Northwards Episode 16 Recap
> Northwards 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.
