Northwards Episode 25 Recap
> Northwards 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.
