Please Classmate Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Please Classmate Synopsis
Senyong High School decided to adopt mixed classes for the overall development of students’ moral, intellectual, physical, and aesthetic abilities.
This decision made the two classes, which were unfamiliar to each other, become classmates who need to get along with each other all the time, and the exciting school life begins.
During the intense study and training, they had confusion, fear, and retreat, but with each other’s encouragement, everyone resisted the pressure and helped each other move forward.
They fought hard in their own fields, hoping to carry forward their dreams.
In the end, this group of teenagers with very different personalities helped each other and made progress together, and spent a hard-working, united, and loving high school life together.
Please Classmate Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Sen Yong High School, one of Haiwen's top three key high schools, operates two distinct campuses: the South Campus, which specializes in sports, and the North Campus, which focuses on academic subjects. While both campuses excel in their respective fields, a deep-seated rivalry exists between them. Academic students in the North Campus look down on the "simple-minded" sports students, viewing them as mere "learning machines" or "teachers' puppets."
Conversely, the sports students consider the academic students to be "uncultured" and mock their intelligence. The two sides are constantly at loggerheads, often exchanging insults like "trash" and no morality." One day, Yuan Caixi, the Class 2 Monitor of the North Campus, is tasked with collecting Quality Handbooks from the South Campus.
Her friends warn her to be cautious, especially of Li He, a sports student described as "arrogant and domineering," known for ensuring "those who stood against him never ended well." Yuan Caixi, however, assures them she has successfully collected all twenty-four handbooks, even though she only received twenty, just as she sees one of the problematic sports students outside her window.
Meanwhile, Li He and his friends are trying to persuade a younger boy to help them reach "Diamond level" in a game, but the boy complains they are too "weak." Yun Xiang, one of Li He's friends, rushes over with alarming news: someone from the North Campus is collecting their handbooks, and this "girl" claims to have all twenty-four.
Realizing their handbooks, containing potentially incriminating records, could fall into North Campus hands and be seen by Mr. Bai, they become frantic, knowing it could mean "the end" for them. One of Li He's friends identifies the collector as Yuan Caixi, the Class 2 Monitor, known as an "emotionless studying machine" due to her intense focus on academics. They also note that Li He is the president of the radio club, and thus holds the key to their stash.
Li He and his friends rush to the radio room, one of their usual hiding spots, where they find the handbooks. Yuan Caixi appears, explaining her strategy: knowing only Li He, as the president of the radio club, had the key to the radio room, she spread a rumor about having collected all the handbooks, knowing they would rush to check their stash. As Yuan Caixi attempts to leave with the handbooks, Li He and his friends block her.
During their heated exchange, one of Li He's friends trips Yuan Caixi, activating the school-wide broadcast system. Their entire argument, including Li He calling her the "eternal number two" and Yuan Caixi retaliating by calling him the "world idiot champion" due to his T-shirt slogan, is broadcast throughout the school.
News of the broadcast quickly spreads, and Li He's friends show him the mocking comments on the school forum, particularly the comparison to Ning Zeyu, who is described by Li He's friend as an "academic god" who consistently scores 100 because the test only allows for that maximum score. Angered by the insults and determined to "save face," Li He decides to challenge the academic students.
Later, Ning Zeyu finds Yuan Caixi and confirms that the entire school heard their exchange. Yuan Caixi confides in her friend, who reminds her of Li He calling her the "eternal number two," that she is determined to achieve first place this year to secure a scholarship. During the physical exam that afternoon, Li He requests permission to "help" the academic students with their tests by stretching them before. The teacher, Mr. Bai, agrees.
However, Li He and his friends use this as an opportunity for public revenge for private grievances, deliberately making the academic students struggle, particularly Yuan Caixi during sit-ups, with Li He repeatedly calling her "two" or "not standard" in reference to his earlier "eternal number two" insult, and forcing them to repeat exercises. This quickly escalates into another loud argument, with academic students calling sports students "a bunch of idiots" and sports students retaliating with "weaklings," and other insults exchanged.
To settle the dispute, the two groups agree to a dodgeball match. The game is intense, with Li He and Ning Zeyu emerging as key players, showcasing their respective skills. As the game continues, the academic team's numbers dwindle, leaving only Yuan Caixi and Ning Zeyu. During a crucial moment, an academic student deliberately spills water on the court, causing Jiang Yuan, a sports student, to slip and get hit.
This act of cheating sparks yet another heated confrontation, with sports students accusing academics of being "shameless" and "playing dirty tricks," while academic students retort by calling them "villains." The school's Director, Mr. Ma, arrives with visitors, only to be hit by a stray ball amidst the chaos. Furious, he brings Li He, Yuan Caixi, and Ning Zeyu to his office, summoning their respective head teachers, Mr. Bai and Luo Xiyan.
Mr. Bai offers a rather lenient defense for Li He, stating that "every student can be naughty." However, Luo Xiyan fiercely defends her students, asserting that Yuan Caixi and Ning Zeyu are not "provocative" and implying that if students "make mistakes because they are young and ignorant, then it's the negligence of the teacher if he doesn't teach his students well," directly challenging Mr. Bai. The Director assigns the three students 1,500-word essays as punishment.
When Li He grumbles about having to apologize, Mr. Ma increases the essay length to 2,000 words. After the students leave, Mr. Ma scolds Mr. Bai for nearly revealing a sensitive plan to the students. He then confirms to both head teachers that, despite their reservations about the students' incompatibility, the two campuses "are going to merge into one campus."
Episode 2 Recap
Li He was rudely awakened by an alarm that declared, "Li He, you are the most handsome boy." After his own quiet breakfast, Li He emerged from his house just as Ning Zeyu, who had been eating a sumptuous breakfast alone, was also leaving his. Feeling hungry, he called out, "Mom, I’m hungry." His mother, whom he playfully referred to as "Lady knight," told him to ask his dad.
Turning to his dad, whom he called "Knight," Li He asked, "Is there any breakfast? Knight, I’m hungry." When his dad also didn't respond, Li He cleverly announced, "Dad, my mom is hungry!" His father immediately replied, "Got it!" and went to prepare food. Li He, feeling neglected, mused, "I think I’m adopted." Ning Zeyu greeted Li He, noting, "You’ve improved. You could still stand up after the physical test yesterday." Li He responded, "I’m fine.
No matter how tired I’m, I’ll still get up and write your Quality Handbook." Li He then complained that Ning Zeyu shouldn't "threaten us with the handbook," calling it "not something a man would do." Ning Zeyu retorted by accusing Li He of picking on a girl the previous day, which Li He denied vehemently. Annoyed by Li He's escalating tone, Ning Zeyu declared, "All right. It’s too noisy," and provocatively placed his hand on Li He's head.
Li He was enraged, warning Ning Zeyu not to touch him, even at his doorstep. Just then, Li He's mother came out to dump the trash. Seeing them, she called out, and the boys quickly put on an act of being good friends, slinging their arms around each other's shoulders. Ning Zeyu greeted Li He's mom warmly, saying, "Aunt, Li He has improved a lot in his study. He got 50 points in math.
It means he scored 20 more points." Li He's mother was delighted, remarking, "That’s great. Well done." Ning Zeyu then suggested, "Aunt, since Li He is so talented in learning, why don’t you send him to a cram school?" Li He's mother enthusiastically agreed, telling Li He, "Let me send you to a cram school. Just try a little harder, and you might be able to score 100 points."
Li He protested, calling it "a waste of money," but his mother dismissed his concerns, saying she'd rather spend it on a cram school than on game skins. Despite Li He's persistent pleas, she firmly stated it was decided. Ning Zeyu quickly bid Li He's mother goodbye and urged Li He to hurry, saying they would be late. Li He’s mother, watching them leave, affectionately called them "these two silly boys."
Yuan Caixi’s younger brother, Yuan Haoxi, attempted to delay her alarm to sneak into her room for practice papers. However, Yuan Caixi, an early riser, was already awake and caught him. Yuan Haoxi, frustrated, lamented trying to mess with her alarm and teased that next time he would check if she was in bed first. He then asked his sister to lend him her first-grade math papers, claiming they were too difficult for him, but she flatly refused.
When he tried to snatch them, Yuan Caixi loudly complained to their mother, causing their mother to warn Yuan Haoxi against bothering his sister. Yuan Haoxi, annoyed, declared he would borrow from someone else. Later, while Yuan Caixi was walking to school, Ning Zeyu appeared. Yuan Caixi, seemingly used to this "coincidence" that had been happening for two years, asked Ning Zeyu why he always walked in the opposite direction from school to meet her.
Ning Zeyu jokingly responded that she had told him not to follow her. Meanwhile, Yuan Haoxi managed to borrow papers from another classmate, praising her as "a kind, beautiful and good girl indeed." Just as Yuan Caixi urged them to hurry to avoid being late, Li He appeared and greeted Ning Zeyu, remarking on the "coincidence" of him being there, a clear jab at Ning Zeyu's persistent attempts to encounter Yuan Caixi.
Yuan Caixi, fed up, told the others to ignore Li He. Yuan Haoxi then openly teased Ning Zeyu about his "taste," calling his own sister Yuan Caixi "just a piece of wood." Yuan Haoxi, seemingly popular, was also asked out by a girl for a movie after she complimented his hairstyle. The school principal announced a new "co-ed system" for the upcoming semester, merging academic and PE students to foster "all-round ability" and a "better future."
Miss Luo, a teacher, further explained to her class that due to the South Campus's closure, Class 2 would welcome four PE students, including Yun Xiang, Jiang Yuan, Lin Chuan, and Li He. The academic students reacted with dismay, calling PE students "gorillas" who would "hold us back" and "interfere with our study." Yuan Caixi voiced her strong disagreement, arguing that students with different goals and learning styles "can’t live in peace at all."
Miss Luo, however, urged them to embrace the opportunity to "embraced the differences and get better together." Meanwhile, Li He and his PE student friends were equally upset about merging with the "academic students," particularly Yuan Caixi's Class 2. They worried about becoming "lifeless learning machines" and losing their four-class schedule to six classes a day. Despite Mr. Bai, their coach, stating that the principal's decision was final, Li He's group decided they needed to assert dominance before the merger.
Lin Chuan suggested a prank to "show them who the boss is." Their first target was Yuan Caixi and her friends. During a break, Li He's group shook all the soda cans in the convenience store. When Yuan Caixi and her classmates bought sodas, they were sprayed as soon as they opened the cans, soaking their clothes. Enraged, an academic student, suggested to Ning Zeyu that they should retaliate.
Ning Zeyu subtly mentioned that the PE students finish their training at four o'clock. Taking this cue, the academic students stole Li He and his friends' clothes while they were showering after training. Stripped to their underwear, Li He and his friends had to chase the culprits across the sports field, where Mr. Ma, the director, caught them.
Mr. Ma publicly shamed them for being shirtless in broad daylight, while other students took pictures and gawked, making Li He and his friends feel deeply humiliated. Li He suspected Ning Zeyu was behind the counter-prank. Seeking revenge, Jiang Yuan decided to target Ning Zeyu, believing him to be the mastermind. Jiang Yuan confidently confirmed Ning Zeyu's seat as "the third row and the second column" in Class 2 and smeared glue on it, unaware he had misidentified the seat.
The academic students returned to their classroom. Ning Zeyu handed Yuan Caixi an English reference book he had prepared for her, but as she tried to stand up, she found her skirt glued to the chair. Her friends realized what had happened and expressed alarm over the "too revealing" hole created by the glue. Li He and his friends, who had come to witness Ning Zeyu's humiliation, instead found Yuan Caixi in distress.
Ning Zeyu quickly retrieved a pair of pants from the clinic for Yuan Caixi, allowing her to change. Li He then approached Yuan Caixi to apologize, explaining it was "an accident" and "we didn’t mean to prank on you." However, a furious Yuan Caixi lashed out, questioning his sanity for pranking the wrong person and calling their antics "childish." She adamantly told Li He to "stay away from me from now on."
Ning Zeyu then playfully told Li He to "remember to take medicine on time." A student from the clinic later handed Ning Zeyu something Yuan Caixi had left behind, confirming Ning Zeyu's earlier stop at the clinic. Back with his friends, Li He angrily confronted Jiang Yuan for misidentifying Ning Zeyu's seat, explaining the difference between "row" and "column" in an exasperated tone.
On the first day of combined classes, the tension between academic and PE students erupted into an argument over seating arrangements. An academic student confronted Li He, asking if he was trying to cause trouble on the first day. Li He defended his friends, asserting his responsibility as monitor and challenging her to confront him directly.
Yuan Caixi then interjected, explaining that their class assigned seats by grades and that "no one is against you," but also pointed out that with the South Campus gone, they should be grateful to have seats at all, which further angered Li He. Miss Luo and Mr. Bai, the two teachers, arrived to find the classroom in chaos. Mr. Bai took all the academic students out for a "special running exercise," while Miss Luo kept the PE students in class.
Miss Luo addressed the PE students, acknowledging their disinterest in English and their reluctance to merge classes. She reminded them that despite the South Campus being gone, they were still its representatives and shouldn't allow others to call them "animals with all brawn and brains." She challenged them to prove themselves if they aspired to be world champions, urging them to use their athletic determination to overcome academic shortcomings, especially if they were "failing" in math, physics, and chemistry.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bai led the academic students on a rigorous run. He rebuked them for complaining about the "little exercise," reminding them that 3% of college entrance exam candidates fail due to poor health. He detailed the demanding schedule of high school seniors—14 hours of study daily for 365 days—and questioned if their current physical fitness could withstand it.
He emphasized the importance of holistic development, stating that "intellectual and physical education are complementary," and that "the body is the home of the soul; training the body is training the will." He clarified that running wasn't to waste their time but to provide a "better body and spirit for learning," promising they would appreciate it after two weeks. He announced that their special running exercise would be held after the third class daily.
Miss Luo then finalized the new seating arrangements, placing some students, including Pan Hao and Zhao Qiang, in the back and asking Yuan Caixi, as the monitor, to assist the PE students. Despite some reluctance, the PE students complied. Miss Luo expressed her hope that the students would "let go of prejudice and help each other" to "spend the last year of high school together." After class, Li He and his friends reflected on the day.
One friend questioned if they should continue fighting the academic students. Li He admitted that Miss Luo had a point and that continued fighting wouldn't solve anything. He decided they should "draw a line between them" and not bother the academic students unless provoked. Another friend teased Li He, suggesting he and Yuan Caixi would "have a story," to which Li He humorously replied it would be a "horror story."
Similarly, Yuan Caixi's friend praised her for managing Li He, but Yuan Caixi remained focused on her studies, expressing hope for peace as long as her learning wasn't affected. Later at home, Yuan Caixi's mother asked about her first day in the merged class. Yuan Caixi complained it was "troublesome" and she wasn't "used to it." Yuan Haoxi interjected, telling their mother, "She is really well-known at school now. Everyone in the school knows that she is number two forever."
Angered, Yuan Caixi confronted Yuan Haoxi. Their mother, overhearing the escalating argument, playfully encouraged Yuan Caixi, 'Beat him. Harder.' Yuan Haoxi, unfazed, continued to tease his sister directly, saying, "You’re number two forever. You still dare to talk about me? You are no match for Ning Zeyu. You are number two." Their mother then advised Yuan Caixi to be friendly and forgiving towards classmates. Yuan Caixi dismissed this, preferring to spend time on more practice papers, though she acknowledged the school's decision likely had valid reasons.
Episode 3 Recap
On the first day of school, Director Ma greeted the academic students, including Yuan Caixi, and reminded them of the "crucial time" as PE students joined their class. He urged them to be role models and not be misled by Li He. Meanwhile, Li He and his friends, including Jiang Yuan and Yun Xiang, were already in the classroom playing a game. Jiang Yuan, who was playing a game called "Long is missing," tried to catch up.
When Miss Luo started class, most students were tired. Jiang Yuan put on an eye mask with eyes drawn on it and fell asleep. Miss Luo easily spotted him. The class burst into laughter as she walked over and removed his eye mask. Startled, Jiang Yuan stood up, mistakenly thinking Miss Luo had asked him a question, and blurted out "A. A. C. B. D. D."
Miss Luo commented on his creative eye mask and asked if he learned it from Mr. Bai, to which Jiang Yuan quickly denied and apologized. Miss Luo warned that if he dared to sleep in class again, he would be banned from training for two days. Jiang Yuan immediately promised to correct his behavior. After class, Miss Luo asked Yuan Caixi to come to the office to collect some heavy test papers and requested a PE student to help.
Li He initially showed no interest but quickly volunteered when he saw Ning Zeyu getting up to go. As they walked, Li He caught up to Yuan Caixi, suggesting they co-exist peacefully for their final year of high school. Yuan Caixi warned him that she wouldn't offend him if he didn't provoke her, but if he insisted, neither of them would have an easy time. Li He, undeterred, blocked her path and dared her to do something.
Yuan Caixi turned, and her hair whipped across his face as she walked away. Meanwhile, as Ning Zeyu was walking towards the door, a girl named Huang Yuan accidentally stumbled and fell into him. While their classmates chuckled, Huang Yuan, a bit flustered, explained that she usually had excellent balance from regular exercise but felt nervous and her heart raced when she saw Ning Zeyu.
Ning Zeyu calmly suggested her fast heart rate might be due to a lack of sleep and advised her to get more rest for a clearer mind. Jiang Yuan and Yun Xiang, who were looking at something amusing on a phone, burst into laughter. Annoyed, Huang Yuan confronted them, calling them "smelly sneakers." Jiang Yuan and Yun Xiang were angered by the insult. Huang Yuan then grabbed Yun Xiang’s shoe and threw it into a trash can.
Upon returning, Li He and Yuan Caixi found a crowd gathered. When Li He learned about Yun Xiang’s shoe, he immediately stepped forward to defend his friend. Pan Hao, however, stood up for Huang Yuan, arguing that the shoes were smelly and shouldn't be in the classroom, implying they belonged in the trash. Li He became furious and almost came to blows with Pan Hao. To prevent a major fight, Ning Zeyu quickly retrieved Yun Xiang's shoe from the trash.
Although the immediate conflict seemed resolved, Li He insisted that Huang Yuan apologize for her actions. Yuan Caixi also agreed that Huang Yuan was in the wrong and should apologize. After Huang Yuan begrudgingly said "sorry," Yuan Caixi then turned to Li He, reminding him that he also needed to apologize for kicking the trash can. Li He apologized.
To prevent similar incidents, Yuan Caixi suggested that Li He and his friends give their athletic shoes to her for safekeeping, explaining that it would protect them from being damaged or dirtied by others in the busy classroom. Later, after Yuan Caixi had collected the shoes and placed them on a cabinet, Pan Hao secretly returned and hid them.
When Li He and his friends came back from their running exercise and discovered their shoes were missing, Pan Hao started making sarcastic remarks, implying that "trash belongs in the trash can" and was likely in the "refuse storage area." Misunderstanding Pan Hao’s taunt, Li He and his friends rushed to the garbage station to search.
While they were frantically sifting through trash, Pan Hao confronted Yuan Caixi again, questioning her concern for the PE students given her initial opposition to the class merger. Yuan Caixi retorted that she despised those who made sneak attacks from behind, like him.
Yuan Caixi, having interpreted Pan Hao’s words differently than Li He, realized that Pan Hao meant the PE students and their belongings didn’t belong in the North Campus, suggesting their shoes would be in their old South Campus classroom. She and Ning Zeyu went to the South Campus and successfully retrieved all the shoes. They returned to Li He and his friends, who were still at the garbage station, presenting the found shoes.
Ning Zeyu explained that Pan Hao had deliberately moved the shoes to their old classroom, believing that "PE students’ things should be at the place of them," and had intended for them to disappear along with the South Campus. Li He then passionately explained to everyone that these shoes were not just ordinary items but held deep personal significance and memories, like medals, far more precious than any trophy.
