Our Generation Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Our Generation Synopsis
Lin Qile, nicknamed Cherry, who grows up under the loving care of her parents, both electrical construction workers, alongside her friends Yu Qiao, Qin Yeyun, Du Shang, and Cai Fangyuan in a construction site nestled in the mountains. Jiang Qiaoxi, a talented boy raised as a replacement for his late older brother by his parents, gradually integrates into this close-knit group after transferring to their school. Cherry’s family becomes a rare source of warmth in Jiang’s childhood, and she becomes an important figure in his life, beyond just being his cousin and mentor.
As time passes, the friends scatter in different directions. Cherry, whose heart is as clear as amber, begins to experience the bittersweet aspects of growing up and steps out of the protective wings of her parents into the wider world. Years later, the group reunites at a provincial experimental school, where they help each other during three years of hard work, preparing for a broader future. At this time, Jiang Qiaoxi, whose future seems promising, leaves without telling anyone to go to Hong Kong to care for his cousin, who has been bedridden due to an accident.
It is only when Cherry bravely seeks him out that she finds him. After enduring many trials, the bond between Cherry and Jiang Qiaoxi deepens, and with the blessings of their friends, they eventually become a happy couple.
Our Generation Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Lin Cherry, a mischievous girl, often leads her friends into trouble. During an attempt to help her friend Cai Fangyuan get a novel from the library, she is caught by Jiang Qiaoxi, a new student. Startled, Lin Cherry quickly makes her escape. That evening, Jiang Qiaoxi arrives at her home with his father, Jiang Zheng, who is an old acquaintance and the supervisor of Lin Cherry's father, Lin Haifeng.
At dinner, Jiang Qiaoxi refuses to take off his backpack, explaining it contains a dirty coat from his cousin that he doesn't want to discard. Lin Cherry's mother, Zhao Shengjuan, offers to wash it. Worried that Jiang Qiaoxi might report her for the library incident, leading to her being "taken away" like Rapunzel, Lin Cherry tries to win him over with candy, tapes, and comics.
She also insists her friends treat him well, believing that if he is forced to leave, she will be taken with him. Lin Haifeng and Zhao Shengjuan later discuss Jiang Qiaoxi, noting his reputation as a "math genius" and hinting at a past family tragedy that still affects him. Lin Cherry gives Jiang Qiaoxi a tour of the staff dorms, introducing him to her friends.
She points out Du Shang's home, where he lives with his mother since his father was transferred. She introduces Qin Yeyun, whom she dislikes because her "broken palm" makes her hits painful, though she admits Qin Yeyun is pretty. Qin Yeyun lives with her father, Mr. Qin, who runs the convenience store after a work injury left him unable to walk properly; Lin Cherry admires him for practicing Qigong daily to heal his leg.
They also see Yu Qiao's crowded home, where he lives with his parents, grandmother, and young cousin, Yu Jin, who was taken in after his mother fell ill. Finally, they pass the house of Cai Fangyuan, who loves all things delicious and fun. As they walk, Lin Cherry expresses her fear of forgetting her memories of Qun Shan if she were to die, asking Jiang Qiaoxi to help her remember.
He reassures her that parents always remember and love their children who have passed away. When she asks if he will leave one day, he confirms he will. Believing she is doomed after a snake jumped higher than her, an omen she learned from a former neighbor, Lin Cherry writes in a school essay that she is about to die and begins giving away her possessions. Alarmed, her teacher, Miss Zhang, rushes to her home.
Lin Cherry tearfully explains her conviction, but Miss Zhang and Zhao Shengjuan compassionately reassure her that the superstition is false and she is not going to die. For a school assignment about their names, Lin Cherry explains that her name was changed from "Lin Cherry" to "Lin Qi Le" because the former was considered too simple, even though her mother had craved cherries while pregnant.
Her friends also share the stories behind their names, but Jiang Qiaoxi states his name has no special meaning. Later, at a group dinner, Lin Qi Le asks Jiang Zheng about his son's name. Jiang Zheng explains that he and his wife were unprepared for a child and he simply picked the name from a line of poetry in a newspaper when one was needed for the birth certificate. Lin Qi Le overhears her parents discussing Jiang Qiaoxi's family.
They had an older son, Jiang Mengchu, a child prodigy who died young. His death nearly led to his parents' divorce, and they only had Jiang Qiaoxi at the urging of factory leaders. However, they remain emotionally distant, with his father even misremembering his birthday on a transfer form, suggesting he is still fixated on his first son. Moved, Lin Qi Le looks up the character "Qiao" (峤) in a dictionary.
The next day, she takes Jiang Qiaoxi to the highest mountain in Qun Shan and explains that "Qiao" means "a high and sharp mountain." She tells him she once saw a beautiful, brilliant red sunset from that spot, suggesting this is the true meaning of his name. Though it begins to rain, preventing them from seeing the sunset, he asks her to describe it.
