could. Shao Xingchi, hurt by this, asked if he could pursue Xia Fenghua if Xie Wanghe wouldn't, to which Xie Wanghe replied that no one was stopping him.

However, Xie Wanghe then sharply pointed out Shao Xingchi's current lack of financial stability, mockingly asking if he expected Xia Fenghua to live in his basement or for him to live off her, suggesting he couldn't offer her the happy life she deserved. This conversation left Shao Xingchi deeply introspective. That evening, a distraught Shao Xingchi staggered to Xia Fenghua's building, seeing her joyfully dancing by her window, and dejectedly left alone.

Meanwhile, at the company, Xie Wanghe was engaged in a serious discussion with Meng Wei about Yuntu's operational problems. He explained that Yuntu's biggest flaw was its chaotic and frantic order assignment system, which, while appearing efficient, deeply alienated riders who felt exploited. He added that Yuntu's slow price adjustments for distant orders led to rider reluctance, long delays, poor customer experience, and ultimately, significant merchant loss, unlike Bee's dynamic pricing that encouraged faster deliveries.

Suddenly, Zhou Haikuo called Xie Wanghe to share exciting news: the Grand Canal's application for World Heritage status had been successful. This news was met with immense joy by the neighborhood. Neighbors gathered in the courtyard, excitedly anticipating increased tourism and business for Flower Street. Shao Bingyi enthusiastically spoke about their research into a sunken ship in the canal, claiming it proved the Grand Canal's historical importance as part of the Silk Road, surpassing even the Suez Canal.

Chen Bo, while acknowledging Shao Bingyi's efforts, offered a more measured academic perspective. He clarified that while they had indeed found evidence of an Italian on board a ship that sank after an encounter with pirates, most of their broader conclusions were speculative and lacked sufficient historical evidence. Nevertheless, he conceded that Shao Bingyi was the biggest contributor to the successful World Heritage application, emphasizing the ongoing need for further investigation to uncover Flower Street's rich history.

At his grandfather's urging, Zhou Yanlin confirmed that he had already arranged for their restaurant to be tidied up and repaired to welcome future tourists. The neighbors then rushed off to join the celebrations, eager for the good times ahead.

Episode 26 Recap

The Grand Canal's successful nomination for World Heritage status ushered in a new era, revitalizing the ancient waterway with unstoppable new energy. The era awakened a fresh spirit, and the Grand Canal once again demonstrated its resilience and pioneering drive. Flower Street's local government held a grand celebration. During a meal, Mayor Gu took the opportunity to propose a new vision: to revitalize Honghuai City and Flower Street by attracting young people back to their hometowns.

She acknowledged that many young people had left to start businesses elsewhere and announced new government policies to support their return. She encouraged the parents present to spread the word, emphasizing that she wanted the young generations to be drawn back by the promising future of Flower Street, not forced by their parents, and that the government was open to their feedback and suggestions. The parents enthusiastically pledged their support.

Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe, Xia Fenghua, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo gathered to celebrate. Fenghua suggested they all go home for the Mid-Autumn Festival, to which Xie Wanghe readily agreed. Shao Xingchi, observing the growing closeness between Xie Wanghe and Fenghua, feigned cheerfulness but felt a pang of sadness. After the meal, he privately approached Xie Wanghe, expressing his readiness to take on a frontline station, having gained enough experience.

He conveyed his earnest desire to not "waste my life away" and to make his future "a little better every day," revealing he was "done living in the basement." When Xie Wanghe probed if his ambition was fueled by his feelings for Fenghua, Shao Xingchi retorted, "So are you." They then playfully challenged each other to "do our best and see who saves up enough to marry her first."

Inspired by Shao Xingchi's ambition, Xie Wanghe immediately went to the company to speak with Meng Wei. Despite Shao Xingchi's lack of experience, Xie Wanghe vouched for his capability and offered his own stock options as collateral, promising to take full responsibility for any losses if Shao Xingchi failed. Meng Wei, though wary of the risks, eventually agreed.

Xie Wanghe later encouraged Shao Xingchi to work hard and use his actions to prove his worth, advising him to ignore any company gossip. Shao Xingchi confidently promised to prove them dead wrong. He then addressed his new team, emphasizing "fairness" in order distribution and ensuring no one would receive orders from overly distant areas.

He also pledged his full support for unexpected situations and customer disputes, vowing, "I won't let anyone take the blame," and motivating them to "prove yourselves." Elsewhere, Sun Daxiao visited Fenghua's station, making sarcastic remarks about her alleged cooperation with Bee and inquiring about her staff shortage. He provocatively suggested she cede some of her operational area to others to alleviate her workload. Fenghua sharply refused, questioning if this was his personal ambition or a company directive.

She asserted her station could manage, despite being shorthanded, and would only seek help from headquarters if necessary, warning Sun Daxiao not to "stab me in the back." Sun Daxiao warned her against missing opportunities. Xie Wanghe, witnessing this, arrived and advised Fenghua to consider hiring temporary workers for sorting, allowing her couriers to focus on deliveries. He suggested that part-time shifts would be more cost-effective and that Zhou Haikuo could easily develop a simple management software for it.

Fenghua expressed interest but said she needed to "think about it." Later, Fenghua confided in He's mother about her station's past struggles and her determination to be "the last one to leave." She then asked He's mother if she knew any diligent hourly workers, and He's mother eagerly offered to help. The Flower Street neighbors held a meeting and confirmed that Zhou Yipu had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which was expected to worsen.

They decided to keep the diagnosis a secret from both Zhou Yipu and Zhou Haikuo. Liang Haihong, Li Yan, and Liu Yuling volunteered to take turns caring for Zhou Yipu. As Zhou Yipu's condition was expected to progress, Zhou Yanlin discreetly approached Chen Rui, asking him to help look after Zhou Yipu during their surveys and also to keep the illness confidential from Zhou Haikuo, who was in Beijing and would only worry unnecessarily.

Xiao Hui and Zhou Haikuo's relationship had reached the point of discussing marriage, but a significant disagreement arose when Xiao Hui expressed her desire to buy a house, a proposal Zhou Haikuo strongly opposed. The ensuing argument left them both upset. That evening, a distressed Zhou Haikuo sought solace with Xie Wanghe and Shao Xingchi, venting his frustration.

Shao Xingchi reasoned that a house could provide peace of mind for Xiao Hui, but Zhou Haikuo countered by citing his parents' separation despite owning a home, questioning if security truly lies in property. He argued that true love shouldn't be dependent on material possessions, feeling that Xiao Hui's insistence indicated a lack of trust.

When Shao Xingchi challenged his love for Xiao Hui, Xie Wanghe defended him, explaining that while Haikuo would willingly give a kidney out of love, being forced to buy a house made him feel distrusted. Zhou Haikuo agreed, stating he wanted to provide a good life for Xiao Hui but couldn't be coerced, as it would devalue their relationship.

Meng Wei praised Xie Wanghe and his team for their swift response and youthful drive, encouraging them to maintain their momentum against competitors. Xie Wanghe then delicately broached the subject of stock options for Zhou Haikuo and Shao Xingchi, emphasizing his desire for them to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion in Bee, even offering to share his own options. Meng Wei dismissed the idea, warning Xie Wanghe not to let emotions dictate business decisions.

He recounted his own painful experience of losing all his college startup partners, highlighting how "great kindness can lead to resentment" and that even "blood brothers fight tooth and nail over a bit of inheritance," dismissing Xie Wanghe's sentimental view as "naive." As the workday drew to a close, Luo Zhimei arrived to pick up Zhou Haikuo for dinner. She inquired about his argument with Xiao Hui, reiterating a woman's need for security, which she felt a house provided.

Zhou Haikuo challenged this, again bringing up his parents' relationship as proof that a house doesn't guarantee security. Luo Zhimei admitted that while she had only ever loved Zhou Yanlin and still did, the life he offered felt "depressed and suffocated." She chose to leave because she refused to live a predictable life where she "could see how it would end," preferring the hardships of an unknown future.

She concluded that she and Zhou Yanlin "parted on good terms," with both lingering resentment and mutual well-wishes. She advised Zhou Haikuo to consider three critical questions regarding his relationship with Xiao Hui: whether he could provide her desired life, if that life would cause him personal suffering, and most importantly, if he would regret a separation. She stressed that everyone must be responsible for their own choices. Luo Zhimei's candid words helped Zhou Haikuo confront his inner turmoil.

He returned home to find Xiao Hui sitting alone in the living room. After a heartfelt apology, they embraced, reconciling their differences. Meanwhile, at a restaurant, Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe enjoyed a conversation. Fenghua shared her dream of owning an RV and traveling the world, emphasizing that "What matters is who I travel with." Xie Wanghe then described his own post-IPO dream: to "Travel with the girl I love" and take wedding photos in Greece.

Fenghua playfully asked "With whom?" to which Xie Wanghe replied, "Certainly not with you." Just then, Shao Xingchi arrived at the restaurant with his employees. He spotted Fenghua and Xie Wanghe together through the window and, feigning a sudden change of plans, quickly led his team away, claiming the restaurant's shrimp were "very small."

Xie Wanghe walked Fenghua home, offering her health advice and presenting her with a "Guide for Reducing Costs and Increasing Efficiency of Delivery Riders in Haidian District." He once again extended a sincere invitation for her to join Bee. Fenghua gently declined, explaining that her station was nearly bankrupt when she took over, and her goal of becoming "station chief of the year" and ensuring her team's prosperity remained unachieved. She added that "Being needed makes me feel powerful" and after years of struggling "like a wild grass" in Beijing, she felt "I'm finally about to bloom."

Episode 27 Recap

Ma Siyi arrived in Italy, carrying photos of herself and her grandmother as she sought to trace her ancestral roots and uncover the story of Marford. Meanwhile, the excavation and research of a shipwreck, deemed less than a hundred years old and lacking artifact value by experts, were announced to be suspended by Mayor Gu.

Chen Rui, however, was vehemently against this decision, accusing them of discarding the cultural significance of the shipwreck once the Grand Canal's World Heritage application was successful. In a heated argument with Mayor Gu, Chen Rui pledged to self-fund the research and prove the shipwreck's importance to Flower Street. In Beijing, traffic control and overflowing warehouses left Xia Fenghua's express station exceptionally busy.

She worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk, directing her team efficiently, only for a new round of sorting to begin shortly after they had just finished. Concurrently, Beijing braced for high temperatures, impacting rider morale. Xie Wanghe called a company meeting to propose a temporary increase in rider commission to boost motivation. Qiu Lin, however, opposed this, arguing that such an increase would directly cut into their already thin profits.

Meng Wei, after hearing both sides, agreed to Xie Wanghe's plan but stipulated that the commission must be lowered again after the hot spell. To further combat the heat, Xie Wanghe introduced measures like heatstroke medicine and mung bean soup at stations, while Zhou Haikuo announced the early launch of their self-developed map for more accurate navigation, improving efficiency. Impressed by Zhou Haikuo's presentation, Meng Wei privately offered him a position as Chief Technology Officer at the headquarters.

Zhou Haikuo, however, politely declined, feeling that Xie Wanghe needed him and he couldn't leave at this time. Meng Wei did not press the issue but urged Zhou Haikuo to consider it carefully and keep the offer confidential. Elsewhere, Xia Fenghua felt dizzy under the scorching sun, which Mother He quickly attributed to low blood sugar. That evening, Xie Wanghe brought her hometown dishes for dinner.

As they chatted, Xia Fenghua almost fainted, prompting Xie Wanghe to express concern over her hands-on approach to everything. Xia Fenghua maintained that as a leader, she must lead by example. After work, Zhou Haikuo took Xiaohui shopping for clothes. Xiaohui worried about the cost, but her mood shifted to delight upon learning about Meng Wei's CTO offer. Her joy, however, turned to anger when Zhou Haikuo revealed his refusal, scolding him for lacking ambition.

Later that night, Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo gathered. Zhou Haikuo vented about his argument with Xiaohui and mentioned Meng Wei's offer, reaffirming his decision not to go to headquarters. While Xie Wanghe wanted Zhou Haikuo to stay, he acknowledged that Xiaohui's perspective had merit and didn't want the couple to fight because of him. He encouraged Haikuo to make his own decision and take responsibility for it.

