Too Young To Love resumo, enredo, sinopse

Sinopse de Too Young To Love

Yi Lan showed a talent for the cello from a young age, but her lessons were interrupted after her mother passed away. In middle school, she was captivated by Luo Ningzi's violin performance and managed to enroll in the same high school—only to be rejected during the school orchestra's selection process. Encouraged by her childhood friend Tong Xiaole, Yi Lan decided to form her own trio and challenge Luo Ningzi.

She recruited piano player Qiao Mengmeng, a fangirl obsessed with pop stars, and violinist Chen Fan, a wealthy heir. Together, they overcame various rehearsal difficulties, and through sincerity and persistence, earned recognition from the school. Meanwhile, in supporting Yi Lan's musical dream, Tong Xiaole rediscovered his passion for photography and began to reconsider his relationship with his parents.

Eventually, Yi Lan and Tong Xiaole entered university together. Yi Lan transformed from a confused girl into a courageous and independent dream-chaser; Tong Xiaole, guided by his mentors, pursued a path in photojournalism—observing the world through his lens and gaining a deeper understanding of himself. Their bond deepened from playful bickering to mutual healing and redemption, and what began as a childhood friendship gradually blossomed into love.

Resumos de Too Young To Love

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Yi Lan, a high school sophomore and aspiring cellist, begins her new semester with a frantic rush. Despite her self-proclaimed talent, she nearly misses the start of the school day, skipping breakfast to dash out with her instrument. Her neighbor, the top student Tong Xiaole, usually walks with her, though Yi Lan often finds herself struggling to keep up.

Her primary goal is to join the prestigious school orchestra, but her hopes are dampened when her teacher, Mr. Bu, reveals that he is not in charge of the selection and that a spot has already been reserved for a handpicked talent. This newcomer is Luo Ningzi, a beautiful and exceptionally skilled transfer student whose arrival immediately makes Yi Lan feel insecure about her own abilities.

Driven by curiosity, Yi Lan, along with her friends Qiao Mengmeng and Chen Fan, sneaks out of self-study class to watch the orchestra’s rehearsal. While Mengmeng is distracted by the handsome conductor, Zhao Zhenghao, Yi Lan is mesmerized by Luo Ningzi’s professional technique. During a break, she is surprised to see Xiaole and Ningzi exchange words, suggesting they already know each other.

Their secret observation is cut short by the strict Director Hu, known as "Points-Deductor Hu," who catches the group red-handed. Hu penalizes the class and mocks Yi Lan for her poor academic standing while praising Xiaole as a model student, warning him not to let his underachieving friends lead him astray. The following day, Yi Lan confronts Xiaole about his connection to Ningzi.

He explains they met at a tutoring center and reveals that Ningzi is a national champion who likely transferred to their school to make it easier to apply for programs abroad. This revelation only heightens Yi Lan’s admiration for her rival. Later, Xiaole joins Yi Lan at a music store owned by Shan to pick up a rare collector's edition record she had ordered.

That evening, Xiaole receives a message from his parents stating they are too busy with work to return home. Seeing his loneliness, Yi Lan warmly insists that he eat dinner at her house every day. Meanwhile, she attempts to connect with Ningzi on WeChat to ask for advice, but her request is coldly rejected. Seeing Yi Lan’s disappointment, Xiaole privately sends Ningzi a message, telling her that Yi Lan is a very hardworking person.

Undeterred, Yi Lan writes a heartfelt letter to Ningzi expressing her desire to play together. While she is in the music room, Xiaole finds her and teases her, thinking she is writing a love letter to a boy. When they hear Ningzi and Zhao Zhenghao approaching, Yi Lan drags Xiaole under a table to hide. From their hiding spot, they overhear Ningzi dismissing Yi Lan’s musical skills as inadequate.

The situation worsens when other students discover the letter and begin to mock Yi Lan. Xiaole steps in to defend her and returns the letter, but in the ensuing tension, Ningzi accidentally steps on and shatters Yi Lan’s prized record. Guilt-stricken, Ningzi suggests that Yi Lan perform a piece to see if they are compatible enough to play a duet. Yi Lan attempts the incredibly demanding "Paganini’s Caprices" to prove her worth.

Unfortunately, the pressure causes her to falter, and her performance ends in a humiliating series of wrong notes. Ningzi leaves in disappointment, and a video of the blunder quickly spreads across the school, making Yi Lan a target of ridicule. After school, a dejected Yi Lan is found by Xiaole. She confesses her deep-seated jealousy of Ningzi’s effortless talent but resolves not to let it consume her. Instead, she vows to practice harder than ever, determined to one day earn Ningzi’s respect and finally stand beside her as a musical equal.

During a PE class, the students were tasked with a "three-legged race," where the winners would be exempted from the dreaded 800-meter run. Seeing that the new transfer student Luo Ningzi had no partner, Yi Lan kindly offered to team up. However, their lack of coordination proved disastrous; they fell almost immediately, leaving Yi Lan with an injury that required a trip to the infirmary.

While getting her leg bandaged, Yi Lan overheard Luo Ningzi telling another orchestra member that Yi Lan’s cello skills were unsatisfactory, even describing them as poor. When confronted, Luo Ningzi refused to apologize, claiming she was merely being honest rather than lying to please others. Yi Lan defended her playing, explaining that the piece—inspired by the hardships of war—carried an emotional weight that could move listeners to tears.

While Luo Ningzi admitted it was also her "life song," she felt their musical perspectives were fundamentally different. Deeply hurt by the cold attitude, Yi Lan declared she no longer wanted to be friends. Tong Xiaole later intervened, informing Luo Ningzi that Yi Lan had spent a month preparing for the school orchestra audition, only to lose her chance because of Luo Ningzi's sudden transfer.

He pointed out that despite being humiliated, Yi Lan still respected Luo Ningzi’s talent, whereas Luo Ningzi’s current behavior was hardly worthy of respect. He even tried to give her a gift Yi Lan had intended for her, but Luo Ningzi remained seemingly indifferent. The atmosphere grew more complicated when a weekly seating rotation made Tong Xiaole and Luo Ningzi deskmates. Watching them from the front row, Yi Lan felt a sense of betrayal.

After school, she and Qiao Mengmeng decided to secretly follow the duo. Their amateur espionage was quickly ruined when Chen Fan rode by on his bicycle and loudly called out to them, exposing their presence. On the walk home, Yi Lan accused Tong Xiaole of betrayal. Tong Xiaole simply asked if she still truly wanted to play the cello with Luo Ningzi, leaving Yi Lan confused by his intentions.

The following day, Luo Ningzi brought Yi Lan to the music room to confront the orchestra captain, Zhao Zhenghao. She demanded to know why Yi Lan's audition had been canceled and insisted on a fair competition. Although Zhao Zhenghao claimed he could choose whomever he wanted, Luo Ningzi threatened to quit if he didn't respect the members' opinions. Pressured, Zhao Zhenghao agreed to give Yi Lan a second chance to perform the following Monday.

This news brought a rare smile to Yi Lan’s face, which in turn made Tong Xiaole happy. However, Tong Xiaole’s home life was far from harmonious. When his parents finally returned, his father immediately began scolding him for not answering his phone and for being inconsiderate of his mother's efforts. The tension exploded into a heated argument; Tong Xiaole shouted that his father only cared about money and had never even attended a single parent-teacher conference.

Feeling neglected, Tong Xiaole stormed out for a bike ride. Yi Lan, sensing his distress via text, invited him to eat fried chicken. She comforted him and even playfully patted his hair like an adult, which finally cleared his somber mood. As the second audition approached, Yi Lan practiced tirelessly.

While visiting a musical instrument store to have her cello tuned, Luo Ningzi overheard Yi Lan practicing and was secretly impressed that she could play the entire piece without sheet music. Tong Xiaole was there too, diligently filming Yi Lan's progress. Despite Chen Fan’s discouraging jokes that she would never beat Luo Ningzi, Yi Lan remained focused on showing her true ability. On the day of the performance, the gap between the two girls was still evident.

Some orchestra members began mocking Yi Lan’s "elementary" level, but Luo Ningzi stood up for her. She told the group that Yi Lan’s understanding of music was far superior to theirs and that an orchestra full of arrogant people who didn't respect music had no reason to exist. As Yi Lan was leaving, Zhao Zhenghao accidentally tripped her, causing her to fall. Qiao Mengmeng quickly found a wheelchair for Yi Lan to help her get around.

Later, Zhao Zhenghao intercepted Luo Ningzi at the school gate, accusing her of trying to steal his captaincy. Yi Lan and Qiao Mengmeng tried to intervene, but Zhao Zhenghao became aggressive. Tong Xiaole and Chen Fan arrived just in time. Proclaiming the girls were under the protection of his "long-armed ape" gang, Tong Xiaole engaged in a fight and overpowered Zhao Zhenghao. The scuffle was cut short when Director Hu appeared, sending the boys scattering.

In the end, Yi Lan helped clear Tong Xiaole and Chen Fan of trouble by telling Director Hu that Zhao Zhenghao had been the one harassing them. As a result, the Director sentenced Zhao Zhenghao to a week of cleaning the school toilets. Grateful for Luo Ningzi’s defense, Yi Lan invited her to practice together after school. Luo Ningzi agreed, suggesting they use the school music room for two hours each day.

To cement their budding friendship, Yi Lan gifted Luo Ningzi some special nougat, while Luo Ningzi returned the gesture by giving Yi Lan a collector's edition CD to replace the one she had previously damaged.

Following their previous confrontation, Zhao Zhenghao corners Tong Xiaole near the restroom to settle their grievances. Refusing to back down, Xiaole proposes a two-on-two basketball challenge during P. E. class. The stakes are set: if Zhao Zhenghao loses, he must stop targeting Yi Lan and Luo Ningzi; if Xiaole's side loses, they must publicly apologize at the school gate. During the game, Yi Lan and Qiao Mengmeng watch from the sidelines.

While they are there to support Xiaole, Qiao Mengmeng cannot help but admire Zhao Zhenghao’s skills, prompting constant reminders from Yi Lan about where her loyalties should lie. The match is interrupted by Mr. Bu, who is determined to stop the bickering. He demands that the two boys make peace immediately by shaking hands and naming five of each other’s strengths. Zhao Zhenghao begrudgingly admits that Xiaole has good grades, is handsome, and is a favorite among the teachers.