He revealed his own running shoes were worn when he achieved his first championship and broke a record. Jiang Yuan's fluorescent green shoes symbolized his first long-distance running victory, while Lin Chuan's were his lucky charm, essential for his best performance. Most poignantly, Yun Xiang's white sneakers were a precious gift from his deceased grandmother after his first competition win, a treasure they never dared to touch.
He then apologized to Yuan Caixi for his earlier misunderstanding and thanked both her and Ning Zeyu for their help. Yuan Caixi also apologized for failing in her duty to safeguard their shoes. Later that day, while Li He was at a restaurant with his friends, he went to the restroom and saw Yuan Caixi exiting a supermarket with her younger brother, Yuan Haoxi, appearing to be very close.
The next morning, he saw them again, and also witnessed several girls giving Yuan Haoxi gifts and love letters, which the boy politely declined, saying they should focus on their studies. Misinterpreting the situation, Li He assumed that Yuan Caixi was dating Yuan Haoxi, and that Yuan Haoxi was a "bad guy" two-timing her, and that Yuan Caixi, as the "monitor," was "stupid" for not realizing.
In class, Li He repeatedly tried to talk to Yuan Caixi, eventually telling her directly that she was a student who should focus on her studies and that she shouldn't be "cheated by the bad guy," implying her "poor eyesight" in choosing a partner. Yuan Caixi, completely confused, thought he was being absurd. During PE class, Yuan Caixi, who was on her period and feeling unwell, fainted while attempting stretches. She was taken to the infirmary.
Ning Zeyu learned from the nurse that Yuan Caixi was suffering from hypoglycemia in addition to her period. Li He, still believing his earlier assumptions, insisted on staying to tell Yuan Caixi "something very important." Ning Zeyu tried to send him away, arguing that Li He was partly responsible for her fainting and that his presence would only upset her further.
Despite Ning Zeyu's attempts to relay the message, Li He insisted it had to be told to Yuan Caixi directly. When Yuan Caixi woke up, Li He, after making her some brown sugar water and bandaging her "small arm," again launched into his misguided lecture. He accused her of not focusing on her studies and being "cheated by a big bad guy."
He recounted seeing her with Yuan Haoxi that morning and then Yuan Haoxi receiving gifts and letters from other girls. Li He offered to "teach him a lesson" if Yuan Caixi couldn't accept it. At that moment, Yuan Haoxi rushed into the infirmary, calling out "Sister, are you okay?" Li He was stunned, finally realizing that Yuan Haoxi was Yuan Caixi’s younger brother.
Embarrassed, Li He quickly backtracked, awkwardly praising Yuan Haoxi and retracting his "bad guy" comments, realizing his grave misunderstanding. He then tried to make amends by offering to tie Yuan Caixi's shoelaces. Later, he even tried to get Yuan Caixi's QQ number under the pretense of "study." In a separate conversation, Miss Luo and Mr. Bai spoke on the phone, with Mr. Bai affectionately calling Miss Luo 'Darling'while joking about his students causing drama in her class.
He defended his "free-spirited" PE students, who were now "caged" in the academic class, and asked Miss Luo to go easy on their punishments. Miss Luo, however, turned the tables, blaming Mr. Bai for his students' poor physical health (as their PE coach), which led to one fainting. She chastised him for not making his "academic class" students exercise enough, scoffing at his notion that it was "no big deal." Mr. Bai tried to calm her down, dismissing his own rough demeanor as typical of a sports coach, but Miss Luo was clearly not appeased by his excuses.
Episode 4 Recap
Li He was perplexed as to why Yuan Caixi had readily agreed to go to a bookstore with Ning Zeyu, yet flatly refused when he asked for her QQ ID. His friend remarked that Li He had a "low EQ." A flashback revealed Li He's past interactions, specifically in his second year of senior high, when a junior offered him an icy drink.
He had lectured her on the drink's 43 kilocalories and 53 grams of sugar, explaining that PE students would have to run ten extra laps to burn it off, and that cold drinks could upset the stomach. He concluded by asking who had sent her, revealing his lack of social grace. Li He defended his actions by saying he didn't know the junior's intentions, as she had approached him suddenly with a high-sugar, icy drink and spoke with hesitation.
His friend then questioned why he was suddenly interested in a girl's QQ, to which Li He claimed he only wanted to befriend a classmate and help each other. His friend teased him, asking if he liked Yuan Caixi. Meanwhile, Han Yayi asked Yuan Caixi why Li He had wanted her QQ. Yuan Caixi expressed her frustration, stating she didn't know why, and found it annoying that he had made such a "big fuss" over a simple QQ ID.
She worried that his constant provocations would affect her studies over the next year. She had initially thought PE students were "simple-minded" but found Li He constantly bothering her. Yuan Caixi concluded he was a "big trouble" and planned to avoid him. However, Li He was determined to prove her wrong, stating that the more she avoided him, the more he would show her that PE students were also "excellent."
To help Li He, Lin Chuan offered to gather information on Yuan Caixi, believing that catering to her preferences would quickly build a good relationship. He met with Han Yayi, offering to treat her. During their conversation, Han Yayi revealed that Yuan Caixi loved collecting "reference books of all subjects" but disliked horror films; whenever a scary topic came up, Yuan Caixi would loudly recite the periodic table of elements.
Lin Chuan's friend then added that Li He was also timid and feared horror films, needing to sleep with lights on for a month after watching a thriller. Armed with this knowledge, Lin Chuan called Li He. Li He, confirming Yuan Caixi's "reference book collecting addiction," decided to give her a book. Li He, accompanied by his friends, then went to a bookstore and took the "Tianxing Gold Paper" reference book that Ning Zeyu had reserved.
When Yuan Caixi and Ning Zeyu arrived, they found the book was gone. Li He and his friends made a grand entrance, loudly praising the "Tianxing Gold Paper latest question bank," compiled by the national special-class teacher Du Jiang, for its accuracy. Li He then presented the book to Yuan Caixi and asked for her QQ ID. Before she could respond, Ning Zeyu, who knew Du Jiang personally, stepped in.
He called "Uncle Du Jiang" and arranged for two signed copies of the book to be quickly sent to Yuan Caixi. Ning Zeyu then subtly suggested Li He use the book for simpler problems, and Yuan Caixi returned the book to Li He. Later, Yuan Caixi sent money to Ning Zeyu for the books via text message, but he told her to buy him milk tea next time instead.
Yuan Caixi and Li He had a conversation, where Li He recalled her competitive spirit from their first day of high school, when she declared them rivals. Yuan Caixi, feeling she had matured beyond being a "bookish" student, now saw him as "half rival, half classmate." Shortly after, Miss Luo called Yuan Caixi to her office.
Miss Luo informed her that school leaders would be visiting to observe the merged classes, and their class would host a chemistry experiment open class with students working in pairs. Yuan Caixi was dismayed to see the grouping list, which paired her with Li He, and immediately asked to switch groups. Miss Luo explained that the visit was specifically to assess the merged class's dynamics, and a PE student representative was essential.
She acknowledged that PE students had a "poor basis" but urged Yuan Caixi, as the Monitor with excellent grades, to "help them to make progress." After class, the teacher asked Yuan Caixi to fetch some dried kelp from the warehouse. Yuan Caixi, still unhappy about the pairing, asked Li He to accompany her. She had planned with Han Yayi to scare Li He, knowing he was timid.
Han Yayi went ahead to the supposedly abandoned warehouse, disguised in a white gown with disheveled hair. Li He was wary of the dark and seemed hesitant, asking if "lady first" applied. Inside, he heard faint laughter and felt something on his back. Yuan Caixi revealed it was a spider, which he quickly swatted away in fright. Moments later, Han Yayi appeared, sending Li He into a trembling panic. He instinctively shielded Yuan Caixi.
When a real spider fell onto Han Yayi, her shriek exposed the prank, revealing her identity. Li He, realizing he had been tricked, called their actions "childish." Yuan Caixi explained that she and Han Yayi had planned the prank because the chemistry open class was important to her as a subject representative, and she feared Li He's "poor basis" would lead to mistakes. Li He, however, defiantly vowed to complete the experiment "perfectly."
Later, Han Yayi asked Yuan Caixi about their next step, but Yuan Caixi decided to give up the prank, acknowledging that Li He was "trying hard." During the actual chemistry experiment, Yuan Caixi noticed Li He's incorrect experimental steps and principles. She decided to offer her QQ ID to him, suggesting he could ask her questions if he encountered any difficulties. Li He tried to memorize the number, but his friends' interruptions made him forget.
Luckily, Lin Chuan had already discreetly written it down. Han Yayi was surprised that Yuan Caixi had given Li He her QQ, accusing her of changing. Yuan Caixi justified it by saying it was solely for the chemistry class, to prevent any issues due to his lack of knowledge. Li He, after adding Yuan Caixi's QQ, initially drafted a polite message but hesitated, deleting it to maintain a composed demeanor. Eventually, he sent a simple "Are you there?"
to which Yuan Caixi promptly replied, "Yes." In a moment of reflection, Yuan Caixi sent Ning Zeyu a message, asking for the title of a chemical elements book he had previously mentioned, one that was vivid with pictures and stories. He quickly provided the recommendation. Sometime later, Yuan Caixi sent Li He a chemical elements book, hoping it would be helpful, and reiterated that he could ask her any questions he had. Li He thanked her for the book.
Episode 5 Recap
Li He emerges from his room, using his phone, prompting his mother to ask about his QQ message. He denies being nervous, claiming the class monitor sent important exam questions he feared missing. His parents tease him, joking that he was found in a recyclable trash can, implying he's not usually concerned with academics. Annoyed, Li He takes a large portion of food and retreats to his room.
Meanwhile, Ning Zeyu, taking out the trash, overhears the lively conversation from Li He's family. Li He's father invites Ning Zeyu, whose lawyer parents are working late, to join them for dinner. Li He's parents warmly welcome him. Li He complains about Ning Zeyu's presence, noting he always appears when his father cooks pork ribs. Li He's mother jokingly says there's too much food and Ning Zeyu is there to help.
During dinner, Ning Zeyu and Li He exchange food with smiles. Li He's father encourages Li He to learn from Ning Zeyu academically. Li He shows Ning Zeyu a photo Yuan Caixi sent him, asking if it's a book and if he can buy it at the school bookstore. Ning Zeyu's smile vanishes as he recognizes it as the photo he had sent to Yuan Caixi.
In a flashback or a separate introduction scene, Luo Xiyan, the homeroom teacher, introduces herself. Ning Zeyu, who placed first in the entrance exam, and Yuan Caixi, who placed second, introduce themselves to the class. Yuan Caixi declares Ning Zeyu her academic rival, stating she has always been first in middle school. Yuan Caixi later has dinner with her aunt, mother, and brother, Yuan Haoxi.
Her aunt praises Yuan Caixi for getting into Sen Yong high school but subtly criticizes her mother's choice to marry Yuan Caixi's deceased father, whom she calls "short-lived" and lacking in material wealth, only possessing a guitar. Yuan Caixi defends her family's happiness, stating that family togetherness is more important than material possessions. Yuan Caixi then sarcastically agrees with her aunt's materialistic views, suggesting her mother should find a rich stepfather so she and Yuan Haoxi don't have to work.
Offended, the aunt and her own daughter, Xiao Ai, leave. The school principal and Director Ma welcome Bureau Chief Zhang for an inspection. The principal assures the Chief that the merged classes are getting along well. However, during morning cleanup, student Zhang Ye and another student get into a fight because Zhang Ye's watering made the ground muddy. Director Ma quickly diverts Bureau Chief Zhang's attention away from the conflict.
Ning Zeyu, acting as a lab coordinator, collects equipment in the chemistry lab. Li He buys the chemistry book Yuan Caixi mentioned. He thanks Yuan Caixi, who tells him to thank Ning Zeyu, as he was the one who told her the book's name the previous night. Ning Zeyu, passing by, sarcastically wishes Li He could score 31 on his next exam, implying Li He usually scores lower.
As the chemistry teacher learns of the leaders' approach, she rushes into the lab, urging students to start their experiments. Li He accidentally spills something on his workstation. Yuan Caixi tells him to proceed while she cleans it up. Li He lights an alcohol lamp and, unbeknownst to Yuan Caixi who is momentarily looking down, adds an unknown substance.
By the time Yuan Caixi notices and calls out, it's too late; the fire intensifies rapidly, filling the lab with thick smoke. Students evacuate in a panic. Bureau Chief Zhang and the other leaders notice the smoke and the fleeing students, rushing towards the lab. Inside the burning lab, Yuan Caixi feels dizzy and collapses, the fire triggering a traumatic memory of a childhood fire. Li He, realizing Yuan Caixi is still inside, quickly re-enters to find her.
He picks her up and carries her out to safety. Outside, Yuan Caixi notices Li He's leg is injured and takes him to the infirmary to clean and disinfect the wound. While cleaning, Yuan Caixi praises Li He's bravery, telling him his act of heroism makes him "better than perfect" despite the accident. Li He, noticing Yuan Caixi's earlier paralysis, asks if she's afraid of fire.
Yuan Caixi reveals she survived a fire as a child and was saved by a friend. She expresses a desire to overcome her past prejudices against him and start fresh. Li He admits he initially thought she was a "bookworm" but now finds her "pretty good" and tries to ask more about the friend who saved her. Ning Zeyu, also at the infirmary to get a band-aid, checks on Yuan Caixi's foot, which she says is fine, before leaving.
Later, Bureau Chief Zhang addresses the Principal and Director Ma. She acknowledges the morning conflict and the lab fire but commends the students for their mutual assistance and resilience in the face of danger. She expresses her initial worries about the merged classes but is now moved by their display of kindness and support, concluding that the school's efforts are "not bad." In the classroom, Director Ma confronts Yuan Caixi, Ning Zeyu, and Li He about the lab incident.
Yuan Caixi apologizes for improper operation. Ning Zeyu, as the safety inspector, takes responsibility for not checking equipment. Li He claims he spilled hydrogen peroxide, causing the accident, and insists on taking all blame. Director Ma intervenes, making them sit. She notes two issues: sports students lack basic lab knowledge, and academic students exhibit panic and poor self-preservation skills. However, she expresses deep relief and pride in their mutual assistance during the crisis.
She announces an extra meal for everyone in the cafeteria. In the cafeteria, Li He helps Yuan Caixi, whose foot is injured, find a seat. Ning Zeyu approaches Yuan Caixi, noticing her swollen foot. He hands her a bag of medicine, advising her on ice packs, pain relievers, and rest. Yuan Caixi playfully reminds him about "keeping distance" between genders when he tries to check her foot too closely. Yuan Haoxi later joins Yuan Caixi, complaining about her delay.
Li He leaves. Yuan Caixi instructs Yuan Haoxi not to tell their mother about her injured foot, but Yuan Haoxi demands "hush money." When their mother enters, Yuan Haoxi tries to expose Yuan Caixi's injury, but Yuan Caixi tries to downplay it. Their mother retrieves medicine for her. Yuan Haoxi discovers a drawing from Li He with a playful "mother-to-be single flower" (a term for someone who has never been in a relationship) and a "Sisyphe VVVVIP discount card."
Yuan Caixi later uses the card in a bookstore, where Li He had earlier negotiated with the owner for a custom "VVVIP card" for 10% off. She and Yuan Haoxi discuss Li He, with Yuan Caixi acknowledging his reliability and kindness during the fire, prompting Yuan Haoxi to jokingly suggest "marrying him" in gratitude. Yuan Caixi admits her previous prejudices against sports students were due to lack of understanding, and that they have many good qualities.
Later, Yuan Caixi, Ning Zeyu, and Li He are working on a lab report. Yuan Caixi helps Li He with his report, explaining complex chemical concepts about organic decomposition and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent, demonstrating that even Li He, despite his academic struggles, is making an effort.
Episode 6 Recap
Li He approached Lin Chuan for help with his "Error Analysis" lab report, admitting his previous experimental data was messy. Lin Chuan wasn't sure how to help. Yuan Caixi and Han Yayi then entered; seeing Li He's struggle, Yuan Caixi offered assistance. Li He quickly moved to the seat in front of her, asking her to look over his work.
Yuan Caixi diligently explained the proper format and chemical equations, but Li He was too distracted by her presence to truly listen. Meanwhile, Han Yayi sat in the hallway watching "Gintama." Lin Chuan joined her, and they bonded over their shared love for the animation, lamenting the end of the manga and hoping it was a "fake news." Han Yayi, currently re-watching the "Gintama Benizakura" arc, wondered if such profound friendships could exist in reality.
Lin Chuan reassured her that it could, likening it to their own group and promising to support her. Han Yayi was touched, noting that others usually dismissed her thoughts as unrealistic. Lin Chuan then jokingly compared his mouth to Honekawa Suneo before inviting her back to class to help him with some lab report questions. In class, Li He was caught sneaking a snack by Miss Luo, who called him up to read an English dialogue.
She then assigned Lin Chuan to read Part B with him, but their clumsy pronunciation drew muffled laughter from their classmates. Miss Luo, exasperated, called on Ning Zeyu, who read the passage fluently. Afterwards, Miss Luo corrected the class on the pronunciation of "island," emphasizing the silent "is," and then assigned different basic exercises to the "academic students" and "PE students," noting that the PE students needed to build up from the fundamentals.
After class, Yuan Caixi asked Huang Yuan for her discount card back. Huang Yuan searched her bag, then suddenly remembered placing the card in a "plastic bag with the books" that she had already thrown into the "garbage station." Yuan Caixi rushed to the "garbage station" to search for it. Ning Zeyu, having learned about the situation from Huang Yuan, also arrived and tried to dissuade Yuan Caixi from searching, offering to get her a new card.
However, Yuan Caixi refused, emphasizing that "That card is so important to me. Another one won’t do." Just then, Li He passed by, saw them at the garbage bins, and realized Yuan Caixi was searching for the card he had given her. He forcefully pulled her away, insisting he would get her a new one.
Yuan Caixi explained that she had only lent the card to Huang Yuan, who then accidentally discarded it, and that Ning Zeyu had merely "happened to pass by." Li He warned her that if she ever gave away something he had given her again, he would drag her. Yuan Caixi retorted, accusing him of being "sick."
She then asked him to let her go home, but he insisted on walking her, saying it would be unsafe for her to walk alone after dark. Yuan Caixi, however, adamantly stated she would be safer without him. The next day, Yuan Caixi approached Huang Yuan, advising her to be more careful with borrowed items, as what might seem insignificant to one person could be very important to another. Huang Yuan apologized.
Ning Zeyu then presented Yuan Caixi with the recovered discount card. Yuan Caixi's face lit up, and she happily thanked him, offering him a bottle of drink. Ning Zeyu enigmatically replied that the location of the card was a "secret." Li He, observing their interaction from the classroom doorway, felt a pang of jealousy and muttered that he had plenty of cards and could easily get Yuan Caixi a new one whenever she lost one.
Later, the dean, Mr. Ma, addressed the class. To prevent further incidents like the recent chemistry lab accident, "PE students" would have to complete an extra chemistry worksheet daily for a week. Additionally, "academic students" would participate in a "relay race for our grade" in the next two weeks. To improve their "physical fitness," the school had changed the rules to include "academic students" in the race. The students expressed their concerns about the race interfering with their upcoming exams.
Mr. Ma clarified that the event was "edutainment," designed to promote "class honor" and encourage participation. Yun Xiang confidently declared that with Li He, their class's "class honor" was secured. Li He, however, cautioned against overconfidence, reminding them, "We can’t underestimate the enemy." At the supermarket, Li He was with Lin Chuan, Jiang Yuan, and Yun Xiang when Zhang Ye approached, taunting Li He and questioning his running abilities.
Li He retorted by listing his past athletic achievements, noting Zhang Ye's absence from any award lists. Zhang Ye then escalated his challenge, proposing a bet on the upcoming "relay race for our grade" between their two classes. If Class 2 won, he would call Li He "Dad" in front of everyone. If Class 1 won, Li He would have to dress as a turtle and serve him food for a week.
Li He readily accepted, confident in his class's victory. Yun Xiang voiced his concerns about the "academic students'" performance, but Li He assured him he could "win the competition" regardless of their speed. Zhang Ye, equally confident, believed Class 1 would "win" against Class 2, dismissing their academic students as "weak" and incapable of running fast.