Shao Bingyi, meanwhile, discovered through his family tree that his ancestors did include porters. With Zhou Yipu's suggestion, Chen Rui and his father, Zhou Yipu, and Shao Bingyi formed a four-person research team. Driven by passion, they journeyed through streets and alleys, visiting hundreds of old families along the canal, uncovering rare artifacts, and recording numerous anecdotes.

With the successful World Heritage application of the Grand Canal, various private museums sprung up along its banks, deepening their understanding of its history. Their shared fascination with the shipwreck made them local celebrities in Flower Street, attracting more people eager to help solve the mystery. Chen Rui found immense joy in this work, feeling that he was getting closer to the truth and to fulfilling his promise to Ma Siyi.

Amid their busy efforts, the county gazette office reported a new lead: an elder from the Dong family had confirmed ancestral ties. At a quiet bar, Zhou Yipu heard a song sung by Ma Siyi. The owner revealed that Ma Siyi had visited recently, left a CD of her own singing, and mentioned plans to go to Italy to trace her roots, leaving behind a photo. On the way back, Chen Rui gazed at the photo, lost in thought.

He later shared it in their group chat, evoking mixed emotions among everyone who saw Ma Siyi's information. The next morning, Xie Wanghe discussed He Tianming with Shao Xingchi, who clearly did not want to delve into the topic. Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe made plans to return home together for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Xie Wanghe rented a car, and the four of them embarked on their long journey home.

Episode 28 Recap

For Mid-Autumn Festival, Xia Fenghua, Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo traveled back to Flower Street, much to the delight of their families. Shao Bingyi, however, was out and not at home. Shao Xingchi cautiously asked his mother, Liu Yuling, if she and his father still argued, but she assured him they were past such things, merely asking him to stay on the right path in Beijing after his past troubles.

Zhou Haikuo informed his grandfather that he and Shao Xingchi were now working under Xie Wanghe and learning a lot. He also mentioned that his girlfriend had sent mooncakes from Daoxiangcun. Despite the joyful reunion, the youths informed their families that they would only be staying one night. Li Yan took Xia Fenghua to pay respects at Granny Ma's memorial, noting that seven years had passed since her death and Ma Siyi still had not made contact.

Li Yan expressed frustration at Ma Siyi's silence, wondering how she was faring alone, though Xia Fenghua believed Ma Siyi had her reasons and would return when ready. Later, Zhou Yanlin hosted a lunch for several families at the By the Canal restaurant, where he had personally prepared the dishes. Gu Alian, addressed as "Mayor," delivered exciting news: Flower Street was slated for comprehensive on-site renovation starting next month, with a commitment to preserving its ancient architectural character.

Amidst the excitement, Chen Rui shared his recent experience on a journey tracing the ancestral roots of the Shao family, which had deepened his understanding of Ma Siyi's wanderlust. He raised a toast to Ma Siyi, wherever she might be, and everyone joined him. After lunch, Xia Fenghua's mother, Li Yan, pressed her about her romantic life. Xia Fenghua initially denied having a boyfriend, citing her busy schedule.

However, she inadvertently revealed there was someone, prompting Li Yan to eagerly inquire for details and photos. Xia Fenghua confessed she was unsure about pursuing the relationship, feeling both excited and scared, and asked for time to think. Li Yan warned her against hesitation, emphasizing that opportunities could be lost quickly. Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe was having dinner with his parents, who asked about his savings for marriage.

He explained he had about 70,000 to 80,000 yuan in cash, the rest invested in stocks, and a car from his boss. He assured them his stock options in "Bee" company would bring financial freedom upon listing or acquisition. His parents, Xie Tiancheng and Liang Haihong, were pleased, urging him to consider developing his career in Huacheng, given Flower Street's promising future. Xie Wanghe, however, suggested they move to Beijing to live with him instead.

Xie Tiancheng then sent him to buy more aged wine, instructing him to put it on his tab. While buying wine, Xie Wanghe found Xia Fenghua sitting alone on the bridge. She confided that in Beijing, she felt constrained, like a transient, but back home, she felt empowered and fearless. Xia Fenghua then boldly asked Xie Wanghe if he had a crush on her.

He didn't deny it, admitting his feelings grew after his business failure in Beijing, attributing his recovery to her firm encouragement, including two slaps that "knocked sense into him." As fireworks lit up the night sky, they embraced and kissed. Xia Fenghua then questioned if they were officially boyfriend and girlfriend, which Xie Wanghe affirmed. However, she requested they keep their relationship private for a while, as it had happened too suddenly and she needed time to process it.

Xie Wanghe agreed, advising her to think carefully to avoid any regrets. Later that night, Xia Fenghua, restless with worry, subtly sought advice from her mother, Li Yan, about a man's past affections or secretly harboring feelings for someone else. Li Yan, with a pragmatic outlook, declared she wouldn't care as long as the man was present and his money was hers, likening such past affections to "chasing a celebrity."

She advised that when uncertain about a decision, it's best to do nothing at all to avoid mistakes, assuring Xia Fenghua that time would resolve everything. The next morning, as everyone prepared for their return to Beijing, Xia Fenghua's mother packed numerous items, reminding her to eat on time, avoid overworking, and to bring a partner home next time. She also specifically asked Xie Wanghe to look after Xia Fenghua.

Meanwhile, Zhou Haikuo discovered his father boiling medicine for his grandfather, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His father had kept it secret, not wanting to worry him, and insisted Zhou Haikuo return to Beijing for work. The car ride back lacked the earlier joy, with Shao Xingchi noticeably quiet and dispirited, having witnessed Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua's kiss the previous night. Back in Beijing, the friends resumed their hectic lives.

Shao Xingchi, seeing his delivery riders eating humble meals, often bought extra things for them. Chen Rui frequently visited Zhou Yipu, sending photos to Zhou Haikuo to update him on his grandfather's condition. Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua continued their busy work schedules, their romance blossoming. Xie Wanghe often brought Xia Fenghua supper, and they planned to celebrate New Year's Eve together. As the year ended, the friends gathered for a New Year's Eve celebration.

Xiao Hui, Zhou Haikuo's girlfriend, was absent, working overtime. Despite some work-related banter, Xie Wanghe proposed a toast, encouraging everyone to forget the past year's hardships and look forward to 2015, hoping they would all move closer to their dreams. As they counted down to the new year, Xia Fenghua suddenly felt dizzy and nauseated after a few sips of wine, rushing to the restroom to vomit.

Later, He Tianming, after a work discussion, discreetly informed Xie Wanghe about Xia Fenghua's concerning health, mentioning her pale complexion, secret vomiting, excessive hair loss, and bleeding gums, which he believed indicated a weakened immune system, though his mother and wife had initially suspected pregnancy. Concerned, Xia Fenghua went to the hospital. The doctor noted her prolonged delay in seeking help despite persistent symptoms like dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and declining eyesight.

He strongly recommended a comprehensive brain examination, stating that a definitive diagnosis could not be made until after the tests. Xia Fenghua, accompanied by her mother to the hospital, chose to enter the examination room alone. Upon reviewing her results with the doctor, she left the hospital looking utterly dejected, having received the grim news she had feared.

Episode 29 Recap

After leaving the hospital, Xia Fenghua sought refuge alone in the Celestial Exhibition Hall of the planetarium. She watched the vast star-filled sky, finding solace as a voice-over described the wonders of the universe, from billions of stars and nebulae to supernovas and black holes. When Xie Wanghe persistently messaged her, asking, "Where are you? Don't make me call the police. Where are you, really?" , she eventually sent him her location.

He rushed to her side, immediately asking, "Are you sick?" Xia Fenghua, feigning normalcy, claimed, "It's just anemia. It's nothing serious," offering to show him her medical report as proof when he questioned, "Are you sure?" Relieved, Xie Wanghe confessed, "You really scared me." Xia Fenghua then pointed to a projection, noting, "UY Scuti. It's one of the largest known stars. Even the sun is just a speck of dust in front of it.

Compared to it, we are all so tiny." On the drive back, Xie Wanghe urged her, "Take a long leave. Go home and have some rest." Xia Fenghua refused, stating, "I can't." He then suggested she quit, to which she retorted, "Will you provide for me?" He earnestly replied, "I will." Xia Fenghua firmly rejected his offer, asserting her independence: "No. I'm capable myself. I don't need your help. If anything, I’d be the one supporting you."

Xie Wanghe persisted, telling her to "Just take some time off. Take some time to rest and recuperate," but she insisted, "I'm in good health." Concerned, he pointed out, "You look so pale. How can you be fine? Your work is not that important. They won't starve to death without you." Xia Fenghua conceded that she would "try to hold on for a while. If I can't, I'll let you know."

Xie Wanghe warned her that it would "be too late" by then, questioning why she wouldn't listen when he was "looking out for" her. Tired of the argument, Xia Fenghua simply asked him to "Just drive." Later that night, as Xie Wanghe drove her back to her station, he watched her sleeping in the passenger seat, memories of their past, including their high school graduation and vows to stay together, flashing through his mind.

Before she entered her door, Xie Wanghe stopped her, handing her a bag and explaining, "This is the prescription given by Grandpa Zhou. A foot bath before bedtime can boost your blood circulation." He instructed her to "Don't just say okay. Make sure you do it. Use water of 40 degrees. Take a photo and send it to me." Xia Fenghua playfully retorted, "You want to see my feet? Are you a pervert?" before heading inside.

As he drove away, he sent her a text message: "Go to bed early. Don't stay up late." Later, Xia Fenghua sat by her bed, soaking her feet as instructed, and looking at an old high school graduation photo of the four friends. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she couldn't help but weep. Meanwhile, feeling uneasy, Li Yan initiated a video call with Xia Fenghua, who was having her foot bath. Li Yan immediately noticed, "You caught a cold?

Why do you sound so nasal?" Xia Fenghua tried to dismiss it, "Do I? No. Don't be so paranoid all the time. I'm not a little girl anymore." Li Yan expressed her concern that Xia Fenghua "didn't look well when you came back last time. You looked pale. You had no energy at all." Xia Fenghua insisted she "was just tired," promising, "Don't worry. I won't stay up late anymore."

Li Yan advised her to "eat on time from now on. Eat well. Don't work so hard," and even offered, "If you're really worried, I'll come back." Xia Fenghua discouraged this, saying, "Don't bother. It's tiring to travel back and forth. You’d be better off using this time to get some proper rest." Li Yan then proposed, "I mean it. I can provide parcel delivery services anywhere. I'll go back to Flower Street and open a new delivery station.

Let's work together. We'll definitely make money." At this, Xia Fenghua admitted, "Mom. I miss home," and promised, "I'll take care of matters in Beijing. Then I'll come home." Li Yan, sensing the seriousness, cautioned, "Fenghua. This is a serious matter. Don't just joke about it. You have to think carefully." Xia Fenghua brushed it off, "Don't worry. It's not that complicated. Soon, I'll deliver myself back to you as an urgent package," before hanging up.

Li Yan then turned to Xia Maotian, relaying, "Fenghua just said she doesn't want to work in Beijing anymore. She wants to come back." Xia Maotian, worried, asked, "Did something happen to her company?" Li Yan replied, "She didn't mention that. She just said she missed home." Shao Xingchi, out of concern for his delivery riders, had limited their daily orders to twenty or thirty per person. This decision was used by Qiu Lin as leverage against Xie Wanghe.

Qiu Lin confronted Xie Wanghe, stating, "Mr. Xie! Your buddy is going too far. Shao Xingchi. . . actually allows the delivery riders under him to only take 30 orders a day. The rest of the orders are all dumped on Stations 202 and 204. What's the deal? Are the riders at Station 203 more precious than others? Do the lives of the riders in other areas no longer matter?"

Xie Wanghe instructed Qiu Lin to handle it according to company policies if Station 203 was negligent. Qiu Lin noted that since Shao Xingchi was Xie Wanghe's "best friend," he needed to inform him first before taking harsh action. Xie Wanghe reiterated that "any matters related to the company's business must be handled according to the rules," adding pointedly, "Next time when you come into my office, remember to knock."

Xie Wanghe then went to Station 203 to confront Shao Xingchi directly. Seeing Shao Xingchi distributing snacks to the riders, Xie Wanghe asked, "What's wrong?" Shao Xingchi challenged him back, "You tell me what's wrong. Didn't we agree before that I'm in charge of Station 203? Everything will be done according to my rules." Xie Wanghe questioned, "You won't change your rules even if they're wrong?" Shao Xingchi acknowledged the current performance was not ideal but insisted he had plans.