Xiaole counters by praising Zhao’s responsibility as the orchestra captain and his restraint in not bullying the weak. However, the moment the teacher leaves, the tension resurfaces. When Zhao Zhenghao mockingly swings a fist to intimidate him, Xiaole seizes the opportunity to fake a head injury. He groans in pain and insists on going to the infirmary, leaving Zhao Zhenghao baffled by the act. Back in Class 9, Grade 11, Mr. Bu returns the papers for the latest monthly exam.

Tong Xiaole remains the top student, while Yi Lan finds herself at the bottom of the class with only 48 points. Despite her academic disappointment, Yi Lan is more concerned about Xiaole and rushes to the infirmary. She finds him still pretending to be in agony, and since the school nurse is away, she takes it upon herself to disinfect his "wound."

She even tenderly blows on the injury to ease his pain, unaware that Chen Fan is hiding nearby, eavesdropping on their intimate conversation. When Luo Ningzi arrives to check on them, Chen Fan finally reveals himself. Meanwhile, in a separate room, Zhao Zhenghao lies injured for real, nursing a leg injury and complaining about the unfairness of the situation.

Determined to show her gratitude for Xiaole's help, Yi Lan insists on riding him home on her bicycle, claiming his precious brain is meant for studying rather than manual labor. At home, she prepares a meal of stir-fried tomatoes with eggs and shrimp. Though the presentation is disastrous, Xiaole finds the taste surprisingly good. He teases her, noting that her sudden kindness must have an ulterior motive.

Yi Lan finally admits her concern: she is embarrassed by her low math score and fears that Luo Ningzi—who has high standards—will no longer want to practice the cello with her. She begs Xiaole, the "exam genius," to tutor her so she can pass the finals. Xiaole agrees to help, and under his guidance, Yi Lan shows remarkable progress, scoring 91 points on a subsequent mock exam.

Her public thanks in the classroom inspire Qiao Mengmeng and Chen Fan to join the tutoring sessions. Even Zhao Zhenghao, desperate after receiving a dismal 13 points on his exam, swallows his pride and begs to join. He explains that as an art student, his dignity and his allowance are at stake. The group spends the weekend studying at Xiaole’s house. Amidst the hard work, Xiaole and Yi Lan share lighthearted moments of bickering and playfulness.

When the next set of results is posted, the improvements are undeniable. Yi Lan breaks the 100-point mark with a 105, and Zhao Zhenghao is ecstatic to have reached 91. To celebrate, Chen Fan invites everyone to his family's mountain villa for a two-day trip. Luo Ningzi declines, citing her heavy schedule of IELTS and specialized music classes, and suggests that Yi Lan find a private tutor to sharpen her skills before they collaborate again.

At home, Yi Lan’s father is pleased with her grades but remains strictly opposed to her taking professional cello lessons, insisting she focus on an ordinary university path. This sparks a somber moment for Yi Lan, who misses her mother, a former principal player of a major cello orchestra, who would have supported her dreams. Seeking comfort, Yi Lan takes Xiaole to a "wish wall" to pray for her future as a cellist.

Later, the group heads to the villa for their vacation. While exploring the scenic area, they slide down a long chute, playfully shouting "Purple-spotted tonguefish" as they launch themselves. Xiaole spends much of the time taking photos, focusing primarily on Yi Lan. As they stand by the water, Yi Lan reminisces about her mother's teachings on reaching a state of "flow" while playing music.

Xiaole breaks her melancholy with his characteristic teasing, reminding her that her early cello playing sounded more like someone sawing wood, which earns him a playful threat of a beating. Despite the bickering, the friends enjoy the beautiful scenery and take group photos to commemorate their time together.

While admiring the breathtaking views of the villa area, Yi Lan finds herself deeply missing her mother. She recalls her mother’s words about reaching a level of cello mastery where one can truly experience "inner flow." Tong Xiaole, however, finds the sentiment amusing and teases her by saying her playing sounded terrible when they were children, earning himself another firm lecture. The sound of a cello nearby catches Yi Lan’s attention, filling her with envy.

Surrounded by such a beautiful landscape, she longs to play but is frustrated that she didn't bring her own instrument. Knowing that a cello is a precious personal item rarely lent to strangers, she hesitates. Seeing the longing in her eyes, Tong Xiaole takes the initiative to approach the musician on her behalf. To Yi Lan’s surprise, the performer graciously agrees, and she confidently chooses to play the "Concerto for Two Cellos."

Meanwhile, Luo Ningzi returns home to her mother’s high expectations. Her mother reminds her that simply being "okay" isn't enough; she must be the best to be remembered. As Luo Ningzi heads to her room, she accidentally overhears her parents discussing their company’s bankruptcy and heavy debts. Despite their financial ruin, her father is determined to protect her future, vowing to secure the tuition needed for her to attend the world's best music conservatory.

Later, Qiao Mengmeng shares a video of Yi Lan’s performance in their group chat. Seeing the video, Luo Ningzi calls Yi Lan. Although she tries to hide her distress, Yi Lan notices her voice sounds strange. When Luo Ningzi asks how to handle a massive setback, Yi Lan offers a comforting perspective, explaining that being pushed to the brink is often fate’s way of preparing someone for a great gift.

Touched, the two girls make a pact to never give up on their passion and to one day stand together in the highest music temple. As evening falls, Chen Fan hosts a barbecue outside the villa. The girls are stunned by the sheer size of the estate, which spans thousands of square meters and features its own elevator and pool.

As Chen Fan struggles with the grill, Tong Xiaole jokingly calls him a "walking greaseball" for his smooth talk but questions his actual cooking skills. Eventually, they enjoy a meal that includes mushrooms gathered from the hill behind the house. Tong Xiaole recalls his father teaching him how to identify edible plants and assures everyone they are safe. The festivities are cut short by a sudden downpour, forcing the group to retreat inside.

While seeking a charger, Yi Lan discovers Tong Xiaole’s camera is filled with photos of her. He quickly snatches it back, claiming he just hasn't picked a profile picture yet. Suddenly, a massive thunderclap coincides with a total power outage. Terrified by the darkness, Qiao Mengmeng and Yi Lan both cling to Tong Xiaole’s arms for safety. The group cautiously navigates the dark house and bumps into Chen Fan.

Despite being in his own home, Chen Fan is the most frightened of them all, screaming in terror after mistaking a face-shaped sofa for a ghost. Just as they try to calm down, a knock at the door sends them into another panic. They eventually push Tong Xiaole forward to open it. A figure in a black raincoat stands outside, and Tong Xiaole instinctively delivers a flurry of blows.

The intruder yells out that he is Zhao Zhenghao, and Qiao Mengmeng quickly intervenes, explaining she had invited him to help clear up past misunderstandings. Tong Xiaole sheepishly blames his "muscle memory" from childhood training at the Shaolin Temple. Once the power returns, they huddle together to warm up. Since the barbecue was ruined, Zhao Zhenghao saves the night by sharing the snacks he brought. The next morning, Chen Fan's mother arrives to provide breakfast for the group.

Afterward, Yi Lan and Tong Xiaole take a walk. Sensing that Tong Xiaole is in a low mood, Yi Lan points out a rainbow and gives him a piece of milk candy, telling him to make a wish. Back at home, Yi Lan’s father expresses concern over her catching a cold and tells her to call him immediately if she ever needs protection. Later, noticing Tong Xiaole has nothing to eat, Yi Lan knocks on his door with a delicious meal of braised chicken and food she prepared specifically for him.

Tong Xiaole gives Yi Lan a ride to school on his bike for the first day of their senior year at No. 2 High School. Having put extra effort into his appearance by styling his hair and wearing perfume, he is delighted when Yi Lan calls him handsome. In class, their teacher, Mr. Bu, encourages the students to commit fully to their studies, emphasizing that the upcoming college entrance exam is their primary focus.

Qiao Mengmeng notices that Yi Lan has become much more diligent and suggests the group visit Hailan University during its open day. She highlights that it has the best music department in the country and a prestigious cello program. Although Tong Xiaole initially claims he has no interest in going, he eventually joins the group. During the university visit, Chen Fan attempts to ask Luo Ningzi for advice regarding his plans to study abroad.

Luo Ningzi remains distant, suggesting he look for information online or at specialized agencies since everyone’s situation is different. Sensing her coldness, Chen Fan confides in Tong Xiaole. To help his friend showcase his talent, Tong Xiaole suggests an impromptu performance on the campus playground. Chen Fan sings while Tong Xiaole accompanies him on the guitar, attracting a crowd of impressed students. Even Luo Ningzi and Yi Lan are struck by their performance.

Later, while Luo Ningzi heads to the library alone, Yi Lan and Tong Xiaole observe a cello class led by the renowned Associate Professor Ye Mei. The group eventually wanders to a tea plantation on the campus hillside. Moved by the beautiful scenery, Yi Lan decides she wants to apply for the cello major at Hailan University to become Professor Ye's student.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan suggests he and Tong Xiaole form a band called "Lefan," though Qiao Mengmeng finds the name quite tacky. Back from the trip, Yi Lan realizes the difficulty of getting into Hailan University after seeing the high admission scores and the limited number of spots for cello majors. To find guidance, she visits a musical instrument store owned by Boss Shan, who was a student of Yi Lan's late mother.

Shan shares a video of her mother’s professional performance, which leaves Yi Lan mesmerized. When Luo Ningzi and Qiao Mengmeng arrive at the shop, Luo Ningzi goes into a practice room to play. While she is practicing, Professor Ye Mei happens to visit the store to handle some books. Hearing the music, she praises Luo Ningzi's solid basic skills but notes a lack of emotional depth.

She encourages Luo Ningzi to apply to Hailan University if she wishes to pursue further studies. Eager for a chance to speak with her idol, Yi Lan catches up with Professor Ye outside. She expresses her dream of becoming the professor's student, but after examining Yi Lan’s left hand, Professor Ye asks whether she truly loves music or is simply using the art exam as a stepping stone to get into a good university.