During tryouts for the "relay race for our grade," Mr. Bai explained the rules: the race is 800 meters total, with four members per class, each running 200 meters. The team must comprise two "academic students," two "PE students," and two boys and two girls. Li He, Jiang Yuan, Lin Chuan, and Yun Xiang were asked to demonstrate. Yuan Caixi couldn't participate due to her recently sprained ankle.
Li He sat with her, and she asked him why he loved running so much. He explained that it made him feel "free," much like how she enjoyed reading. Yuan Caixi shared that she pursued reading to gain admission to a good "finance" university. Li He, in contrast, aimed to be an athlete, allowing him to "run and win honor for the country," and hadn't yet considered specific university plans.
Yuan Caixi emphasized the importance of planning his future as a senior. Li He thanked her for her concern, playfully teasing her about worrying for him. After the tryouts, Mr. Bai announced the chosen team: Huang Yuan, Dai Qing, Lin Chuan, and Li He, urging them to strive for "class honor." Lin Chuan joked with Mr. Bai about the academic students' slow running, which Mr. Bai humorously dismissed as them all being "one class."
Mr. Bai was then called away by Mr. Ma. Li He took charge, proposing the running order: Lin Chuan first, Dai Qing second, Huang Yuan third, and himself last. Dai Qing objected, suggesting a group discussion for the order. Li He defended his decision by explaining the importance of considering "explosive power," "balance force when turning," and "improvisational power" for each leg. His explanation swayed Dai Qing, and the order was finalized.
Li He assured his teammates that he would "catch up with them" no matter how far they fell behind. On race day, the participants felt nervous yet motivated by the prospect of reduced homework. At check-in, Huang Yuan was nowhere to be found. Speculation arose that she had "got cold feet" or experienced a "cramp in her leg." Despite her unhealed ankle, Yuan Caixi bravely volunteered to replace Huang Yuan.
Both her classmates and Miss Luo expressed concern for her well-being, but with no other options and time running short, they agreed. Li He reassured her to "Just try your best" and promised to "catch up with them" regardless of their position. The announcer's words filled the air, emphasizing teamwork, friendship, and trust. As the race was about to begin, Zhang Ye taunted Li He to admit defeat. The race started, but during her turn, Yuan Caixi's leg injury flared up, significantly hindering her performance and ultimately leading to their class's defeat.
Episode 7 Recap
Han Yayi brought Yuan Caixi to the infirmary, where they found Huang Yuan, who was lying on a bed. Han Yayi reprimanded Huang Yuan, explaining that because of her sudden disappearance, Yuan Caixi had to run in her place, injuring her leg, and their class lost the race. Huang Yuan admitted her mistake, explaining she had suffered a leg cramp and vomited, then apologized for panicking and being afraid of letting everyone down.
Yuan Caixi, while acknowledging Huang Yuan's distress, clarified that the apology was not just owed to them but to the entire Class 2, Grade 3, as they all shared in the loss. She emphasized that they were a team and would face challenges together, urging Huang Yuan not to run away in the future. The following day, as a consequence of losing a bet, Li He wore a turtle costume.
After a moment of psychological preparation, he emerged, greeted by a crowd of students taking photos. Zhang Ye stepped forward, mocking Li He and taking pictures with his phone. Yuan Caixi intervened, telling Zhang Ye to stop. Soon after, Lin Chuan, Jiang Yuan, and Yun Xiang appeared, also dressed in turtle suits, to show solidarity with Li He. With his friends by his side, Li He felt less embarrassed.
Mr. Bai arrived, scolding the boys for wearing costumes at school and for their lack of discipline, instructing them to change and return to class immediately. Later, as the boys discussed their embarrassment, Li He expressed his gratitude to Lin Chuan, Jiang Yuan, and Yun Xiang, promising not to make such bets again. Han Yayi then rushed Li He to the cafeteria, with the others following. In the cafeteria, Ning Zeyu had already prepared food for Li He.
Yuan Caixi and Ning Zeyu convinced their classmates to join them in bringing food to Zhang Ye and his group. Yuan Caixi appealed to their sense of collective honor, reminding them that they all celebrated their second-place win, and Li He chose not to abandon them despite his bet. Huang Yuan, who initially hesitated, also decided to participate. Li He then led his classmates in lining up to place the meals in front of Zhang Ye's table.
Zhang Ye, however, continued to make sarcastic remarks about Li He's victory. Mr. Bai learned about Li He and his three friends' antics and their perceived waste of food. He berated them, asking if they intended to turn the school upside down. He stated that while he could tolerate their usual mischief, wasting food was a matter of principle he would not overlook. To engrave the lesson, he punished them with frog jumps.
After school, Li He waited for Yuan Caixi and offered to walk her home, inviting her to dinner as a thank you for her earlier support. At the restaurant, Yuan Caixi playfully teased him about looking "cute" in the turtle costume, causing Li He to warn her not to mention it again. Li He then asked if Yuan Caixi would be on his team, to which she agreed. He declared that he would protect her from now on.
Yuan Caixi then reminded him about an upcoming Quiz, not a monthly exam, as he had mistakenly thought. Li He, eager to do well, ordered pig's brain and wontons to "nourish their brains." Li He felt disheartened after failing his Quiz, especially seeing Lin Chuan's score of ninety-two. He was determined to pass the next exam, but rejected Lin Chuan's suggestion to swap papers, wanting to pass by himself. He went home, eager to see what was for dinner.
His mother found Lin Chuan’s test paper in his backpack and, thinking it was his, excitedly showed his father, who proudly hugged Li He. Li He quickly clarified it was Lin Chuan’s paper. His mother then found his own test, showing a score of fifty-eight, and her mood instantly soured. His father, trying to calm her, gently pushed Li He aside and joked about having another child.
Li He explained he was an athletic student and that Lin Chuan was the best academic among them, feeling wronged by their disappointment. When Lin Chuan heard about this, he immediately suggested a cheating strategy. In the classroom, Lin Chuan meticulously outlined a plan, detailing how Yun Xiang and Jiang Yuan could exploit their seating positions. Li He's plan would depend on the invigilator, involving tactics like a "diversionary maneuver" for Mr. Luo or "underground tactics" for Mr. Tianci.
Yuan Caixi entered the classroom and overheard their scheme. She pulled Li He aside, demanding he hand over any cheat sheets. Li He reluctantly produced them all, confessing that while his parents didn't scold him for his grades, he knew they cared, and he simply wanted to pass an exam once to make them truly happy. Yuan Caixi, realizing his sincerity, decided to help him.
With only four days until the monthly exam, she told him to leave it to her. Yuan Caixi discussed the challenge with Han Yayi. Both were stumped on how to help all the athletic students pass all their subjects in such a short time, finding the task seemingly impossible. As they sighed in frustration, Ning Zeyu overheard them and offered his assistance. They went to a dessert shop, where Ning Zeyu, after listening to their dilemma, also agreed to help.
He offered a more practical perspective, suggesting that for athletic students, passing their main subjects or even half of their subjects would be considered a success, rather than aiming for all subjects. Yuan Caixi agreed, realizing she had been stuck on an overly ambitious goal. Later, Mr. Bai supervised the students during their run, praising Li He's performance and suggesting he had a good chance of breaking records.
After Mr. Bai left, Zhang Ye approached Li He and his friends, making snide remarks. He claimed Li He's past achievements were insignificant now that No. 2 Experimental Middle School had hired a retired national coach, completely overhauling their training program. Li He and his friends decided to attend No. 2 Experimental Middle School's training match that evening to observe.
Yuan Caixi then sent Li He a message, asking him to return early from evening class as she needed his help. Li He and his friends went to No. 2 Experimental Middle School, finding the main entrance inaccessible due to their different uniforms, so Li He found an alternative way in. Back at their school, Yuan Caixi had laid out many notebooks, including an Error Correction Book for Chemistry.
When Li He arrived, she instructed him to help her consolidate knowledge points from each unit into summaries for photocopying. This way, the athletic students could use them for focused review, starting with Chinese, Math, and English. Li He asked if they would be marked truant for missing evening class, but Yuan Caixi assured him Mr. Bai would handle it, reminding them to be back before the second evening class began. They then left to make copies.
Episode 8 Recap
The next morning, Li He arrived early. Yuan Caixi also arrived early and found Li He already in his seat, reviewing test papers. He greeted her and asked for help with a question, but she initially ignored him. Li He apologized for his absence the previous day, promising it wouldn't happen again. Yuan Caixi retorted that if he truly cared about passing the exam, he wouldn't have gone to watch a "ball game" the night before.
Confused, Li He clarified that he had gone to observe training at No. 2 Experimental Middle School, not to watch a game or just have fun. With the misunderstanding cleared, Yuan Caixi's demeanor softened, and she began to explain the problem to him, though she sternly warned him to focus on his studies and not take advantage. Li He, relieved, promised to never forget their appointments again.
Ning Zeyu and Yuan Caixi dedicated their time to tutoring the sports students, while Han Yayi provided individual coaching to Lin Chuan. During a study session, Ning Zeyu joked with Yuan Caixi about selling her meticulously prepared study notes to future students for profit. Yuan Caixi agreed, suggesting a 50/50 split, but Ning Zeyu, teasingly acknowledging his lesser role, offered her a larger share.
Yuan Caixi also slyly pointed out that Li He had been using Lin Chuan to inquire about her, showing she was aware of his attempts to gauge her feelings. Later, Li He, grateful for Yuan Caixi's help in their studies, invited her to dinner at a barbecue restaurant to celebrate their progress in Chinese, which now seemed promising for passing grades.
However, Yuan Caixi politely declined, explaining that she had already arranged to meet Ning Zeyu at the bookstore to discuss a difficult question. Ning Zeyu, during their bookstore session, asked Yuan Caixi why she was helping Li He if she aimed to surpass him academically. Yuan Caixi explained that she understood Li He's desire to make his parents proud with good grades, a sentiment she shared from her own past.
She also saw it as reciprocating the favor from the relay race, considering them "even" now. Ning Zeyu then suggested they attend a lecture together after the exam, but Yuan Caixi, still maintaining their rivalry, preferred to decide on the day, depending on her exam performance. Following Lin Chuan's advice to "play hard-to-get," Li He adopted a colder attitude towards Yuan Caixi the next day.
In the morning, when Yuan Caixi greeted him and offered help with homework, he acted indifferent, claiming he had no questions. Later, during PE class, Li He led the warm-up in Mr. Bai's absence and deliberately singled out Yuan Caixi, critiquing her movements and demanding a chest expansion demonstration. Han Yayi, noticing Li He's unusual behavior, approached Lin Chuan, asking why Li He was being cold and targeting Yuan Caixi.
Lin Chuan reported this back to Li He, interpreting Han Yayi's concern as a sign that Yuan Caixi was indeed affected and losing her composure. Li He worried he might genuinely upset Yuan Caixi if he continued to ignore her. Lin Chuan reassured him, reiterating that a strategic, sudden display of care and affection at the right moment would make her "completely fall for him."
However, Ning Zeyu, having deduced Li He's "play hard-to-get" strategy and explained it to Yuan Caixi, advised her to "play along" with their plan. The following day, Li He confidently presented his completed homework to Yuan Caixi, asking her to check it. To his surprise, Yuan Caixi merely affirmed that it was "good" without even looking at it, then told him to carry on with his usual activities. When Li He pressed for further instructions, she simply dismissed him.
As she left, she informed him that she had to help a teacher sort materials and wouldn't be able to tutor him or his friends anymore, leaving Li He and Lin Chuan in a panic, wondering what to do. Yuan Caixi then turned to Lin Chuan, declaring that she would be just as strict with him as she was with other classmates, effectively putting him in charge of his friends' academic progress.
Later, after a rigorous, unscheduled study session enforced by Yuan Caixi, Li He attempted to lighten the mood with Lin Chuan, telling him that his efforts would surely lead to a "reborn" performance in the upcoming exam. Soon after, Jiang Yuan excitedly approached Li He, revealing that he had successfully obtained the monthly exam answers from a web forum where he had sought help the previous day.
Episode 9 Recap
After the monthly exam, students discussed their performance. Yuan Caixi asked Han Yayi how she felt, and Han Yayi found the last question particularly challenging. Yuan Caixi agreed the paper was tough and wondered about Li He and their friends' results. Approaching Li He, Yuan Caixi asked if he had finished, and he confirmed he had, though unsure of the accuracy, especially since he handed it in right after finishing the first part of the last question.
Yuan Caixi was surprised he managed to solve such a difficult problem, and when he shared his answer, it was correct. Li He was ecstatic, believing he had finally passed the exam. Excited by his performance, Li He invited Yuan Caixi to an amusement park to relax. They enjoyed rides like the carousel and others, having a joyful time together.
Meanwhile, Ning Zeyu had previously invited Yuan Caixi to a lecture, but she hadn't had a chance to confirm before Li He called her away with an urgent request. Ning Zeyu waited for Yuan Caixi, but she never arrived. Later that evening, Yuan Caixi finally saw Ning Zeyu’s message and replied with an apology.
Ning Zeyu, after typing and deleting several questions about where she had been with Li He and why she missed the lecture, simply sent her the keynote of the lecture and a polite "You're welcome." Soon after, the monthly exam results were posted. Li He and his friends were delighted to find that they had all passed.
However, their celebration was cut short when Mr. Ma, having obtained evidence of Jiang Yuan attempting to acquire answers, summoned Li He's group, suspecting them of cheating. Yuan Caixi happened to be in Mr. Ma's office to deliver some documents. She tried to defend them, pointing out that the provided screenshot only showed the email title, not its content, and suggested it might be a misunderstanding.
Jiang Yuan admitted to posting online for help and receiving an email with "answers," but also revealed he had deleted the email. Li He, furious with Jiang Yuan's actions, made it clear that cheating was unacceptable, emphasizing that while they could lose, they must always compete honorably. Unconvinced by their pleas, Mr. Ma stated that deleting the email and attempting to buy answers were undeniable facts.
He announced that he would circulate a school-wide notice, cancel their monthly exam scores, and issue a formal criticism. Li He defiantly declared that in Mr. Ma's eyes, PE students were always "bad students" who cheated if they achieved good results, and were never expected to improve. Jiang Yuan then took full responsibility, but Li He and his friends stood united with him, asserting that if punishment was due, it should apply to all of them.
They left Mr. Ma's office in anger, with Yuan Caixi following. Feeling disheartened, Li He and his friends skipped class. Mr. Bai, their coach, found them and tried to cheer them up with fried chicken. Miss Luo, their homeroom teacher, also arrived. She expressed her belief in them, acknowledging their hard work before the exams and stating that passing was not beyond their capabilities.
She praised Lin Chuan for his good scores in Math and Chemistry and commended Li He for correctly solving the first part of the tough math problem, which many academic students couldn't. Miss Luo encouraged them not to underestimate themselves, affirming her high expectations for them. Lifted by her words, Li He and his friends decided to return to class.
Back in class, Pan Hao was actively spreading rumors that Li He's group had cheated, implying they were guilty for skipping class and had used Yuan Caixi and Ning Zeyu's help as a convenient excuse for their improved grades, labeling them "a fly in the ointment." When Li He and his friends entered, Pan Hao's demeanor became less confident.
The school-wide notice from Mr. Ma had already been circulated, leading to widespread student gossip and further solidifying the perception that Li He's group had cheated. Ning Zeyu, observing the situation, confronted Pan Hao, retrieved the email screenshot from him, and warned him against taking things that didn't belong to him, especially from the Monitor's desk. That evening, Li He was visibly upset, brushing his shoes repeatedly, a sign his parents recognized as him being in a bad mood.
His father suggested that a good meal would cheer him up, deciding to add an extra dish for dinner. Meanwhile, Yuan Caixi sent Li He a message saying she had something to tell him, but he left her on read, still angry. The next day, Yuan Caixi found Li He on the school grounds. She immediately clarified that she had not given the screenshot to Pan Hao nor asked him to share it with the class.
Li He admitted he had been angry at the time, feeling embarrassed that his hard-earned passing grade was canceled and they were accused of cheating, but he later realized she couldn't have been the one to do it. Yuan Caixi reassured him that she believed he and his friends had not cheated. She then asked him how he planned to resolve the situation, to which Li He vaguely replied that he would use his "own way."
Yuan Caixi sternly warned him against devising any "bad schemes" and instructed him to attend all classes, making it clear she wouldn't tolerate any more truancy, before heading back to her own class. Later, Ning Zeyu discussed the incident, expressing his belief that there was something amiss with the email.
He pointed out that Jiang Yuan's initial post on the web forum was merely asking how to quickly pass the monthly exam, suggesting he might have only sought study tips, not actual answers. Yet, someone replied within two minutes, offering answers via QQ, an incredibly fast turnaround.
Ning Zeyu further reasoned that since test papers are typically distributed only the day before an exam, it was highly probable that the "answers" received by Jiang Yuan via email were sent before the actual test papers even existed. To prove their innocence, Ning Zeyu proposed that if they could recover the deleted email, they would definitively know whether it contained the real test answers. Pursuing this lead, Ning Zeyu and Yuan Caixi approached Mr. Zhang, a teacher, asking to use his computer under the guise of looking up "extracurricular materials."
Episode 10 Recap
Ning Zeyu and Yuan Caixi asked Mr. Zhang to borrow his computer, pretending to research extracurricular materials. Ning Zeyu successfully recovered the emails that Li He had deleted. They discovered that the emails contained entirely incorrect answers, which would have caused anyone following them to fail the exam.
Yuan Caixi and Ning Zeyu deduced that the sender likely intended for Li He to perform even worse, but when Li He deleted the answers without viewing them, the sender then decided to frame them for cheating. After completing their investigation, they anonymously placed the supposed fake answers on Mr. Ma's desk.
On the sports field, Zhang Ye publicly taunted Li He, Lin Chuan, Jiang Yuan, and Yun Xiang, loudly declaring them the cheaters from Class 2 and daring Li He to physical confrontation. Yuan Caixi stepped in, confronting Zhang Ye and accusing him of trying to frame them with both cheating and instigating a fight.
She defended Li He by highlighting his achievements and character, such as being the long-distance running champion (while Zhang Ye was "number two forever"), honouring a bet by wearing a tortoise suit, and prioritizing helping her over winning a race. She also pointed out Li He's passing grades in three subjects compared to Zhang Ye's failures. She concluded that Zhang Ye knew deep down that Li He and his friends had not cheated.
Mr. Bai, Mr. Ma, and Miss Luo reviewed the evidence, confirming the answers were indeed fake, proving that Li He and his friends could not have passed by using them. Mr. Bai urged Mr. Ma to retain their monthly exam scores and to offer an apology for the wrongful accusation.
Initially hesitant, Mr. Ma lectured Mr. Bai about being too lenient on "troublemaking" students and the importance of discipline, but Mr. Bai insisted on an apology, stating that anyone wrongly accused would want one. Mr. Ma eventually agreed to retain their scores and publicly announced via broadcast that Li He, Lin Chuan, Jiang Yuan, and Yun Xiang had not cheated, retracting the previous criticism and apologizing on behalf of the school.
He also announced that Zhang Ye was found to have dealt with outsiders for exam answers and was called to the office. Li He and his friends, however, approached Mr. Ma, explaining that although the answers were fake, their initial intention to seek a shortcut was real. To genuinely prove their innocence and earn their scores fairly, they requested to retake the exam. Mr. Ma, respecting their decision and acknowledging their "strong sense of ethics," granted their request.
Later, as the school group chat buzzed with the news, most students expressed relief and felt they had misunderstood Li He and his friends. However, Pan Hao continued to spread rumors, questioning the sudden change in their behavior given their past "bad deeds." Ning Zeyu, overhearing this, slammed his homework book onto Pan Hao's desk, causing a loud noise.
