Northwards Episode 19 Recap
> Northwards 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.