She warns Yi Lan that music requires immense, long-term dedication rather than a passing whim. Returning to the room, Yi Lan sees the raw calluses on Luo Ningzi’s fingers and realizes the vast gap in their levels of experience. Meanwhile, Luo Ningzi is upset by the criticism regarding her lack of emotion. She leaves the store alone, and although Chen Fan follows her to offer comfort, she remains focused on finding the feeling that Professor Ye said was missing.

That evening, Luo Ningzi talks to her mother about Hailan University, suggesting it as a backup if her study abroad applications fail. Her mother insists that a domestic degree cannot compare to the prestige of studying abroad and tells her to focus entirely on her practice without worrying about finances. At Tong Xiaole’s home, his parents receive a call from Mr. Bu regarding his future.

His father suggests he major in Finance to prepare for the family business, but Tong Xiaole is completely uninterested. His dismissive attitude—suggesting his parents focus on making money instead—sparks an argument, as his father feels his son looks down on him for his business-oriented life. Yi Lan also faces resistance when she tells her father about her goal.

Even when she offers to work part-time during holidays to help with the tuition, her father refuses, explaining that his objection is not about the money. After receiving a message from Yi Lan while leaving a cyber cafe with Chen Fan, Tong Xiaole meets her at their usual spot by the wish wall. Yi Lan tells him that her father will not support her pursuing the cello professionally.

Tong Xiaole encourages her to persevere, telling her that something she dreams about is her true "dream" and shouldn't be given up easily. Yi Lan decides to find another way to convince her father. When she asks Tong Xiaole about his own goals, he admits he hasn't decided yet. A few days later at school, Mr. Bu discovers that Tong Xiaole has left his university preference form blank.

Worried about his talented student, the teacher plans to speak with Tong's parents. Yi Lan sees the blank form while turning in her homework and tries to talk to Tong Xiaole, but he brushes her off. The next morning, Tong Xiaole is late for class, leaving his friends and teacher waiting.

Yi Lan headed to school alone one morning after discovering that Tong Xiaole had not waited for her as usual. Her anxiety grew when he was absent from class. Chen Fan sent her a message explaining that he and Tong Xiaole had a band performance scheduled for that evening, so there was no need to worry. Still restless, Yi Lan tried to skip class by claiming she had a stomachache, but Mr. Bu saw through her excuse.

Instead of letting her go, he gave her specialized study materials and encouraged her, calling her his most promising student. Chen Fan attempted a similar ruse with a fake sore throat but was met with the exact same treatment. Mr. Bu eventually visited Tong Xiaole’s home and found that the boy had simply overslept. Tong Xiaole’s father, who had rushed back from out of town after being notified of his son’s truancy, was already there.

The tension peaked when his father discovered that Tong Xiaole had left his college application form blank. He demanded his son study Finance, leading to a heated argument. Resentful of his father’s controlling nature and constant absence, Tong Xiaole stormed out. Yi Lan, who had come to check on him and overheard the fight, found him and accompanied him for a long walk by the river to offer comfort.

Meanwhile, at the bar, Chen Fan was desperate to start their show. He pleaded with the manager for more time, but the performance was ultimately canceled because his partner never arrived. Having lost track of time while talking to Yi Lan, Tong Xiaole finally rushed to the venue, only to be met by a furious Chen Fan.

Tong Xiaole, still defensive from his father’s lecture, argued that he only participated in the band out of friendship and felt it was a waste of his important senior year. The two friends had a bitter falling out and went their separate ways. The following day, the friction continued at school.

Yi Lan made another formal request to her father about applying for the cello major at Hailan University, but he remained unyielding, insisting that music should only be a hobby. At school, Tong Xiaole and Chen Fan acted like bitter rivals, turning a simple basketball game into an aggressive confrontation. Observing the conflict, Zhao Zhenghao suggested that men often need a physical fight to settle their misunderstandings.

In an attempt to reconcile the two, Yi Lan organized a classroom game where the players would hit each other's arms as punishment. When it was Chen Fan's turn to hit Yi Lan, Tong Xiaole stepped in to take the blow for her. The game quickly devolved into a personal duel between the two boys, trading hits until Mr. Bu entered and ordered everyone back to their seats.

Later, Yi Lan and Qiao Mengmeng tried another plan by leaving sandwiches on the boys' desks with notes pretending to be from one another. However, the plan backfired when Chen Fan discovered his sandwich had spoiled in the heat. Believing Tong Xiaole had intentionally given him expired food, his anger intensified. Tong Xiaole, realizing Yi Lan was behind the prank, simply placed the sandwich back in front of her. The conflict persisted as Chen Fan practiced with Luo Ningzi.

When Qiao Mengmeng asked why he was still feuding, Chen Fan complained about Tong Xiaole’s lack of loyalty. Tong Xiaole happened to pass by and met these complaints with disdain, leading the two to the playground for a final showdown. After Chen Fan threw a punch, Tong Xiaole faked being in severe pain to break the ice.

They finally sat down to talk; Chen Fan admitted he felt devalued when Tong Xiaole missed the performance, while Tong Xiaole explained the stress of the argument with his father. Realizing they both valued the friendship, they finally reconciled. Seeking to help Yi Lan, Shan, the music store owner, tried to persuade her father.

He used the metaphor of a fish in a tank, explaining that Yi Lan needed her own space to grow rather than just following her father's dictates. Yi Lan’s father confessed his fear that she would suffer like her mother, who had sacrificed everything for music only to end up with nothing. Later at home, a frustrated Yi Lan retreated to the balcony to practice, refusing to eat.

Seeing her hunger strike, Tong Xiaole ordered takeout and called her down to eat with him. Eventually, Yi Lan’s father visited the music store and secretly watched her practice. Moved by her genuine passion and dedication, he finally gave his consent for her to take the art exam. Overjoyed, Yi Lan immediately ran to find Tong Xiaole to share the good news.

Tong Xiaole is thrilled that Yi Lan’s father has finally supported her pursuit of the cello, thanks to Brother Shan’s intervention. However, with her academic performance still lagging, Yi Lan insists that Xiaole tutor her. Xiaole playfully suggests she ask Luo Ningzi instead, but then points out that Ningzi lives too far away and traveling late would worry Yi Lan's father. Through this maneuver, he ensures Yi Lan realizes he is her most reliable tutor.

At home, the tension between Yi Lan and her father has vanished; she tells him she has grown up and is ready to face any family challenges by his side, deeply moving him. At school, Chen Zhihan from Class 1 approaches Yi Lan with bubble tea and asks her to deliver a love letter to Xiaole. Yi Lan agrees, thinking the two might be a good match.

Meanwhile, Zhao Zhenghao announces he will be focusing entirely on the college entrance exam and warns everyone not to disturb him. Over the weekend, the friends gather at Qiao Mengmeng’s house to snatch concert tickets for her idol, Brother Yu. Despite clearing their phones and testing their internet speeds, they fail to secure a ticket during the frantic payment process. A devastated Mengmeng is comforted by Zhao Zhenghao, who offers to pay for an expensive ticket from a scalper.

Later, Yi Lan visits Xiaole’s house for tutoring. While Xiaole is downstairs picking up a takeout order, Yi Lan hides Chen Zhihan’s letter in one of his books. She also notices a jar of paper cranes and teases Xiaole about having a secret crush. When Xiaole returns and finds the letter, he is initially delighted, thinking it is from Yi Lan, but his mood sours instantly upon seeing Zhihan’s signature.

He becomes irritable and tries to kick Yi Lan out, but she stubbornly clings to a pillar, refusing to leave. Their bickering is interrupted by a text from Mengmeng: the high-priced ticket is a fake. The group rushes to the stadium gates, where Mengmeng is in tears. As the concert begins, Yi Lan suggests they stay outside to listen, and Mengmeng explains how the singer's debut song helped her through the loneliness of her parents' divorce.

Suddenly, they spot the scalper wearing a black hat. A chase ensues, and they corner him as he tries to climb a wall. The man tries to settle the matter by offering tickets to another show at a discount, but the group demands a full refund and decides to call the police. On Monday, Xiaole’s anger remains, and he cycles to school without waiting for Yi Lan.

She tries to make amends with a White Rabbit candy, but he stays cold. When Chen Fan asks who Xiaole actually likes, Xiaole points at Yi Lan before jokingly adding that he would have to be crazy to like her. Meanwhile, Mr. Bu encourages Xiaole to apply for Business Management at Hailan University, noting the principal's high expectations. However, Xiaole finds himself secretly researching the university’s photography program instead.

A girl named Xiaorou, who follows Xiaole's photography, contacts him with a request to take a family portrait with her grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s. Xiaorou explains that her parents have passed away and her grandmother often mistakes her for her mother. Moved by the request, Xiaole discusses it with his friends. Yi Lan suggests a role-play to help trigger the grandmother's memories, and though Ningzi is skeptical, the group agrees to help.

They visit the grandmother’s old house, cleaning and restoring its original appearance. Chen Fan wears Xiaorou’s father’s clothes to play the part of a colleague. The grandmother is overjoyed, believing her son sent them to see her. They capture a beautiful final photo, and the grandmother passes away peacefully shortly after. The experience triggers Xiaole's own childhood memory of his parents gifting him his first camera, strengthening his resolve as he contemplates his college application preferences.

Chen Fan visits a barbershop with high hopes, asking for a hairstyle that is understated yet striking to impress girls. However, the stylist's creative flair results in a disastrous, explosive perm that leaves him in despair. Meanwhile, the academic atmosphere grows tense as Luo Ningzi receives a text notification stating she failed to meet the requirements for a scholarship to a U. S. university.

During a quiet study session, Tong Xiaole claims to have something in his eye, and Yi Lan tenderly blows into it to help. The close proximity leaves Tong Xiaole feeling shy and flustered, and he quickly excuses himself to find eye drops to hide his embarrassment. Concerns over declining college admission rates lead the school administration to implement a drastic Experimental Class pilot program.

Mr. Bu, protective of the students he has raised since their freshman year, meets with the Principal to argue for keeping Tong Xiaole in his regular class. He explains that Tong Xiaole has a rebellious streak and might struggle with a new environment, promising to personally guarantee the boy's performance. However, the Principal insists that the top thirty students must be taught by specially certified senior teachers who have more experience.