Xie Wanghe argued that Shao Xingchi had "spoiled them," reminding him that "people work to earn a living. We're not here for a vacation." Shao Xingchi, frustrated, dared him, "If you think I'm not doing a good job, then replace me as the station chief. Cut to the chase." Xie Wanghe highlighted the lower income of Station 203's riders compared to other stations, stressing that people work "to make money" and "can't be opposing the mainstream."

Shao Xingchi countered by describing the immense pressure riders face daily, being "scolded by customers and merchants, and also by the pedestrians on the road," and facing penalties for "one order cancellation, bad review, or complaint." He questioned, "Do they deserve to be treated as less than human?" Xie Wanghe then passionately argued about the company's need to compete: "If we're slower than others, if merchants and customers are dissatisfied with us, how can we compete with others?"

He dismissed Shao Xingchi's analogy of canal ships having different lanes, stating, "Now we're in the same lane." He recounted the "all-out business war in the past two years," emphasizing that the company's survival was due to the "joint efforts of hundreds of thousands of employees and delivery riders."

He warned that if they failed, "hundreds of thousands of people will instantly lose their jobs," and no one would then care about Shao Xingchi's "concern and sympathy," only "the management's incompetence." Finally, Xie Wanghe asserted his authority, declaring that he was there "to change the rules."

He announced that "Starting from this month, Station 203 must align and keep up with other areas," setting new goals: "ensure that the delay rate stays below 5%, and receive no negative reviews or complaints. If this is achieved, performance bonuses will be doubled. If this is not achieved, Station 203 will be dissolved immediately and merged with Stations 202 and 204. Additionally, the delivery rider with the lowest number of orders will be fired immediately."

That evening, a dejected Shao Xingchi sat in a restaurant, contemplating his situation. A rider named Wang Yuan, who was also finishing for the day, invited him for a drink. Shao Xingchi initially declined, citing a report due to his superiors, but Wang Yuan insisted, "One drink won't hurt." Over drinks, Wang Yuan confessed, "You don't have to feel bad. Personally, we understand your good intentions. Everyone sings praises of you as a person.

I'll get angry at anyone who says otherwise." He acknowledged Shao Xingchi's kindness but added that he was "too nice," and his ideas were "a bit unrealistic and disconnected from reality." When Shao Xingchi asked if he too thought he was wrong, Wang Yuan clarified, "You're not wrong. Mr. Xie was wrong." Asked why they didn't support him, Wang Yuan simply stated, "We're poor. We're terrified of being poor."

He explained that for riders, seeing "a few hundred more in our account when we get home, that makes us happy. No matter how hard or tiring the work is, seeing the money in our wallet increase gives us peace of mind." He concluded, "If anyone tries to stop me from making money, I'll get angry with them, even if they truly mean well for me."

When Shao Xingchi asked if he wasn't "afraid of working yourself to death," Wang Yuan calmly replied, "If I really can't take it anymore, I'll just lie down. It's still better than dying poor." As Shao Xingchi later wandered through the bustling city, a voice-over from Wang Yuan reflected on the harsh reality: "A few years ago, before I came to Beijing, I was full of ambition. . . But now, after all this time, I still have nothing. .

. Every time I see the lights. . . I realised not a single one belongs to me. In Beijing, people like us are destined to be a passerby." Sun Sanliang, who had once been considered somewhat unreliable, had become a renowned businessman in Honghuai. He approached Zhou Yanlin to discuss a major opportunity, explaining that the Grand Canal had become a World Heritage Site, leading to high demand for Huaiyang cuisine.

He revealed that city leaders wanted to establish a Huaiyang cuisine heritage center in the city and sought to invite Zhou Yanlin, a recognized master, to teach there. " Only with your presence will this heritage center possess real value," Sun Sanliang emphasized, suggesting they "move this century-old By the Canal into the city and bring Huaiyang cuisine to greater heights by allowing more people to enjoy your culinary skills."

During their discussion, Liu Yuling arrived at By the Canal and greeted Sun Sanliang, expressing her delight at the news: "A heritage center? Master Zhou, this is great news. Your business is growing." Sun Sanliang then took his leave, awaiting Zhou Yanlin's decision. Zhou Yipu's condition continued to worsen. One day, he mistook Zhou Yanlin for a child, asking, "Why aren't you in school today?"

After learning it was a day off, he encouraged Zhou Yanlin, "If you don't want to study, then go learn to cook. As long as it makes you happy, I'll support you." He mused on the changing perception of chefs, asserting, "Cooking is a form of artistry too. A good chef is an artist. With exceptional skills, you can conquer the world."

Later that night, Zhou Yipu, concerned for Granny Ma, began frantically knocking on her door, crying out, "Granny Ma!" His neighbors, Xie Tiancheng, Shao Bingyi, and Xia Maotian, quickly came out. Zhou Yipu explained, "I haven't seen Granny Ma all day. I'm worried something might have happened again." The neighbors quickly fabricated a story, telling him, "Granny Ma went back home to visit her family. Her daughter-in-law had another baby. She went back to help with the postpartum care."

Zhou Yipu, confused, asked, "Isn't her son dead? How could his wife have a baby?" The neighbors improvised, saying the daughter-in-law had remarried and had a son with someone else, and Granny Ma, being "so kind-hearted," was taking care of him. Still worried, Zhou Yipu then asked, "Now that Granny Ma is gone, what will happen to Siyi?" They assured him, "We'll all look after Siyi. Don't worry, she won't go hungry. Yes, we're here for her."

Relieved, Zhou Yipu instructed Xie Tiancheng to "bring a crucian carp for Granny Ma" on his next trip, as it "promotes lactation." He then repeatedly murmured to himself, "She didn't even say a word." Zhou Yanlin met with Xie Tiancheng, Shao Bingyi, and Xia Maotian, who enthusiastically discussed the long history of By the Canal restaurant, recalling salt merchants traveling for days just to dine there.

They praised Zhou Yanlin's cooking as "intangible cultural heritage" that he had a "responsibility and the obligation to let more people taste." Hearing about Sun Sanliang's offer, they urged Zhou Yanlin to "go without worrying," assuring him, "As for Mr. Zhou, we'll be here for him, right?" Shao Bingyi spoke passionately, emphasizing their bond, "How many years have we been together? Don't you consider us family yet?"

He recounted how Li Yan, Haihong, and Liu Yuling had researched nursing to prepare for caring for Zhou Yipu, creating a detailed duty roster and a WeChat group for coordination. " Leave Mr. Zhou to us. We won't let him suffer even the slightest discomfort. You won't have to worry about a thing," Shao Bingyi promised, advising Zhou Yanlin to "put your mind at ease."

Zhou Yanlin, touched, admitted he had only kept his father's condition private because he "really just didn't want to trouble" them. However, after much consideration, Zhou Yanlin decided to decline Sun Sanliang's offer. He met Sun Sanliang again and gently explained his decision: "The local environment shapes the local cuisine. If we really leave the canal, I think the canal's cuisine would lose its flavor."

He offered to join if the heritage center was established on Flower Street, but otherwise, he would "have to decline your kind offer." Sun Sanliang, understanding, did not press further. Liu Yuling later expressed surprise to Zhou Yanlin that he had "turned him down," but respected his decision. With the continuous care and efforts of his Flower Street neighbors, Zhou Yipu's days remained vibrant, filled with games and delicious food, though his memory continued to decline.

Neighbors constantly ensured he was safe and happy, playing Chinese chess with him and showing him old books and photos about his youth, trying to engage him despite his confusion. Xia Fenghua met with her doctor, asking if she only had two options for treatment. The doctor explained that "If you opt for surgery, we can manage its growth to some extent.

But there are associated risks with any surgery, especially craniotomy," mentioning "many uncontrollable factors" and "a possibility of relapse after the operation." Regarding conservative treatment, the doctor warned that "This tumor will grow faster and faster. It will continue to oppress your nerves." After hearing this, Xia Fenghua decisively stated, "I've made up my mind. I'll continue with conservative treatment." The doctor, concerned by her decision, asked, "Are you sure? You're still young. You can give it a try."

But Xia Fenghua remained firm, explaining, "No. Instead of risking it, I want to hold onto something that is more tangible." The doctor accepted her decision for now, telling her, "Think about it some more. If you change your mind, you can come to me anytime."

Episode 30 Recap

After work, Wanghe went to Fenghua’s express station to take her home, but the station was dark, indicating she wasn't there. He called Fenghua, who informed him she had already returned to Flower Street for the New Year. Wanghe was surprised, sensing her mood was off, and asked why she hadn't mentioned it. Fenghua quickly ended the call, citing a bad signal.

Fenghua arrived at Flower Street and embraced her mother, Li Yan, singing "Only Mama Is Good in the World" and silently weeping. Li Yan, concerned, asked Fenghua why she hadn't told her she was coming back and noticed Fenghua had lost weight. Fenghua explained she had less work and wanted to spend more time with her mother.

Li Yan urged Fenghua to quit her job in Beijing and return home, promising to care for her and mentioning Fenghua’s recent hair loss due to stress. Fenghua, however, said she hadn't decided about moving back permanently. Shortly after, Fenghua and Li Yan encountered Xingchi. Li Yan inquired why he was back so early. Xingchi explained he was tired and had taken leave from Wanghe to spend time with her.

Li Yan expressed concern, reminding him that he got his job at Bee through Wanghe's help and should work hard, especially since he lacked a formal degree. That evening, Xingchi invited Fenghua for a drink. They went to a bar that used to be an internet cafe they often visited.

Fenghua reminisced about a time when she was upset after being pranked by friends pretending to be Chris Lee online, and Wanghe comforted her by taking her to a Chris Lee concert. Xingchi then revealed that he also bought a ticket to that concert and saw them leave together. He confessed his feelings to Fenghua, offering to accompany her anywhere she wanted to go if she ever decided to leave Beijing.

Fenghua, however, stated she hadn't decided to move back and didn't need his company, saying she was perfectly content on her own. She then described her ideal future, one filled with luxury and a wealthy partner, prioritizing practicality now that she was grown up. Xingchi acknowledged her aspirations, and they toasted to their future happiness. Meanwhile, Wanghe was working late.

His colleague suggested he stay in Beijing for New Year's Eve, but Wanghe insisted on driving back to Flower Street immediately as he needed to speak with Fenghua in person. When he arrived, he spoke to Li Yan, who told him that Fenghua was still asleep after a night out drinking with Xingchi. Wanghe was clearly bothered by this news.

Later, Wanghe confronted Xingchi, asking about his early return and reduced bonus, then subtly tried to pry into his conversation with Fenghua from the previous night. Xingchi remained evasive. Wanghe then went to Fenghua, who had just woken up. He asked if she was feeling better, mentioning his long drive and suggesting they go watch fireworks that evening.

Fenghua, still distant, declined, saying she was too lazy to go out in the cold and left to help her mother at the shop. On New Year’s Eve, Wanghe brought a dish from his home to Fenghua’s family dinner. He tried to engage Fenghua, but she was cold and unresponsive, a change even Li Yan noticed. Fenghua soon made an excuse to leave the house. Wanghe followed her, pressing her about her recent avoidance.

Fenghua eventually admitted that what she thought was love for him was merely a habit from their childhood friendship. She explained that they had grown up, and it was time for her to move on from their shared childhood. She walked away, leaving Wanghe in tears, unaware that Fenghua herself was crying profusely. After the New Year holidays, as winter turned to summer, Fenghua returned to Beijing for her medical treatment.

The doctor informed her that her conservative treatment wasn't yielding positive results and strongly recommended immediate surgery, as the tumor could otherwise grow and further compress her nerves. Considering her health, Fenghua began planning for her employees’ future. She approached Mr. Sun, proposing a merger of their express stations.

Fenghua highlighted her station’s strengths, such as high customer loyalty and top-ranking positive reviews, contrasting it with Mr. Sun's station's issues like frequent lost packages, overcrowded warehouses, and conflicts between staff and customers. She argued that while his station focused on high volume, it carried many hidden risks. She asserted that combining their strengths—her station's customer service focus and his high volume—was the only viable path to success, as individual efforts would lead to failure.