When Pan Hao complained about the volume, Ning Zeyu retorted that it needed to be loud enough to drown out Pan Hao's gossiping. He warned Pan Hao to stop spreading rumors and to "gossip less." Li He later approached Yuan Caixi to thank her for her help. Yuan Caixi admitted she had been nervous during the confrontation, though Li He thought she seemed to enjoy it.
She then shared that she and Ning Zeyu had recovered the deleted emails, revealing Zhang Ye as the sender, and told Li He he should thank Ning Zeyu as well. That evening, Li He visited Ning Zeyu's house to invite him for dinner as a thank you. Ning Zeyu was surprised by Li He's sudden "kindness" and initially resisted, claiming he didn't help Li He for any personal gain. Li He, however, insisted it was to settle the debt.
Li He noticed a C programming book on Ning Zeyu's desk and was impressed, jokingly asking if Ning Zeyu could hack other computers. Ning Zeyu, confirming his role in recovering the emails, clarified he was studying C language, not "cybercrime." Li He admitted he envied Ning Zeyu's intelligence, recalling how his own mother had once wished Ning Zeyu was her son.
Ning Zeyu, in turn, confessed he envied Li He's family life, where his parents prioritized his happiness over his exam scores. The two exchanged good-natured banter and renewed their friendly rivalry, promising not to go easy on each other in the future. The next day, after Li He posted a motivational message online, Yuan Caixi liked it. Li He then messaged her, inviting her to watch him play basketball.
Although she initially cited studying as an excuse, she eventually agreed to meet him. At the basketball court, Yuan Caixi observed Li He play and even correctly identified a layup. When Li He challenged her to try, her attempt, which he humorously called "holding a urine bowl," was unsuccessful. He then patiently taught her the proper technique: "One. A big step. Two. A small step. Three. Jump high." With his guidance, she successfully made a layup, much to his delight.
Afterward, Li He took Yuan Caixi to a drink shop he frequented. They encountered a large crowd, which turned out to be fans greeting celebrity Ye Jingxi. Li He ordered them "ice lychee wine and a red bean paste milk" while they watched the commotion. As Li He walked Yuan Caixi home, he realized Ye Jingxi was Han Yayi's idolized older brother, joking about Han Yayi's potential outrage if she knew they had seen him.
Li He then boastfully claimed he was more handsome than Ye Jingxi if he styled his hair, questioning Ye Jingxi's ability to protect Yuan Caixi due to his "fragile" appearance. Yuan Caixi teased Li He for his self-perception but thanked him for teaching her to shoot, expressing her happiness. Meanwhile, Ye Jingxi discussed his decision to return to school with his manager, Wan.
Wan warned him of the many opportunities he would sacrifice, but Ye Jingxi affirmed his decision, stating he also needed to find a specific person. Separately, Han Yayi messaged Yuan Caixi, expressing extreme envy that Yuan Caixi had seen Ye Jingxi, forbidding her from looking at his face since Yuan Caixi hadn't even listened to his songs.
Yuan Caixi responded vaguely, claiming she saw him but couldn't get a clear look due to the crowd, eventually ending the conversation to focus on studying. Later, Yuan Caixi fell asleep and dreamt of her childhood birthday, where her friend, Bear, gave her a whistle necklace, promising to appear like Superman whenever she blew it. The dream then turned nightmarish as a fire broke out, and Bear rushed in to rescue her.
Waking up, Yuan Caixi looked at the whistle necklace around her neck, attributing the disturbing dream to her exhaustion from playing basketball earlier. The following day, Ye Jingxi officially transferred to Grade 3, Class 2. Han Yayi was very excited to see him in person. The teacher introduced him, noting his "special identity" and asking the class to help him settle in. The classroom erupted in excitement upon his entrance, which the teacher struggled to control.
As Ye Jingxi made his way to his temporary seat at the back, he greeted Yuan Caixi. Li He interjected, telling Ye Jingxi to take his seat. After class, a mob of students rushed to get Ye Jingxi's autograph. Spotting Yuan Caixi leaving, Ye Jingxi intercepted her, called her by name (surprising her), and offered to accompany her to hand in her homework.
As more fans converged, Ye Jingxi grabbed Yuan Caixi's hand and pulled her away, running through the school with a crowd of screaming fans in pursuit. Yuan Caixi, bewildered, asked why he was dragging her, to which he replied he had something important to tell her.
Episode 11 Recap
Ye Jingxi swiftly pulled Yuan Caixi into the library to escape his numerous fans. He covered her mouth to prevent her from making any sound that might alert them. Once the fans departed, Yuan Caixi pushed him away, demanding to know why he had brought her there and what he wanted to say. Instead of answering directly, Ye Jingxi asked if she remembered eating chocolate in the library when they were children and accidentally dirtying a book.
This question triggered a vivid memory for Yuan Caixi: a childhood flashback of a librarian scolding both her and Bear for eating chocolate and staining a book, reminding them they would have to pay for it. Yuan Caixi, astonished, struggled to believe that the famous idol Ye Jingxi was actually Bear, her childhood friend.
She then showed him her distinctive whistle necklace and a lollipop, and when he asked if her childhood wish had come true, she happily embraced him, overjoyed at the reunion. Ye Jingxi then clarified that after that memorable incident, his mother had moved him to a different city, and he later went abroad to train as an idol trainee, only returning recently.
He explained that he had tried to find her at her old house, only to discover she had moved. Undeterred, he meticulously searched all the high schools in Haiwen City until he finally found her name on the honor roll list on her current school's official website. Yuan Caixi playfully remarked that he had certainly become much smarter. Ye Jingxi, in turn, boasted about his inherent cleverness since childhood, though Yuan Caixi teased him back, suggesting he was "exactly" that.
He then confessed that he had worried she might have forgotten him, to which she admitted it was a possibility given his transformation. However, Ye Jingxi reassured her that the whistle on her necklace was how he would always recognize her. Meanwhile, Li He was seething with anger, having learned that Ye Jingxi had dragged Yuan Caixi across half the campus and kept her in the library for an extended period.
Lin Chuan showed him that Ye Jingxi was topping the polls as the "most popular male idol of the new generation" and had a vast fanbase. Li He dismissed the fans as mere "shallow girls," confidently stating that Yuan Caixi, being the diligent Monitor, was solely focused on her studies and would never chase celebrities. Lin Chuan then reminded Li He that Ye Jingxi and Yuan Caixi were childhood sweethearts, having known each other since they were very young.
Li He, now seeing Ye Jingxi as a rival, decided he needed to understand his "enemy" better. Lin Chuan then returned to the classroom to find a crowd of students, including Han Yayi, clamoring for Ye Jingxi's autograph and photographs. He quickly pulled Han Yayi out of the room, questioning her fervent obsession. Han Yayi declared that her feelings for Ye Jingxi transcended mere "liking"; it was "love" and "faith."
She emphatically stated she would willingly give up her hobbies like watching animation or writing novels if he asked, and would follow his every word. Lin Chuan criticized her for her lack of dignity and moral integrity, but Han Yayi simply said she didn't understand. Frustrated, Lin Chuan stormed off, having completely forgotten why he had sought her out in the first place.
Later, in the sports equipment room, Lin Chuan recounted to Li He his unsuccessful attempt to gather information from Han Yayi, expressing his annoyance that she was also captivated by Ye Jingxi. Ning Zeyu joined them, remarking that it was unexpected for both Li He and Lin Chuan to be so affected by women. Shortly after, Ning Zeyu asked Yuan Caixi if she had prepared study materials for the new student.
Yuan Caixi confirmed she had already prepared them for Ye Jingxi and just needed to make a copy. Ning Zeyu praised her for taking such good care of the new student. Yuan Caixi explained that Ye Jingxi, or "Bear," was her best friend from childhood, but they had lost touch after he moved.
Ning Zeyu expressed surprise that she hadn't recognized such a famous person, to which Yuan Caixi attributed it to his drastic change from a chubby child to a slender star. She believed that certain deep emotional bonds, forged through shared experiences, were immutable. Ning Zeyu, intrigued by her words, inquired further about her past with Ye Jingxi, but Yuan Caixi dismissed his curiosity, stating she had to leave.
At the supermarket, Ye Jingxi was once again mobbed by fans offering him various items. He politely asked them to put everything back. Yuan Caixi and Han Yayi, who were with him, quietly left, and Ye Jingxi followed suit. Huang Yuan, who was with Pan Hao, wanted to follow Ye Jingxi, but Pan Hao held her back, cautioning her she might get hurt in the commotion.
Huang Yuan, however, expressed a wish to get injured, hoping Ye Jingxi would carry her to the infirmary. After Huang Yuan left, Pan Hao, exasperated, posted on social media, accusing the "big star" of being arrogant and putting on airs even within the school. During lunchtime, as Ye Jingxi, Yuan Caixi, and Han Yayi headed to the cafeteria, a throng of excited fans followed. Ye Jingxi kindly asked them to return to their meals or classes.
Yuan Caixi offered to get food for Ye Jingxi but realized she had forgotten her meal card. Han Yayi quickly intervened, offering to get their food since she had her card. Ye Jingxi gave a very specific and elaborate order, requesting only white meat, vegetables, and eggs, in a portion no larger than his fist, and strictly no starch, which Han Yayi found quite pretentious.
While Han Yayi went to get the food, Ye Jingxi expressed his gratitude to Yuan Caixi for her presence, admitting he felt he had no other acquaintances in the new environment. From a distance, Li He observed their close interaction, which caused him to lose his appetite. Later, Ning Zeyu recounted the major events of Yuan Caixi’s childhood to Li He.
He explained that a young Yuan Caixi, from a single-parent family, had been bullied, and Ye Jingxi had come to her rescue. He further revealed that an attempt by Ye Jingxi to celebrate her birthday had inadvertently led to a fire. After Ye Jingxi's family moved when he was in primary school, they had completely lost contact.
When Li He inquired how Ning Zeyu knew such specific details, Ning Zeyu disclosed that he had obtained the information from Yuan Caixi’s younger brother, Yuan Haoxi. However, Li He dismissed these past events as insignificant, reasoning that despite their strong childhood bond, people change, and that there were many individuals superior to Ye Jingxi (implying himself) who could attract Yuan Caixi. He concluded it was "not a big problem."
In class, Dean Ma sternly addressed the students, singling out Ye Jingxi for not wearing his school uniform, for publicly pulling a female student (Yuan Caixi) in school, and for failing to be a role model. Many students loudly agreed with the Dean. Dean Ma emphasized that as third-year students, their primary focus should be on academics, not treating the school like their personal playground. Ye Jingxi acknowledged the reprimand.
Dean Ma then turned his attention to Yuan Caixi, reminding her that as the class Monitor, she had an even greater responsibility to set a good example. Yuan Caixi apologized and promised to be more careful. Later, Ye Jingxi visited Yuan Caixi’s home. Her mother initially did not recognize him but quickly became overjoyed, commenting on his transformation from the chubby "Bear" of her memories.
Ye Jingxi presented her with a gift and affectionately embraced her, expressing how much he had missed her. While washing their hands, Yuan Caixi asked about his experience playing basketball with Li He, describing Li He as "annoying but warm-hearted." Ye Jingxi, exhibiting a hint of jealousy, asked if Li He was "as cute as me," to which Yuan Caixi laughed, explaining that his "cuteness" belonged to his national fanbase.
Ye Jingxi also inquired about Ning Zeyu, and Yuan Caixi characterized him as her academic rival, clarifying that her relationships with both Li He (a new friend) and Ning Zeyu (a competitor) were limited. Ye Jingxi then confessed his true purpose for the visit: his company had arranged a movie audition for him, a role as a foreign swimmer. He expressed concern about his English pronunciation and memorizing his lines, to which Yuan Caixi readily offered her help.
He then made a "presumptuous request": because the audition process would be extensive, he asked her to become his private tutor for his schoolwork so he wouldn't fall behind. Yuan Caixi, without a moment's hesitation, agreed. Subsequently, Yuan Caixi approached Ning Zeyu and Li He, asking them to also tutor Ye Jingxi.
She proposed that while she would handle English and general studies, Ning Zeyu's academic excellence would be crucial for his schoolwork, and Li He, as the chief of the track team with an impressive body fat rate, could help Ye Jingxi with the physical training required for the swimmer role. Li He initially refused, questioning why he should help and why Yuan Caixi was constantly assisting Ye Jingxi.
Yuan Caixi reiterated that Ye Jingxi was her best friend and needed their help, trying to persuade them that helping him would also benefit their own skills – Li He would gain a training partner, and Ning Zeyu would reinforce his knowledge by teaching. Li He remained obstinate.
Ning Zeyu, who had also initially declined, then shrewdly suggested to Li He that if neither of them helped, Ye Jingxi and Yuan Caixi would spend even more time alone, potentially deepening their "childhood friendship." This argument swayed Li He, who grudgingly agreed to join the tutoring. With both Ning Zeyu and Li He on board, Yuan Caixi expressed her gratitude, and they all promised to coordinate a schedule.
Li He and Ning Zeyu then shared a toast to their "cooperation," acknowledging that their individual weaknesses necessitated a joint effort. However, they privately affirmed that their rivalry for Yuan Caixi's attention remained. Ning Zeyu remarked on Li He's newfound initiative, to which Li He admitted he felt compelled to fight for what was important to him.
They concluded their discussion (via phone call) by realizing that Ye Jingxi had likely already suspected their intentions when he questioned their actions earlier in the day. Li He suddenly grew concerned about what Ye Jingxi might do outside of school, fearing he might visit Yuan Caixi's house again.
Episode 12 Recap
Li He discussed with his friends in their group chat about how to prevent Yuan Caixi from focusing too much on Ye Jingxi during his upcoming tutorial. Jiang Yuan suggested training Ye Jingxi so intensely that Yuan Caixi would forget about the "wussy," but Li He felt that wasn't a "real man's" approach and asked Lin Chuan for advice.
Lin Chuan proposed that Li He dress uniquely the next day, ideally in "couple dresses"—not necessarily the same style, but the same color—to "declare his sovereignty." Li He thought this was an excellent idea. Li He immediately called Yuan Haoxi, who, mistaking him for a telemarketer, quickly rejected him before he could speak. Once Li He identified himself, Yuan Haoxi asked for a benefit for helping, mentioning that Ning Zeyu had given him a book of Grade 1 Comprehensive Science.
Li He threatened him, reminding him he was "the boss of Sen Yong" and asking if he was "tired of living." Yuan Haoxi cheekily responded that Yuan Caixi was his sister, leaving Li He unable to retort. Li He then conceded, promising him drumsticks for a week. He asked Yuan Haoxi to find out what color clothes Yuan Caixi would wear the next day, and Yuan Haoxi readily agreed to inform him immediately.
The next day, Yuan Haoxi called Li He to tell him that Yuan Caixi was wearing a green jacket and blue jeans. Li He immediately pulled all his clothes out of the closet to find a matching outfit. His father walked in, remarking on the messy closet he had just tidied, and warned Li He to clean it up afterward, threatening to "kick his ass" if his mother got angry at him.
Meanwhile, Ye Jingxi, admiring himself in the mirror, commented on his own "well-shaped" physique, believing that handsome people look good in anything. Yuan Caixi arrived at Ye Jingxi's house, accompanied by Ning Zeyu and Li He. As soon as Li He entered, he proudly declared that he and Yuan Caixi had "a connection" because their clothes were the same color. Ye Jingxi, surprised by their presence, questioned Yuan Caixi.
Ye Jingxi initially rejected them as coaches, expressing concern about them being around, worrying they might leak his address or take secret photos, but Li He and Ning Zeyu dismissed his fears. Yuan Caixi then explained that he needed help with both schoolwork and movie lines, as well as physical fitness training, and she couldn't manage it alone, so she asked them to assist. Yuan Caixi then told Li He to change his shoes.
Ning Zeyu commented on Ye Jingxi’s skinny frame, questioning how he would look good on camera. Yuan Caixi then presented a "Short-term Improvement Plan" for his upcoming audition, explaining they would tutor him weekly and he needed to review by himself on other days.
Later, after three weeks of intensive training, Yuan Caixi assessed Ye Jingxi's physical fitness as satisfactory, noting that the next step was to correct his English pronunciation, as Ning Zeyu added that his grammar and overall reading also needed improvement. At this point, Ye Jingxi rushed down the stairs, pulling Yuan Caixi into a room and locking the door. He claimed he needed her to rehearse lines with him.
Li He and Ning Zeyu repeatedly banged on the door, demanding he open it, but Ye Jingxi refused, telling them to wait and have some food, asserting that their attempts to force the door open would be futile. Later, Ye Jingxi, Ning Zeyu, and Li He were playing a card game called "Fight the Landlord."
Because Ye Jingxi had earlier taken Yuan Caixi away to rehearse lines, Ning Zeyu and Li He teamed up against him, aggressively "bombing" his plays and even resorting to physical scuffling to "teach him a lesson." Yuan Caixi intervened, stopping them, and then chastised Li He and Ning Zeyu to "watch their attitude."
Ning Zeyu, in turn, told Yuan Caixi that if they were to have the right attitude, she shouldn't be locking herself in a room with Ye Jingxi to rehearse lines, highlighting the need for "basic risk awareness." Yuan Caixi, although protesting she hadn't locked the door, conceded and promised to correct her attitude and not be "led by the nose." During this chaos, Bawan called Ye Jingxi, urging him to attend class.
Ye Jingxi, however, claimed he had no time and asked Bawan to continue making excuses for him, despite Bawan expressing he "can't take it anymore" from Ms. Hua. Ye Jingxi's persistent absence from class was discovered by Ms. Hua, his agent. She furiously reprimanded Bawan for lying about Ye Jingxi having a cold and fever to Ms. Rou, his professional acting teacher.
Ms. Hua, stressing the importance of an upcoming movie audition, questioned Bawan's judgment and dismissed the help from Ye Jingxi's classmates, stating they lacked professional knowledge of an artist's needs. Incensed, Ms. Hua dragged Bawan to Ye Jingxi's house and loudly knocked on the door. Yuan Caixi attempted to open it, but Ye Jingxi quickly pulled her into hiding behind a wall and turned off his phone, pretending not to be home.
After Bawan's repeated assurances that Ye Jingxi was absent, Ms. Hua eventually left. Just as Ye Jingxi and Yuan Caixi relaxed, Li He and Ning Zeyu knocked. Ye Jingxi tensed up, but Yuan Caixi opened the door before he could stop her. Upon seeing it was only them, Ye Jingxi breathed a sigh of relief. He explained he had to hide from his agent for Yuan Caixi's sake, to prevent her from being exposed to the media.
Li He and Ning Zeyu, however, insisted that if he truly cared for Yuan Caixi, he should have clearly explained the situation to Ms. Hua. When exam papers were distributed, Li He excitedly discovered he scored ninety points in English, celebrating with Lin Chuan. Ning Zeyu's score had noticeably dropped, yet he still maintained first place, leading Li He to sarcastically ask if he had "thrown the exam on purpose" and expressed his intention to surpass him.
Ning Zeyu retorted that he was still number one regardless of his score, and ironically suggested Yuan Caixi "reflect on it." Ye Jingxi, whose score had improved by over forty points, sincerely thanked Yuan Caixi for her help. To show his gratitude, he invited her to his house for a "fancy meal" that weekend. As Yuan Caixi hesitated, Ning Zeyu promptly accepted the invitation, followed by Li He, who, not wanting to be left out, also declared he would attend.
Yuan Caixi could only express her helplessness. During their meal, Yuan Caixi and Ye Jingxi ate some problematic pizza, causing them both to feel unwell. To protect Yuan Caixi from media exposure, Ye Jingxi quickly instructed Li He to take her to the hospital, while Ning Zeyu stayed behind with him to wait for Bawan.
At the hospital, the doctor reassured Li He that Yuan Caixi was mostly fine, having eaten little and vomited most of it out, and just needed a couple of days of rest at home. Concerned, Li He vowed to taste her food first in the future to prevent any such incidents. After ensuring Yuan Caixi was recovering, Li He went to check on Ye Jingxi.