Mr. Bu is forced to announce the new regime to the class: a 6 a. m. start time, the cancellation of all extracurricular clubs, and a total ban on taking leave. Tong Xiaole and Luo Ningzi are then called up as members selected for the month-long Experimental Class. The school environment becomes increasingly restrictive, with Director Hu strictly enforcing a policy of "appropriate distance" between male and female students.

When the director catches students sharing an umbrella in the rain, he accuses them of dating and forbids the practice. Later, as the rain continues, Tong Xiaole waits for Yi Lan by the track. To avoid the director’s scrutiny, he pulls Yi Lan close under his jacket and umbrella, shielding her as they happily sneak out of the school together.

They head to a musical instrument store to study, where Yi Lan notices that the Experimental Class is being given more advanced exam papers. She complains about the blatant unequal treatment, finding the questions far beyond her own level. When Yi Lan hears that Tong Xiaole was called in to discuss his college applications, she is shocked to learn he chose the Photography Department at Hailan University.

Given his top-tier grades, she believes he should aim for a much better school, but he admits he chose it simply because she is going there, wanting to protect her from being bullied. Later, Yi Lan stays up late struggling with her homework and considers skipping school to avoid the 5,000-meter running penalty promised by their teacher for unfinished work. Tong Xiaole takes her papers and finishes the entire assignment in minutes by using her back as a desk.

The disparity between the classes becomes even more obvious at the school gates. While regular students are searched and banned from bringing in snacks, badminton rackets, or basketballs, Experimental Class students are ushered through with respect. Yi Lan and her friends feel further marginalized when they discover that the Experimental Class is being treated to bubble tea by their teachers while the rest of the seniors are struggling.

During a group camping trip, Yi Lan and Qiao Mengmeng lament that their intensive study schedule leaves no time for their artistic specialties. They decide to use the upcoming 75th Anniversary School Celebration to speak out against the discrimination. Despite the school orchestra's initial reluctance to help, Qiao Mengmeng enlists the help of Zhao Zhenghao to secure a spot for their performance.

During the anniversary ceremony, after the Principal delivers a speech on the school’s motto of virtue and excellence, the group takes the stage. Zhao Zhenghao introduces the group, and Yi Lan and Luo Ningzi perform a stunning duet cello piece. They are followed by Chen Fan, who sings a soul-stirring original song with Tong Xiaole providing the accompaniment. The performance is a triumph among the students but leads to an immediate confrontation in the office.

Director Hu is furious, citing disciplinary violations and threatening suspension. However, Tong Xiaole argues that they only wanted to be heard and treated as equals rather than being judged solely by their grades. The Principal, moved by the sentiment, acknowledges that the school's recent reforms lacked respect for the students. He decides to revoke the new regulations, cancel the Experimental Class, and restore equal resources and attention to every student.

Luo Ningzi received a disheartening update that her scholarship application for an overseas university had been rejected. Despite Chen Fan sending playful emojis to cheer her up, she found no humor in it, lamenting the rejection. Meanwhile, Yi Lan enthusiastically shared her good news with Tong Xiaole. Her left hand had developed raw calluses from practice, signaling her successful completion of the joint exam.

She explained that this was a significant step forward, and her next focus would be the more challenging school exam. On the morning of the school exam, Tong Xiaole arrived to pick up Yi Lan. Before they left, Yi Lan eagerly took his hands, asking him to pass on his "top student's luck" to her, to which Tong Xiaole playfully told her to close her eyes and make a proper wish.

He then assured her that she already had his blessing and would definitely pass. As they arrived at the exam venue, Yi Lan was surprised to find Luo Ningzi also preparing for the school exam. Luo Ningzi explained that a sudden family business bankruptcy and her failed scholarship application meant the school exam was her only viable path forward. She expressed concern that Yi Lan might feel she had been deceitful by keeping this secret.

Yi Lan, however, quickly reassured her, understanding that there must have been valid reasons for her silence. She also expressed concern for Ningzi, noticing she was dressed too lightly for the cold and urging her to warm up. Yi Lan encouraged Luo Ningzi, telling her she would shine whether in China or abroad, and urged her not to bear her burdens alone. Luo Ningzi thanked her for the support, and they wished each other luck.

As the winter break approached, Mr. Bu reminded the students not to get too carried away. Yi Lan mentioned Luo Ningzi's participation in the school exam, which came as a surprise to Chen Fan, who had assumed Luo Ningzi would pursue overseas studies. Tong Xiaole advised against prying, saying Luo Ningzi would share details if she wanted to.

Chen Fan, acknowledging the politeness, decided to ask Mr. Bu how to get into Hailan University, showing his support for Ningzi's new path. Later, Chen Fan presented Luo Ningzi with a box of her favorite imported chocolates, sharing a quote he admired: "I have wrestled with myself for long. I'd rather just be me." He told her he believed she was truly amazing and would shine wherever she went, making Luo Ningzi thank him.

Separately, Qiao Mengmeng showed Yi Lan an interesting social media account featuring a profile picture strikingly similar to Yi Lan's. While studying with Tong Xiaole at the musical instrument store, Yi Lan explained her fascination with the account. She noted that the blogger posted photos of various local spots they frequented, like their breakfast shop, coffee shop, and street.

Yi Lan was convinced the blogger was someone close to them, possibly even from their school, pointing out that the pinned photo of a girl's back shared an identical school uniform skirt hem. She theorized that this photo was pinned because the girl was the blogger's secret crush. Tong Xiaole tried to dismiss her observations, claiming all school uniforms looked similar.

When Yi Lan's phone died and she tried to borrow Tong Xiaole's to continue looking, he quickly claimed his phone was also dead. Yi Lan, noticing his red ears and suspecting he was hiding something, playfully wrestled with him for his phone, convinced he had a secret. On New Year's Eve, both Tong Xiaole's and Yi Lan's families had dinner at Zhonghai Restaurant and arranged to meet afterward.

At the restaurant, Tong Xiaole's mother warned his father, Mr. Tong, about an important client, Mr. Guo, who was holding their goods. She stressed that if he didn't pay, they would breach contract and couldn't even pay salaries, urging Mr. Tong not to offend him again. Mr. Tong found himself in a difficult situation, forced to drink repeatedly with Mr. Guo and his employees, who insisted on toasting him with both red wine and baijiu.

Tong Xiaole watched with growing distress. Meanwhile, in another private room, Yi Lan performed a cello piece for her family. Her strict aunt, however, immediately pointed out two missed notes, asking how many hours Yi Lan practiced a day and whether she could even get admitted like this. Yi Lan's father quickly interjected, explaining that Yi Lan had already passed her school exam, trying to alleviate her tension around her aunt, but Yi Lan remained visibly upset.

Back in Tong Xiaole's private room, when Mr. Guo and his associates continued to pressure Mr. Tong to drink, Tong Xiaole intervened. He grabbed a glass and offered to drink on his father's behalf. Mr. Guo, recognizing Tong Xiaole as the "top scorer in the high school entrance exam" that Mr. Tong often spoke of, encouraged him to drink, claiming he would have to learn sooner or later and offering a big red envelope as a bribe.

Mr. Tong tried to stop his son, saying kids couldn't drink, but Mr. Guo insisted. In the ensuing struggle for the glass, alcohol accidentally spilled onto Mr. Guo's clothes, creating a deeply awkward and tense situation. Angered, Mr. Guo chastised Mr. Tong for spoiling his son. Tong Xiaole, seeing his father’s humiliation, confronted him, asking, "Dad, get up. What are you doing? Can't you see this person is deliberately making things difficult for you?"

Unable to tolerate the situation any longer, Tong Xiaole abruptly left the private room, with his father following close behind, scolding him. They exchanged heated words, with Mr. Tong accusing his son of looking down on him despite his hard work to provide for him. Tong Xiaole retorted, admitting he did look down on his father, and walked away. Yi Lan, who had gone to the restroom, witnessed their argument.

She offered to accompany Tong Xiaole for a walk, asking if he was okay and reassuring him that she would stand by him no matter what. While walking down some steps, she accidentally sprained her ankle, crying out in pain. Despite her injury, her first thought was to check if Tong Xiaole was still upset. Tong Xiaole, dismissing her concern for him, helped her sit by the roadside and went to a nearby pharmacy for medicine.

As snow began to fall and the cold intensified, Yi Lan, unable to wait, limped back to the restaurant. Inside, she found her younger brother, Xuan, playing with her cello. She tried to tell him it wasn't a toy, but her aunt sided with Xuan, leading to a struggle for the cello. The instrument fell to the ground and broke. Overwhelmed with hurt and frustration, Yi Lan ran crying out of the restaurant.

Tong Xiaole returned with medicine to find Yi Lan outside, wearing his jacket which he had retrieved for her, still in tears. He helped apply medicine to her sprained ankle. Despite the pain, she thoughtfully offered him steamed buns and plum syrup, knowing he hadn't eaten. She told him the buns were Xuan's favorite, and she had purposefully taken them all so Xuan couldn't have any. Soon after, Xuan, accompanied by his parents, came out to apologize to Yi Lan.

Yi Lan readily forgave him, and they promised never to argue again. After returning home, Tong Xiaole's mother offered him dumplings, but he politely declined, having already eaten. His father, Mr. Tong, completely changed his demeanor, sincerely apologizing for slapping him earlier. Mr. Tong revealed that Mr. Bu had informed him of Tong Xiaole's interest in applying to the Department of Photography.

He expressed his full support, stating his desire for Tong Xiaole to have a goal and something to strive for, and even promised to open a photography studio for him after graduation. Tong Xiaole's mother then presented him with a surprise: an imported camera that his father had specially arranged to buy from abroad. Tong Xiaole was overjoyed by his parents' understanding and generosity.

His father explained that he had always worried Tong Xiaole found him annoying and preferred to be alone, which led to their arguments. Tong Xiaole then gave his father a health drink, urging him to drink less alcohol for his stomach. His father vowed to take better care of the family and him, and they shared a warm, playful embrace.