Recognizing the value of her station’s reputation, Mr. Sun seemed open to negotiation. Meanwhile, Meng Wei visited Zhou Haikuo’s office, praising his excellent work on the new navigation system and promising him stock options, acknowledging his previous refusal to grant them. Haikuo was overjoyed and quickly messaged Xiaohui, but received no reply. Elsewhere, Xingchi diligently reminded his delivery riders to prioritize safety while on the road. One of Xingchi’s riders, Wang Yuan, was overwhelmed with orders.

When a customer delayed coming down to collect their food, Wang Yuan, facing a looming deadline, left the order at the front desk, took a photo, and sent it to the customer. Soon after, the customer called, enraged, claiming they never received the food and immediately filed a complaint. This complaint added a "black mark" to Wang Yuan's record, essentially putting him on a "blacklist" and reducing his chances of receiving future orders. Distraught, Wang Yuan confided in Xingchi.

Xingchi, understanding his plight, accompanied Wang Yuan to apologize to the customer. However, the customer was unyielding, demanding Wang Yuan kneel and kowtow three times. Enraged by the customer’s unreasonable demand, Xingchi punched him. Later, after work, Zhou Haikuo went to Xiaohui’s apartment and saw her being dropped off by another man with whom she shared an intimate moment.

Xiaohui then told Haikuo that she desired a stable marriage with financial security and a clear future, unwilling to continue struggling in a rented apartment with him. Their differing perspectives led to an unspoken breakup. Following the incident where Xingchi punched the customer, he was confronted at a police station by an officer who knew him from his time on the force. The officer mockingly asked why Xingchi, a former police officer himself, was "causing trouble again" despite having a "proper job," and suggested Xingchi relay this story to his own leader.

Episode 31 Recap

After Shao Xingchi assaulted a customer, the incident quickly escalated into a public outcry on social media. Xie Wanghe went to the police station to pick up Shao Xingchi, expressing his deep dissatisfaction with his actions. He rebuked Shao Xingchi for failing to grasp the gravity of the situation. However, Shao Xingchi countered, accusing Xie Wanghe of treating employees merely as tools for profit and ignoring the harshness of the company's policies.

He wished Xie Wanghe would listen to his grievances and understand his desire for everyone to be treated with humanity, acceptance, and respect, lamenting that Xie Wanghe was not like his old self. Xie Wanghe, infuriated by these accusations, defended his stance, highlighting the numerous job opportunities Bee provided and the livelihoods dependent on it.

He reminded Shao Xingchi that he had secured him the station chief position using his own stock options, only for Shao Xingchi to nearly ruin the station and prevent employees from earning money with his utopian ideals. Shao Xingchi retorted, questioning Xie Wanghe's constant focus on money and lack of conscience, arguing that delivery riders deserved care and legal protection. Xie Wanghe insisted that in a competitive society, effort dictated reward, and that his policies were not coercive.

He acknowledged Shao Xingchi's good intentions but pointed out that they weren't appreciated, making Shao Xingchi feel wronged. He then shared his own struggles as a "Beijing drifter" and how he treasured his opportunities, urging Shao Xingchi to pursue his utopia with his own resources from now on. Meanwhile, Zhou Haikuo was drowning his sorrows in a bar. Xie Wanghe, also frustrated, drove to meet him.

Zhou Haikuo revealed he had broken up with his girlfriend, attributing it to his poverty. He was unsurprised when Xie Wanghe confided that he and Shao Xingchi had fallen out, remarking on their frequent disagreements. However, Xie Wanghe insisted that this time felt different. In a corporate meeting, Qiu Lin and Mr. Song seized the opportunity to complain to Meng Wei about Shao Xingchi's actions, subtly criticizing Xie Wanghe.

Meng Wei acknowledged the severe damage to the company's image and the delay in Series D funding. Xie Wanghe accepted responsibility, confirming Shao Xingchi's resignation and promising to handle the fallout. He then proposed a plan to apply for subsidies for merchants, offering three to five yuan per order and requiring exclusive contracts. Mr. Song, skeptical, questioned if this was another one of Xie Wanghe's "buddy" projects, referring to Zhou Haikuo’s analysis.

Meng Wei instructed Xie Wanghe to find a suitable person for the ground promotion, explicitly forbidding nepotism. Later, in the restroom, Xie Wanghe taunted Qiu Lin, comparing him to a "mad barking dog" that "likes to bite people." Qiu Lin, enraged, threatened to retaliate, warning Xie Wanghe not to cross him. Trouble continued to mount as He Tianming urgently called Xie Wanghe, reporting a mass resignation at Station 203.

Many riders, upset by Shao Xingchi's departure, had quit and taken company electric bikes with them. He Tianming explained that Shao Xingchi, out of kindness, had not collected deposits from these young, poor riders. Xie Wanghe, exasperated, appointed He Tianming as the new station chief for 203, overriding He Tianming's protests. Concurrently, Xia Fenghua’s express station was recognized as a company model, receiving an award and a 100,000 yuan bonus.

A senior executive from the company's headquarters invited her to work there, responsible for corporate culture development, praising her as the best candidate. While deeply moved, Xia Fenghua politely declined, citing her intention to return to her hometown, Honghuai City, Jiangsu, feeling that her long "Beijing drifter" life had left her emotionally drained. She thanked the company for the recognition, viewing the award as a perfect end to her Beijing journey.

Soon after, He Tianming informed Xia Fenghua that Shao Xingchi was in trouble. Xia Fenghua found Shao Xingchi at a bar, where he was eating noodles. She joked about his "refined taste" and inquired about his next steps. Shao Xingchi mentioned trying to modify off-road vehicles with a friend. Xia Fenghua then offered him a job at her express station, explaining the simple duties of loading, sorting, and reporting issues.

Shao Xingchi initially resisted her firm boss-like demeanor, even joking that she was more "brutal" than Xie Wanghe. Just then, Xie Wanghe arrived and overheard the remark, leading to a tense exchange about Shao Xingchi speaking ill of him behind his back. As Xie Wanghe stormed off, Xia Fenghua chased after him to explain, but her chronic anemia left her breathless and with heart palpitations after only a few steps. Xie Wanghe quickly helped her into a nearby shop.

They discussed Shao Xingchi, with Xia Fenghua criticizing Xie Wanghe for his poor communication. Xie Wanghe felt misunderstood, arguing that he had not fired Shao Xingchi and that he had used his hard-earned credibility to resolve Shao Xingchi's mistakes, feeling it was unfair for Xia Fenghua to automatically side with Shao Xingchi just because he seemed weaker.

Later, Xie Wanghe proposed to Meng Wei to implement an employee welfare program, specifically suggesting expanding the successful cafeteria model from Station 203 to other stations, which provided affordable boxed meals to riders. However, Meng Wei dismissed the idea, stating that Shao Xingchi's policies at 203 had proven ineffective and hadn't fostered company cohesion. Zhou Haikuo visited Shao Xingchi, bringing meat skewers.

Shao Xingchi asked Zhou Haikuo to convey a message to Xie Wanghe: he would retrieve the stolen electric bikes or compensate the company himself. He stated his intention to remain estranged from Xie Wanghe, declaring his desire to "live humanely" rather than just chase money. At the express station, Wang Yuan's mother arrived, apologizing to Shao Xingchi for her son’s role in the incident that cost Shao Xingchi his job.

She explained that Wang Yuan had been bullied, and Shao Xingchi had intervened. Seeing Wang Yuan's mother reminded Shao Xingchi of his own. She also shared her disillusionment with Beijing, realizing that city life wasn't as simple or happy as they had hoped for families like theirs. That evening, Shao Xingchi confided in Xia Fenghua that he wanted to return to Flower Street. To his delight, Xia Fenghua revealed she, too, was planning to go home.

She expressed her exhaustion from years in Beijing, admitting her initial fear of being left behind by her ambitious friends, but now felt it wasn't worth the constant struggle. As a typhoon and heavy rain battered Beijing, Meng Wei warned Xie Wanghe that the company had invested heavily in this "battle" against Yuntu, raising subsidies to their maximum.

He stressed that failure would mean the end of capital opportunities and Series D funding, urging Xie Wanghe to succeed or be "doomed." Xie Wanghe, in turn, contacted booming merchants, pushing for exclusive contracts, and mobilized Bee's delivery force, ordering them to work 24/7. He Tianming also joined the delivery efforts, despite his mother's pleas to take time off for his wife's prenatal check-up. Xie Wanghe oversaw operations, insisting that no one stop until the very last moment.

Overwhelmed with work, Xie Wanghe couldn't see Shao Xingchi off. Instead, Zhou Haikuo drove Shao Xingchi to the station. As he departed, Shao Xingchi, reflecting on his past failures but feeling a renewed sense of purpose with Xia Fenghua, playfully asked Zhou Haikuo to "stuff a bubblegum into Xie Wanghe's keyhole" the next time he visited his home.

Episode 32 Recap

After achieving over fifty percent market share in the Haidian district, Bee celebrated its success with a lively party. As the hero of this achievement, Xie Wanghe was the center of attention. Leaning back on a sofa, a visibly drunk Xie Wanghe mentioned Shao Xingchi, expressing both longing and resentment for his good friend and lamenting the inability to share his joy with him.

He asked Zhou Haikuo to tell Xingchi that he could take a break for six months at most, but then he must return as a position would be saved for him before Bee went public. Xie Wanghe stressed that after the company went public, regulations would be stricter, and he would no longer be able to pull strings for him.

When Zhou Haikuo questioned why Xie Wanghe wouldn't tell Xingchi himself, Xie Wanghe asserted that he was a leader, and Xingchi was just a "small fry" who had no right to speak to him directly. He added that Xingchi often annoyed him, and even if he tried to talk to him, Xingchi wouldn't listen. Outside, a heavy rainstorm continued. He Tianming, rushing to deliver an order, failed to notice a red light at an intersection.

He was tragically struck by a large truck, resulting in his immediate death. Upon learning the news, Zhou Haikuo quickly woke Xie Wanghe, and they hurried to the hospital. They arrived only to see He Tianming's body, while his wife wept inconsolably. He Tianming's family was already struggling, with a seventy-year-old mother and two children, one of whom was still unborn. His death compounded their financial hardship. In the hospital corridor, Xia Fenghua stood heartbroken, repeatedly questioning Xie Wanghe.

Xie Wanghe, however, could only state that everything was according to company regulations and he would try his best to secure the highest possible compensation for He Tianming's family. Xia Fenghua pressed him, asking why He Tianming, as a station chief, was delivering orders, and what penalties the company imposed for missing targets.

Xie Wanghe explained that the recent heavy rains caused a surge in orders, and He Tianming wanted to help, acknowledging that there were both penalties and rewards for performance. She then asked him how much a human life was worth and offered to pay him if he told her. Later, Meng Wei informed Xie Wanghe that the maximum compensation for He Tianming could only be increased to 30,000 yuan.

He reasoned that He Tianming, as a station chief, delivering orders was a personal act, and the company was not obligated to pay for his actions. Meng Wei stressed that with millions of delivery riders, if the company paid a large sum for every accident, they couldn't continue their business and might as well open a kindergarten or nursing home. Disbelieving, Xie Wanghe formally requested a significant increase in the compensation amount.

Meng Wei deflected, telling him to consult the legal department. However, the legal department simply passed the responsibility back to Meng Wei, frustrating Xie Wanghe, who likened their actions to a "World Cup" pass. The legal representative explained that the company purchased accident insurance for every employee, but compensation was according to company regulations, with no exceptions.

He pointed out that the insurance premiums were deducted from the riders' salaries, prompting Xie Wanghe to ask what the company had done for its employees beyond providing a "better platform." The legal representative then displayed CCTV footage of the accident, emphasizing that He Tianming ran a red light, which was the primary cause of the accident, thus limiting the insurance payout. Witnessing this, Xie Wanghe was disheartened.

He wandered alone in the heavy rain, feeling an unprecedented disappointment in the company due to the recent series of events. The following morning, Xie Wanghe fell ill with a high fever from being drenched. Fortunately, Xia Fenghua arrived at his home in time to care for him. Xia Fenghua found him burning up and offered to buy medicine, but he asked her not to leave. In a dazed state, Xie Wanghe clung to Xia Fenghua, confessing his mistakes.