As she vividly recounts the fiery, ever-changing sky, he affirms he can see the scene she describes in his mind. She joyfully concludes that "Jiang Qiao Xi" is a meaningful and pleasant name. The friends gather to celebrate Jiang Qiaoxi's birthday. Before the party, an argument erupts at Du Shang's home, prompting Jiang Zheng to intervene and reprimand Du Shang's father. At the party, Jiang Zheng gives his son a black gift, remarking that black suits him.
Jiang Qiaoxi notes it's "black again" and reveals his mother, Liang Hongfei, will be picking him up to return to the provincial city in two days. The friends present Jiang Qiaoxi with preserved flowers they dyed black with ink. Lin Qi Le explains they chose the color because he wears it so often, believing one should like a person as they are.
However, Jiang Qiaoxi confesses he dislikes black; his late brother liked it, and his parents buy him only black things, forcing him to like it because "they don't love me the way I am." He reveals he actually likes red. Lin Qi Le promises to use her next birthday wish for his parents to love him for who he truly is. He tells her to keep her own wish—for them all to stay together—as it means more to him.
Later, Lin Qi Le brings shrimp buns to Jiang Qiaoxi's home, but his parents politely refuse them. She then overhears them planning to keep his departure a secret from her until after winter break to soften the blow. Realizing he is leaving for good, Lin Qi Le is devastated. After her father confirms that his mother is taking him back to the provincial city, she runs after their departing car, crying out his name.
Jiang Qiaoxi calls back, "Cherry, I'll be back after the winter break!" As the car disappears, Lin Qi Le reflects that people, like animals that molt, must eventually break free from their shells and let things go to move forward.
Episode 2 Recap
Lin Qile, often called Cherry, remained in Qunshan while her friends had moved to the provincial city for school. Despite not receiving any replies, she consistently wrote letters to Jiang Qiaoxi. One day, during class, she was caught writing, leading to her mother, Zhao Shengjuan, being summoned to school.
Miss Wang, Cherry’s teacher, expressed concern, emphasizing that Cherry was a promising student in her first year of high school and needed to focus on her studies for the upcoming college entrance exams, urging her parents to pay attention as children at this stage often lack learning initiative. Zhao Shengjuan acknowledged the teacher's point, and later, she told Cherry that while there was nothing wrong with writing letters, it should be done at home, not during class.
Cherry, feeling like a burden, apologized for always worrying her parents and for being left alone in Qunshan while her friends were elsewhere. Zhao Shengjuan reassured her, saying she wasn't alone, as she had her parents and the entirety of Qunshan. Lin Qile then affirmed her sincere desire to be the "last guardian of Qunshan," which her mother confirmed.
Her mother also shared wise advice that growing up is a process of breaking out of a shell, and trapping oneself in the past, especially in bygone emotions, would only lead to unhappiness. Her mother told her that letters only become truly sent when they are delivered; otherwise, they remain "knots" within oneself.
Cherry's letters to Jiang Qiaoxi detailed her life in Qunshan, mentioning the changes like the inactive water cooling towers, her longing to share sweet salvia with him, and even the passing of Chun Lu, a rabbit they had collectively named his "daughter," which she buried on the mountain peak where they once watched sunsets together, hoping it would always be with him.
Lin Qile eventually collected all her unsent letters, binding them into a book before sending it to Jiang Qiaoxi. To her surprise, he allowed his classmates to pass it around and read it. Shortly after, she received a phone call from Qin Yeyun, who urgently told her to stop contacting Jiang Qiaoxi, refusing to explain why, only stating it was "none of your business" and that Lin Qile should "just live your life" and not think about him.
When Lin Qile pressed for "the truth" and if something had happened, Qin Yeyun merely reiterated, "Don't ask anymore. Don't contact him anymore. Never." Confused and distressed, Lin Qile recalled Jiang Qiaoxi's past promise to write to her and return after winter break. Unable to bear the uncertainty, she immediately boarded a bus to the provincial city. Upon arriving at Jialin Experimental High School, she overheard students discussing Jiang Qiaoxi.
They mentioned he had previously lived in Qunshan, despite rumors of attending elementary school in Hong Kong. They also spoke of a girl who sent him a letter, which was then circulated among students, with Yu Qiao and Fei Lin Ge reportedly snatching it in class. Students also mentioned that Jiang Qiaoxi had transferred from Hong Kong to First Experimental Elementary School in the first grade, where Fei Lin Ge and Cen Xiaoman were his classmates.
Unbeknownst to them, Yu Qiao heard someone shout his name, remarking that the voice sounded just like Cherry, though his friend dismissed it as unlikely. Her unfamiliar uniform quickly drew unwanted attention. Students surrounded her, questioning why she wasn't wearing their school's attire. She explained she was from No. 11 High School and was there to see a friend.