Later, Tong Xiaole, Yi Lan, Chen Fan, Qiao Mengmeng, and Luo Ningzi secretly gathered at the school to set off fireworks for the New Year. Chen Fan had invited Zhao Zhenghao, as he was now considered part of their group. As fireworks illuminated the night sky, they all made wishes. Yi Lan wished to successfully pass the art exam and be admitted to Hailan University. Tong Xiaole playfully teased her for eavesdropping on his own wish for her success.

Chen Fan wished for a kinder year and financial prosperity for everyone, while Luo Ningzi mentioned she just wanted to sing. Qiao Mengmeng, however, confessed her desire to fall in love. In March, the art exam results were announced. Yi Lan was ranked thirty-third, but Hailan University only admitted fifteen students that year. Determined, Yi Lan decided to intensely focus on her academic subjects to improve her chances. Tong Xiaole, initially blunt about her chances, still agreed to tutor her.

Luo Ningzi, on the other hand, had successfully passed the admission lines for several universities and shared this good news with Yi Lan over the phone, though she hadn't yet made a preferred choice and still depended on her academic scores. Yi Lan, motivated, declared her intention to intensely focus on academic subjects as well, hoping they could become schoolmates. Tong Xiaole continued to tutor Yi Lan, leading to continuous improvement in her monthly exams, which culminated in their graduation.

Mr. Bu proudly declared Class 9, Grade 11 the best class he had ever taught. When the college entrance exam academic results were released, Yi Lan was thrilled to announce to Tong Xiaole over the phone that she scored 512 points and was successfully admitted to Hailan University. Tong Xiaole's score was initially "hidden," which his father excitedly explained meant he was among the top 50 in the province, as Mr. Bu had told him. They celebrated his outstanding achievement.

Tong Xiaole then called Yi Lan, greeting her as a fellow "schoolmate" to Hailan University. However, during a celebration with friends, Chen Fan expressed concern about Luo Ningzi, mentioning she hadn't replied to his messages. Qiao Mengmeng revealed that her father, who was looking to buy a house, had discovered Luo Ningzi's family home was for sale. She explained that something had happened to Luo Ningzi's family, leading her to spend the summer vacation at her grandmother's house. Tong Xiaole immediately proposed visiting her, having already found her grandmother's address.

After a celebratory meal where Luo Ningzi was noticeably absent, Chen Fan, whose family was planning to buy a house, discovered that Luo Ningzi's former city address was listed for sale. They heard that Luo Ningzi had gone to stay with her grandmother in the countryside.

Rumors circulated among the villagers that Luo Ningzi's father was head over heels in debt, had sold his house in the city, and that Luo Ningzi herself had returned with a huge debt, calling it "a terrible tragedy." The friends decided to visit her. On their way, their car ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere. Panicked, Chen Fan was questioned if he had gone the wrong way. Tong Xiaole took charge, calling Shan for help.

Shan instructed him to send their location and wait on the road, promising to pick them up. As they waited, everyone became thirsty, but Chen Fan refused to share the drinks he had in the trunk, declaring them specifically for Ning, threatening anyone who touched them as a "traitor." Yi Lan then spotted a pomelo tree nearby and found a bamboo pole to pick some fruit.

The tree was too tall, so Tong Xiaole crouched down, allowing Yi Lan to step on his legs for added height. As she swung back and forth, she lost her balance and fell onto Tong Xiaole. Their eyes met for a moment before they quickly scrambled to their feet. Tong Xiaole joked, "Thank god you broke my fall," prompting Chen Fan to finally agree to pick some fruit, or else his drinks would be consumed by the thirsty group.

Meanwhile, Luo Ningzi was helping her grandparents with farm work. Her grandmother reassured her that she didn't need to do chores and that her presence alone was enough to make her happy. Luo Ningzi's grandmother had cooked a large pot of mung bean soup and asked her to invite the villagers from the village committee to enjoy it, believing it would be more lively with more people.

As Luo Ningzi set out, Tong Xiaole's group was being scolded by an older woman, Yaogu, the owner of the pomelo tree, who accused them of stealing her fruits and damaging her trees, calling them "thieves." Tong Xiaole attempted to apologize and offered to pay, even double the price, but Yaogu was indignant, asking if money could solve everything.

Luo Ningzi arrived just in time, addressing the woman as "Aunt," and explained that her classmates were her high school friends and didn't realize the tree belonged to someone. She suggested they simply pay for the damage. Yaogu, however, was still upset, commenting on their "skinny little arms and legs." The Village Chief intervened, calming Yaogu down and inviting everyone to Luo Ningzi's grandmother's home for mung bean soup.

Tong Xiaole and Chen Fan privately expressed their frustration about Luo Ningzi having such an aunt. Later that evening, Shan finally arrived to find the group safe, much to his relief. He mentioned that Tong Xiaole's father had called many times, but Tong Xiaole explained he hadn't checked his phone. Shan then revealed his own father wanted him to return immediately, but he offered to talk to his dad so he could stay the night with them.

Luo Ningzi initially tried to turn her friends away, claiming it was inconvenient for them to stay at her grandmother's house. However, her grandmother overheard and insisted they stay, reminding Luo Ningzi that they had traveled so far to see her. Later, Yi Lan found Luo Ningzi still awake, and they sat together, watching the stars. Yi Lan wondered if city stars were equally bright but simply overlooked due to the overwhelming city lights.

She shared the good news that she had been accepted into Hailan University and asked Luo Ningzi about her own results. Luo Ningzi happily revealed that she, too, had been admitted to Hailan University. Yi Lan was thrilled, expressing hopes that they might even be in the same class or dorm. Luo Ningzi explained that she was helping her grandmother with a small business to earn living expenses and tuition.

Yi Lan enthusiastically suggested they could work part-time together in college. Luo Ningzi confessed that she had avoided replying to messages earlier because she was afraid her friends would worry, but she was truly glad they had come to see her. Yi Lan warmly replied, "We're good friends." The next day, the friends were assigned various chores by the villagers. Chen Fan was sent to clean a greenhouse.

He spotted Luo Ningzi passing by and eagerly ran out to pose, but she didn't notice him. Yi Lan was tasked with herding sheep and playfully chased them around the fields, enjoying herself immensely. Shan, meanwhile, was repairing tools for some villagers. Several older women, impressed by his efficiency and handsome appearance, enthusiastically tried to set him up with their daughters. Shan became visibly uncomfortable.

Sensing his predicament, Yi Lan quickly stepped in, claiming to be Shan's girlfriend to help him out. Tong Xiaole, passing by, overheard her words and felt a pang of jealousy. During a break, Tong Xiaole questioned Yi Lan about her relationship with Shan. Yi Lan explained that she was merely helping him escape an awkward situation with the matchmakers. Tong Xiaole pressed further, asking if she liked Shan, to which she denied, calling him "nosy."

Later, as Chen Fan helped Luo Ningzi pick vegetables, she advised him that he and the others should return to the city soon, warning that if they stayed, the villagers would keep them working. Chen Fan mentioned that the village was planning a talent show to promote agricultural products and expressed a desire to stay and learn from the experience, but Luo Ningzi discouraged him from getting involved since they weren't from the village.

As they passed a pavilion, they overheard some older women gossiping about Luo Ningzi's father's financial ruin and claiming that Luo Ningzi hadn't even gotten into college and was hiding from debt. Chen Fan immediately stepped forward and loudly announced that Luo Ningzi had achieved the highest scores in her major, had been accepted into a top university, and had received numerous full scholarships, proudly declaring her "amazing" and "the pride of our village."

Luo Ningzi, witnessing Chen Fan's defense, was very pleased and thanked him for speaking up for her. Chen Fan then admitted that he had been worried because he couldn't reach her and had been asking around for her news, wanting to help her. Qiao Mengmeng noticed the mutual affection between Chen Fan and Luo Ningzi and excitedly told Tong Xiaole that they seemed to be "into each other."

A surprised Tong Xiaole confronted Chen Fan, asking if he and Luo Ningzi were now together. Chen Fan hesitantly replied, "Not yet. Not really." He then made a heartfelt declaration, swearing that he would "never do anything to hurt Ning" and would "treat her well," even wishing to be struck by lightning if he lied. Just then, Luo Ningzi approached them, carrying some apples, and overheard Chen Fan's words, looking shyly embarrassed.

The next day, for the live performance, Chen Fan, confident in his "secret weapon," took the stage with Tong Xiaole. Chen Fan announced to the "Fellow villagers" to prepare their "warmest applause." The duo attempted a duet with a suona, but could only produce a single note, much to the audience's amusement. They quickly exited the stage, blushing, and a professional band took over to salvage the show.

That evening, Chen Fan sought out Luo Ningzi to apologize for the day's performance, admitting he had been naive and hadn't helped much, but promised to keep trying. Luo Ningzi gently told him that the Village Chief had already made arrangements for the fruit. Chen Fan continued to follow her, not wanting to go home, so they went to the yard to talk, sharing a blanket as it was "a bit chilly."

Chen Fan then produced a necklace as a gift to congratulate her on getting into college. Luo Ningzi found it too expensive and initially declined, but Chen Fan insisted she accept it as a birthday gift. After stammering for a moment, Chen Fan finally confessed his feelings, saying, "I like you. . . I really, really, really like you."

He expressed his desire to "do so many things for you" and assured her that even if she didn't return his feelings, it would be enough for him to "always stay by your side." Luo Ningzi smiled and accepted the gift. Just as this tender moment unfolded, Tong Xiaole and Yi Lan, who had been secretly listening in nearby, burst into the yard with a birthday cake.

Yi Lan jokingly asked Chen Fan where he found "such a fancy cake" in "the middle of nowhere," to which Chen Fan replied, "Shan sent it here." They lit the candles, and everyone gathered around Luo Ningzi, singing "Happy Birthday." They then offered their wishes, hoping she would have no worries, be happy every day, achieve her dreams, and always be true to herself, before telling her to make a wish.

Life at Hailan University has officially begun. Tong Xiaole has joined the photography club and quickly become a popular figure on campus. Luo Ningzi and Chen Fan have started their university romance, though Ningzi is so dedicated to her cello practice that she rarely has time for dates. Qiao Mengmeng and Chen Fan attend a different university but frequently visit their friends.