He lamented that Xingchi had left and He Tianming had died, and he felt everyone blamed him. He explained that it was his responsibility to boost performance, and he "had to win." Xia Fenghua quietly acknowledged that he chose this responsibility and had no choice. Xie Wanghe repeatedly apologized, admitting he was wrong and begging her not to be angry. Xia Fenghua remained silent. When Xie Wanghe fully awoke, she had already left.

Subsequently, Xie Wanghe visited Station 203 to inquire about He Tianming and examine the station's data. Other employees at the station also expressed their disillusionment. He Tianming's mother arrived at the station, looking for her son. Noticing the somber mood, she grew uneasy and asked the staff and Xie Wanghe what was wrong. Xie Wanghe reluctantly revealed that He Tianming had been in a car accident. The old woman immediately collapsed, weeping hysterically.

Other staff members confirmed that since He Tianming took over, Station 203's data improved rapidly, with order volume increasing by 15% in the three days before his death. They mentioned He Tianming required full attendance and achieved the lowest cancellation rate among all Beijing stations, all following instructions from the higher-ups. However, they criticized the company for celebrating their success with champagne but showing no concern after the accident.

A senior employee reported that over twenty riders had resigned since He Tianming's accident, stating that everyone felt disheartened by the company's indifference. Meanwhile, Zhou Haikuo and Xiaohui broke up. While packing his belongings from their shared apartment, Zhou Haikuo asked Xiaohui the real reason for their separation. Xiaohui felt that Zhou Haikuo was too burdened by life, and his excessive rationality and logic had stripped the passion from their love.

She said he was a conflicted person, craving a peaceful life while fearing boredom and wanting to escape it. She advised him to listen to his heart and decide what kind of life would truly make him comfortable and satisfied. Zhou Haikuo acknowledged her words, expressing his realization that he had always been conflicted, even regretting not attending Shanghai Jiaotong University for its computer science program.

He admitted he was always anxious about gains and losses, including his relationship with Xiaohui, but also stated he admired his mother for always being decisive and never regretting her choices. After Xiaohui left for her new home in Xinghe Bay, Zhou Haikuo felt he finally understood. That evening, Zhou Haikuo had a heart-to-heart with Xie Wanghe, genuinely expressing his admiration for his mother's resolute decisions.

Through his reflections, he concluded that Bee was not the right fit for him and handed in his resignation to Xie Wanghe. Xie Wanghe felt completely isolated, noting that Xingchi had left, Fenghua was upset with him because of He Tianming's death, and now Zhou Haikuo was also leaving. Zhou Haikuo explained that the company's attitude towards He Tianming's accident revealed its "wolf culture," where those at the front thrived while those at the back perished.

He asserted, "I'm not a wolf, and I don't want to be one." The next morning, He Tianming's mother and wife sought out Xia Fenghua, bringing the labor contract He Tianming had signed with Bee. Xia Fenghua noticed numerous strict clauses, with compensation terms that were vague and highly unfavorable to He Tianming, making a lawsuit difficult.

She reminded them that she had revised her station's contracts after much struggle with the head office, and even then, her suggestion to purchase additional insurance had been rejected by employees who felt "lucky." Xia Fenghua advised the mother and daughter-in-law to await Xie Wanghe's resolution, believing he sincerely intended to help, and offered to pay for a lawyer and legal fees if he failed.

However, He Tianming's wife, Lirong, distrusted Xie Wanghe, stating she could not entrust all her hope in him, especially with a young family to support. She declared Tianming could not have died in vain and vowed to make the company pay, even if it meant risking her own life. Ignoring Xia Fenghua’s pleas, she led He Tianming’s mother to the Bee corporate office, where they cried and caused a public disturbance outside the building, attracting a crowd.

Qiu Lin and Mr. Song, upon hearing that He Tianming's family was there to confront Xie Wanghe, retreated to an office to strategize. Mr. Song believed the immediate priority was to observe. He suggested letting the situation escalate, then "adding fuel to the fire" to ensure the incident became widespread. His goal was to force Meng Wei to "sacrifice a rook to save the king," ultimately leading to Xie Wanghe's downfall and reclaiming what he had "stolen" from them.

Qiu Lin expressed his utmost admiration for Mr. Song's cunning plan. Meanwhile, some media reporters from Fellow Workers. com arrived at Xia Fenghua's express station to inquire about He Tianming's case, attempting to speak to her employees. Xia Fenghua, however, strictly refused to comment on food delivery matters, as her station was for parcel delivery, and forbade her staff from speaking to the media without her permission, threatening serious demerits for any unauthorized interviews.

Episode 33 Recap

Xie Wanghe rushed to the express station, finding Xia Fenghua resting in her room, looking frail. A colleague mentioned she had been experiencing dizziness and difficulty standing, possibly from exhaustion. Xie Wanghe urged Xia Fenghua to go to Xiehe Hospital for a check-up, offering to accompany her, but she brushed off his concern, claiming she’d already had one and it showed nothing serious.

She then angrily brought up He Tianming’s death, reproaching Bee for their inaction and revealing she spent the entire day arranging He’s death certificate and funeral parlor. Xie Wanghe admitted his oversight, acknowledging he was too focused on compensation, and promised to implement her suggestions if she would agree to a comprehensive medical examination at Xiehe Hospital.

Xia Fenghua agreed to consider it only after wrapping up her current tasks, while Xie Wanghe affirmed his ongoing efforts to secure the highest possible bereavement payments for He’s family. Soon after, Xia Fenghua overheard a heated argument and discovered He’s mother trying to prevent He’s wife from leaving. He’s wife had received 300,000 yuan from Yuntu, who also offered to fund a lawsuit against Bee, provided she continued to publicly denounce Bee.

He’s mother suspected Yuntu’s motives, but He’s wife was swayed by the immediate financial aid, pointing out Bee had done nothing for them. Xia Fenghua immediately saw this as a cynical commercial tactic by Yuntu. She instructed He’s wife to return the money, promising to personally give her 300,000 yuan and guaranteeing that Xie Wanghe and Bee would provide a resolution regarding compensation within one day.

Following this, Xia Fenghua called Sun, arranging to meet him the next morning to discuss some "good news." Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe confronted Meng Wei in a company meeting room, pressing him again about the bereavement payments for He Tianming. Meng Wei remained unyielding, stating that the company could not afford to pay above the standard.

He explained that with Bee’s impending IPO and millions of riders, setting a precedent of "excessive compensation" would create an unsustainable burden, jeopardizing the company's future. Meng Wei coolly suggested Xie Wanghe pay out of his own pocket for "peace of mind." Dismayed by Meng Wei's coldness, Xie Wanghe personally drafted a commitment letter. He pledged to pay off He’s family’s house mortgage in full and fully sponsor He Tianming's unborn child’s education.

He attempted to present this to He’s grieving mother and wife, who were burning paper offerings outside, but they dismissed his letter as a "worthless piece of paper" and refused to forgive Bee. Xie Wanghe clarified that his commitment was a personal promise separate from the company's official compensation and offered to have it notarized, vowing to honor his word. That evening, Zhou Haikuo warned Xie Wanghe about a surge of online criticism, suspecting Yuntu had hired trolls.

Xie Wanghe, however, believed the leak came from within Bee. His suspicions were confirmed when Qiu Lin privately approached Li, Xie Wanghe's assistant. Qiu Lin presented Li with evidence of minor irregular expense claims, hinting at severe career repercussions, and then tried to persuade him to betray Xie Wanghe, portraying Xie Wanghe as a "conscienceless" person who was doomed to be removed. Soon after, a large number of reporters gathered outside the Bee headquarters.

Under pressure, Meng Wei held a press conference, where he boldly announced that Xie Wanghe, as the head of the Haidian district, bore "undeniable responsibility" for the accident and had "officially resigned." Meng Wei offered condolences to the family and apologies to the public.

Xie Wanghe, unaware of his "resignation," appeared at the press conference, reiterating he bore the "main responsibility" and stating that the incident had "nothing to do with the company" and was a result of his "personal decision." He emphasized the importance of safety for all riders. News quickly spread of "Mr. Xie's" dismissal. Xia Fenghua and Zhou Haikuo tried desperately to contact him, but he remained unreachable. Zhou Haikuo called Xia Fenghua, urging her to meet at Xie Wanghe's place.

Xia, who was with He's family advising them to avoid media interviews as Bee's representatives had arrived to discuss compensation, was delayed. Realizing Xie Wanghe was likely hiding, Xia Fenghua sent him a text message, playfully threatening to tell his mother they had been in a relationship and he was "abandoning me," hoping to provoke a response. Xia Fenghua eventually found Xie Wanghe at the planetarium, where he had been drinking "just a little."

She struggled to comfort him, and he dismissed her concerns, stating it wasn't his first failure, only a "shameful" debut in the media instead of ringing the Nasdaq bell. When he inquired about He’s funeral, Xia Fenghua advised him not to attend to avoid causing further distress to the family, who still harbored resentment. Xie Wanghe asked if she was still angry with him. She clarified that she wasn’t personally involved and knew he didn't act intentionally.

She urged him to learn from the tragedy, emphasizing the lifelong pain it inflicted on the family. He solemnly promised such an incident would never happen again. Xia Fenghua then shared observations about Betelgeuse, the brightest star, and a celestial body destined for a supernova, mentioning an online belief that souls originated from and returned there after death.

As they sat together, the starlit sky transported Xia Fenghua back to her childhood, recalling carefree days watching stars and singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" with their group of five friends. Back in Flower Street, the community was abuzz with the news about Bee. Shao Xingchi explained that Xie Wanghe was being made a scapegoat, a belief widely accepted by the parents.

The mothers expressed a strong desire for their children to return home, but the fathers argued passionately that Flower Street couldn't offer the opportunities found in Beijing, deeming their children's return a waste of potential. The discussion ended in a lively disagreement. Xie Wanghe drove Xia Fenghua home, earnestly persuading her to get a full medical check-up at Xiehe Hospital that weekend. He pointed out her pale complexion, dull eyes, and weak voice, which he found "heartbreaking."

Xia Fenghua reluctantly agreed to consider it. However, upon returning home, she immediately began packing. The next morning, she met Sun at a large factory building, which he envisioned as the new, merged express station, complete with a staff lounge. Xia Fenghua expressed approval of the location and confirmed she was entrusting the station to Sun. When her employees learned of her departure and the merger, they were upset.

Xia Fenghua reassured them that she had negotiated excellent terms for them, including social insurance, housing fund, paid annual leave, and year-end evaluations, ensuring their benefits would be no less than those at larger companies. She also offered to use her connections at headquarters to help them find new positions if they chose not to stay, emphasizing the importance of health and safety.

On the day of Xia Fenghua’s departure, her employees gathered at the express station to bid her farewell. Zhou Haikuo urgently called Xie Wanghe, informing him that Xia Fenghua had left Beijing and wouldn't be returning. He also mentioned that Xia Fenghua had asked him to give the time management software he developed for her to Mr. Sun, as she would no longer be managing that aspect of the business.

Xie Wanghe frantically tried to call Xia Fenghua, but she didn’t answer. He rushed to the express station, only to find her already gone and Sun overseeing the moving of equipment. Xie Wanghe realized, with a heavy heart, that she had truly left.

Episode 34 Recap

Xie Wanghe sat despondently in an empty room, unable to comprehend Xia Fenghua's abrupt departure. He Tianming’s wife entered, distraught, and apologized to Xie Wanghe, admitting she never intended for him to lose his job or face so much criticism. She explained that after Tianming passed, leaving her and her children vulnerable, she felt she had no choice but to contact the media.

She also mentioned that Bee had sent someone to meet them, offering to help with their mortgage, and she tried to return the money Xie Wanghe gave her, saying, "Who committed the crime should pay the price. I can't bear to take your card." Xie Wanghe insisted she keep it for her children's education. He Tianming's wife then revealed a crucial detail: she was approached by Yuntu with 300,000 yuan to cause a disturbance at Bee and tarnish their reputation.

Xia Fenghua found out and, when He Tianming's wife refused to return the money, Xia Fenghua paid her 300,000 yuan of her own money, asking her not to tell anyone. He Tianming's wife believes this financial strain is why Xia Fenghua eventually sold the parcel delivery station. She also noted how Xia Fenghua left abruptly after a meeting, without a word, leaving everyone frustrated.