The students immediately suspected her of being "that Cherry" who wrote letters to Jiang Qiaoxi, asking about her relationship with him and why she was at their school. Just then, Jiang Qiaoxi appeared with Cen Xiaoman. A student remarked to Jiang Qiaoxi about Lin Qile causing him "trouble," but he curtly dismissed them, saying it was "none of your business." Then, facing Lin Qile, he publicly denied knowing her. The surrounding students echoed his words, believing he wouldn't lie.
Heartbroken by his cruel denial, Lin Qile fled the scene. Distraught, Lin Qile climbed a high protective barrier. An older woman, fearing she intended to jump, urgently coaxed her down, asking if she'd failed an exam or argued with family. Lin Qile clarified she only wanted to vent and had no intention of jumping. The kind woman offered her hot water and later took her to see the beautiful evening sky, hoping to lift her spirits.
Meanwhile, Liang Hongfei, a teacher, was dealing with Jiang Qiaoxi, whose mother had called to pick him up. Liang Hongfei also addressed Cen Xiaoman, expressing disappointment in her and Jiang Qiaoxi's interaction that day, urging her to focus on studies. Cen Xiaoman apologized and asked Liang Hongfei not to blame Jiang Qiaoxi. Students gossiped about Cen Xiaoman being the class beauty and second-ranked academically, with Jiang Qiaoxi being first.
Later, Lin Qile encountered Yu Qiao, who recognized her instantly despite her appearance. Concerned about her injured foot, which she claimed was from tripping over a shoelace, Yu Qiao insisted on carrying her, teasing her with childhood anecdotes involving himself, Du Shang, and Cai Fangyuan, like an incident with a chocolate or being stuck in a locust tree. Yu Qiao took her to his home, where Cai Fangyuan and Du Shang were also present.
Lin Qile asked Yu Qiao to buy her water and paper, and he then asked what she wanted to eat. Soon after, Lin Qile's parents, Lin Haifeng and Zhao Shengjuan, arrived, relieved to find her safe. After the initial relief, Lin Haifeng declared his decision: Lin Qile would transfer to Experimental High School the following semester.
Zhao Shengjuan urged her daughter to move to the provincial city, stressing how great it would be to attend school with Yu Qiao and their other friends. Yu Qiao's mother, Ms. Zhang Ping, also chimed in, remarking that Lin Qile loved being lively and together with everyone, and wouldn't be truly happy alone in Qunshan.
Although Lin Qile insisted she could be happy anywhere, the elders assured her they had watched her grow up and would arrange the school transfer, even if her parents hadn't asked. The elders also mentioned that Jiang Qiaoxi's father, Mr. Jiang, would have been helpful regarding Lin Qile's house matters, but he was unable to come as Jiang Qiaoxi had just been brought back by Liang Hongfei after running off with a girl from his class.
Later that night, Du Shang, still carrying Lin Qile due to her injured foot, accompanied Yu Qiao and Cai Fangyuan to a park. They playfully broke in after closing, just as they used to do as children. Lin Qile, still agile, climbed easily. Inside, they reminisced about their childhood longing to see a "big white goose," and now presented the park's swans as a substitute, noting one swan was particularly brave and showy, just like young Lin Qile.
Yu Qiao passionately pleaded with her to move, stating, "It's not you who need us, but we who need you," expressing that the provincial city hadn't ruined them all. Lin Qile playfully declared her "hatred" for them, demonstrating their close bond as they carefully exited the park, with Yu Qiao being the last to climb out. As they left the park, Lin Qile unexpectedly encountered Jiang Qiaoxi.
He revealed that Qin Yeyun had informed him of her presence, prompting him to come find her. Lin Qile, still deeply hurt, sarcastically asked if they even knew each other. Jiang Qiaoxi apologized and explained that his public denial earlier was because he "had no better solution" and believed it was the "optimal solution" to prevent her from being in the spotlight or getting hurt by others.
Lin Qile angrily countered, questioning his "optimal solution" and pointing out he could have simply said they were old friends, and clarified that her letter wasn't a love letter and Chun Lu was a rabbit. Jiang Qiaoxi insisted he "couldn't say it like that" due to the presence of others.
The reality, as Lin Qile had heard from Yu Qiao and her friends, was that Jiang Qiaoxi had changed significantly since moving to the city; he had distanced himself from them and now only associated with high-achieving students like Cen Xiaoman, who was second in class to his first. This further highlighted the extent to which he had cut ties with his past friendships.
Episode 3 Recap
Lin Qile confronts Jiang Qiao Xi, clarifying that the journal she sent was not a love letter but an obituary for "Chun Lu," a fictional daughter from a childhood game. She explains that she only included memories of Qun Shan because she knew he liked the place, but insists he was not special to her, as she had similar experiences with her other friends.
