Northwards Episode 28 Recap
> Northwards 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.