After He Tianming’s wife tearfully departed, Xie Wanghe inadvertently discovered a sheet of tumor medication hidden under Xia Fenghua's mattress. He realized with a pang that "she's been sick for quite a while" and likely "arranging the affairs before death," even transferring her parcel delivery station. He chastised himself, "She told me it was anemia, and I believed her. How could I be so dumb?"

Overwhelmed with worry and heartache, Xie Wanghe was then approached by Zhou Haikuo, who suggested, "Should we go back too?" Xie Wanghe, however, firmly stated his priority: "I need to finish He's funeral arrangements first. I gotta ensure they receive the compensation. Otherwise, Fenghua would also be worried." Zhou Haikuo, feeling exhausted, decided to return to Flower Street alone, remarking, "All of you are deserters, leaving me here alone." Xie Wanghe admitted, "Yes, I am.

I'm dead tired," but added determinedly, "But I don't want to lose. We should get back up from wherever we fell." Before Zhou Haikuo left, Xie Wanghe implored him, "Let's not tell anyone about Fenghua's situation for now. Go back and check on her condition. If it's not good, I'll head back immediately. I'll force her to come to Beijing for treatment no matter what."

During breakfast, Shao Bingyi pressed Shao Xingchi about his future plans, as Shao Xingchi hadn't sought employment since his return. Shao Bingyi scolded him, asking if he plans to "keep idling about," suggesting he "learn a trade" like carpentry or masonry, or even driving from Xie Wanghe's father, to avoid "messing around in society." Shao Xingchi, frustrated, declared he was full and left. Zhou Yanlin, noticing Shao Xingchi skipped his meal, prepared a bowl of Yang Chun Noodles for him.

The nostalgic flavor comforted Shao Xingchi, who praised the noodles, saying those he made in Beijing "were nowhere near as good as yours." Zhou Yanlin explained the "secret recipe" involves meticulous details, a secret he hasn't even shared with Haikuo.

Shao Xingchi then opened up about Zhou Haikuo, recalling how Haikuo, feeling mistreated at work in Beijing, once got drunk and declared he wanted to "swim back to the Flower Street," believing that back home, by his father's side, "Even if I fail, I'm still a treasure." Shao Xingchi expressed his conviction that Haikuo will eventually return, noting, "Wanghe is like a shark. He thrives in big cities. Haikuo and I are like freshwater fish.

Only on the Flower Street, by the canal, do we feel like ourselves." Zhou Haikuo met his mother, Luo Zhimei, who told him he "should feel lucky" about his breakup with such a "materialistic girl," as it's "much better than getting married and then divorcing." Luo Zhimei admitted she "didn't like her" initially but remained silent because they were together. Zhou Haikuo confronted her, questioning, "You're my mother. My real mother.

You didn't even tell me when you thought I had chosen the wrong girlfriend." He asked if she has found a suitable partner over the years, noting his father's unwavering refusal to date anyone new. Luo Zhimei dismissed his father's loyalty, telling Zhou Haikuo not to "take it out on me." She then passionately argued, "Who says people must live in perfect harmony? Can't there be other choices?

And who says women can only stay at home to support their husbands, raise children, and stick to old clichés for their whole lives?" She proudly declared she has "never regretted my choices" and hopes Zhou Haikuo can live bravely for himself. Tired of her "lectures," Zhou Haikuo revealed his deeper pain, confessing he's "not as mature as you think" and wished she had considered his and his father's feelings.

He lamented their family is "always missing one member" and he didn't "dare to mention you to Wanghe and others because I'm afraid it'll occur to them that I have a mom." He pleaded for her to "fulfill your duty as a mother, and, like other moms, remember that you have a son now and then," contrasting her with his father's devoted care during his illness. He concluded by saying all he needed "is just a mom."

He then informed her of his decision to return to Flower Street. Xia Fenghua arrived back in Flower Street with her luggage. She encountered Shao Xingchi outside By the Canal, who was surprised to see her. She confirmed, "I came back alone this time," and when asked if she’s staying for good, she replied, "Can't I also be a deserter like you?" before affirming she will not leave again. Shao Xingchi happily welcomed her home.

She expressed her joy at being back, enjoying the "familiar aroma of food every day again." Shao Xingchi asked if she informed Xie Wanghe of her return, to which she replied, "Nope. If I told him, he definitely wouldn't let me return. I snuck back myself." She reassured Shao Xingchi, who was worried about Xie Wanghe's mental state after the incident, that Xie Wanghe is "really tough" and "no setback in this world can take him down."

Xia Fenghua then offered Shao Xingchi a job, saying, "Why not come work with me?" but he politely declined, explaining, "I'm just reluctant to work for you. It would turn our relationship into a boss-employee one." He then asked her to cook him several dishes. Liang Haihong, restless with worry over her son, suggested to Xie Tiancheng they travel to Beijing, fearing Xie Wanghe "can't pull through."

Xie Tiancheng remained calm, stating that whether Xie Wanghe is guilty or innocent, this experience is a necessary part of growth. He believed that "Taking a fall like this at his age is actually a blessing. He's still got the strength to get back up. Anyway, I have confidence in our son." Meanwhile, online public opinion was harsh, with many commenting on news about Xie Wanghe, calling him a "scapegoat" and doubting his integrity.

Undeterred, Xie Wanghe drafted and posted a heartfelt message on Weibo, representing himself to "online food delivery platforms represented by Bee." He advocated for optimizing systems with flexible time and special treatment for riders during emergencies, ensuring safety with "smart food pickup lockers" in difficult access areas, and providing "humanitarian care" with insurance, medical assistance, and educational support for families.

He urged companies to "take this incident as a serious lesson and not repeat the same mistakes in pursuit of excessive profits." This post quickly gained widespread attention and support from the public. On his last day at Bee, Xie Wanghe presented Meng Wei with a comprehensive strategic plan and marketing ideas for the coming years. Meng Wei praised the plan as "well written," acknowledging that Xie Wanghe's public relations approach had won over public opinion.

He also shared that the company's legal team is developing similar compensation and training programs, emphasizing the need for strict implementation. As Xie Wanghe packed his personal belongings, Qiu Lin, Mr. Song's brother-in-law, subjected him to a demeaning inspection, making snide remarks about his "Best Service Star" award and telling him to "get lost."

Qiu Lin then confirmed to his brother-in-law that he let Xie Wanghe go, explaining, "If you don't kill the snake when you strike, you'll surely suffer from it later. If he continues to work in this industry, I'll never feel at ease." Later, Jiang Ping from Yuntu approached Xie Wanghe, offering him a lucrative position and praising his talents. Jiang Ping stated, "Given your personality, you fit in way better with our Yuntu," likening Xie Wanghe to a "wolf."

Xie Wanghe, however, was unmoved by the generous offer. Instead, he directly questioned Jiang Ping about "the mole in Bee," citing Yuntu's consistent ability to preempt Bee's strategies. Jiang Ping dismissed the idea, suggesting "great minds think alike" or that Xie Wanghe "watched too many Hong Kong movies."

Xie Wanghe declared he suspected his recent misfortunes were orchestrated by this mole and refused to join Yuntu until the truth is revealed, to avoid being mistaken for the mole himself, before leaving the meeting. Meng Wei summoned Mr. Song, expressing relief that the previous crisis had passed and feigning remorse for "sacrificing" Xie Wanghe.

He then revealed Xie Wanghe's meticulously detailed strategic plan and marketing ideas, stating that by "strictly follow this plan, defeating Yuntu is just a matter of time." He instructed Song to copy the report quickly and maintain strict secrecy. Mr. Song, along with Qiu Lin (whom he introduced as his brother-in-law), then secretly met with Jiang Ping.

Jiang Ping, taking Xie Wanghe's earlier warning seriously, advised them to cease all electronic communication, "clear out all those clues as soon as possible," and only meet "face to face" for urgent matters, reminding them, "any electronic message will leave a trace." Reassured, Song then handed Jiang Ping a paper copy of Bee's strategic plan, emphasizing Meng Wei's high regard for it.

As they toasted to their "successful cooperation," Meng Wei suddenly burst into the room with reporters and his staff, exposing the betrayal. He confronted Song and Qiu Lin, lambasting them for their actions, which he called unforgivable despite his past tolerance for their minor transgressions due to their seniority. Later, Meng Wei confirmed to Xie Wanghe that his suspicions about a mole were correct, explaining how he trapped Song by predicting his greedy habits.

Meng Wei clarified that revealing the commercial secret leak now would jeopardize both companies' IPOs. Instead, using previously gathered evidence of "embezzlement and tax evasion," he planned for Song and Qiu Lin to "end up behind bars for life." With the internal threat neutralized, Meng Wei offered Xie Wanghe a promotion to regional director for the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai region, encouraging him to "enjoy the fruits of victory."

Xie Wanghe, however, requested an immediate leave of absence due to an urgent family matter, but Meng Wei rejected it, insisting that Xie Wanghe "can't be distracted now" with the company's impending IPO, as his absence would negate his immense contributions. Left with no other option, Xie Wanghe sat alone on a balcony, drinking.

Episode 35 Recap

Upon Zhou Haikuo's return from Beijing, he met Xia Fenghua at a tofu pudding shop. Xia Fenghua questioned his sudden resignation from Bee, noting his promising career in Beijing, Hangzhou, or Shenzhen. Zhou Haikuo, however, felt his location didn't matter as a programmer. He countered, asking if career prospects were truly important, and then questioned why Xia Fenghua herself had returned.

Xia Fenghua explained their difference: as a man, he needed to establish a career before starting a family, whereas she, as a woman, could start a family without a career. When Zhou Haikuo pressed who she intended to marry, Xia Fenghua jokingly asserted her appeal and mentioned that Xie Wanghe was "first in line," warning he would be furious if anyone cut in.

As rain approached, they decided to head home, with Xia Fenghua promising her father would cook for Zhou Haikuo that evening. Xia Fenghua subtly concealed her illness from Zhou Haikuo, who, sensing her reluctance to elaborate, did not pry. Meanwhile, Shao Xingchi was still uncertain about his career path. When Xia Fenghua’s mother questioned him about finding a job, Xia Fenghua intervened, telling him to make his own decisions.

Xia Fenghua advised Shao Xingchi to pursue what he genuinely loved rather than just what was suitable. She reflected on their youth, when they chased high-paying jobs with low entry barriers, only to find themselves switching careers multiple times. She emphasized that at their age, one should identify true passions to avoid future regret. Later that evening, during dinner, Shao Xingchi confided in his father, Shao Bingyi, about his confusion.

Shao Bingyi encouraged him to trust his instincts, likening finding one's passion to falling in love—something inherently clear. He added that when one truly enjoys a task, time seems to fly by. Shao Xingchi reflected that he only felt truly happy and free from worries when cooking, feeling in control of everything on the stove. Inspired by these conversations, Shao Xingchi went to By the Canal and asked Zhou Yanlin to take him on as an apprentice.

Despite Zhou Yanlin's concern that Shao Xingchi was starting late in a profession requiring early training, Shao Xingchi insisted he did not aim to be a top chef, only to learn, even if it meant starting as a kitchen helper. Zhou Yanlin agreed, but warned that as a kitchen hand, Shao Xingchi might not touch a stove for months.

He set a test: successfully preparing a bowl of Yang Chun Noodles, noting that simpler dishes are often the hardest to perfect. As a final condition, Zhou Yanlin demanded Shao Xingchi shave his long hair, which Shao Xingchi readily accepted, eagerly rushing off to do so. Separately, Chen Bo presented Chen Rui with an old pocket watch, which had been left behind by Mr. Zhou after being brought in for repair.

Engraved in Italian with "Zhou Yiyan," the watch was confirmed to be a Zhou family heirloom. Chen Bo explained that the name Zhou Yiyan appeared in Little Polo's diary as the second apprentice of the seafarer Xia, confirming the Zhou family's connection to Little Polo's journey. Chen Bo and Chen Rui shared the exciting news with Zhou Yanlin, who found the discovery astonishing.

With the Shao and Zhou families' ancestors now identified, only the Xie and Xia families remained to be traced. Chen Bo suggested contacting the Xia family to check for records, believing a matching name would be sufficient confirmation. They all agreed to share the good news with Zhou Yanlin's father. Later, Zhou Yanlin recounted the story of Little Polo to his father, Zhou Yipu.