Stating her decision to transfer to Experimental High School is for her friends and has nothing to do with him, she declares that they should act as strangers from now on. Lin Qi Le dedicates herself to her studies, earning admission to the Provincial Experimental High School. As her family prepares to move, her mother finds a piece of clothing Jiang Qiao Xi had entrusted to her years ago.
A flashback reveals a distraught young Lin Qi Le, who feared the provincial city was a "monster that eats children." To reassure her, Jiang Qiao Xi had given her the clothing—a prized item from his cousin—as a promise that he would return. In the present, however, Lin Qi Le coldly tells her mother to discard it, claiming it's no longer needed.
Upon arriving in the provincial city, Lin Qi Le’s family, along with those of Jiang Qiao Xi, Yu Qiao, Du Shang, and Qin Ye Yun, settle into the same housing community. Her friends take her to a lively night market, but Lin Qi Le panics when they briefly disappear to buy food without telling her. Upon their return, her friends playfully kneel and present her with snacks, teasing her for being less fearless than she used to be.
As they run home, they pass Jiang Qiao Xi's window. He sees her, and though her pace falters for a moment, she quickly sprints ahead, determined not to show any lingering feelings. During the class assignment process, Lin Qi Le, Yu Qiao, and Cai Fang Yuan are placed in Science Class 18, while Qin Ye Yun is assigned to Arts Class 4.
To her dismay, Lin Qi Le discovers that Jiang Qiao Xi is also in her class, having ranked first in the school and been accepted into the provincial Olympiad team. Their former class monitor from Qun Shan, Feng, enthusiastically greets her, unaware of the tension between her and Jiang Qiao Xi. Lin Qi Le later confides in Qin Ye Yun, expressing frustration with herself for foolishly writing Jiang Qiao Xi such a long letter.
She resolves to remember that he is no longer the person she once knew and vows to never forgive him or treat him with the same closeness again. Both families gather for a celebratory dinner for Lin Qi Le's admission and Jiang Qiao Xi's Olympiad success. Lin Qi Le is seated next to Jiang Qiao Xi as the adults fondly reminisce about their childhood closeness.
During the meal, Du Shang suggests that everyone should address her by her formal name, Lin Qi Le, at school to avoid complications, but she defiantly insists on being called "Lin Cherry." Later, in the hallway, Jiang Qiao Xi tells her that using her nickname isn't good for her, but she retorts that knowing him isn't good for her either, reminding him of their agreement to be strangers.
In English class, when Lin Qi Le is selected for a dialogue exercise, Jiang Qiao Xi volunteers to be her partner. Asked about his most cherished memory, he describes a friend taking him to a mountain to see a sunset, where she gave his name a new, beautiful meaning related to the view. A flashback confirms Lin Qi Le was that friend. In class, she feigns ignorance, claiming she doesn't understand his advanced English.
Jiang Qiao Xi then translates his answer and pointedly corrects his initial greeting from "Nice to see you" (for reunions) to "Nice to meet you" (for first encounters). When a classmate asks about the person he mentioned, he simply calls her "a very important person." Later, at the water fountain, Jiang Qiao Xi approaches Lin Qi Le, asking to borrow her water card.
When she asks if they are close enough for such a request, he formally introduces himself: "My name is Jiang Qiao Xi. Nice to meet you." She pointedly replies, "I can't say the same," and refuses to lend him the card, solidifying her rejection of his attempts to reconnect.
Episode 4 Recap
Lin Qi Le quickly developed a reputation for being cold when she refused to lend her water card to Jiang Qiao Xi, despite his polite request. Fellow students were taken aback by her bluntness. Cen Xiao Man and another classmate discussed Lin Qi Le's behavior. One classmate suggested it stemmed from embarrassment in English class due to Jiang Qiao Xi's advanced vocabulary, believing Lin Qi Le's self-esteem was hit.
However, Cen Xiao Man believed it was more likely a reaction to the other classmate, who had previously spoken ill of Lin Qi Le and was also a friend of Jiang Qiao Xi, causing Lin Qi Le to direct her anger towards him. They advised the classmate to apologize to Lin Qi Le.
Later, Jiang Qiao Xi's father hosted a dinner to celebrate Jiang Qiao Xi's success in the Olympiad math competition and Lin Qi Le's admission to the provincial city school. Lin Qi Le's mother, Sheng Juan, offered her the option to skip if she felt uncomfortable, reassuring her it was simply adult social etiquette. However, Lin Qi Le decided to attend with her parents.
During the dinner, Lin Qi Le was seated next to Jiang Qiao Xi, who consistently looked after her, serving her dishes and peeling crabs, which Lin Qi Le found puzzling. Subsequently, Lin Qi Le was summoned to the fourth-floor stairwell by Fei Lin Ge, who claimed he wanted to apologize for mistaking her for someone else before she transferred. However, his apology quickly turned into an accusation.