He and Ning Zeyu found themselves barred from Ye Jingxi's room by Bawan, who explained Ms. Hua's strict orders against visitors. Soon after, Ms. Hua emerged and directly addressed Li He and Ning Zeyu. She acknowledged their care for Ye Jingxi but sternly reminded them that as an artist, Ye Jingxi was not an ordinary person and had specific responsibilities and professional training requirements. She questioned their amateur assistance, asking if the outcome was merely landing him in the hospital.
When Li He pointed out Yuan Caixi was also ill, Ms. Hua retorted that if Ye Jingxi had attended his professional classes, no one would have fallen sick. She reiterated that Ye Jingxi had chosen his path and must accept the necessary sacrifices. Acknowledging their past oversights, Li He and Ning Zeyu promised to be more mindful. They were then permitted to enter Ye Jingxi's room.
There, Yuan Caixi, who was already present, chastised Ye Jingxi for the problematic pizza, urging him to be more careful with expired food. Li He and Ning Zeyu also expressed their concern, advising Ye Jingxi to heed Ms. Hua's guidance, now understanding better the complexities of his life as an artist.
Episode 13 Recap
Ye Jingxi was aware that Ning Zeyu and Li He were deliberately preventing him from spending time alone with Yuan Caixi, and he suspected their offers to help him study were merely a way to keep an eye on him. The three boys openly admitted their affection for Yuan Caixi.
Ye Jingxi claimed his advantage as her childhood friend, Ning Zeyu highlighted their shared interests, and Li He boasted about having carried her on his back, hugged her, and carried her on his shoulder. At Li He’s remarks, Ye Jingxi and Ning Zeyu immediately confronted him, reminding him those were all due to accidents like poisoning or a fire. Li He, however, managed to subdue Ye Jingxi, prompting Ning Zeyu to back down before he could intervene.
Their bickering intensified, but the moment Yuan Caixi entered the room, they instantly switched to acting like concerned, friendly teammates, even calling Ye Jingxi "Bear" and part of "our small team." They quickly excused themselves and left. Later, as Li He and Ning Zeyu walked and talked, Ning Zeyu teased Li He about what his "little mind" was pondering.
Li He admitted that Ms. Hua’s words earlier had resonated with him, making him realize Ye Jingxi, despite their similar age, carried significant burdens. He then realized Ning Zeyu had just called him small-brained. Ning Zeyu clarified that while Ye Jingxi was their age, he had decided his future long ago, and pursuing one's desires naturally comes with many responsibilities. Li He then asked about Ning Zeyu’s interest in programming.
Ning Zeyu confessed his parents wouldn't support it and he didn't know what to do, envying Li He and Yuan Caixi for being able to pursue their passions. His parents expected him to follow their life plan rigidly, without any deviation, especially wanting him to become a lawyer. The conversation shifted back to Li He, who mentioned his pact with Lin Chuan and their friends to attend Haiwen Sport University together and continue running.
Ning Zeyu suggested that with Li He’s improved grades, he could aim for better universities. Li He, however, stated that as long as he could keep running, the university didn't matter. Ning Zeyu likened his sentiment to Yuan Caixi's, implying a special connection, which Li He quickly dismissed, telling him to focus on his own concerns. Miss Luo distributed notices for a parents' meeting and future university application forms, advising students to discuss their post-graduation plans with their families.
Han Yayi expressed her envy of Yuan Caixi’s grades, which would surely guarantee her admission to Beikai University. Han Yayi herself aspired to attend Zhongzhen University, particularly its newly established Chinese Department, praising its innovative teaching philosophies and, most importantly, its Creative Writing Course. Meanwhile, Li He showed Lin Chuan his application form, trying to hide something.
Lin Chuan pressed him, reminding him of their three-year promise to attend Haiwen Sport University together and expressing concern that Li He might be changing his mind. Li He, appearing preoccupied, reassured him that he was just lost in thought and would fill the form as agreed. Ye Jingxi was discharged from the hospital. Yuan Caixi, Li He, and Ning Zeyu had obtained a key from Bawan and arrived early to prepare a surprise for him.
Ye Jingxi jokingly called it a "shock" rather than a surprise. Li He explained they were worried and wanted to surprise him. Ning Zeyu proudly presented Ye Jingxi with a meticulously organized collection of recent papers, homework, and notes. Yuan Caixi handed him his university application form from Miss Luo. They then discussed their aspirations. Ye Jingxi revealed his desire to study music but hadn't decided on a specific university. Yuan Caixi aimed for the Finance Department of Beikai University.
Ning Zeyu stated he hadn't decided either but confidently proclaimed that he could go to any university based on his mood due to his excellent academic performance. Li He, with equal confidence, emphasized his sports talent and steadily improving grades, asserting he had many university options. Ye Jingxi’s movie audition did not go through. He explained that although the director and casting directors were initially impressed, he ultimately wasn’t selected.
He dismissed the setback, stating that such outcomes were normal in the industry and he would now focus entirely on his studies for the upcoming final exams. He then requested Yuan Caixi to resume tutoring him, and Li He and Ning Zeyu quickly joined in, announcing the formation of a "study group" dedicated solely to academics. Ye Jingxi commented on their newfound "high awareness."
Later, Ms. Hua arrived late to speak with Ye Jingxi, bringing his assistant, Bai Fei, to listen. She lectured Ye Jingxi on his professional conduct, accusing him of deliberately performing poorly at the audition to disappoint the casting directors. She questioned his disregard for the consequences, such as leaked audition videos or harm to his future career.
Ms. Hua sternly called his actions a "neglected duty" as an artist, contrasting him with successful "senior actors" who exhibited "devotion to work and responsibility." Ye Jingxi confessed he felt unable to fulfill his artistic responsibilities because the company "always arranged him to act in films." Ms. Hua acknowledged his desire to attend a conservatory of music but criticized his lack of diligent study.
She accused him of being "impetuous" and "arrogant," believing his minor fame and the company’s indulgence gave him special privileges in choosing universities. She concluded by stating that he could pursue music, but only if he "studied hard" and passed the college entrance examination "with his own strength." She urged him to clearly define his chosen path and how he intended to pursue it if he truly no longer wished to be an actor.
Ye Jingxi, having reflected on her words, apologized and requested the company to arrange a "professional music teacher," promising to study diligently. He then informed Yuan Caixi, Li He, and Ning Zeyu that he would be taking a two-week leave for professional music training arranged by his company. Li He playfully remarked that he always knew Ye Jingxi lacked acting talent and should stick to music.
Ye Jingxi explained that Ms. Hua’s admonition had made him realize he could no longer "idle away time" and must earnestly "chase his music dream." His friends expressed their full support, offering to provide him with all their class notes. When Miss Luo reviewed the application forms, she confronted Ning Zeyu and Li He about their choices. She confirmed with Ning Zeyu that he genuinely intended to apply to Tiangong University of Science and Technology.
Miss Luo expressed concern, calling it a "rebellious mind" that might jeopardize his future. Ning Zeyu refuted this, asserting his sincere passion for programming and highlighting Tiangong University as the nation's best for that major. He questioned the notion that following his parents' plans was the only correct path, reminding Miss Luo of her own past advice to "strive to realize your dreams." Miss Luo then turned to Li He, who had put down Huatsing University.
Bai Fei, also present, expressed skepticism about Li He’s chances. Li He felt slighted, but Miss Luo cautioned him about the fine line between confidence and overconfidence, given his current academic standing and the impending college entrance examination. She pointed out that Huatsing had preferential policies for "outstanding high-level athletes" but his current scores were still far from sufficient. She warned him that an improperly filled application could lead to being admitted to no university at all.
Li He, however, remained resolute, affirming he would study diligently and succeed by applying as a high-level athlete. Later, Li He approached Yuan Caixi, asking her to tutor him again in all subjects, stressing his seriousness this time and promising to cooperate fully. Yuan Caixi initially suspected he was "trying to make trouble again," referencing previous pranks, but Li He convinced her of his genuine intention to "study hard" to gain admission to Huatsing as a high-level athlete.
Yuan Caixi, though surprised, acknowledged his ambitious goal to attend one of the best universities in the country. Li He later informed Lin Chuan that he would not be attending Haiwen Sport University, explaining his desire to challenge himself and "see how far he can run" by aiming for Huatsing. He proposed that they all apply together.
Lin Chuan, visibly upset, stated his support for Li He's ambition but firmly refused to join him, citing his personal reasons for attending Haiwen Sport University and the significant distance of Huatsing from his home. He questioned whether simply wanting to be "better" automatically translated into actually being better.
Separately, Yun Xiang and Jiang Yuan also conveyed their support for Li He's pursuit of Huatsing but regretfully declined to join him for the specialized tutorials, citing their own limitations in both sports and academic performance. They promised to see him at training. Observing Li He alone at the tutorial, Yuan Caixi deduced that the PE students were having a disagreement and suggested he treat her to dinner.
At the restaurant, they encountered Lin Chuan, Jiang Yuan, and Yun Xiang already seated. Yun Xiang and Jiang Yuan attempted to mediate, urging Li He to communicate with Lin Chuan, as their unresolved conflict was making them uncomfortable. Li He approached Lin Chuan, reiterating that he had not forgotten their long-standing promise and still cared deeply for their friendship, expressing his hope that they could all strive for excellence together.
Lin Chuan maintained his position, emphasizing the practical difficulties of attending Huatsing, regardless of his admission chances. He concluded by reiterating his skepticism about Li He’s optimistic view of "better." Back at their table, Li He explained to Yuan Caixi that it was a "boys' problem" that girls wouldn't understand. Yuan Caixi playfully accused him of "sexual discrimination" but offered to listen as a friend.
Li He then revealed they had "fallen out because of the application" to Huatsing, expressing his own doubts about whether his decision was truly right. Yuan Caixi reassured him that aspiring to attend "one of the best universities throughout China" could never be wrong. Li He, however, clarified that his true worry was not about the difficulty of admission or Huatsing itself, but about "breaking my promise" to his friends.
Episode 14 Recap
Yuan Caixi asked Li He why their friendship had changed so much. Li He explained it was due to university applications, admitting that he had broken their original agreement. They had promised to attend Haiwen Sport University together. He then recounted the story of their initial acquaintance: his running shoes had broken on the day of an important assessment, and Lin Chuan had kindly lent him a pair, allowing him to pass the evaluation.
Wearing the shoes Lin Chuan had given him, Li He went on to win the first championship for Sen Yong High School that year. Afterward, the two of them solidified their pact to go to Haiwen Sport University, and everyone began calling Li He "Chief." Whenever the topic of university arose, it was always Haiwen Sport University. Li He expressed his profound regret, feeling he had let them down.
However, he emphasized that choosing a university was a crucial life decision with significant long-term implications, and he had hoped to encourage them all to aim for Huatsing University. He believed Lin Chuan's anger stemmed from his breach of their long-standing agreement. Yuan Caixi gently reminded Li He that while Huatsing University was his aspiration, he needed to consider what Lin Chuan truly desired, as everyone's choices and pursuits are unique.
Back home, Ning Zeyu found his mother waiting for him on the sofa. She had searched his room and discovered his programming books, which she had then gathered into a box. His mother sternly told him that she and his father had meticulously planned his future: he was to successfully enroll in law school. Ning Zeyu, however, revealed his true passion, stating he disliked studying law and instead loved writing code and designing programs, desiring a career that offered challenges.
His mother dismissed his aspirations as naive, telling him society doesn't allow one to simply do what they wish, and she criticized him for wasting time on an athletic student like Li He. She asserted that he would be grateful for her strictness in the future. The next morning, as Ning Zeyu stepped out, Li He immediately pulled him into his house. Li He showed him the box of books, asking if they were his.
Li He explained that Ning Zeyu hadn't replied to his messages the previous night, making him suspect something was wrong. When he went to take out the trash, he saw the books and assumed Ning Zeyu's mother had discarded them. Before Ning Zeyu could respond, Li He reassured him that the books could stay at his place. He invited Ning Zeyu to come over to read them anytime or offered to bring them to school.
During their conversation, Ning Zeyu confided that he had secretly applied for a programming major at Tiangong University of Science and Technology. Li He playfully remarked on Ning Zeyu's boldness, then revealed his own application to Huatsing University, prompting Ning Zeyu to comment that Li He was even bolder. Meanwhile, Han Yayi invited Lin Chuan for barbecue.
Lin Chuan suspected Li He had sent her, but Han Yayi clarified that while Li He was the reason she came, he had not asked her to intervene. She explained to him that when Li He had sought tutoring from Yuan Caixi, he had specifically included them all, never intending to abandon them. Han Yayi emphasized that Li He had never truly considered forsaking their shared dreams; instead, he merely wished to pursue higher achievements and goals alongside them.
She then referenced an earlier conversation between Li He and Lin Chuan. In that discussion, Li He had sat, lacing his shoes, with Lin Chuan silently beside him. Li He told Lin Chuan that he had made up his mind to apply for Huatsing University, regretfully admitting he could not honor their previous agreement to go to Haiwen Sport University. He then invited Lin Chuan to join him in applying to Huatsing University.
Lin Chuan immediately rejected the idea, explaining that his family's small shop relied entirely on his mother, and he couldn't possibly move to such a distant place alone. Li He, however, earnestly argued that his mother's tireless efforts were precisely to ensure Lin Chuan could attend a good university and secure a bright future, passionately urging him to consider Huatsing.
He asked if Lin Chuan would be content making his mother feel guilty for his sacrifice, and questioned if such a sacrifice was worth it when he had the ability to achieve more for himself and his mother. Later that evening, Ning Zeyu's mother visited Li He's house, asking about Ning Zeyu.
Li He's mother mentioned that Li He was applying to be a high-level athlete and that schools were discussing university applications, which surprised Mrs. Ning, who hadn't been informed. Mrs. Ning then returned home and furiously confronted Ning Zeyu after discovering that he had deceived his teachers, concealed information from his parents, forged her signature, and secretly submitted his university application form. She demanded his mobile phone and declared an immediate cessation of all extracurricular activities.
She announced her intention to call his homeroom teacher the very next morning, instructing that from that day until the Gaokao, Ning Zeyu was to return home immediately after school. Refusing to comply, Ning Zeyu slammed the door and left the house, seeking refuge at Ye Jingxi’s home. There, Ye Jingxi showed Ning Zeyu a video of his own audition, explaining that he had deliberately performed poorly because he didn't want the role.
Ye Jingxi encouraged Ning Zeyu to persist if his passion for programming was genuine. He shared his own experience, recounting how his parents had initially opposed his pursuit of music, wanting him to inherit the family business. Ye Jingxi had told his mother that while he could inherit the business, he would likely be unhappy for the rest of his life if he did so. His mother had eventually agreed.
Ye Jingxi advised Ning Zeyu, regardless of the situation, to call his family and inform them of his safety. Later, Li He was the one who informed Mrs. Ning by phone that her son was staying safely at a classmate's house, though he refused to disclose the specific location. The next day, Li He and his friends noticed Ning Zeyu's unusual distraction during class.
They soon discovered that his struggles weren't solely due to his argument with his mother but also because of an upcoming programming competition, which was scheduled to coincide with their final exams. They learned that Ning Zeyu had entered the competition and had secretly applied to Tiangong University of Science and Technology. In an effort to intervene, Ning Zeyu's mother visited Li He's house again.
She informed Li He's mother that she intended to transfer Ning Zeyu to another school after the final exams, stating that he was being negatively influenced by "people around him." Li He's mother vehemently defended her son, pointing out that it was common for boys in their adolescence to exhibit minor rebellious tendencies and that transferring him over such a matter could jeopardize his entire future.
After Mrs. Ning departed, Li He's mother urged her son to contact Ning Zeyu and persuade him to apologize to his mother, fearing the drastic consequences of a school transfer. Li He agreed to consider her advice.
Episode 15 Recap
During a video call, Li He informed Yuan Caixi and Ye Jingxi that Ning Zeyu’s mother planned to transfer him to another school. Ye Jingxi was shocked by the swift decision, especially during such a critical period in their third year of high school. Yuan Caixi agreed with his concern, noting that while Ning Zeyu was capable of handling both his programming competition and final exams, his mother thought otherwise.
Li He expressed his dilemma, as Ning Zeyu’s mother had tasked him with relaying the news. The three friends decided to intervene, narrowly avoiding being overheard by Ning Zeyu, who was upstairs. Later, after their final exams, Li He, Yuan Caixi, and Ye Jingxi anxiously waited in the school corridor, hoping Mrs. Ning would not show up. Their hopes were dashed when they saw her heading towards the teaching building.
They quickly devised a plan: Li He would find Ning Zeyu, while Yuan Caixi and Ye Jingxi would intercept his mother. As Ning Zeyu descended the stairs, he spotted his mother, quickly turning to run. Li He caught up to him, commenting on his unusual speed. Meanwhile, Ye Jingxi tried to stop Mrs. Ning, introducing himself as an actor.
Mrs. Ning, unimpressed, claimed not to know him and criticized Ning Zeyu's choice of friends, including "PE students or actors," for distracting him from his studies. Li He urged Ning Zeyu onto his bicycle, speeding off to the competition. Yuan Caixi, Ye Jingxi, and Miss Luo confronted Mrs. Ning, attempting to dissuade her from the transfer. Miss Luo argued against the transfer, citing potential negative impacts on Ning Zeyu’s academics and mental well-being.
Mrs. Ning, however, accused Miss Luo of prioritizing the school’s graduation rates and listed Ning Zeyu’s past misbehaviors, such as secretly learning programming, lying, forging signatures, and running away from home, as evidence of Miss Luo's poor influence. Miss Luo acknowledged her responsibility for some of these issues but argued that Ning Zeyu was in a rebellious phase and that excessive restrictions would only cause him to lash out. She insisted that a transfer wouldn't solve anything.
Dismissing Miss Luo’s "subjective" opinions, Mrs. Ning tried to leave. Yuan Caixi, introducing herself as the class monitor, then stepped in, urging Mrs. Ning to listen to Ning Zeyu’s true feelings, understand his passion for programming, and attend his ongoing competition. Li He, while cycling Ning Zeyu to the event, learned from him that the competition's judges were professors from Tiangong University of Science and Technology.
Ning Zeyu had been following it for a long time, and qualifying would grant him access to a winter training camp and face-to-face meetings with these professors, making his participation crucial. Mrs. Ning eventually arrived at the competition venue to observe. As Ning Zeyu saw his mother and recalled her earlier words, he momentarily froze, making a coding error. He took a deep breath, composed himself, and successfully recovered, passing the preliminary round.
Later, Ning Zeyu spoke with his mother, who acknowledged his passion for programming but warned him that if he didn't refocus on his studies after the competition, she would immediately transfer him. The final exam results were then released, showing a significant drop of over thirty points for Ning Zeyu, moving him to second place in the grade. Miss Luo called him to her office, advising him to distinguish between priorities.
She reiterated that his mother had agreed not to transfer him for now. Miss Luo conceded that if Ning Zeyu reached the final round of the programming competition, he could dedicate his winter break to it, but stressed the importance of him refocusing entirely on his studies afterward, emphasizing that the college entrance exam was his most important battle. Ning Zeyu affirmed his understanding. After the final exams, the friends decided to go out for dessert.
Yuan Caixi went to order food, and Ning Zeyu followed her, revealing he had received notification for the programming finals and would soon attend the winter training. He then asked Yuan Caixi for a reward for entering the finals. Yuan Caixi playfully suggested he should ask after winning the championship, but Ning Zeyu was confident he would win.
She then agreed to prepare a gift for the champion, as long as it was within her means, though he kept the gift idea a secret for the time being. Meanwhile, Yuan Caixi's mother, Liu Yanan, packed her bags to attend a class reunion, instructing her children to behave. Around this time, Ye Jingxi arrived at Yuan Caixi's house and joined the family for breakfast. He informed Yuan Caixi that he needed her help with tutoring.
The deadline for the Haixing Conservatory of Music was in November, giving him time to prepare for both the college entrance exam and his professional entrance exam. Yuan Caixi hesitated but eventually agreed. Yuan Caixi then presented her mother with a cheongsam she had bought with her scholarship money, identical to one her father had given her years ago.