He described Little Polo as an Italian fascinated by ancient China, who, like Marco Polo, embarked on a journey. Little Polo rented a ship in Wuxi and traveled north along the canal, accompanied by an interpreter named Xie Pingyao, a porter named Shao Changlai, and a ship owner named Xia. This Xia had two apprentices, one of whom was Zhou Yiyan, the Zhou family ancestor.

Zhou Yanlin explained how Little Polo documented China's transformation in the early 20th century, while Xie Pingyao pondered the nation's future, and Zhou Yiyan secretly learned Italian, hoping his descendants might become interpreters. Moved by Zhou Yiyan's eagerness, Little Polo gifted him a watch, which had been passed down through generations to the present day.

That evening, as Xia Maotian, Shao Bingyi, and others gathered, Xie Tiancheng joined them and learned that the Xia family had also confirmed their ancestor's identity. Xia Maotian explained that an elder in his village recounted an ancestor who was a seafarer for a foreigner, receiving an old Kodak camera, which they had kept hidden due to fear of persecution. He showed them an old photo depicting Zhou Yiyan, Shao Changlai, and an interpreter, Xie Pingyao.

While the Xia, Shao, and Zhou family connections were confirmed, they couldn't immediately ascertain if Xie Pingyao was Xie Tiancheng's ancestor. So, they planned a trip to Xie Tiancheng's hometown for further investigation. Liang Haihong expressed her anxieties about their son, Xie Wanghe, who was facing public criticism in Beijing. Xie Tiancheng, however, reassured her, confident that their son would persevere, just as he himself had at that age.

Liang Haihong packed diligently for Xie Tiancheng, advising him to look after the others on their journey. The ancestry search proved challenging, disheartening Xie Tiancheng to the point of wanting to give up. However, Chen Rui, along with Chen Bo, discovered an ancestral hall nearby. An elderly gentleman there, upon hearing of their historical research, presented them with a notebook containing Italian inscriptions. Chen Bo explained that this old gentleman's ancestor had been a close friend of Xie Pingyao.

The notebook contained an Italian inscription "To my friend Shaoming," which the old gentleman confirmed was his ancestor. Further, a letter revealed that this notebook was a gift from "Pingyao before he and his son Lingzhi left for Hangzhou," and that Pingyao had taught the recipient Italian. Upon hearing "his son Lingzhi," Xie Tiancheng recognized the name, exclaiming that Xie Lingzhi was his great-grandfather's elder brother, thus confirming his own family's ancestral link to Xie Pingyao.

During this time, Zhou Yipu had a chat with Zhou Haikuo, sharing his observations about Xia Fenghua. He noted that despite her carefree demeanor, Xia Fenghua was deeply sensitive and vulnerable, often bottling up her emotions to spare her parents, a trait that made girls like her "suffer a lot" and their feelings "always ignored." Meanwhile, Xia Fenghua sat alone by a bridge, lost in thought, when Xie Wanghe appeared beside her.

Earlier, Xie Wanghe had made the difficult decision to reject a significant career opportunity in Beijing, sacrificing a potential regional director position offered by Meng Wei, to return to Flower Street for Xia Fenghua. Despite not wanting to be seen as "love-struck" or "a loser," the thought of Xia Fenghua crying melted his resolve. He felt a deep sense of responsibility, believing it was time to "make it up to her" for having bullied her as a child.

Finding Xia Fenghua by the bridge, Xie Wanghe comforted her, telling her not to be afraid and assuring her, "I'm back." They embraced tightly. The next morning, Xie Wanghe confronted Xia Fenghua about her brain tumor, producing a strip of medication he had found hidden in her room. He pressed her to seek proper medical treatment in Beijing, arguing that conservative treatment was insufficient. Xia Fenghua confessed that her reluctance to undergo surgery stemmed from her concern for her parents.

Xie Wanghe then dramatically proposed, producing a ring and stating his desire for her name to be on his household registration. He promised that if the surgery were to fail, her parents would become his, and he would care for them for the rest of his life. Despite Xia Fenghua's initial dismissal of his intense declaration as mere possessiveness, Xie Wanghe insisted on claiming her, stating, "I want you to be mine."

Deeply moved by his unwavering commitment, Xia Fenghua accepted his proposal, to which he vowed to spend the rest of his life proving her impeccable taste in choosing him. Following his commitment to learning cooking, Shao Xingchi, now with his hair cut short, gathered with Zhou Haikuo and Xie Wanghe. Xie Wanghe shared the news of his proposal and, more somberly, revealed Xia Fenghua's brain tumor. Later, Xia Fenghua went to Xie Wanghe's mother, Liang Haihong, to explain everything.

Attempting to soften the blow, Xia Fenghua started by weaving a hypothetical story about a young woman with cancer whose fiancé wanted to marry her despite family objections. Liang Haihong, unaware of the real situation, dismissed such a storyline as a "soap opera plot," stating that a girl with cancer shouldn't burden anyone and should "find a place far away to wait for death."

When Xia Fenghua then revealed her own diagnosis and Xie Wanghe's desire to marry her, Liang Haihong was heartbroken. She tearfully declared her disapproval, stating that neither she nor Xie Tiancheng would agree to their son marrying someone whose life might be cut short, emphasizing that "no mother would agree to her son doing that."

Episode 36 Recap

The young lovers, Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe, found their relationship unsupported by their mothers. Liang Haihong was unwilling for her son to marry a woman whose life was uncertain, and Li Yan did not wish for her daughter to become a burden to anyone. Xie Wanghe tried to reassure Xia Fenghua that their parents were merely shocked and would eventually accept the reality.

Xia Fenghua, however, revealed that her own mother, Li Yan, had bluntly told her to "pack her things and find a place to wait for her death" if she got cancer, so as not to impose on others. Xia Fenghua, undeterred, told Xie Wanghe that she didn't care about marriage as long as he loved her, considering her years of waiting worthwhile.

Xie Wanghe asserted his stubborn nature, stating that once he made up his mind, what others said wouldn't matter. He then shared that their friend Shao Xingchi fully supported them, even offering to pay for betrothal gifts and threatening to "take her away" if Xie Wanghe ever treated Xia Fenghua badly. Xia Fenghua advised Xie Wanghe that "time smooths things out" and that if they truly desired to be together, all problems would eventually be resolved.

Back at Flower Street, Xia Maotian discovered Xia Fenghua’s medical report and learned that her illness had a "one in ten" chance of survival, leaving him heartbroken. Li Yan lay weeping on her bed, distraught and wishing she could trade her own life for her daughter's. Later, Xie Wanghe took Xia Fenghua to their old middle school classroom. Amidst the nostalgic surroundings, Xie Wanghe found his old desk carving, questioning whether he had succeeded according to his past aspirations.

He then uncovered a carving on what he insisted was Xia Fenghua's desk, which read, "I wish the boy I love could love me too." Despite Xia Fenghua's playful denials, Xie Wanghe officially declared his love for her, fulfilling her long-held wish. That evening, upon returning home, Xie Wanghe found his father, Xie Tiancheng. Xie Tiancheng acknowledged Xia Fenghua's brain tumor, but when Xie Wanghe confirmed his genuine love for her, his father offered unwavering support.

Xie Tiancheng recounted how he himself had married Liang Haihong despite family opposition, urging his son to bravely pursue his own happiness and assuring him that he had his back. The next morning, Xie Tiancheng invited Xia Maotian for a drink. Xia Maotian, anticipating a difficult conversation, initially stated his refusal to approve the marriage. However, Xie Tiancheng openly declared his support for Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua, reminding Xia Maotian of their own rebellious youth.

Moved by Xie Tiancheng's steadfastness, Xia Maotian eventually agreed. Simultaneously, Liang Haihong sought out Li Yan. Before Liang Haihong could voice her concerns, Li Yan preemptively stated her refusal to let Xia Fenghua burden Xie Wanghe. While this initially brought relief to Liang Haihong, Li Yan then lamented her daughter's cruel fate, recalling a monk's prophecy of a happy life with many children for Xia Fenghua.

She tearfully pleaded for them to give Xia Fenghua some hope before her upcoming surgery, as Xia Fenghua had only recently agreed to it. Liang Haihong tried to justify her tough stance, but Li Yan acknowledged her reasoning, stating she would feel the same way. Li Yan then invited Liang Haihong to join her at the temple. The disagreement between Xie Tiancheng and Liang Haihong later escalated into an argument.

Liang Haihong maintained her "leaky boat" analogy for marriage, suggesting that a union starting with such difficulties would inevitably sink, jeopardizing the long-standing friendship between their families. Understanding his mother's concerns, Xie Wanghe spoke with her alone. He expressed that Xia Fenghua was his happiness, and he could not abandon her while she was sick. He pressed his mother, asking if she would have abandoned Xie Tiancheng if he were in a similar plight.

Unmoved, Xie Wanghe presented his accumulated savings to his mother, offering them for his parents' future and explaining that his own needs in Beijing were modest. He then firmly declared that he would take Xia Fenghua to Beijing the next morning, and they would only return when his parents fully accepted their marriage. Xie Wanghe's unwavering resolve ultimately led Liang Haihong to implicitly approve their union.

Li Yan, though still heartbroken for her daughter, also hoped for Xia Fenghua to have a happy family. The following day, as Xia Fenghua prepared to leave for her shop, Xie Wanghe unexpectedly took her directly to the Civil Affairs Bureau. To her emotional surprise, both sets of parents were already there. Liang Haihong embraced Xia Fenghua, admitting Wanghe's stubbornness but promising to be on Xia Fenghua's side from that moment on.

Li Yan, in turn, accepted Xie Wanghe as her son. With both families witnessing their commitment, Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe exchanged their vows, pledging to share life's joys and sorrows, and officially registered their marriage. After the ceremony, the two families happily walked through Flower Street. Xie Wanghe immediately adopted a playfully henpecked demeanor, much to the amusement of the elders.

Xia Maotian, clearly fond of his new son-in-law, good-naturedly cautioned Xie Wanghe not to spoil Xia Fenghua too much, jokingly adding that she "gets too big for her boots." Xia Fenghua, in return, playfully chided her father for taking Xie Wanghe's side. As the families shared laughter, Xie Tiancheng observed the Flower Street archway, now undergoing construction, which brought a moment of melancholy. Xia Maotian quickly reassured him that even with such changes, their families, now united, would remain inseparable.

Late that night, Shao Xingchi was busy at By the Canal. Stepping outside, he encountered Mo, an elderly scavenger who lived nearby and often conversed with Shao Xingchi's father. Shao Xingchi offered Mo a bowl of freshly made Yang Chun Noodles. Mo, initially hesitant, gratefully accepted the meal. As he ate, he became visibly emotional, declaring it "the most delicious bowl of noodles I've ever had" and sensing the care with which it was made. Moments later, Mo suddenly collapsed.

Episode 37 Recap

Mo was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after collapsing. Shao Bingyi and Liu Yuling arrived, anxiously awaiting news. A doctor informed them that Mo was declining rapidly and advised them to prepare to say their goodbyes. Though Shao Bingyi suggested Shao Xingchi enter, the medical staff specifically requested Liu Yuling. Inside, Mo, on his deathbed, expressed regret for the hardships Liu Yuling had endured and wished to see her and their son one last time.

He gave her a bank card containing his life's savings, revealing the password was Shao Xingchi's birthday, and asked her to give it to their son. Mo passed away moments later. As Liu Yuling emerged from the emergency room, Shao Bingyi pressed her to reveal Mo's last words. Liu Yuling then silently handed the bank card to a bewildered Shao Xingchi, explaining it held Mo's life savings and that the password was his birthday, entrusting him with Mo's funeral arrangements.

Shao Bingyi stepped out for a cigarette, urging Liu Yuling to tell Shao Xingchi the truth herself. Confused by the events, Shao Xingchi demanded to know Liu Yuling's relationship with Mo, insisting he could handle any truth. Liu Yuling then tearfully revealed that Mo was Shao Xingchi's biological father. Liu Yuling sat Shao Xingchi down and recounted her past. She and Mo were childhood sweethearts, but her family vehemently opposed their union due to Mo's poverty, leading them to elope.