He implied Lin Qi Le disliked Jiang Qiao Xi and then vehemently criticized "that Cherry" for sending Jiang Qiao Xi a "disgusting" letter, blaming her for any misunderstandings. Lin Qi Le told him to stop his disrespectful comments. Just then, Yu Qiao arrived and pushed Fei Lin Ge. When Fei Lin Ge attempted to retaliate, Lin Qi Le swiftly kicked him, knocking him down again.
The Class Monitor appeared, warning Lin Qi Le and Yu Qiao that Fei Lin Ge might report them, which could lead to serious trouble. Yu Qiao, unfazed, confidently stated that with Lin Qi Le's ability to turn "black into white," they had nothing to worry about. Despite this, Lin Qi Le found it strange that the teacher hadn't called on her, and Fei Lin Ge seemed to have taken no action.
Yu Qiao jokingly suggested it was because she was too intimidating. Jiang Qiao Xi later confronted Fei Lin Ge, questioning why he was attacked. Fei Lin Ge recounted his version of events, claiming he merely tried to apologize to Lin Qi Le but was met with violence. He reiterated his belief that "Cherry's" letter was the cause of the misunderstanding and that her actions were "disgusting."
Jiang Qiao Xi sternly rebuked Fei Lin Ge, pointing out that insulting someone's friend in front of them would naturally provoke a reaction. He warned Fei Lin Ge to stay out of his personal affairs, especially concerning Lin Qi Le, stating unequivocally that he and Lin Qi Le "will become friends." Lin Qi Le tried to encourage a connection between Qin Ye Yun and Yu Qiao, noticing Qin Ye Yun's interest.
While Lin Qi Le and Yu Qiao were talking about games, Lin Qi Le suggested Qin Ye Yun should hang out with them more, remarking on her absence from their previous dance machine outing. Qin Ye Yun then proposed a trip to the aquarium with Yu Qiao, who readily agreed. However, Yu Qiao then insisted that Lin Qi Le also join them, arguing that Qin Ye Yun would be upset if she didn't.
Though reluctant to be a third wheel, Lin Qi Le eventually agreed. On the day of the trip, Qin Ye Yun did not show up, claiming she had other plans, leaving Lin Qi Le and Yu Qiao to go alone. Lin Qi Le later found Qin Ye Yun watching TV at home, revealing her "other plans" were simply watching TV. Lin Qi Le found the situation between Qin Ye Yun and Yu Qiao confusing.
Later, Yu Qiao's father confronted him about a phone bill showing "love tests," suspecting Yu Qiao had a crush on Qin Ye Yun. Yu Qiao denied it, blaming his younger brother, who then admitted to using the phone. Subsequently, their friends teased Yu Qiao about Qin Ye Yun, causing Qin Ye Yun to become upset and run away. Lin Qi Le sought out Qin Ye Yun, who was angry and frustrated by Yu Qiao's obliviousness.
Lin Qi Le tried to persuade Qin Ye Yun to confess her feelings to Yu Qiao, but Qin Ye Yun feared that doing so would jeopardize their friendship and was content with their current dynamic. Lin Qi Le visited Qin Ye Yun at her home, bringing her a small doll as a gift. Qin Ye Yun initially hesitated to accept but found the doll endearing and noted its resemblance to herself and Lin Qi Le with their braided pigtails.
Qin Ye Yun's father also encouraged her to spend time with Lin Qi Le instead of constantly watching TV. Qin Ye Yun then agreed to hang out at Lin Qi Le's house. During the physical education class, while running the 800-meter dash, Lin Qi Le collapsed from heatstroke and was taken to the infirmary. Jiang Qiao Xi, who was retrieving a drink, rushed to her side upon hearing the news.
The nurse confirmed Lin Qi Le was suffering from heatstroke and needed rest. As Lin Qi Le lay recovering, she recalled a childhood memory of Jiang Qiao Xi caring for her when she was ill, bringing her warmed peanut milk when her parents were away. She remembered asking him to always stay with her when she was sick. Startled, she opened her eyes to find Jiang Qiao Xi by her bedside.
Annoyed by his presence, she immediately told him to leave, claiming they weren't close and it would be awkward if the nurse returned. Jiang Qiao Xi tried to stay, reminding her of her childhood wish for him to be with her when she was sick. Lin Qi Le, however, dismissed his words as "useless" and insisted he depart. As Jiang Qiao Xi was leaving, the nurse returned.
The Class Monitor attempted to cover for him by claiming he was ill, but Jiang Qiaoxi, committed to honesty, clarified that he was there to check on Lin Qi Le before finally departing.
Episode 5 Recap
Cherry came out of the infirmary and was stopped by Cen Xiaoman, who was holding the peanut milk that Jiang Qiaoxi had bought for Cherry. Cen Xiaoman had learned that Cherry and Jiang Qiaoxi had been childhood playmates. She told Cherry that she and Jiang Qiaoxi were just ordinary classmates, and anything beyond that would have to wait until after college. Right now, she wanted to be friends with Cherry, because Jiang Qiaoxi’s friends were her friends too.