While studying in the library, Chen Fan and Qiao Mengmeng are joined by Xiaole and Yi Lan, who discuss the upcoming Freshman Dance organized by the music department. The event is a traditional mixer that requires mixed-gender pairs for entry. Chen Fan is surprised to learn that Ningzi, as a freshman representative, will be performing the opening act, as she had been too busy to mention the dance to him.

Determined to secure a full scholarship, Luo Ningzi seeks out Professor Ye Mei. The professor explains that there is only one slot available each year and that the decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the student's overall performance, not just their grades. She advises Ningzi to participate more in extracurricular activities and the student union. Later, Chen Fan finds Ningzi in the library to bring her food.

After apologizing for being hard to reach due to her busy schedule, Ningzi invites him to be her partner for the upcoming dance, which he happily accepts. Meanwhile, Yi Lan finds Shan on the football field and asks him to be her date, explaining that she wants to avoid the jealousy of other girls if she were to go with the popular Xiaole.

At the same time, Qiao Mengmeng makes a deal with Xiaole: she will go to the dance with him if he helps her figure out Yi Lan’s true feelings. At the Freshman Dance, Luo Ningzi delivers a beautiful cello solo that leaves the audience, especially Chen Fan, in awe. Following her performance, Tong Xiaole is invited onto the stage as the top-scoring freshman who chose the Department of Photography.

During an interview with the host, Xiaole clarifies that while he does not have a girlfriend, there is a girl he likes, a confession that leaves Yi Lan wondering about the person's identity. During the event, a student named Xia Han from the Department of String Music approaches Chen Fan to invite him to a karaoke outing, but he politely declines, as his only focus is waiting for Ningzi.

As the evening continues, Professor Ye Mei finds Shan to talk, leaving Yi Lan temporarily without her partner. Qiao Mengmeng finds herself interested in a senior from the photography department named Chen Chen. Xiaole introduces them, and Chen Chen takes Mengmeng on a tour of the dance, where they hit it off and plan to see a movie together. This leaves Xiaole and Yi Lan to dance together.

They appear as a perfect match on the dance floor, and Mengmeng even asks Chen Chen to capture a photo of the two of them. After the dance, Chen Fan asks for more time together, and Ningzi suggests they meet for lunch every day, though her evenings remain committed to her music. As the dance concludes, Chen Chen asks Xiaole about the rumors of his million-follower social media account, which Xiaole modestly dismisses as an exaggeration.

When a sudden rainstorm begins, Yi Lan’s roommate leaves for a date, but Shan happens to pass by and offers to walk Yi Lan back to her dorm under his umbrella. Xiaole, who had also prepared an umbrella for her, feels a pang of jealousy as he watches them walk away together.

Convinced by a tarot card reading that Shan is her "Mr. Right," Yi Lan dresses up in a sophisticated outfit to visit the musical instrument store where Shan works. Xiaole tags along and spends his time trying to interfere, eventually suggesting that Shan might actually be interested in the single Professor Ye Mei to discourage Yi Lan's crush. The day of the specialized course tryouts with Professor Ye Mei arrives.

While waiting for her turn, Yi Lan notices another candidate suffering from acute gastroenteritis and kindly decides to take her to the infirmary. By the time Yi Lan returns, the assessment has finished, and she is disqualified for being late. When she asks for another chance, Professor Ye Mei tells her that while she has great emotional expression, her basic skills are still weak and she must practice harder for next year.

Despite the setback, Yi Lan remains cheerful when she talks to Xiaole later. She confesses that she is experiencing a racing heart, a feeling she associates with falling in love, and asks Xiaole how he recognized his own feelings for the girl he liked in high school. Xiaole confirms the feeling but remains uneasy, wondering who Yi Lan has fallen for.

Tong Xiaole summoned Yi Lan to the darkroom, asking if Shan Liwei had ever tried to be alone with her or shown jealousy when she interacted with other guys. Tong Xiaole explained that online sources suggest certain behaviors are typical of someone in love, like jealousy, sharing life details, possessiveness, and active apologies. Yi Lan carefully considered these points, realizing that Shan had never exhibited any of them.

The only time they had a longer chat was when he walked her back to her dorm with an umbrella, making her feel as though her previous assumptions were purely self-indulgent and now seemed almost amusing. Tong Xiaole then mentioned he had taken many photos of Yi Lan and could develop them immediately. Intrigued, Yi Lan asked him to teach her.

As Tong Xiaole stood behind her, guiding her arms to develop the photos, their closeness made Yi Lan's heart race. She accidentally caught Tong Xiaole's focused gaze on her shoulder, and he immediately looked at her with deep affection. Blushing, Yi Lan quickly made an excuse about unfinished homework and hurried back to her dorm.

Upon returning, she wondered if something was wrong with her heart, noting how quickly it pounded whenever she saw someone, suggesting she should get it checked. In the following days, Tong Xiaole often helped Yi Lan reserve practice rooms, once easily securing a music room for her and telling her he knew she couldn't get one on her own, urging her to go practice. Meanwhile, Luo Ningzi continued her part-time job outside of school to earn money.

Chen Fan drove his sports car to Hailan University to meet Luo Ningzi, but she seemed displeased. She advised him not to drive his flashy car to school, finding it too ostentatious. Luo Ningzi’s coolness made Chen Fan question her feelings for him, thinking she didn't like him. Tong Xiaole reassured him that if she didn't like him, she wouldn't have agreed to date him.

However, Chen Fan confided that their dates always felt like a one-sided conversation from him, and he had never truly experienced what a date should feel like. Yi Lan, passing by the sports field and seeing them chat, joined in. Hearing Chen Fan's dilemma, Yi Lan explained that Luo Ningzi had strong self-esteem and, after recent family misfortunes, was reluctant to accept pity from others, thus putting on a brave front.

Chen Fan decided to trust Yi Lan's assessment and asked her to find an opportunity to subtly ask Luo Ningzi about her feelings for him. After Yi Lan left for class, Chen Fan noticed Tong Xiaole looking troubled and teased him for having made no romantic progress since high school, urging him to take action in pursuing a girl. Around this time, Shan Liwei arrived at Hailan University to repair a piano.

Ye Mei initially thought he was there to see her, but Shan simply went about his work without speaking. Discovering he had forgotten his instrument parts, Shan prepared to return to the musical instrument store to retrieve them, and Ye Mei accompanied him. Later, as Yi Lan was playing basketball with Tong Xiaole on the sports field, she thought she saw Shan pass by and was about to greet him.

Tong Xiaole, noticing Ye Mei following Shan, quickly blocked Yi Lan's view to prevent her from overthinking, causing her to be unsure of whom she had just seen, and he even playfully told her he hadn't seen anyone and suggested she was seeing things. While Shan Liwei was looking for the parts in his store, Ye Mei took off her coat and walked around the room, but Shan still refrained from speaking first.

Suddenly, Ye Mei blocked the doorway and initiated a kiss, to which Shan responded passionately, indicating his enduring affection for her. Just as Tong Xiaole and Yi Lan arrived, Tong Xiaole quickly pushed Yi Lan out the door, shielding her from the scene. Afterwards, Shan Liwei confronted Ye Mei, asking why she had left without a word. Ye Mei seemed upset, asserting that he had always known the reason, and they parted ways on bad terms.

Outside, Yi Lan, startled by Tong Xiaole's sudden action, pressed him to reveal what he had seen. She ate a candy to calm her own nerves, then offered one to Tong Xiaole, who dramatically stated he was afraid his revelation might give her a heart attack. Meanwhile, Yi Lan, still on the street, spotted Ye Mei walking by and hurried to greet her.

She mentioned that she worked part-time at the musical instrument store and could assist if Ye Mei ever needed anything. Ye Mei inquired if Shan had ever mentioned her, and Yi Lan thought about it, concluding he hadn't. Tong Xiaole confronted Shan Liwei directly, demanding to know if he liked Yi Lan or Ye Mei. Shan, seeing Tong Xiaole's jealousy but his hesitation to confess his feelings, found the younger man charmingly naive.

Shan then deliberately started showing affection towards Yi Lan in front of Tong Xiaole, teasing him by asking if he wanted him to say "yes" or "no" to liking Lan, and suggesting he could tell Yi Lan about Tong Xiaole's feelings. He ordered Yi Lan her favorite pizza and enthusiastically agreed to her suggestion of watching a movie, even offering to pay.

Tong Xiaole, visibly bothered, tried to disrupt their plans, claiming he wanted to join them, much to Yi Lan's annoyance. Shan, playing along, told Tong Xiaole to carry his cello, further provoking him. Tong Xiaole consistently found ways to interrupt whenever he saw Shan and Yi Lan getting close, clearly caring deeply about her. Finally losing patience, Yi Lan scolded Tong Xiaole for interfering and meddling in her affairs.

She asked why he had to interfere and if he didn't want her to date, warning him he would regret it if he kept it up. She then suggested he pursue the girl he had liked since high school, proposing that if they both found partners, the four of them could hang out together. As a gesture, she gave him a new card wallet, noticing his old one was worn out.

Back in the dorm, Tong Xiaole was lost in thought, reflecting on how he had messed up earlier with Yi Lan and scared her. Chen Chen tried to cheer him up and initially advised him to pretend to flirt with another girl to make Yi Lan jealous, assuring him it would work. However, Chen Chen quickly changed his mind, urging Tong Xiaole to be straightforward and confess directly, stating that girls dislike indecisive men.

Later, when Yi Lan was rushing to reserve a practice room, Tong Xiaole pulled her into the darkroom. He presented her with a photo of the two of them from a dance. Yi Lan admired the photo, noting its meaningfulness. Tong Xiaole then confessed his feelings, reminding her that she once told him photography was his way of communicating with the world.

He shared how he used to feel unhappy and negative while taking photos, but she had always been there to encourage him and bring positivity into his life. He concluded by telling her that she was his second way of communicating with the world. Yi Lan thanked him, acknowledging their "best friends" status, and prepared to leave. But Tong Xiaole stopped her, taking a deep breath, and finally, directly told her, "I like you."