Their lives changed drastically when her family tracked them down. By then, Liu Yuling was pregnant with Shao Xingchi. In a desperate attempt to protect her and their unborn child from her family, Mo accidentally paralyzed Liu Yuling's cousin in a struggle and was subsequently imprisoned for aggravated assault. Her family forced Liu Yuling home and pressured her to have an abortion, but she refused.

In despair, she fled to the canal, contemplating suicide, only to be rescued by Shao Bingyi, who was there on a creative excursion. Shao Bingyi gave them a home and raised Shao Xingchi as his own son. Liu Yuling expressed her profound love and respect for Shao Bingyi, acknowledging the immense guilt she carried for the burden placed upon him. Deeply shocked by the revelations, Shao Xingchi returned home to find Shao Bingyi sitting alone.

Shao Bingyi admitted they had intended to tell him when he was older but kept postponing it. He then offered to distance himself, worried he might be an "annoying old man." Shao Xingchi reassured him, emphasizing that he and his mother wouldn't have survived without him and that they owed him nothing, as Shao Bingyi acted out of love and even sacrificed his own career.

Shao Bingyi initiated a heartfelt, man-to-man conversation, confessing his past struggles with controlling his emotions and expressing regret that Shao Xingchi might have sacrificed his chance at college due to resentment, feeling he had hindered his son's path to a decent life. He apologized for his shortcomings as a father.

Shao Xingchi, through tears, affirmed that Shao Bingyi had given them a new lease on life, lauded him as a successful man with a loving wife and a son who wished to care for him in old age, and urged him to confide in him. Shao Bingyi, deeply moved, promised to try his best. Later that night, Shao Xingchi visited Mo's usual spot under a bridge, discovering his childhood toys and photos among Mo's belongings.

He also found a pair of new leather shoes, realizing that Mo had secretly left him new shoes every Lunar New Year, silently watching over him throughout the years. Meanwhile, Zhou Haikuo accompanied his grandfather, Zhou Yipu, to a storytelling house, only to learn from the owner, Mr. Xu, that it was closing due to a lack of audience.

Zhou Haikuo recalled a recent lively show, "The Legend of Yue Fei," which Zhou Yipu admitted he hadn't heard in a while. Inspired and wanting to spend more time with his grandfather, Zhou Haikuo later proposed to Chen Rui the idea of a modern storytelling house combining traditional performances with a bookstore, coffee shop, and tea, to appeal to younger generations and foster a new cultural lifestyle.

Chen Rui enthusiastically supported the idea, offering to join and seeing it as a perfect addition to Flower Street, akin to hearing stories from a beloved elder. Concurrently, Xia Fenghua met with Mayor Gu Alien to discuss the Flower Street renovation. Mayor Gu, recalling Xia Fenghua's childhood, welcomed her warmly. Xia Fenghua expressed her strong desire for the old neighbors to continue living together after the renovation, highlighting that elders thrive when surrounded by familiar faces.

While Mayor Gu stated the plans were largely fixed, she was open to residents' collective input and advised Xia Fenghua to gather a unified consensus from the elders on whether they preferred to self-build or accept the existing relocation plan. Xia Fenghua was confident the elders would choose to stay together.

Following their meeting, Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe presented a plan to the elders: a large, old courtyard had been found which could be renovated with shared costs, and the demolition compensation for their house would go to Ma Siyi, ensuring everyone could remain neighbors. Everyone quickly agreed, though Shao Bingyi briefly hesitated, mentioning the pleasant green spaces in the government's relocation apartments. However, Shao Xingchi promptly raised his father's hand, securing unanimous approval.

Xie Wanghe volunteered to cover all costs for common areas and promised to enlist top designers for the individual homes, much to the neighbors' delight. Later, at a teahouse, Shao Xingchi and Xia Fenghua chatted. Xia Fenghua playfully commented on how quickly she and Xie Wanghe married and then encouraged Shao Xingchi to find his own love. Shao Xingchi hinted he had someone in mind, boasting that his cooking skills would easily attract a wife.

Xia Fenghua then jokingly asked Shao Xingchi to "take her away" if Xie Wanghe ever misbehaved, amusing Shao Xingchi, who imagined them comically brawling. Xia Fenghua then sincerely wished Shao Xingchi happiness and a loving partner, to which Shao Xingchi returned heartfelt blessings for her and Xie Wanghe's lifelong happiness. Meanwhile, Zhou Haikuo informed his grandfather, Zhou Yipu, about the Flower Street renovation, mentioning everyone would move.

Zhou Yipu worried about new living arrangements, but Zhou Haikuo assured him that Xia Fenghua had found a large courtyard where their family, along with the Xie, Xia, and Shao families, would all move. Zhou Yipu was pleased, but insisted on reserving the central hall for Granny Ma and installing a new air conditioner, a 40-inch LCD TV, and a new washing machine for her, lamenting her habit of hand-washing clothes. Zhou Haikuo readily agreed.

The night before Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe's departure for Beijing, the three friends gathered on a rooftop. Zhou Haikuo lamented missing his bookstore's opening, but Xie Wanghe assured him they would return. Shao Xingchi wished Zhou Haikuo prosperity, who humorously hoped merely not to lose money. Xie Wanghe explained that Xia Fenghua wanted to drive north along the canal to Beijing, a week-long journey, to enjoy the scenery.

Shao Xingchi clarified that Xia Fenghua, having grown up by the canal, found solace and "recharged" by its waters, and planned to do so along the entire route before her surgery. Zhou Haikuo and Shao Xingchi wished them a safe trip and a quick return. The next morning, with well wishes from family and friends, Shao Xingchi drove Xia Fenghua and her mother, Li Yan, north along the Grand Canal.

Concurrently, Zhou Haikuo and Chen Bo found a large, riverside location for their new bookstore. As Zhou Haikuo prepared for the opening, he met a young woman who inquired about the store; an instant attraction sparked between them. Shao Xingchi, now a skilled chef, served his first dishes to satisfied customers, feeling immense joy.

In Beijing, Xie Wanghe accompanied Xia Fenghua for her medical check-up, where the doctor confirmed a high success rate for her craniotomy, with risks to be minimized. Li Yan reassured a nervous Xia Fenghua, promising to be there for her.

Episode 38 (Ending) Recap

After undergoing successful brain surgery, Xia Fenghua's recovery brought immense joy to her loved ones. Xie Wanghe immediately shared the good news with his father, Xie Tiancheng, who, along with his wife, was ecstatic. Li Yan was moved to tears by the successful outcome. Meanwhile, Shao Xingchi found profound satisfaction and contentment as his culinary skills finally earned Zhou Yanlin's approval, with guests continuously flocking to By the Canal and praising his cooking.

Concurrently, Zhou Haikuo and Chen Bo celebrated the grand opening of their Canal Bookstore, a moment made even more delightful by the unexpected arrival of Luo Zhimei, much to the surprise of Zhou Haikuo and his father. Upon her discharge from the hospital, Xia Fenghua, accompanied by Xie Wanghe and Li Yan, returned to Flower Street.

They performed a traditional ritual, returning a handful of soil from her hometown, a custom taught by Granny Ma, to thank the God of the Land for his blessings and protection. In another heartfelt moment, Chen Rui visited his mother, Gu A-Lian, bringing her a bucket of soup as a token of gratitude for helping Xia Fenghua find a new courtyard.

They sat down for a long-overdue conversation, during which Gu A-Lian spoke of her past anxieties about Chen Rui's future. Now, seeing his accomplishments, she expressed immense pride in him, and the mother and son finally reconciled. Soon after, the Flower Street Folk Culture Museum, curated by Chen Rui, officially opened. Both he and Gu A-Lian delivered speeches. The event was made even more special by the sudden appearance of Ma Siyi, who brought exciting news about her ancestors.

She revealed that her family's lineage was indeed connected to Little Polo, explaining that her great-great-grandfather, Fidel Dimark, also known as Marford, was the biological brother of Paul Dimark, who was Little Polo, involved in the Flower Street shipwreck. Ma Siyi explained that Fidel and Paul Dimark were from Verona, Italy, a city near Venice. Fidel Dimark had embarked on a journey to China, inspired by Marco Polo, traveling thousands of miles with a porcelain trading firm.

During his time in China, Fidel sent numerous letters to his family, vividly describing the suffering and brutal warfare he witnessed. He attempted to return home but couldn't secure a ship ticket. Due to the ongoing conflict, he eventually lost contact with his family and adopted the Chinese name Marford, later marrying a Chinese woman named Qin Ruyu.

Driven by concern, his older brother, Paul Dimark, came to China in search of him, becoming the "Little Polo" everyone in Flower Street spoke of. Xie Pingyao, a translator, was entrusted by a close friend to accompany Paul on his northward journey. Their companions included Shao Changlai, a porter hired in Hangzhou, Xia, a shipman met in Suzhou, and Xia's apprentice, Zhou Yiyan. During their journey north, Little Polo observed China undergoing immense change.

He used his "soul-capturing cannon"—an early camera—to capture diverse images of the Chinese people, finding every landscape and dock to be a novel experience. Zhou Yiyan, Xia’s apprentice, soon developed a keen interest in Italian, studying the foreign books Little Polo carried. He harbored dreams that by learning the language, his descendants might also become translators, securing a carefree life for generations to come.

During the days spent away from the shore, the group developed a strong bond of trust and an extraordinary friendship, sharing meals and daily life. Little Polo often enjoyed sitting on the deck, reading the "Poetry Collection in the Year of Jihai" or teaching Zhou Yiyan Italian, while diligently maintaining his diary. However, one night, as their ship docked, bandits boarded, attempting to steal their possessions.

Little Polo bravely resisted when they tried to take his cane, leading to a violent struggle. He was gravely wounded, bleeding profusely. The others fought valiantly but were forced to abandon the burning ship and escape to shore, watching it sink into the river in flames. As Little Polo's injuries worsened, he revealed his true purpose in China to Xie Pingyao: he was searching for his brother, Fidel Dimark, also known as Marford.

He explained that the last letter from his brother was hidden within his cherished cane. In his final moments, on August 4, 1901, Paul Dimark, having grown to love the canal, bequeathed his belongings to his companions before passing away. His tomb, marked with a cross, faced the grand canal, as if he continued to enjoy Chinese tea while feeling the canal breeze.

More than a century later, the descendants of the four families who were on that ship and Marford's descendants were brought together in a courtyard on Flower Street, a fated reunion that brought the long-separated brothers’ families together again. Ma Siyi later accompanied Zhou Haikuo to visit Zhou Yipu, and her heart ached as she witnessed his deteriorating memory, mistaking her for a young student and worrying about her studies.

Overcome with emotion upon seeing Ma Siyi return, Xia Fenghua hugged her and cried her eyes out. That evening, as everyone gathered on the rooftop, they looked through Ma Siyi’s travel photos. Ma Siyi spoke with Chen Bo, commending him on the excellent official account he had created, which she had followed regularly. In the ensuing days, everyone's lives settled into a new rhythm. Luo Zhimei decided to stay in Flower Street, choosing not to return to Beijing.

Recognizing his father's enduring regret over their old boat, Xie Wanghe bought Xie Tiancheng a cruise ship as a surprise birthday gift, leaving his father astonished. Xie Wanghe explained that with strong government support for Flower Street's tourism, the ship could be used for various activities, including catering, embroidery, and small stage performances. Thrilled, Xie Tiancheng sat in the pilot’s cabin and laughed heartily, imagining the future possibilities.

As they began to organize the new courtyard, Xia Fenghua asked for everyone’s input. Ma Siyi deferred to Chen Bo, playfully asking for his opinion, which prompted the others to playfully tease them about their relationship. Shao Xingchi added to the nostalgic atmosphere by projecting old photographs and videos from their high school days, filling the air with laughter and emotional tears. Before long, the families residing in the old courtyard prepared to move out.

They paused to take a cherished group photo, capturing their collective memories. Later, Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua's wedding was held on Xie Tiancheng’s newly acquired cruise ship, welcoming all their neighbors from Flower Street. As the cruise ship gracefully sailed towards the ship lock, it was as if they saw reflections of their past selves along the familiar waterway. Xia Fenghua expressed her desire to sail past the lock and beyond, even imagining reaching the Suez Canal.

During the ceremony, both Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua declared their "I do," reaffirming their commitment to forever love and cherish each other. The celebration concluded with a joyful kiss, marking the beginning of their new journey together.