But Cherry said she already had plenty of friends, so there was no need. While cleaning, Lin Qile ran into Jiang Qiaoxi. There was a stray cat on their school campus, and Jiang Qiaoxi would visit it whenever he had time. But Cherry was upset—she thought Jiang Qiaoxi wouldn’t think about the mountain rabbit anymore now that he had the kitten.
Jiang Qiaoxi explained that it was a completely different matter: he liked the kitten, but that didn’t affect how he felt about the rabbit. Still, Cherry felt like he was using the kitten as a replacement for the rabbit. The two got into an argument, and in a fit of anger, Cherry picked up a rock to throw at Jiang Qiaoxi. Fortunately, Yu Qiao and the others arrived in time to stop her.
The principal saw what was happening and came over to ask what was going on. Cherry and Jiang Qiaoxi apologized to each other, then Cherry left with Yu Qiao and the others. Ever since Jiang Qiaoxi left the mountains, Cherry had been writing in her diary every day to record how much she missed him. She wanted to keep track of everything that happened here so that one day she could tell Jiang Qiaoxi about it.
Later, she tried hard to forget about Jiang Qiaoxi, because she had never received a call or letter from him. In fact, Jiang Qiaoxi had written many letters to Cherry, hoping to give them to her personally. But his mother found them and, in a fit of anger, tore up every one. Jiang Qiaoxi went to participate in the Math Olympiad. Before leaving, he had asked Cherry to take care of the kitten for him.
Though she was stubborn and didn’t agree out loud, she couldn’t help but go check on the kitten and bring it food. Qin Yeyun, Yu Qiao, and a few others had agreed to watch TV together at home. Qin Yeyun brought some things to Yu Qiao’s house. Yu Qiao’s younger brother, Yu Jin, had collected cards from six packs of crispy noodles and wanted to give them to Qin Yeyun.
Qin Yeyun called him into the room—no one knew what was said—but she stormed out, and Yu Jin cried, shouting that he didn’t like Qin Yeyun anymore. Cherry arrived at Yu Qiao’s house shortly after. She had run into Qin Yeyun earlier and didn’t know what had happened, but after hearing from Yu Qiao, she lost the mood to watch TV—because she now understood why Qin Yeyun was upset.
When Cherry got home, her mother told her that Qin Yeyun was there and seemed unhappy. Qin Yeyun brought up the kitten. She understood how Cherry felt—that the kitten represented Cen Xiaoman, and she herself was the rabbit. The reason she was angry was because Cherry was jealous, though Cherry refused to admit it. One day after school, it started raining heavily. Cherry thought of the kitten and couldn’t resist going to check on it.
Unexpectedly, the kitten had run into a deep, narrow ditch. She jumped down and saved the kitten, but couldn’t climb back up herself. Fortunately, Jiang Qiaoxi arrived in time. He jumped in to help Cherry up, but Cherry was furious. She had kindly taken care of the kitten for him, but all he did was mock her. So she left in anger without pulling Jiang Qiaoxi up. But halfway through her walk, she started to worry and snuck back to check—only after seeing Jiang Qiaoxi climb out safely did she finally feel at ease.
Episode 6 Recap
Cherry and Yu Qiao, along with a few others, returned to the mountains. Jiang Qiaoxi called out to Cherry, but she ignored him. Qin Yeyun saw Jiang Qiaoxi and handed him her bicycle, telling him to go after Cherry. Cherry saw Jiang Qiaoxi from the bus—he was riding on the highway, which was very dangerous—so she decided to get off. Later, the two took a bus back together.
On the ride, Jiang Qiaoxi confessed to Cherry that during the years after he left the mountains, whenever he wanted to contact her, he found that his mother had cut the telephone line at home. He studied hard to make his mother proud and only wanted to return to the mountains during the holidays, but his mother never agreed. In the end, he had no choice but to sneak out of the house.
He even accidentally hurt himself while jumping out the window, though it wasn’t serious. He took a bus back to the mountains, full of hope to reunite with his old friends, but the moment he got off the bus, he was stopped by his mother. She threatened him, saying that if he had any contact with people from the mountains again, she would make sure he never saw them again.
Jiang Qiaoxi had no choice but to go home with her. The misunderstanding between Jiang Qiaoxi and Cherry was finally cleared up, but Cherry said she hadn't forgiven him yet—whether she would or not depended on his future behavior. Jiang Qiaoxi was overjoyed to have a chance at being forgiven. Yu Qiao and the others also understood the difficulties Jiang Qiaoxi faced and no longer blamed him, though they still pretended not to be close to him in public.