Liu Yanan was deeply touched and pleased, and Yuan Haoxi jokingly remarked that she looked so youthful, her classmates would think she had found "corrosion remover." As Yuan Haoxi escorted their mother out, Ye Jingxi remained at the house. Later, Li He was at track practice when Lin Chuan received a message from Han Yayi. Lin Chuan shared the message with Li He, revealing that Ye Jingxi was at Yuan Caixi's house and Han Yayi wouldn't be joining them.
Upon hearing this, Li He immediately left his training, telling his coach he had an emergency, much to the coach's chagrin, who then made the other students do fifty leapfrogs as punishment. As Li He rushed home, telling his parents not to wait for dinner as he was going to a classmate's house to study, he met Ning Zeyu outside.
Ning Zeyu, also leaving, stated he was heading to 'training camp,' but admitted he told his mother it was a 'winter camp' as a cover, justifying it by saying training was a type of winter camp. Li He claimed he was going to eat barbecue, but Ning Zeyu, noticing Li He’s backpack, deduced he was not and called him out. Li He then admitted he was going to Yuan Caixi's house.
Ning Zeyu chuckled, calling Li He 'easy to be seen through.' Li He wished Ning Zeyu luck with his training, hoping he would win the championship. Ning Zeyu playfully warned Li He not to get complacent, as he would still be chatting with Yuan Caixi daily. He then asked Li He to 'keep an eye on that guy' (Ye Jingxi) while he was away. Li He assured him that was precisely why he was rushing there.
When Li He finally arrived at Yuan Caixi's house, he found Ye Jingxi already there. Both tried to get Yuan Caixi to tutor them, leading to an argument. Yuan Caixi, annoyed, questioned why neither of them had properly asked her before showing up. Ye Jingxi claimed he had, and Li He reminded her of a previous promise to tutor him if he fed her a chicken leg.
Episode 16 Recap
Li He, Ye Jingxi, and Yuan Haoxi went grocery shopping. Yuan Haoxi suggested steaming fish, but Ye Jingxi wanted junk food since no adults were present. Li He chided Ye Jingxi for not exercising and eating unhealthy food. As they walked, Ye Jingxi tried to avoid imaginary fans, which Li He scoffed at, reminding him that he wasn't a big star there.
Yuan Haoxi also stopped Li He, whom he called "Bear," from grabbing certain chips, insisting the spicy flavor was superior. Li He observed Ye Jingxi and Yuan Haoxi enthusiastically putting things in the cart, playfully calling one a "naughty kid" and the other "the idiotic son from the landlord's family."
Later, at the meat section, Ye Jingxi selected expensive meat, placing it in the cart, but Li He removed it, questioning the need for such pricey cuts and if Ye Jingxi's money was easily acquired. Suddenly, Yuan Haoxi rushed over, frantically exclaiming that Yuan Caixi was in trouble and "freaking out." They found Yuan Caixi surrounded by sales staff, who were persistently offering her samples, which she politely but firmly declined.
Back at Yuan Caixi's home, she admitted she was hungry. Li He offered to cook, promising to fill her up. Ye Jingxi immediately jumped in, offering to cook as well. Yuan Haoxi, seeing their competitive streak, suggested they both cook. He then expressed concern that they might "set the kitchen on fire."
In the kitchen, Li He boasted about his inherited cooking skills, while Ye Jingxi countered with his extensive experience living abroad and his superior knowledge of Yuan Caixi's preferences. Li He then challenged him. Yuan Haoxi proposed a bet where the loser would take out the trash and wash dishes for a week. He confidently bet on Ye Jingxi, citing his time abroad. Yuan Caixi, however, placed her bet on Li He.
Yuan Haoxi teased her that her hands would become coarse from the chores. A heated argument erupted between Li He and Ye Jingxi when Li He discovered Ye Jingxi had used all the sugar for his dessert. Li He criticized Ye Jingxi for not considering basic cooking ingredients like "onion, ginger, garlic, oil, salt, sugar," while Ye Jingxi retorted that he didn't know Li He needed it and accused him of acting like a star.
As they almost came to blows, Yuan Haoxi was on the phone with Ning Zeyu, joking about not getting food poisoning or burning down the house, before quickly hanging up to stop the fight. Yuan Caixi intervened, calling them childish and warning them not to tear her house apart. With no sugar, Li He improvised by using a can of cola from the fridge to make cola chicken wings, which he later discovered tasted even better than braised ones.
During the blind taste test, Yuan Caixi declared Li He’s chicken wings as her favorite, followed by Ye Jingxi's steak, then Li He's scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and finally Ye Jingxi's cake, which she found too sweet. Ye Jingxi was surprised, noting his steak was a replica of a dish from Yuan Caixi's favorite childhood restaurant, and he promised to cook it for her every day. However, Yuan Caixi clarified that her tastes had changed since childhood.
Li He then revealed his meticulous observations of Yuan Caixi's eating habits: her small appetite, how she eats more rice with chicken wings and scrambled eggs with tomatoes, her love for baby cabbage, and her dislikes for eggplant, green onions, and peppers. Yuan Haoxi, stunned by Li He’s detailed knowledge, jokingly asked if Li He was hiding under his bed.
Recognizing Li He’s decisive victory, Yuan Haoxi expressed disappointment in Ye Jingxi, lamenting that Li He won in everything (running, cycling, and cooking). Ye Jingxi was reluctant to accept defeat and suggested a rematch, but Yuan Haoxi highlighted that Yuan Caixi's choice validated her intelligence. Ultimately, Ye Jingxi was bound by the bet to do the dishes and take out the trash for a week.
As Li He and Ye Jingxi walked together, Li He complimented Ye Jingxi on his piano skills. Ye Jingxi admitted he had to "show off a bit" because Yuan Caixi seemed captivated by Li He’s cola chicken wings, to which Li He playfully called him cunning for acting on purpose.
Ye Jingxi then reflected that he had never seen Yuan Caixi so close to any other guy before, but he could tell she was genuinely happy, which fueled his urgency to impress her. Li He then advised Ye Jingxi to focus on his studies and piano, implying he would take care of Yuan Caixi, but Ye Jingxi quickly asserted that his openness did not mean he was giving up on her.
Ye Jingxi wondered aloud if Li He found it strange that they could remain friends despite both liking the same girl. Li He dismissed the idea, teasing Ye Jingxi about his lack of friends before adding that "quality overcomes quantity" and Ye Jingxi only needed him.
Ye Jingxi retorted that Li He would make a great actor because of his "shamelessness," which prompted Li He to boast about becoming a more famous star than Ye Jingxi if he had the same opportunities, disparaging Ye Jingxi's acting and running abilities. Early that morning, Yuan Haoxi was startled by the doorbell.
He opened it to find a large group of reporters blocking their entrance, asking if Ye Jingxi lived there and if he was cohabiting with a female classmate. Shocked, Yuan Haoxi quickly shut the door. Meanwhile, Ye Jingxi's assistant, Bawan, informed him of the "bad news" that had broken. Yuan Haoxi then rushed upstairs, pulling Yuan Caixi to the balcony, where she also saw the throng of reporters. Inside, Yuan Caixi, visibly confused and scared, asked what was happening.
Yuan Haoxi handed her his phone, revealing numerous online posts with photos of her and Ye Jingxi, falsely claiming they were living together. Yuan Haoxi read one article, highlighting how the "famous idol, Ye Jingxi," after returning to school, was now implicated in a scandal with a girl frequently entering and exiting a house with him, implying cohabitation. He clarified that the article was about her.
Yuan Caixi was distraught and wanted to explain to the reporters, but Yuan Haoxi prevented her, insisting that any explanations would only worsen the situation and she should simply stay indoors until the uproar subsided. Yuan Caixi found it outrageous to "stay here and do nothing" while being accused of cohabiting with Ye Jingxi. At the same time, Ye Jingxi’s team was seen deflecting reporters, stating they would not give any interviews or answer questions.
Yuan Haoxi, after firmly telling Yuan Caixi not to go online or leave the house, then called Li He, relaying the same warning and asking him to wait for further updates. Thankfully, Yuan Caixi's mother was out. Reporters, however, had surrounded Ye Jingxi, who, with Bawan's assistance, managed to reach his company. Meanwhile, at Yuan Caixi's home, Yuan Haoxi was shocked to see reporters attempting to climb through a window.
Li He arrived at their back door, instructing them to close the door, and then led Yuan Caixi and Yuan Haoxi out. As they carefully made their way, concealed behind a wall, reporters spotted them, yelling, "That’s them! That’s the girl! Don’t leave!" Li He immediately scooped up Yuan Caixi and ran, while Yuan Haoxi covered his face, shouting, "Don’t chase me! Don’t take photos of me!"
as he stayed behind, drawing the reporters' attention away from Li He and Yuan Caixi. Yuan Caixi and Yuan Haoxi safely arrived at Li He’s house. Yuan Haoxi explained that the internet was ablaze with news about Ye Jingxi and Yuan Caixi cohabiting, which Yuan Caixi dismissed as "cooking up rumors." Ning Zeyu called Yuan Caixi to check on her, relieved she was safe at Li He’s.
Ning Zeyu informed them he had investigated and found some clues, which he promptly sent. The photo at the center of the scandal was indeed one that Yuan Haoxi had posted to his QQ ID, taken at their home. Li He pointed out that the original photo had included Yuan Haoxi and his mother, but they had been deliberately photoshopped out to create a misunderstanding.
Yuan Caixi was incredulous, wondering who would do such a malicious thing, and Li He suggested it must be someone with access to Yuan Haoxi's QQ ID. Ning Zeyu also mentioned that he had already sent the original photo to Ye Jingxi, whose public relations team was actively working on a clarification.
At Ye Jingxi’s company, his manager reminded him of previous warnings about his public identity, the increased scrutiny, and the importance of maintaining distance from classmates to protect everyone, especially after his food poisoning incident. Ye Jingxi felt wronged, explaining that he only had dinner at Yuan Caixi's, always reported his whereabouts, and any time spent with Yuan Caixi was always in a group of at least three people. He expressed his willingness to fully cooperate.
Despite the scandal, Ye Jingxi decided to proceed with his scheduled activity, drawing strength from the supportive fans who gathered to cheer him on, expressing their trust and encouragement. His manager later confirmed that the public relations team had issued a clarification statement and urged everyone, including Bawan, to repost it for maximum exposure. Yuan Caixi and Yuan Haoxi also reposted the statement.
Back at Li He's house, Yuan Caixi remained upset, struggling to understand why someone would "maliciously cook up rumors." Li He offered comfort, drawing an analogy from sports where, despite the spirit of fair play, some individuals resort to cheating to achieve their desires. He explained that people sometimes "break every rule to obtain what they want." He advised her not to dwell on the "why," stressing that her sadness would only fulfill the culprit's objective.
Li He encouraged her, saying, "We can't control others, but we can adjust ourselves," and she shouldn't punish herself for someone else's wrongdoing. He urged her to "cheer up" and be happy, promising that together they would catch the person responsible and ensure they faced "accountable for what he did." Just as they finished speaking, Yuan Haoxi called out to Yuan Caixi, signaling another new development.
Episode 17 Recap
More photos of Yuan Caixi and Ye Jingxi together were exposed online, causing Ye Jingxi's public relations team to work tirelessly, and Bawan and his team were also deeply worried. Upon hearing that some fans had gone to Yuan Caixi's house to confront her, Ye Jingxi immediately rushed out. As the online investigation delved deeper, details of Ye Jingxi's childhood, including his family's move when he was in third grade, were unearthed, much to Yuan Caixi's anger.
Bawan called Yuan Caixi to inform her that Ye Jingxi was likely heading to her home to intercept the fans. Yuan Caixi, Li He, and Yuan Haoxi quickly left Li He's house and made their way towards Yuan Caixi's residence. As they neared her home, they were pursued by a large group of fans, but Ye Jingxi arrived just in time, drawing the fans' attention away from Yuan Caixi. Later, Ms. Hua fainted and was rushed to the hospital.
Ye Jingxi went to visit her, but Bawan firmly blocked him, insisting that he return home instead of causing more trouble. Meanwhile, back at home, Yuan Caixi asked Li He if he wasn't going back home. Li He replied that he was, then pulled Yuan Haoxi upstairs to Yuan Haoxi's room. From there, Li He and Yuan Haoxi entered Yuan Caixi's room through the balcony door.
Li He declared that they would sleep in her room to protect her, a suggestion that, as expected, led to them being promptly kicked out. That night, Yuan Caixi had a lengthy phone call with Han Yayi. Yuan Caixi deduced that the photos were originally from classmates' QQ spaces, with others edited out but her face only blurred, suggesting the initial leaker didn't intend to harm "her" but merely sought attention.
She then confided that she had already guessed the identity of the person who initially leaked the photos to the paparazzi but wanted to find an opportunity to confirm her suspicions before revealing it to Han Yayi. Concerned about Yuan Caixi's safety at home, Han Yayi offered her a place to stay for a few days. Yuan Caixi declined, explaining that the fans had dispersed, and she had both Yuan Haoxi and Li He at home.
Han Yayi expressed surprise that Li He was still there, then asked if Yuan Caixi wasn't touched by all he had done for her. The next morning, Ms. Hua called to arrange a press conference for Ye Jingxi to address the ongoing situation, only to be informed that he was already live-streaming. In his livestream, Ye Jingxi apologized for his personal life occupying public resources and for not being discreet enough.
He thanked his fans and colleagues, then earnestly requested that no one disturb his classmates or friends, emphasizing that they were genuine friends. He stated that the circulating photos had all been doctored and assured everyone that his agency and he would find the source of these fake photos and defend their rights legally.
He concluded by apologizing for letting Ms. Hua down and promised to learn to be a wise person who cares for others, vowing to focus on making music and hoping his fans would appreciate that side of him. Later, Ye Jingxi sent a message to Yuan Caixi, informing her that they had identified the person who initially leaked the photos and had sent her the evidence.
Yuan Caixi and Li He reviewed the information, showing little surprise as they had previously suspected the individual. Ning Zeyu then called Yuan Caixi, and she told him they had found the photo leaker. Ning Zeyu explained that merely identifying the person wasn't enough; they needed to get the individual who published the rumors to delete the posts or issue a clarification to resolve the issue completely.
He mentioned having already found the publisher's private email address via their IP address and was now looking for a way to arrange a meeting. Li He took the initiative, sending an email to the publisher, claiming to have more photos of Ye Jingxi, and successfully lured them to a meeting. At the meeting, Yuan Caixi confronted the person, Pan Hao, explaining the severe consequences of using doctored photos to maliciously spread rumors and defame others online.
She warned that if Ye Jingxi's company pursued legal action, Pan Hao would not only have to delete the photos and issue a public apology but also compensate for all economic losses. Li He urged Pan Hao to immediately delete the posts, publish an apology statement, and reveal the truth, or they would hand over all his personal information to Ye Jingxi's company for further action. Ye Jingxi later had a private conversation with Pan Hao.
Pan Hao, feeling deep remorse, apologized, revealing he had been threatened by a paparazzi, and his phone had been hacked, leading to his QQ ID being stolen. He explained that he had always yearned for attention but felt overshadowed by more popular classmates like Ning Zeyu, Yuan Caixi, the athletic students, and eventually Ye Jingxi. Ye Jingxi expressed understanding for Pan Hao's feelings, acknowledging that he, too, chose to be an artist to be seen by more people.
He encouraged Pan Hao to strive for what he wanted through his own efforts, rather than relying on others. Pan Hao then apologized to Ye Jingxi and the others present, and they all forgave him. For their celebration at Ye Jingxi's house, Yuan Caixi attempted to cook curry beef stew for Li He, Yuan Haoxi, and Ning Zeyu. However, her culinary efforts resulted in a "dark cuisine" dish that even she couldn't bring herself to eat.
Ultimately, the four friends ended up eating instant noodles together. Afterwards, Ning Zeyu reflected on the Pan Hao incident, sharing how it made him realize that everyone has their own struggles, broadening his perspective beyond just competing for first place. Yuan Caixi, as class monitor, expressed regret for not having noticed Pan Hao's struggles sooner, wondering if things would have turned out differently if they had paid more attention to him.
Episode 18 Recap
Ms. Hua arrived with a stack of fan letters for Ye Jingxi, asking if he was prepared for the upcoming school semester, to which he replied he was almost ready. Ye Jingxi picked up a fan letter from his desk and read it aloud, amused by a fan who had invented various watermelon dishes like Watermelon sashimi, Watermelon broth, and Watermelon mixed with watermelon, because they felt guilty eating watermelon as a "watermelon" (fan).
He insisted on replying to each letter personally as they represented his fans' heartfelt support. Ms. Hua suggested a fan appreciation event, explaining that after recent events, it was crucial for him to show his fans he cared. Ye Jingxi, however, declined, feeling he was unworthy of their affection.
He declared his intention to diligently prepare for the Gaokao and the music major's professional exam to gain admission to Haixing Conservatory of Music, aspiring to become a professional musician to reciprocate his fans' love. Ms. Hua then proposed he consider Austria Lakeside Music School instead, as she believed its focus on classical theory at Haixing Conservatory of Music was not suitable for him, and the Austrian school better fit his profile.
She urged him to think carefully to avoid regrets, reminding him that true friendships withstand time and distance and that his friends' pursuit of their dreams should inspire him. On the first day of the new semester, Miss Luo informed the class that Pan Hao had transferred during the winter break. She reminded the students that the Gaokao was less than six months away, emphasizing the critical importance of these few months for their future.
She advised them to set aside anything unrelated to the exam. After class, Ye Jingxi approached Yuan Caixi, asking if she would go abroad if given the chance and to consider her answer carefully. Yuan Caixi admitted she hadn't thought about it and explained that her family's financial situation wouldn't permit studying abroad, nor could she leave her mother and younger brother. Ye Jingxi pressed her to consider it purely from her own perspective, without external factors.
He suggested she research European finance colleges. Yuan Caixi left, pondering the idea of "Europe." Meanwhile, Mr. Bai discussed the upcoming fifteenth Haiwen Junior Championships with Li He, highlighting its importance. Excelling in the preliminaries and finishing in the top three of the finals would qualify one for a national second level athlete certificate, which is essential for applying as a high-level athlete.
When asked if he was confident, Li He declared himself the city-level long-distance running champion, certain he would succeed and promising to work hard. Later, Li He visited Yuan Caixi, bringing her sticky rice balls his father had made, which he thought she would like. He also sought her out just to see her again. Yuan Caixi then asked him where he would go if he had a chance to go abroad.
Li He initially mentioned Jinling, the hometown of Olympic long-distance running champion Wan Yunxia. He then added Ethiopia, naming Kenenisa Bekele as an African long-distance running champion. He expressed that running made him feel free and he wanted to push the limits of his own speed and distance. He asked Yuan Caixi if she would run with him.
When she replied she wasn't a fast runner, he offered to carry her on his back, promising he would never leave her behind as long as he could still run. After a brief interaction with her family where Yuan Caixi's mother shared a story about her honeymoon in Thailand, implying the company was more important than the destination, Yuan Caixi reflected on this sentiment.
Ye Jingxi visited Bawan, who was working late, to announce his decision to hold a fan appreciation event. He confided in Bawan that Ms. Hua had secured him a spot in a European school and he would soon be studying abroad. Before leaving, he wanted one last chance to fight for himself and use the event to confess his true feelings to Yuan Caixi. Bawan warned him that success was highly unlikely, estimating a 99% chance of failure.
Ye Jingxi responded that perhaps he just needed a definitive outcome to finally give up. Ning Zeyu's mother prevented him from attending Ye Jingxi's fan appreciation event, reminding him of the impending Gaokao, so he sent a message to his classmates expressing his regrets. The "Ye Jingxi 2020 concert" was a lively affair, with enthusiastic fans taking photos with a cardboard cutout of Ye Jingxi. Li He, engrossed in his training, also missed the event.