Facing Tong Xiaole’s confession, Yi Lan remains indifferent. She questions why he would confess to her when he supposedly liked someone else since high school, but Tong Xiaole reveals that the girl he always cared for was her all along. Unsure of how to handle the sudden change in their dynamic, Yi Lan rejects him on the spot. Distracted by the situation, Yi Lan’s work at the musical instrument store becomes careless.

Sensing her unease, Shan Liwei tries to occupy her with chores like cleaning the speakers and moving a cello to the repair room, but she remains disorganized, even heading in the wrong direction with the cello. When he finally pushes her to explain what is bothering her, she impulsively confesses that she loves him. However, Shan Liwei finds the declaration more awkward than romantic.

He asks her to look him in the eyes, and she realizes she feels no physical reaction—none of the racing heartbeats or flushed cheeks she read about online. She admits that those feelings actually happen when she is with Tong Xiaole, despite having recently told him they should cut ties. Shan Liwei tells her that their bond is merely like that of siblings and reveals there is someone else he has never been able to let go of.

Meanwhile, Luo Ningzi interviews for a part-time position with a trio. The lead, Cai Yu, is so impressed by her status as the top student in her major that he hires her without a formal audition, offering a performance fee much higher than she expected. Unknown to her, Chen Fan is behind the scenes, having recommended her and even offering a watch to Cai Yu to ensure she is well-cared for.

He asks Cai Yu to keep his help a secret, knowing her high self-esteem. Later, during a performance at a restaurant, Cai Yu’s mentor, the chief conductor of the Dream Orchestra, comes to watch. Cai Yu introduces Luo Ningzi to him, and she is stunned to meet such a prominent figure, having seen him conduct many times before. Tong Xiaole drowns his sorrows in alcohol with Chen Fan.

Chen Fan, guessing the rejection, shares his own frustrations, feeling that his relationship with Luo Ningzi is a one-sided effort where he does all the talking without ever feeling like they are truly dating. Bound by their mutual misery, the two get heavily intoxicated. On their way home, they encounter a group of thugs and end up in a brawl after a brief exchange of insults.

A few days later, Tong Xiaole visits the musical instrument store with a swollen mouth to apologize to Shan Liwei for his previous impulsiveness regarding Yi Lan. Shan Liwei, having heard about the rejected confession, advises him that a confession shouldn't be rushed and that he needs to give Yi Lan space to grow and feel her own emotions.

He reminds the younger man that distance often makes the heart grow fonder and that restraint is a vital part of love. Yi Lan chats with Luo Ningzi and Qiao Mengmeng about her recent experiences, including Tong Xiaole’s confession and her own rejection by Shan Liwei. Qiao Mengmeng insists that Tong Xiaole's feelings are sincere and not just a passing fancy, showing them a viral video of Shan Liwei proposing to Ye Mei years ago.

Seeing the romantic past of the two, Yi Lan realizes why Shan Liwei seemed so affected by Ye Mei’s presence recently and learns that the couple only drifted apart because Ye Mei went abroad. Ye Mei visits the store to have her cello endpin repaired. Shan Liwei notices she is still using the same old instrument after all these years, while Ye Mei discovers he has kept the record she once gave him as a gift.

Though they exchange sharp words and she tells him not to touch her belongings without permission, the lingering connection between them remains palpable as she leaves her cello in his care. Yi Lan remains conflicted about how to face Tong Xiaole. When she sees him, he hides his bruised face by claiming he has an inflamed wisdom tooth, yet he still helps her with her photography project.

Later, a sophomore student, assuming they are a couple, asks Yi Lan to deliver a love letter to him. In the library, Yi Lan watches Tong Xiaole from afar and realizes he truly is charming. Standing on the other side of a bookshelf, she finally voices her thoughts, explaining that while she seriously considered his feelings, the leap from friends to lovers is a transition that she isn't ready for. However, when she walks around the shelf to find him, she discovers he has already left.

Every summer, Yi Lan's family would vacation at her aunt's house. This year, her aunt called again, prompting Yi Lan's father to rally everyone to pack their bags. However, Yi Lan was reluctant to go, explaining that she needed to prepare for Professor Ye Mei's course tryout. Her father worried about her staying alone, fearing she wouldn't cook and would rely on unhealthy takeout. Yi Xuan piped up, reminding them that Tong Xiaole was quite capable in the kitchen.

Yi Lan's father decided to call Tong Xiaole, who arrived almost immediately. Reassured by Tong Xiaole's presence, Mr. Yi suggested that Yi Lan stay at Tong Xiaole's house for a few days. Yi Lan, facing her father, had no choice but to agree. Once at Tong Xiaole's place, Yi Lan immediately laid down some ground rules. First, he was not to meddle in her affairs, and she would add the other two whenever she thought of them.

Tong Xiaole, claiming he was too lazy to interfere anyway, offered her his bedroom. Before Yi Lan could enter, Tong Xiaole quickly rushed in to hide a photo of her he kept by his bed, stuffing it under the covers. When Yi Lan insisted on changing the duvet cover, Tong Xiaole resisted, holding onto the quilt. In her struggle, Yi Lan accidentally fell into Tong Xiaole's arms, which gave her an idea for the second rule: no physical contact.

After the bedding was changed, Yi Lan started looking at the various photos displayed around the room. Tong Xiaole reminded her that her class was in just half an hour. Panicked, Yi Lan hurried Tong Xiaole out of the room to change. With only twenty minutes left before class, taking the bus was out of the question, and a taxi might also be too slow.

Yi Lan asked to borrow Tong Xiaole's e-bike, but carrying her large cello made it impossible to ride. Reluctantly, she asked Tong Xiaole to give her a ride. A few days later, Tong Xiaole's parents, whose return had been delayed, called to say they would be home later than expected. Shortly after, Yi Lan's father called. To reassure him, Yi Lan quickly moved closer to Tong Xiaole before answering.

After hanging up, she confronted Tong Xiaole, asking why he had been avoiding her since she rejected his confession, and if he had started seeing other girls, and if his previous words still counted. Tong Xiaole, appearing distracted, placed his tablet on the table and went to the bathroom to shower. A notification popped up on the tablet, and Yi Lan, unable to resist her curiosity, peeked at the screen.

To her astonishment, she discovered that Tong Xiaole was a popular blogger, with a profile picture identical to her own. Excited, she burst into the bathroom, startling Tong Xiaole, who was about to undress. He quickly came out, his face flushed, realizing that she had understood everything. In the following days, Yi Lan started to intentionally dress up. One day, Tong Xiaole received a call for an outdoor photoshoot, which his assistant had already scheduled.

Yi Lan offered to help him, admitting she needed the money. Tong Xiaole then gave his assistant the day off and took Yi Lan with him for the outdoor shoot. During the session, the poses of the couple being photographed weren't quite right, so Tong Xiaole asked Yi Lan to demonstrate. As Tong Xiaole placed his hand around Yi Lan's waist, her face suddenly flushed, and her heart began to race. That evening, they sat silently at a table together.

Yi Lan eventually offered Tong Xiaole an earphone. Tong Xiaole noticed a significant change in Yi Lan's attitude towards him and asked if she had started to like him. Yi Lan responded by directly kissing him. At that exact moment, both their sets of parents walked into the room. Yi Lan's father, furious, dragged his daughter back home.

Tong Xiaole's father, on the other hand, was quite pleased, noting that both families knew each other well and that Yi Lan was a lively and adorable girl. Meanwhile, Yi Lan's father, still fuming, asked Yi Lan if she liked Tong Xiaole. She hesitated, unable to answer, which led her father to believe she had been wronged. He insisted on going to Tong Xiaole's house to clarify the situation.

Mr. Yi stormed into the Tong household, with Tong Xiaole quickly positioning himself behind his father. Mr. Yi remained convinced that his daughter had been taken advantage of. Tong Xiaole then admitted that his feelings for Yi Lan had always been one-sided, though genuine, and apologized to both Mr. Yi and Yi Lan. Yi Lan remained silent. Hearing Tong Xiaole's confession, Mr. Yi firmly declared that Tong Xiaole was forbidden from seeing Yi Lan again. Tong Xiaole's father then instructed his son to take responsibility for his actions.

Following the incident where they were caught kissing, Yi Dong sat Tong Xiaole down for a formal interrogation. He reminded the young man that he had been trusted to look after Yi Lan, not to take advantage of his parents' absence to let her stay over. When asked about his intentions, Tong Xiaole confessed that he simply wanted to be near Yi Lan because he liked her.

This prompted a debate on the meaning of love, which Tong Xiaole defined as the desire to always be together. Displeased by the answer and further provoked by Yi Xuan’s teasing, Yi Dong chased Tong Xiaole out of the house with a slipper. That night, the couple met secretly on their balconies. Tong Xiaole had been anxious when his messages went unreturned, but Yi Lan explained that her father had confiscated her phone.

A few days later, Tong Xiaole returned Yi Lan’s luggage and cello, bringing along breakfast as a peace offering. While Yi Xuan and the others enjoyed the meal, Yi Dong remained stubborn, insisting that Yi Lan shouldn't even think about dating until she was twenty-five—a remark Yi Xuan quickly undermined by noting that their father had already started a family at that age. Tong Xiaole eventually found a way to win Yi Dong over through public opinion.

While Yi Dong was out grocery shopping with his neighbor, Mr. Wang, Tong Xiaole presented him with expensive bird's nest supplements. Although Yi Dong feigned indifference to save face, calling it a "lousy" gift, he couldn't help but brag to his neighbor about it. However, his pride remained firm at home, where he refused to eat the meal Tong Xiaole had prepared for the family, even though he was clearly hungry.

The breakthrough occurred while Yi Dong was playing chess with his friends, Uncle Li and Uncle Wang. Tong Xiaole arrived with tea and pastries, earning praise from the other elders for being such a considerate young man. Seizing the opportunity, Tong Xiaole promised to treat Yi Lan well and respect her father's boundaries. Faced with the approval of his peers, Yi Dong finally relented and told Tong Xiaole to simply make sure he treated her right.