Cherry asked Yu Qiao to help arrange a meeting with Jiang Qiaoxi in the evening. Yu Qiao pretended to ask Jiang Qiaoxi for help with a math problem, then passed along the time and place. Jiang Qiaoxi said he could make it. Cen Xiaoman noticed their interaction and seemed to sense something. That night, Jiang Qiaoxi dressed up nicely, and so did Cherry. She arrived early at the agreed location and ran into Qin Yeyun on the way.
Qin Yeyun was also well-dressed because she, too, had someone she wanted to see. Qin Yeyun knew that Yu Qiao would be at the basketball court at that time, so she went there to find him. The two chatted for a while, but Yu Qiao still hadn’t realized Qin Yeyun’s feelings for him. Just as Jiang Qiaoxi stepped out of his house, he saw his mother.
He no longer wanted to be controlled by her—he was determined to go to the meeting. But once again, his mother threatened him, saying that if he went, she would have Cherry’s parents transferred away, ensuring that he would never see Cherry again. Jiang Qiaoxi had no choice but to go back home with her. Later, Jiang Qiaoxi’s father returned, and the couple got into a heated argument. The fight was so intense that it alarmed the neighbors.
Yu Qiao rushed to Cherry’s house and told them about the fight and its cause. Cherry’s parents immediately went to Jiang Qiaoxi’s home. Jiang Qiaoxi’s father apologized, and Cherry’s parents expressed that the children's friendship was very pure. Yu Qiao then went to find Cherry to tell her that Jiang Qiaoxi couldn’t make it and walked her home. Cherry saw her parents coming out of Jiang Qiaoxi’s house and worried they might be blamed by his mother because of her.
She felt very sorry. But her parents didn’t think the children had done anything wrong, and the three of them went home together. Jiang Qiaoxi was taken by his mother to attend a Math Olympiad training camp. When Cherry’s mother saw how reluctant she was to part with him, she told Cherry that people often can’t change their circumstances. But Cherry asked her mother whether feelings could remain unchanged even in difficult circumstances. Cherry’s parents gave her a definite answer.
Manager Jiang went to the convenience store to buy cigarettes. He wanted Qin Yeyun to pass a message to Cherry—that there’s a time for everything. Qin Yeyun said that it wasn’t Cherry who was affecting Jiang Qiaoxi anymore, but Jiang Qiaoxi who was affecting Cherry.
Episode 7 Recap
Lin Qile went out for breakfast with her parents, along with Yu Qiao’s parents and the other kids’ families. All of them were colleagues who had come from the mountains, and their children had grown up together since they were little. So none of the adults believed that the kids were involved in any kind of early romantic relationships. In fact, Yu Qiao’s parents really liked Cherry—when they were young, she often protected Yu Qiao and the others.
Cherry suspected that someone had tattled on her meeting with Jiang Qiaoxi. Later, Yu Qiao found out the truth. The worksheet he used to arrange the meeting with Jiang Qiaoxi had gone missing, and he suspected that Fei Lingge had stolen it. Cen Xiaoman and a few others had been gossiping about it in private, so it seemed pretty clear what had happened.
After school, Yu Qiao used the excuse that a teacher was looking for Fei Lingge and led him away. Worried he might be in danger, Cen Xiaoman followed them. Unexpectedly, Cherry ended up kicking the door right as Fei Lingge opened it, knocking him over by accident. Cherry just wanted to know what Fei Lingge had done, but he didn’t confess. Cen Xiaoman arrived and took him away.
Later, Fei Lingge gave the teacher the photos he had secretly taken of Yu Qiao and Cherry at the aquarium and reported them for being in an early relationship. It was only then that Yu Qiao realized they had been framed, which explained why their classmates had been giving them strange looks. The teacher asked them to call their parents.
Yu Qiao’s mother and Cherry’s mother came to school and explained to the teacher that the two had grown up together and had a sibling-like relationship, not a romantic one. Still, they promised to provide proper guidance. Later, Yu Qiao’s mother specifically went to the classroom door to tell Yu Qiao to take good care of his “little sister” Cherry—fortunately, Zhao Shengjuan pulled her away just in time.
Now that Lin Qile’s identity was revealed, everyone knew she was the girl who had written letters to Jiang Qiaoxi. In fact, Cen Xiaoman had known for a while but hadn’t said anything. After Yu Qiao’s worksheet was stolen, several girls were gossiping about Cherry and Jiang Qiaoxi. Yu Qiao overheard and nearly got into a fight, but a male classmate stopped him. Cherry wanted to visit Jiang Qiaoxi, so she asked the boys for help.
Most of them made excuses to turn her down. In the end, only Yu Qiao and Cai Fangyuan couldn’t escape her grasp and followed her to the training camp. Meanwhile, Jiang Qiaoxi had also heard about Cherry while at the training camp and was very worried. Just then, Cherry showed up at the school to see him. Since they were students from a different school, sneaking in got them caught by the security guards, who started chasing them.