Before beginning his performance, Ye Jingxi thanked his classmates from Sen Yong High, Class 2 Grade 3, for making his final year of high school and his nineteenth year joyful. He then addressed a "particular person" (Yuan Caixi), recalling their childhood.
He acknowledged that while she might have thought he was protecting her, she was the only one who supported and encouraged him when everyone else saw him as fat and silly, helping him overcome his insecurities and bravely pursue his dreams. He asked for one last "whim" to fight for himself. As Ye Jingxi sang, Yuan Caixi seemed lost in childhood memories. Midway through the performance, she quietly left the venue.
After finishing his training, Li He received an urgent message from Lin Chuan about Ye Jingxi's dramatic confession at the fan appreciation event, prompting him to rush to the venue. Meanwhile, after the event concluded, Ye Jingxi remained on stage, hoping for Yuan Caixi's return. Yuan Caixi did return, telling Ye Jingxi that his song was beautiful. Ye Jingxi revealed that Ms. Hua had found him the best music school abroad and that he was leaving soon.
He then asked Yuan Caixi to study abroad with him, offering to cover her tuition costs. Yuan Caixi politely declined, explaining that despite her desire for a good university and a lucrative career, she could not leave her family. She reiterated her mother's sentiment from their earlier conversation: the destination is not as important as "who you're with." Yuan Caixi then returned a necklace to Ye Jingxi.
Distraught, Ye Jingxi threw the necklace away, declaring that if she didn't want it, he wouldn't give it to anyone else, so it was better discarded. He then bid her farewell. Li He arrived at the venue to find Han Yayi, Lin Chuan, Jiang Yuan, and Yun Xiang waiting. They told him about Ye Jingxi's romantic gesture, playing a song specially written for Yuan Caixi in front of everyone. Just then, Yuan Caixi emerged.
She clarified to Li He and their friends that she and Ye Jingxi had only been discussing his plans to study music in Austria. Han Yayi was shocked to hear about Ye Jingxi's imminent departure. Li He visibly relaxed, much to Lin Chuan’s amusement, who teased him for his obvious anxiety. As Li He walked Yuan Caixi home, he made her promise never to leave without telling him and always to seek his approval if she planned to go anywhere.
Yuan Caixi, affectionately calling him "World Champion," playfully assured him she wasn't going anywhere and simply wanted to go home and sleep. Li He then urged her to trust him completely.
Episode 19 Recap
The episode opens with classmates gathering to bid farewell to Ye Jingxi, who is leaving the country. Everyone expresses their reluctance to see him go. Ye Jingxi light-heartedly tells Yuan Caixi that he would stay if she didn’t want him to leave, and he promises to return soon, as there is someone important to him still there. Li He teasingly tells Ye Jingxi to study hard abroad and not return, to which Ye Jingxi retorts about Li He's meanness.
Ye Jingxi asks Yuan Caixi to call him if she misses him, offering to book her a flight and act as her bodyguard. Yuan Caixi reciprocates, telling him to call them if he misses everyone. Ning Zeyu and Ye Jingxi exchange pleasantries, with Ye Jingxi warning Ning Zeyu to report any bullying from Li He towards Yuan Caixi, threatening to come back and teach Li He a lesson, much to Li He’s annoyance.
Yuan Caixi, too, expresses how much she will miss her brother, Ye Jingxi, as they all wish him a safe journey and urge him to keep in touch. Later, during morning exercises, students complain about the continued physical training despite being in the review stage for exams. A classmate wonders why Lin Chuan is leading the exercises for three days instead of Li He, who has been training alone, finding it strange.
Yuan Caixi suddenly faints after the run and is rushed to the infirmary by Ning Zeyu. In the infirmary, Han Yayi informs a recovering Yuan Caixi that Ning Zeyu carried her there. Ning Zeyu explains that the school doctor believes Yuan Caixi is overly tired and hasn't rested enough, also noting her sparse lunch. Yuan Caixi dismisses it as merely standing up too quickly.
Meanwhile, Han Yayi finds Li He, who is training intensely, and tells him about Yuan Caixi fainting. Rushing back to the classroom, Li He confronts Yuan Caixi about not informing him of her injury. He takes her phone, setting three daily alarms for meals and demanding she send him photos of her dinner. Li He expresses deep concern, listing her past clumsy incidents, and insists she eat regularly. Yuan Caixi agrees to his terms.
She then hands him study materials, mentioning he has missed class for several days, and asks him to review them at home. Li He, after thanking her as "monitor," unexpectedly invites her to dinner. Yuan Caixi is left pondering Li He's dinner invitation, unsure if her neither accepting nor refusing response means it's a date. She consults her younger brother, Yuan Haoxi, who is practicing guitar. Hypothetically, she asks him what he would do in such a situation.
Yuan Haoxi quickly suspects Li He is the one who asked her out. He advises that if he genuinely wished to treat the girl, he would assume she accepted; otherwise, he'd take it as a refusal. Yuan Haoxi tries to grab her phone to call Li He for clarification, but Yuan Caixi snatches it back. He then teases her by singing, prompting her to angrily kick him out of her room and lock the door.
Alone, Yuan Caixi types and deletes several messages to Li He, unable to decide what to send. Later, Yuan Haoxi discusses Yuan Caixi's "abnormal" behavior with their mother, initially attributing it to "the unreasonable days of girls" before suggesting it might be pre-exam anxiety, advising their mother to give Yuan Caixi some space. Eventually, Li He arrives outside Yuan Caixi's window, inviting her out. When she hesitates, he playfully threatens to climb up and carry her down.
Yuan Caixi, after trying on several outfits and fixing her hair, finally joins him. Yuan Haoxi, seeing her, compliments her beauty and relays their mother’s instruction for them to eat out. Li He takes Yuan Caixi to a fried chicken shop, where he points out that the shop's name shares her last name, expressing how seeing any part of her name makes him feel "cordial." Yuan Caixi jokingly asks if he feels the same way about "Yuan Shih-kai."
He helps her with the fried chicken, which she enjoys. Their outing continues with a visit to an accessories shop and a claw machine, where Li He wins a plushie for her. Next, they watch a horror movie, but it is Li He who is terrified and seeks comfort from Yuan Caixi. Afterwards, he asks her to train with him, requesting her to be his "coach."
Yuan Caixi initially resists, but Li He insists, putting a resistance band on her, stating that senior year demands both intelligence and physical strength, and questioning if she wants to lose to Ning Zeyu in both. They engage in a "spring run" training together. During the training, he reveals it's his 18th birthday and thanks her for a wonderful day. He also informs her of his upcoming match next Saturday and his intensive training.
Yuan Caixi playfully warns him that if he doesn't win first place, she'll tell everyone to make him feel ashamed. Li He then asks her to come to his match, explaining that seeing her at the finish line would make him run faster because she is "his finishing line." Yuan Caixi then surprises Li He by singing "Happy Birthday" to him, just as Ning Zeyu arrives and witnesses the scene. Li He walks Yuan Caixi home.
As they approach her house, they both call out each other's names simultaneously. Yuan Caixi confirms she will attend his match at No. 2 Experimental Middle School next Saturday. Yuan Haoxi emerges from the house, annoyed by their prolonged goodbyes and repeated mentions of the birthday and the match. He pulls Yuan Caixi inside, urging her to come home. Before she enters, Li He reminds her to come to the match.
Yuan Caixi, visibly happy, bids him goodbye, and both continue to smile even after she has gone inside. Later, Han Yayi calls Yuan Caixi to report on her conversation with Lin Chuan about Li He. While she couldn't extract the full secret, she confirms two things: Li He was genuinely just chatting with the junior from the track and field team, and he is indeed hiding something from Yuan Caixi.
Yuan Caixi, no longer teasing, reveals that she knows Li He's secret but cannot share it with Han Yayi. Han Yayi expresses frustration at being kept in the dark by everyone. Li He returns to a dark house, but his parents surprise him by emerging with a cake and singing "Happy Birthday" for his 18th birthday. His father jokingly claims to have found him in a trash can 18 years ago.
Li He cuts the cake, offering the first piece to his mother, acknowledging her "suffering day," and the second to his father as the "head of the family," before taking his own. His mother then mentions that Ning Zeyu visited earlier, saying he had something important to tell Li He. His father suggests Li He take a piece of cake to Ning Zeyu, emphasizing the importance of sharing joy with friends.
Li He tries to decline, stating that Ning Zeyu doesn't eat sweets, but his mother insists it's a matter of politeness. Following his parents' advice, Li He takes a piece of cake to Ning Zeyu's house. Ning Zeyu answers the door and acts distant, denying Li He's claim of brotherhood, saying they were "plastic brothers" last month.
Li He asks why Ning Zeyu had sought him out earlier, but Ning Zeyu claims he forgot and doesn't want to think about it further. He then refuses the cake, stating he doesn't like sugar, "especially the one from others." Li He asks if Ning Zeyu went to the school earlier, implying he saw Li He and Yuan Caixi together. Ning Zeyu gives an ambiguous reply, "Would I see something if I went to the school?"
He then wishes Li He a happy birthday and declares his intention to seriously prepare for the college entrance exam to "take back the first place," before abruptly wishing Li He good night and closing the door, leaving Li He bewildered. In class a few days later, students again lament the quick passing of another week. A student invites Ning Zeyu to a lecture, but he states he has already attended it.
When invited to have barbecue after evening classes, Ning Zeyu declines, and even when offered other options like dessert, hotpot, or singing, he makes an excuse and leaves. A student speculates that Yuan Caixi might be tired from a recent test, to which Ning Zeyu cryptically responds, "It’s not your fault. You will know." Another student asks Ning Zeyu if he knows what's happening, and he replies, "I’ve been her classmate for three years.
Do you think if I know it or not?" The student finds his behavior very strange. In the final scene, Yuan Haoxi returns home and calls for his mother, but there is no response.
Episode 20 Recap
Li He asked Ning Zeyu what was troubling Yuan Caixi today. Ning Zeyu explained that it was Yuan Caixi's father's birthday. Her parents had shared a deep bond, and to spare her mother sadness, they only celebrated his birthday, not his death anniversary. Every year on this day, both Yuan Caixi and Yuan Haoxi made sure to come home so their mother wouldn't feel lonely. Ning Zeyu assured Li He that Yuan Caixi’s mood wasn't due to him.
Yuan Haoxi, who was only four when his father passed away, admitted he remembered nothing about him. He asked Yuan Caixi to tell him more. Yuan Caixi led him to an old storage area and retrieved a box. The password to a locked compartment was their parents’ wedding anniversary. They looked through old photographs, with Yuan Haoxi seeing himself as a baby.
Yuan Haoxi then wanted to read his father’s diary, but Yuan Caixi initially hesitated, fearing it would only cause more sadness and wasn't useful now. Yuan Haoxi insisted, wanting to understand what his father had experienced. He read a diary entry from March 1, 2008, where his father recounted a doctor’s suspicion of leukemia and his own symptoms: poor appetite, dizziness, fatigue, and persistent bruises.
His father noted that his wife, Yanan, tried to comfort him by saying they would overcome it, but he felt she was mainly comforting herself. Soon after, Yuan Caixi’s mother entered, understanding Yuan Haoxi’s need to connect with his father. She assured him that his father was the kindest, most responsible, and best dad, and the most handsome man in her heart, before opening an old computer.
Upon returning home, Li He hugged his father, who was cooking, expressing how wonderful it was to have his parents around. His father playfully pushed him away. Li He then sat with his mother and asked how his father had comforted her when her grandfather died. He explained that a good friend's father had passed away, and he was unsure how to offer comfort.
His mother told him that the loss of a loved one brings immense sorrow, and often, words of comfort are insufficient. She advised him to simply be present, avoid prying questions, try to distract her, or cook her favorite foods. Li He's mother then correctly guessed he was referring to Yuan Caixi, asking what "Monitor" liked to eat. Li He listed chicken wings, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and cabbage, marveling at his mother's insight.
Later, Yuan Haoxi noticed bruises on Yuan Caixi's arm. Recalling the symptoms from their father's diary, he worried she might have leukemia. Yuan Caixi playfully dismissed his fears, asserting she would live longer than him. However, her own symptoms deeply concerned her. She secretly went to the infirmary and described her poor appetite, dizziness, frequent falls, and persistent bruises to the teacher, pretending it was for a friend.
When she mentioned the "friend's" father died of leukemia, the teacher explained that while leukemia isn't hereditary, a family history puts one at high risk. The teacher strongly recommended a check-up at a major hospital if the symptoms persisted. Back in the classroom, Han Yayi asked to borrow Yuan Caixi’s math paper. Already in a foul mood, Yuan Caixi refused, telling her to do her own work.
Han Yayi, used to borrowing it, ignored her and reached for the paper, causing Yuan Caixi to snap in anger. Yuan Caixi stormed out, and Li He followed her, asking what was wrong. She vaguely said "nothing" and mentioned his upcoming competition. Li He insisted on knowing what was troubling her, and she admitted her mind felt chaotic. After a brief conversation, she returned to the classroom. She apologized to Han Yayi for her outburst, attributing it to stress.
Han Yayi, in return, offered her a strawberry milk and promised to bring a whole box from home, noting that sweet food can alleviate stress. Yuan Caixi expressed gratitude for her friends. At the library, Yuan Caixi struggled to reach a book on a high shelf. Ning Zeyu, seeing her, helped her retrieve it. He noticed the book's title, "Secrets of Blood." Yuan Caixi, realizing he saw the title, said she wouldn't borrow it and turned to leave.
Ning Zeyu, looking at her back, then directly confronted her, asking if her father had died of leukemia. He revealed that Han Yayi had told him about Yuan Caixi's recent poor appetite and multiple fainting spells. Yuan Caixi denied it, insisting she had been talking about a friend earlier and telling him not to make wild guesses. Ning Zeyu gently took her hand, pointing out bruises on her arm and asking if she had them elsewhere.
Yuan Caixi called his name loudly, upset. Ning Zeyu then pulled her away. As they walked, she pleaded with him not to tell Li He, emphasizing Li He’s upcoming competition and stating that her own condition was not important. Ning Zeyu agreed to keep her secret, but only until the end of the month, warning that if she didn't go to the hospital by then, he would inform those who needed to know.
After this conversation, Ning Zeyu and Yuan Caixi met Li He, who then escorted Yuan Caixi home and told her he would pick her up and drop her off for school from that day forward. Lin Chuan happened to pass by and witnessed Ning Zeyu and Yuan Caixi's close conversation. Later, he called Li He, unsure whether to reveal what he saw. Li He missed the initial call but called back.
Lin Chuan, unable to hold it in, told Li He about seeing Yuan Caixi and Ning Zeyu speaking intimately near the library. Li He dismissed his concerns, explaining that Yuan Caixi had already told him she went to ask Ning Zeyu about a math problem concerning piecewise functions. He firmly believed Yuan Caixi would not lie to him. Lin Chuan sighed, mentally calling Li He naive.
The next morning, Yuan Caixi left home half an hour earlier than usual, hoping to avoid Li He. However, Ning Zeyu, anticipating her attempt to evade Li He, was already waiting near her house. He commented on her early departure, noting that she had clearly intended to avoid Li He. He then offered to carry her bag, which she declined.
Episode 21 Recap
Jiang Yuan and Lin Chuan were talking in the hallway when they noticed Ning Zeyu and Yuan Caixi arriving at school together, which surprised them. A short while later, Li He also arrived, carrying buns. He offered breakfast to his three friends, Jiang Yuan, Lin Chuan, and Yun Xiang, before heading to the restroom. Lin Chuan followed him, knowing the red bean paste buns Li He brought were intended for Yuan Caixi.
Lin Chuan urged Li He to genuinely trust Yuan Caixi if that was his decision, or to clarify things if he couldn't, reminding him of her reliable character and that there was no need for lingering misunderstandings. Li He then called Yuan Caixi out of the classroom. He told her he had gone to her house to pick her up that morning.
Yuan Caixi honestly explained that she had left home early and happened to meet Ning Zeyu, so they came to school together, and he had also bought her breakfast. When Li He asked why she left early, Yuan Caixi confessed that she didn't want to lie to him and had a reason for not waiting. She then asked if he could trust her this time, just as he had asked her to trust him before.
Li He, after a moment of frustration that it was another secret Ning Zeyu knew but he didn't, affirmed, "I trust you. I’ll also work hard to become a better person who’s worthy of your trust." Afterward, Han Yayi inquired why Yuan Caixi was blushing and whether Li He was upset about her arriving with Ning Zeyu. Yuan Caixi dismissed the idea, stating Li He was not angry.
During the morning run, Yuan Caixi felt unwell and excused herself from class. Ning Zeyu, seeing she was unwell, also excused himself, stating he had important things to discuss with her. Yuan Caixi then confided in Ning Zeyu that she might have leukemia, similar to her father's illness.
He then used a photo of her mother on his phone to help her practice telling her mother the news, encouraging her to speak her worries and frustrations as if her mother were there. Yuan Caixi closed her eyes, recalling moments with her mother, and tears welled up uncontrollably. Ning Zeyu offered her tissues. Meanwhile, on the track, Jiang Yuan noticed Yuan Caixi's absence and learned from a classmate that both she and Ning Zeyu were in the classroom.
Suspecting something amiss, Jiang Yuan decided to check on them for Li He. Lin Chuan and Yun Xiang, worried about Jiang Yuan's impulsive nature leading to an argument, followed him. Upon entering the classroom, they found Ning Zeyu wiping away Yuan Caixi's tears. Jiang Yuan immediately confronted them, asking what was happening, while Lin Chuan questioned if Chief knew about this.
Yuan Caixi quickly lied, claiming she was merely overwhelmed by stress from the upcoming college entrance exam and hadn't told Li He. Later, Li He confronted his friends about their questioning of Yuan Caixi. Jiang Yuan insisted they did it for his sake, detailing what they had witnessed in the classroom. Lin Chuan pressed Li He, asking if he wasn't curious about Yuan Caixi and Ning Zeyu's sudden closeness.
Li He revealed that he had already spoken to Yuan Caixi, and she explained she had a hidden difficulty she couldn't disclose, asking him to trust her, which he chose to do. Back home, Yuan Caixi shared with her mother and Yuan Haoxi the possibility of having leukemia, the same illness her father had. The news cast a heavy pall over the family, though Yuan Caixi reassured them she had an appointment for tests the next day.
Her mother, appearing unusually calm, asked to see the bruises on Yuan Caixi's arms and ankle, then insisted on canceling Yuan Caixi's scheduled appointment at the municipal hospital, preferring to take her to a doctor she knew. Their mother then said she felt tired and went upstairs. Yuan Haoxi, visibly distressed, pledged to be a better brother, while Yuan Caixi worried about their mother's calm reaction.
Li He later sought out Ning Zeyu to question him about why he was picking up and dropping off Yuan Caixi every day. Ning Zeyu maintained that he could not reveal anything unless Yuan Caixi herself chose to, stating he had no right to speak on the matter, and advised Li He to be more mature and stop looking for trouble.
Enraged, Li He returned home and challenged his father to a fight, which resulted in him being soundly beaten and forced to apologize repeatedly. Li He then sent a text message to Yuan Caixi, asking if she would come to his competition on Saturday. She replied, apologizing that she couldn't make it and wishing him good luck.
The next morning, Yuan Caixi’s mother, Yanan, prepared an elaborate breakfast, advising Yuan Caixi not to eat leftovers or cold food from the fridge, citing it as a "protracted battle" requiring strength. She noted Yuan Caixi's frequent fainting and bruises as signs of anemia. Yanan then went to the hospital to book an appointment with a hematologist, Dr. Qi, for Yuan Caixi, but found his schedule full for the next month.
She then called her sister for help, secretly trying to arrange an appointment while pretending it was for a friend. Meanwhile, Li He pushed himself through an intense run, which caused him to fall and injure his leg. Lin Chuan and his friends quickly took him to the infirmary. Li He, with his knee bandaged, instructed his friends not to tell Yuan Caixi about his injury.
