Our Memories Episode 1 Recap
> Our Memories Recap
The year 2008 was momentous, marked by significant events and the rapid advancement of the internet. For a group of friends on Universe Street, the summer before their final year of high school was a time to look ahead.
They shared their dreams for the future: Han Shuai planned to help his father revive their company, Shi Wenke hoped to write moving literary works, Yang Guang wished for both a son and a daughter, Ms. Chen aspired to remain beautiful, another friend wanted to go to Mars, one aimed to join the army, another vowed not to be a deputy anymore, and Guo Ting dreamed of becoming a great director.
Wei Xing's aspiration was simple: she just wanted to keep dancing on stage. Wang Huanyu, known by his nickname Wang Diqiu because he lived on Universe Street, paused before sharing his dream as his recorder ran out of battery. Wang Huanyu's family ran a Seaview Homestay. He lived on Universe Street, the heart of their small world, home to Jinzhi Restaurant, Guoliang Store, and Shizai Bookstore, where Wang Huanyu and his friends were regulars.
One day, Wang Huanyu's mother sent him to buy soy sauce. On his way, he met Wei Xing, his childhood sweetheart who loved dancing. After chatting with her, he completely forgot his errand. When he returned home without the soy sauce, his cousin Guo Ting, who lived with his family because her parents worked elsewhere, became upset, yelling about the ruined braised pork. Wang Huanyu was used to her noisy and clingy nature.
Han Shuai, Wang Huanyu's best friend and the son of Jinzhi Restaurant's owner, often visited and also got caught in Guo Ting's outbursts. Shi Wenke, the academic son of the Shizai Bookstore owner, was also part of their circle. As summer ended, the pressure of the senior year began. At school, a teachers' meeting highlighted concerns about low student performance, particularly in Mr. Yang Guang's class. Director Jiang criticized the low grades, worried they would affect college admissions.
Mr. Yang Guang defended his approach, emphasizing student happiness and learning beyond academics, but when he returned to his class, his students were not engaged in the morning reading. Meanwhile, Ms. Chen announced an opportunity for students to apply for art specializations for college admissions. To her surprise, Wei Xing expressed interest.
Ms. Chen advised Wei Xing, a student with excellent academic potential, to reconsider, suggesting that focusing solely on dance might limit her future career options compared to attending a top university. Shi Wenke also urged her to think carefully. Hesitant but determined, Wei Xing decided to explore art training and asked Guo Ting to go with her to inquire about costs. They found the prices very high, and the teachers seemed unprofessional.
While walking back, they were harassed by some young men. Jiang Wenwen, who was at her father's Shizai Bookstore, intervened by using clever, sarcastic remarks to distract the bullies, allowing Wei Xing and Guo Ting to get away. Guo Ting later confessed their art training search and the expensive costs to Wang Huanyu, mentioning Wei Xing's voice had been heard downstairs with hers.
Wang Huanyu, already aware of Wei Xing's passion for dance, went to Uncle Wei (Wei Guoliang), Wei Xing's father, at Guoliang Store to quietly inform him about Wei Xing looking for art exam teachers, expressing his concern that she hadn't told her father. Uncle Wei, accompanied by Wang Huanyu, sought out Ms. Lu, a highly regarded dance teacher introduced by a friend from a dance troupe, hoping she could train Wei Xing for the art exam.
However, Ms. Lu explained that she strictly limits her students to five to ensure personalized attention and quality teaching, and her quota was already full. She politely refused to take on any more students. Uncle Wei was disappointed and felt he wasn't good at communicating with Wei Xing. Wang Huanyu and his friends, determined to help, secretly recorded Wei Xing practicing her dance.
They returned to Ms. Lu, earnestly pleading with her to just watch the video for a moment, emphasizing Wei Xing's talent and dedication. After watching, Ms. Lu was struck by Wei Xing's strong resemblance to Luo Mei, a principal dancer she had admired from the Xinghe Dance Troupe years ago. Ms. Lu recalled seeing Uncle Wei caring for a feverish Wei Xing, noting that his back problem originated from that time.
Recognizing the connection to Luo Mei and seeing Wei Xing's talent, Ms. Lu agreed to teach her. Excited, Wang Huanyu and his friends rushed to share the good news with Wei Xing. To their surprise, Wei Xing revealed she had decided not to pursue the art exam after all. She was worried about the significant expenses beyond the initial training and the uncertain job prospects after graduation, not wanting her father to struggle financially for her sake.
Wang Huanyu encouraged her to talk openly with Uncle Wei about her feelings. Later, Uncle Wei got drunk. Wei Xing went to pick him up. Despite his inebriation, Uncle Wei gave Wei Xing a pair of dance shoes, strongly supporting her decision to pursue her dream. He told her that watching her dance brought him joy, just like watching her mother used to.
He said that if supporting the family meant she had to give up her dream, he wouldn't be a good father. Wei Xing was deeply touched by her father's support. Standing there with the dance shoes, she felt overwhelmingly happy and determined to pursue her dream, carrying the hopes of everyone who believed in her.