Yu Qiao diverted the guards’ attention to help Cherry escape. Cherry and Jiang Qiaoxi spoke using metaphors about the kitten and the rabbit. Cherry said she was doing well and could handle what was happening. She hoped Jiang Qiaoxi would be okay too. Seeing how strong she was, Jiang Qiaoxi finally felt at ease. During the monthly exam, Cherry scored fifth from the bottom. Cai Fangyuan was third from the bottom.
Yu Qiao’s grades had dropped sharply during this period, and he ranked fifteenth from the bottom. One male classmate suggested that Yu Qiao should stop spending so much time with Cherry, claiming she was affecting his grades. Yu Qiao actually pushed the boy, and was later called to the office by the teacher. Once the teacher learned that the incident was related to Cherry, she was also called in.
The teacher suggested that Cherry spend less time around boys to avoid gossip. But Cherry said she had a clear conscience. They had all grown up together and were like family—she didn’t feel she had done anything wrong. The teacher had no choice but to ask her not to let it affect her studies. According to school policy, the bottom fifteen students had to attend remedial classes. If a student’s grades were too poor, they would be transferred to Class 18. Cherry said she would study hard and respect the school’s rules.
Episode 8 Recap
Lin Qile didn’t do well on her exam, but her parents didn’t blame her. Zhao Shengjuan even made pig brain soup to help nourish her. Lin Qile studied with Yu Qiao and Cai Fangyuan, but she was very weak in physics. The entire class had finished the test and left, leaving only her behind. Even when the teacher explained it to her one-on-one, she still couldn’t solve the problems. After school, she locked herself in her room and kept trying.
Yu Qiao came to see her and said that if she agreed to cheer for him at the basketball game, he would teach her his method for studying physics. Cherry agreed, and Yu Qiao took her to the basketball court to throw balloons as practice. Halfway through, Qin Yeyun came storming in, angry because Yu Qiao’s phone had set three custom ringtones for her. Yu Qiao was clueless—he guessed it was his younger brother, Yu Jin, who had done it.
To cheer her up, Cherry handed over Yu Qiao’s phone and let Qin Yeyun remove the ringtones herself. Unexpectedly, Qin Yeyun found a message with a “compatibility test” result between Yu Qiao and Cherry. Furious, she threw the phone back at Cherry and stormed off. After seeing the message, Cherry explained it was all a misunderstanding and chased after Qin Yeyun. She comforted her, saying that their main focus now should be studying.
But when Qin Yeyun mentioned Jiang Qiaoxi, Cherry didn’t know how to respond. Yu Qiao had signed Cherry up to be a cheerleader because he knew Qin Yeyun had signed up too. He wanted to use this opportunity to ease the tension between them. Over the past few days, Cherry had been ignoring the boys.
Seeing her constantly trying to coax Qin Yeyun, Yu Qiao guessed that there had been a falling out between the two girls, and that they were caught in the crossfire. What he didn’t expect was that the real reason Qin Yeyun was angry was because of him. Cherry originally planned to explain the situation to the teacher and withdraw from the training, since she wanted to focus on studying.
If she ended up at the bottom of the next monthly exam again, she would really be transferred to Class 18. But when she saw Qin Yeyun on the training field, she immediately changed her mind. She trained together with Qin Yeyun, but the rest of the team was on Cen Xiaoman’s side, so the two of them were isolated. When it came time to form groups, no one wanted to team up with them.
The teacher had to forcibly assign the two of them together. There was no cohesion between them, and their lift practice didn’t go well—partly because Cherry was unfamiliar with the moves. Cherry told the teacher that Qin Yeyun would teach her, not giving her any chance to refuse. Over the next few days, Qin Yeyun used her spare time to help Cherry train. Gradually, the two of them became more in sync, and Cherry made great progress.
During the team rehearsal, the teacher even praised her. But Cen Xiaoman deliberately fell down—she had stepped on Cherry and then pretended to fall herself. In front of everyone, she acted pitiful and said she didn’t blame Cherry. Cherry was left completely confused by the situation. Cen Xiaoman and her clique mocked Cherry in the locker room, and Qin Yeyun overheard them. She stood up for Cherry, saying that if Cen Xiaoman didn’t want to dance, she should just quit.
That way, Qin Yeyun could recommend herself as captain. If they left, there would be new members to replace them. She was confident she could teach Cherry, and if she could teach Cherry, she could teach anyone. Cherry overheard what Qin Yeyun said and was really happy—Qin Yeyun was still on her side. When it came time to pick outfits, Qin Yeyun didn’t show up. Everyone chose the prettiest clothes for Cen Xiaoman, and Cherry wasn’t given any say.
When she opened her outfit to check, she found defects. She went back to the shop to exchange it, but the bus didn’t wait for her and drove off. Frustrated, she took out her phone but didn’t know who to contact. She decided to walk back on her own, but along the way, she lost her direction and ended up at the seaside.