Later, Lin Chuan approached Han Yayi, seeking information about Yuan Caixi, but Yayi had no new insights, as Yuan Caixi hadn't responded to any of her numerous messages or calls. Lin Chuan then revealed Li He's accident during practice, explaining he had scraped his knee and bled a lot, and pleaded with Yayi to convince Yuan Caixi to attend Li He's race, emphasizing its importance to him. In a separate moment, Yuan Haoxi found his mother awake early.
He revealed he couldn't sleep and had gone out to buy breakfast. His mother admitted her own fears but stressed they must remain optimistic and strong since no diagnosis had been confirmed. Haoxi tearfully expressed his fear that the same illness that took their father would also take his sister, but his mother comforted him, assuring him it would not happen and that they would face it with courage.
Episode 22 Recap
Han Yayi informed Yuan Caixi about Li He's training injury, explaining that Lin Chuan had revealed Li He accidentally fell during a run, injuring his knee and causing a significant bleed. Li He's friends had previously questioned him about taking off his gauze, suspecting he was trying to hide the injury from Yuan Caixi, despite his claims that the wound needed air. Yuan Caixi expressed shock and concern upon learning the details.
Han Yayi urged Yuan Caixi to attend Li He's upcoming race, emphasizing its importance and how her presence could boost his morale, especially since he was injured. However, Yuan Caixi declined, stating her need to focus on her college entrance exams. She did, however, ask Han Yayi to tell Li He to be careful while running. Later, Yuan Caixi secretly brought medicine to the track for Li He.
Although she tried to leave unnoticed, Li He spotted her retreating figure and chased after her. When he caught up, Yuan Caixi reiterated her need to prioritize her studies for the upcoming college entrance exam and advised him to concentrate on his training. She firmly refused his offer to walk her home, simply telling him to be careful during training. Li He, undeterred, asked her to come watch his race.
Yuan Caixi took leave from school, accompanied by her mother, for a hospital check-up. The doctor informed them that Yuan Caixi had low platelet counts, along with abnormal white cell counts and hemoglobin levels. To be safe, a bone marrow biopsy was recommended, though the doctor noted it could simply be anemia. Yuan Caixi's mother, knowing that Caixi's father had leukemia, was visibly distressed. The doctor reassured her that with early treatment, the fatality rate for leukemia had significantly decreased.
Meanwhile, at school, Han Yayi and Lin Chuan noticed Yuan Caixi's unusual absence. After spotting Yuan Haoxi, Han Yayi suggested they question him about his sister's whereabouts. Under pressure, Yuan Haoxi reluctantly revealed that Yuan Caixi was in the hospital. He then received a call confirming Yuan Caixi was undergoing a bone marrow biopsy. Han Yayi and Lin Chuan were deeply saddened and worried by this news.
Yuan Haoxi explained he had to appear strong for his mother, especially after their father's death and his sister's potential illness, as he didn't want to burden them further with his own sadness. Han Yayi expressed her sorrow for Yuan Caixi, realizing how much her friend had been enduring alone. Upon returning home, Yuan Caixi was met by Yuan Haoxi, who helped her inside. He immediately asked their mother about the test results.
Their mother conveyed the doctor's findings regarding the low platelet counts and abnormal white cell and hemoglobin levels, and confirmed the bone marrow biopsy. Yuan Haoxi tried to comfort his mother, assuring her that everything would be fine. His mother then made him promise to always tell her immediately about any significant events, unlike Yuan Caixi. Yuan Haoxi lightheartedly promised, admitting he wasn't as strong as his sister and couldn't keep secrets well.
That evening, after her phone died, Yuan Caixi received messages from Han Yayi and later answered a call from Ning Zeyu expressing their concern. She was relieved to hear that while Lin Chuan knew about her condition, they had decided not to tell Li He before his race the following day.
When Ning Zeyu asked if she would tell Li He after his race, Yuan Caixi said she would wait for the test results, believing that if the outcome was bad, being distant with him now might ultimately be for his own good. She was still undecided about attending Li He's race.
Ning Zeyu, whose mother interrupted their call to discuss his own plans, later texted Yuan Caixi, inviting her to his Network Programming Contest final, which he was attending covertly, having told his mother he was going to the library for research. That night, Yuan Caixi's mother sat with her, apologizing for not noticing her daughter's suffering sooner and expressing both heartbreak and immense pride in Yuan Caixi's courage. Yuan Haoxi joined them, and their mother lovingly embraced both her children.
Li He prepared for his track and field event, with his parents enthusiastically packing food and encouraging him. Ning Zeyu, who had feigned going to the library for "research and tests" to his mother, actually left for the final of the Network Programming Contest. He and Li He wished each other luck, with Ning Zeyu reminding Li He to be careful with his leg.
At Li He's competition, his friends—Jiang Yuan, Yun Xiang, Lin Chuan, and Han Yayi—were there to support him. Lin Chuan filmed parts of the race, wondering aloud if Yuan Caixi would show up. Li He, disappointed by her absence, asked if she had come, and his friends reassured him she was cheering for him in spirit. Back home, Yuan Caixi debated whether to go to Li He's race, encouraged by Yuan Haoxi to prioritize cherishing the present.
Ultimately, she decided to go. However, on her way to the competition, she fainted. Meanwhile, at the Network Programming Contest, Ning Zeyu was greeted by Professor He Yanjing from Tiangong University of Science and Technology, who expressed strong confidence in him following a winter training camp.
During the competition, Ning Zeyu received a phone call from the doctor at No. 2 Experimental Middle School, reporting that a female student matching Yuan Caixi's description (with a ponytail) had fainted and was in their infirmary. Deeply concerned, Ning Zeyu immediately left the contest, resulting in an automatic waiver, and rushed to the school's infirmary. He arrived at the infirmary to find Yuan Caixi still unconscious. Sitting by her bedside, he reflected on her recent fragility.
Upon waking, Yuan Caixi's first question was about Li He's race, unaware that Ning Zeyu had abandoned his own major competition for her. Ning Zeyu admitted he didn't know the race results. Shortly after, Yuan Haoxi called Yuan Caixi, offering to pick her up, but Ning Zeyu took the phone, reassuring Yuan Haoxi that he would take her home. Ning Zeyu then told Yuan Caixi that Li He's race had likely concluded, and he would have left by now.
Yuan Caixi agreed, feeling it was better not to see him before her test results were confirmed. Later, Ning Zeyu's mother received a call from Professor He Yanjing, who was concerned that Ning Zeyu had left the Network Programming Contest mid-event, resulting in an automatic waiver. His mother was shocked, having been unaware he was participating in any competition. Li He returned home appearing exhausted.
His parents, eager for news of a victory, trophy, or medal, were left in suspense as he went directly to rest. Lin Chuan, present at the house, explained to Li He's parents that Li He's performance was affected by poor form, but he was confident Li He would excel in future competitions. His parents worried about how Li He would cope with the setback. As Lin Chuan departed, Li He's father cautioned his wife not to tease their son about being adopted, knowing he was already sensitive to such jokes.
Episode 23 Recap
Han Yayi showed Yuan Caixi a video of Li He's recent competition, revealing that he failed to qualify for the finals, a fact that surprised everyone. Yuan Caixi expressed her concern for him.
Yuan Haoxi, in a moment of candor, let slip that Yuan Caixi had fainted on her way to watch Li He's match, prompting Han Yayi to comfort Yuan Caixi and voice her frustration that both Li He and Yuan Caixi were avoiding each other at a time when they needed each other most. Yuan Caixi promised Han Yayi that she would inform Li He once her medical results were released.
Ning Zeyu intervened to stop Yuan Caixi from elaborating further, and both he and Han Yayi urged her to rest and take care of herself before they left. Meanwhile, Yuan Haoxi asked his mother what was wrong with his sister, indicating a family concern about her health. Concerned about Li He, Ning Zeyu went directly to his home.
Li He's aunt informed Ning Zeyu that Li He had secluded himself in his room since returning from the competition, refusing to eat. She asked Ning Zeyu to try and comfort him. Inside Li He's room, Li He feigned sleep. Ning Zeyu attempted to engage him by recounting the story of Li He's first championship win in 2010, when they were in third grade, and how he broke the school's running record.
Ning Zeyu jokingly added that Li He also broke a record for scoring zero in both math and Chinese. When Li He remained unresponsive, Ning Zeyu playfully reached for his phone, causing Li He to snap awake and react defensively. Ning Zeyu then teased Li He about how he always dominated him in sports in the past and how he, Ning Zeyu, had to study hard to "avenge" himself.
When Li He asked if he was happy now, Ning Zeyu replied that he was, but also pointed out that if Li He lost his fighting spirit, he wouldn't be worthy as an opponent. When Ning Zeyu mentioned that Yuan Caixi had high hopes for him, believing "Li He can do it," Li He realized she must know about his loss and feared her disappointment. Upon returning home, Ning Zeyu found his parents in the living room.
His mother questioned him about his activities at the library, but his parents did not scold him. However, it was revealed that Professor He had called her, exposing that Ning Zeyu had not been at the library but rather at the finals of a programming competition. Ning Zeyu's father then spoke to his wife, sharing that he used to oppose Ning Zeyu's computer use, but after handling a cybercrime case, he now understood that programming was not merely "playing games."
He suggested they allow their son to pursue his passion, as he was now an adult responsible for his own choices. Ning Zeyu's mother grew agitated, feeling blamed for Ning Zeyu's perceived "bad habits" over the past six months. His father urged her to calm down, stating they shouldn't discuss it while she was emotional.
During a brief flashback, Yuan Caixi was shown pleading with Ning Zeyu not to disclose her illness to Li He before his race, emphasizing, "I'm not important. His race is important." A week passed, and Li He was still absent from school. Yuan Caixi and her friends worried about him. However, Ning Zeyu confidently stated that if Li He were to give up, he wouldn't be the Li He they knew.
Mr. Bai, Li He's coach, also believed that Li He had to overcome this personal hurdle on his own. Li He's father took him out for a run. Li He, feeling ashamed, tried to go home, but his father stopped him. On the track, Li He found he couldn't run, as the images of his defeat flashed in his mind.
His father guided him, helping him realize that he ran because he loved it and it made him feel free, not for superficial reasons. His father explained that life has both successes and failures, and that only those who can endure failure can truly succeed. Li He argued that his father, with a house full of trophies, had never experienced loss, but his father countered that only successes are celebrated, not failures.
He then revealed that he had "traded" a thousand potential gold medals for Li He and his mother, finding contentment in his family. Li He, tearfully, apologized. His father reassured him that he didn't need to apologize, but instead needed to be strong and powerful, to overcome all difficulties. With renewed determination, Li He started running. Li He then sought out Yuan Caixi, telling her he trusted her. Yuan Caixi brought him into her home. Ning Zeyu returned home.
His mother, now fully aware of his involvement in programming competitions, announced her decision to transfer him to another school. Ning Zeyu agreed, but requested that the transfer take place the following week. At Yuan Caixi's house, she showed Li He her medical documents, including a bone marrow biopsy report. Li He was shocked and questioned why she had kept such a serious matter from him, especially when everyone else knew. Yuan Caixi explained she had her reasons.
Just then, Yuan Caixi's mother appeared, adding that Yuan Caixi had even kept the secret from her. Yuan Haoxi, who was also present and experiencing some physical discomfort from Yuan Caixi's grip during the revelation, also chimed in. Li He apologized to Yuan Caixi's mother for his outburst, and she, in turn, forgave him, acknowledging his concern for her daughter.
The next morning, Ning Zeyu invited Yuan Caixi to a technology exhibition, suggesting it would just be the two of them. Yuan Haoxi, noticing Ning Zeyu's unspoken feelings for his sister, later spoke to Yuan Caixi. He pointed out Ning Zeyu's consistent efforts, like taking a longer route to walk her to school for two years, and even skipping his programming final on the day of Li He's semi-final.
Yuan Haoxi advised Yuan Caixi to clarify her relationship with Ning Zeyu, stating that continued ambiguity would be unfair to everyone. Yuan Caixi agreed to talk to Ning Zeyu. Ning Zeyu and Yuan Caixi first went to Yuan’s Fried Chicken, a place Ning Zeyu used to frequent. Yuan Caixi mentioned that Li He had also taken her there before, making a joke about the restaurant's name.
Afterwards, Ning Zeyu surprised her by taking her to a cake-making class, where he skillfully made a Chiffon Cake. He explained that he learned for his mother, who loved it, and recalled mispronouncing it as "Chicken Cake" as a child, associating it with his mother's court cases. He hoped the cake would cheer Li He up.
Later, at the technology exhibition, Yuan Caixi silently put her phone on mute as she and Ning Zeyu enthusiastically explored the various displays, including an industrial robot named Unimate. During this time, Li He, whose running form had fully recovered during practice with Mr. Bai, tried to call Yuan Caixi, but his calls went unanswered. Ning Zeyu offered Yuan Caixi a sweet drink, inquiring if she wasn't worried about its sweetness.
Yuan Caixi candidly explained that after recent events and the uncertainty surrounding her health, she no longer wanted to hold back. She expressed her desire to savor every experience and "live every day to the fullest." Ning Zeyu tried to reassure her that her results weren't out yet and she wouldn't be diagnosed. Yuan Caixi reiterated that life was unpredictable and that she wanted to live without regrets.
When Yuan Caixi began to tell Ning Zeyu something important, he interrupted, saying he already knew. He then, as her "only opponent and friend," urged her to take care of herself, eat vegetables, exercise, continue studying, and even suggested Li He could help her with physical training. They decided to head home. As they were leaving, Li He, at his house, was informed by Yuan Haoxi that Yuan Caixi had gone to the tech expo with Ning Zeyu.
Li He, claiming to be a "tech guy," was annoyed he wasn't invited, a sentiment Yuan Haoxi playfully dismissed by calling him an "alien." Li He then decided he had to go find them. As Ning Zeyu and Yuan Caixi exited, Ning Zeyu took Yuan Caixi's phone.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Ning Zeyu walked Yuan Caixi home, and on her phone, he downloaded an application he had personally developed. He named the app after her student number from her first year of senior high, expressing his wish for her to be its inaugural user. Yuan Caixi agreed to use the app, but explicitly clarified it would be in their capacity as classmates, which Ning Zeyu acknowledged he understood. Soon after, Yuan Caixi's medical results were released.
Her hemoglobin concentration was determined to be 65 grams per liter, indicating moderate anemia. Her red blood cell volume and hemoglobin levels were also found to be low. The doctor confirmed that she was suffering from iron deficiency anemia, not leukemia, which brought immense relief and joy to her entire family. Upon her return to the classroom, her radiant smile immediately conveyed the good news to her classmates.
Jiang Yuan and Yun Xiang approached her to apologize for their previous misunderstandings, and the general mood among the students was celebratory. Meanwhile, Mr. Bai informed Li He that an injured participant had withdrawn from a competition, making him the next in line to compete. This meant Li He would participate in the finals the following week. To celebrate Yuan Caixi's good news, she and her friends decided to meet up that evening, inviting Ning Zeyu.
However, Ning Zeyu did not show up. Yuan Caixi tried to contact him through the app he developed, but he did not reply to her messages. During this time, Ning Zeyu informed his friends that his mother had decided to transfer him to No. 2 Experimental Middle School the next day, stating that one person missing out was "not a big deal." The next morning, Ning Zeyu's parents arrived at school to complete his transfer procedures.
Ning Zeyu’s mother was determined to take him home, believing a new school would shield him from "bad students" and distractions, suggesting online courses for his studies. However, Miss Luo, leading the entire class, approached them. Miss Luo, Yuan Caixi, and even Ning Zeyu’s father tried to dissuade his mother from the transfer. Miss Luo apologized for any perceived shortcomings on her part as his teacher but stressed that Ning Zeyu had always been an exemplary student.
Ning Zeyu's mother retorted that he had never lied to Miss Luo. Miss Luo argued that children often lie at a confusing age, emphasizing that parents should foster confidence and forgiveness, and that the responsibility for a child's lies is shared. She strongly advised against the transfer, deeming it detrimental to Ning Zeyu.
Yuan Caixi also spoke, highlighting Ning Zeyu’s consistent academic excellence and questioning if a change of environment would truly eliminate distractions, pointing out their 18-year friendship as proof that she herself had not changed. Finally, Ning Zeyu pulled his hand from his mother's grasp, apologizing for lying about his programming aspirations. He explained that Tiangong University of Science and Technology was an excellent school and programming was not merely "playing games," pleading for her support.
He promised to excel in the College Entrance Exam and asked her to trust him, stating firmly that he wanted to stay and not transfer. His classmates, and even students from other classes, rallied around him, chanting "Stay." Moved by the heartfelt pleas from her son, his father, and the students, Ning Zeyu’s mother ultimately relented, but sternly warned him never to lie again, a promise he readily made.
Afterwards, Miss Luo rallied the students, telling them to remove the banners and focus intensely on their upcoming College Entrance Exam. Li He emerged victorious in the finals. As the College Entrance Exam countdown continued, students immersed themselves in their studies. On the day before the exam, Miss Luo delivered an emotional speech to her class.
She confessed that she had once considered them her worst class, but now, standing before them, she proudly declared them her most cherished and accomplished group. She highlighted their physical progress, such as effortlessly running 800 meters, and the significant academic improvement of Li He and his friends, whose average scores had risen from 40 to 90.
Miss Luo praised their mutual support and achievements, concluding with the powerful message that "creating miracles is better than accepting reality," before thanking them and dismissing class. As Miss Luo departed, the students lingered, reminiscing about their "very wonderful" and unique senior year, recalling their academic and physical growth, making new friends, and even having a "big star" as a classmate. They celebrated these memories by joyfully tossing their backpacks into the air.
On the day of the College Entrance Exam, the school gate buzzed with excitement as parents and teachers offered words of encouragement to the students. Dressed in red for good luck, a father encouraged his son, while mothers offered last-minute advice and reassurances to their nervous children. Once the exams concluded, students rushed out to embrace their waiting families, and Yuan Caixi and her friends gathered for a group photo. Yuan Caixi then handed Li He a mysterious letter.
Both Yuan Caixi and Han Yayi expressed concern that Li He might not be able to decipher the riddle. Li He, stumped, urgently summoned his closest friends. Yun Xiang suggested that "waist pain" (腰酸) was a homophone for "one three" (一三), likely referring to Saturday at 1:00 PM, but the rest of the riddle still puzzled them. They all struggled to understand its full meaning.
Yun Xiang suggested seeking Ning Zeyu's help, prompting his friends to urge a reluctant Li He to swallow his pride. Unexpectedly, Ning Zeyu arrived, grabbed the letter from the table, and after a quick glance, teased Li He for failing to solve such a simple puzzle. When Li He pressed him for the answer, Ning Zeyu playfully demanded to be called "dad" or "Zeyu Oppa." Li He, with a frustrated sigh, finally uttered "Zeyu Oppa."
Ning Zeyu, delighted, revealed the solution: "waist pain" (腰酸) was a homophone for "one three" (一三), meaning Saturday at 1:00 PM. As for "aunt chats but doesn't dance," he explained that if aunts weren't dancing in the square, they were likely gossiping, acting like "loudspeakers"—a clear reference to the school's radio station. Yuan Caixi waited anxiously at the radio station, worried that Li He wouldn't solve the riddle.
Upon his arrival, Li He admitted he hadn't guessed it himself and asked her to avoid giving him puzzles in the future, to which she agreed. Li He then asked why she had chosen this particular location. Yuan Caixi explained that this place held significant meaning for both of them.
She reflected on their journey, stating she never imagined they would end up together after experiencing so many events: the class merge, the laboratory fire, the relay race, Li He being falsely accused of cheating, her encounter with Bear that led to a scandal, her own illness, Li He's loss in a race, and Ning Zeyu almost being forced to transfer. She agreed with Han Yayi that their senior year had been "truly wonderful."
Li He added that their story wasn't over yet, assuring her that their lives in college and beyond would only become more exciting with her by his side. Li He then asked Yuan Caixi what she most wanted to do now that they had graduated. Yuan Caixi, looking at him, confessed, "Li He, I like you." Li He responded, "What a coincidence! Me too," and they shared a kiss.