Meanwhile, Luo Ningzi was focusing all her energy on securing an exchange student spot. Her mentor, introduced to her by Cai Yu, was helping her prepare, leaving her with no time to date Chen Fan. When Luo Ningzi found Chen Fan sitting nearby while she was having a meal with Cai Yu, she accused him of stalking her. Outside the restaurant, Chen Fan apologized, explaining he was only worried, but Luo Ningzi was firm about her independence.

She told him she needed money for her dreams and her family, but she refused to rely on his pity or his family's wealth. Chen Fan was frustrated, complaining that despite being her boyfriend, he knew nothing about her life and they had never even had a proper date. Tong Xiaole later surprised Yi Lan by hanging 364 paper cranes on a tree, each one representing a wish she had made.

He explained he was only one crane short of a full year's worth and asked if he could help her fulfill the wish for a romance. After they officially confirmed their relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend, they attempted to kiss again, but Yi Dong suddenly appeared from behind the tree. He broke them apart, telling them it was late and they were disturbing the residents. Despite his softening attitude, Yi Dong remained protective.

When Tong Xiaole came to take Yi Lan on a date to the park, Yi Dong insisted that Yi Xuan go along to keep an watch, promising him a new toy. As Yi Lan and Tong Xiaole began to hold hands in the park, Yi Xuan, acting on his father's instructions, feigned a stomach ache to cut the date short.

Sensing the little boy was acting as a spy, Tong Xiaole bribed him with a birthday gift of his choice to extend their time. Yi Xuan happily accepted the deal, sealing it with a pinky swear. When they eventually returned home, Yi Xuan stayed true to the bribe and reported to his father that the couple had only talked and never even held hands. The tension between Luo Ningzi and Chen Fan finally reached a breaking point.

Cai Yu gave her a designer clutch for a party, but he also revealed that Chen Fan had been the one who secretly arranged her performance opportunities and tried to buy her expensive gifts. When Chen Fan later took her to dinner, Luo Ningzi confronted him about his constant interference. She expressed her hatred for the way he used his family's money to "back" her life without ever considering what she actually wanted. Insulted by his attempt to arrange her life, she took off the necklace he had given her and left him alone at the table, walking away from the relationship.

Tong Xiaole picked up Yi Lan for their first official date, choosing to walk instead of ride his scooter to enjoy the sunny weather. While Yi Lan was shy about their neighbors seeing them together, Xiaole was more than happy to show her off. When he noticed her shoelace was untied, he insisted on kneeling down to tie it for her.

Their neighbors, Uncle Li and Uncle Wang, teased them about the public display of affection, but they couldn't help but remark on what a well-matched couple they were. The pair headed to the musical instrument store, a location Yi Lan suggested so she could also check on Qiao Mengmeng, who was struggling after a recent breakup. While Shan Liwei served them afternoon tea and cake, Xiaole playfully asked Yi Lan to decide who was more handsome between him and Shan.

Yi Lan happily declared Xiaole to be the best-looking boyfriend in the entire world. Their peaceful afternoon was cut short when Qiao Mengmeng arrived in a panic, revealing that Chen Fan had been cheated on by Luo Ningzi, who was reportedly now with a violinist. Concerned about his friend, Xiaole met Chen Fan for a game of basketball. Chen Fan was in low spirits, having officially broken up after Luo Ningzi initiated the split.

Borrowing advice he had received from Shan Liwei, Xiaole told Chen Fan that his "simp" behavior would only lead to misery. He explained that Luo Ningzi had always admired strength, and if Chen Fan wanted to be worthy of her or move on, he needed to make himself stronger and give her space to feel and grow. Xiaole encouraged him to stop acting pathetic and instead focus on his talent for musical composition to prove his worth.

Meanwhile, Yi Lan sent Xiaole a message suggesting they keep their own relationship a secret for a while longer to avoid upsetting Qiao Mengmeng further during her recovery. On the first day of the new semester, Xiaole went to Yi Lan’s house early and found her still fast asleep. He watched her affectionately until she woke up, and just as they were about to share a kiss, Yi Dong burst into the room to call them for breakfast.

To hide what they were doing, Xiaole pretended to be doing morning sit-ups but ended up taking a hard fall. Before they left for school, Yi Dong sternly reminded them that they were not permitted to spend the night alone together. On their way, Xiaole suggested they watch a movie, but Yi Lan declined, explaining she needed to practice diligently for her cello audition with Professor Ye Mei next week.

At school, Yi Lan was focused on practicing the cello for an upcoming audition with Professor Ye Mei. While looking for a place to play, she encountered Chen Zhihan, a girl who had once sent Xiaole a love letter in high school. Zhihan offered to give up her practice room to Yi Lan on the condition that she provide Xiaole’s WeChat contact information. Desperate for a room, Yi Lan reluctantly agreed and shared the ID.

Chen Zhihan immediately began messaging Xiaole, pestering him to teach her photography and even suggesting he consider her as a potential girlfriend. Xiaole told her clearly that he already had a partner, but Zhihan refused to believe him since she never saw him with anyone else on campus. Later that evening, Xiaole met Yi Lan at the library to ask why she had given his contact info to another girl.

Yi Lan apologized, and taking advantage of the quiet, empty library, the two finally shared their first deep kiss. They both reminisced about it for a long time after returning to their dorms. The following day, Qiao Mengmeng visited Hailan University, and Yi Lan finally took the opportunity to tell her that she and Xiaole were officially together. Mengmeng wasn't surprised by the news but noted that they didn't act like a typical couple because they weren't clingy enough.

She warned Yi Lan to be more attentive, pointing out that Xiaole was very popular with other girls and that she should stay alert. Heeding the warning, Yi Lan decided to participate in the photography club's outdoor shoot the next day. She arrived at the meeting point directly after practicing, still carrying her large cello. Because the bus was crowded and her instrument occupied its own seat, Liang Manman took the opportunity to invite Xiaole to sit next to her.

During the outing, Manman constantly engaged Xiaole in discussions about composition, manual mode, and long exposure techniques. Feeling left out and noticing Manman’s interest in him, Yi Lan faked a sprained ankle and a sore hand to draw Xiaole away. Xiaole immediately rushed to her side, blowing on her "injuries" to comfort her. Yi Lan apologized for her behavior but insisted that from now on, he must always sit next to her.

A photo of Tong Xiaole and Yi Lan kissing in the library goes viral on the campus network, sparking a wave of gossip. Chen Zhihan is particularly infuriated by the post; having previously been given Tong Xiaole's WeChat by Yi Lan, she feels toyed with and publicly humiliated.

When she encounters Yi Lan at the music room, she aggressively occupies the space and refuses to listen to any explanations, accusing Yi Lan of intentionally hiding her relationship just to mock her. Later, Yi Lan overhears Chen Zhihan on a phone call, mockingly telling a friend that Yi Lan is shamelessly pursuing Tong Xiaole.

Chen Zhihan doesn't stop there, shifting her gossip to Luo Ningzi, claiming her family went bankrupt and that she is now desperately networking and performing everywhere just to curry favor. Disgusted by the lack of manners, Yi Lan wants to confront her, but Luo Ningzi, who happened to be passing by, stops her. Luo Ningzi insists that rumors aren't worth their time and instead invites Yi Lan to watch her perform at her part-time restaurant job in a few days.

During the performance, Chen Fan appears with a group of friends. Although he watches Luo Ningzi play, he makes no move to greet her and leaves quietly. The next day, Yi Lan asks Tong Xiaole about Chen Fan's well-being. Tong Xiaole reassures her that Chen Fan has the strength to process his own emotions and tells Yi Lan to focus more on herself.

He specifically warns her that he has heard about her being bullied at school and insists that she must tell him whenever she is being mistreated. Yi Lan eventually attends her specialized course interview with Professor Ye Mei. As Yi Lan plays, Ye Mei is struck by a sense of nostalgia, remembering how Shan Liwei used to watch her with the same devoted gaze during their university days.

Although she and Shan Liwei were deeply in love, she views their relationship as a closed chapter of the past. After the performance, Ye Mei informs Yi Lan that she has passed but points out that her technique is still weak, requiring four hours of daily practice. Taking a risk, Yi Lan asks the professor why two people who clearly love each other choose to stay apart.

Ye Mei sadly remarks that loving someone doesn't always mean staying together, expressing a hope that Yi Lan will never have to understand that pain. Excitedly sharing her success with Tong Xiaole, Yi Lan mentions her rigorous new practice schedule. Tong Xiaole supports her but shares his own news: a professor recommended him for a part-time position at a newspaper office.

They both realize they will have less time together, yet they take the opportunity to reaffirm their deep affection for one another, promising that they will never end up like Professor Ye and Shan Liwei. During a coaching session, Ye Mei encourages Yi Lan to consider studying abroad to experience different musical styles, suggesting she try for the exchange student spot.

Yi Lan is hesitant, feeling her skills aren't yet at that level, but Ye Mei insists she has great potential. Luo Ningzi, standing outside the door, overhears this conversation and is visibly unsettled. During her own lesson afterward, Luo Ningzi is so distracted that she misses several notes. Ye Mei criticizes her sharply, reminding her that there is only one exchange student spot and that she cannot afford to be complacent if she wants to compete.

Inspired by the professor’s words, Yi Lan goes to the library to find IELTS preparation books, where she runs into Luo Ningzi. When Yi Lan mentions her plan to apply for the exchange program, Luo Ningzi's response is unexpectedly cold. She tells Yi Lan that the threshold is far too high for her and advises her not to waste her time. Yi Lan is stunned by the lack of support from someone she considered a close friend.

Seeking a way to secure her future, Luo Ningzi joins Cai Yu for a dinner with Mr. Guo, a major sponsor who funds students for studying abroad. Mr. Guo's overly familiar behavior makes Luo Ningzi uncomfortable, and she briefly retreats to the restroom. Cai Yu follows her, emphasizing that gaining Mr. Guo's trust is the only way to secure more performance opportunities and the funding she needs.

Resigning herself to the situation, Luo Ningzi returns to the table and toasts Mr. Guo repeatedly, eventually becoming quite intoxicated. On the way back to the dormitory, she is so unstable that Cai Yu has to support her, a scene that Chen Zhihan happens to catch on camera. The following day, the tension between the students reaches a breaking point when Chen Zhihan and her friends preemptively take over a music room intended for Yi Lan and Luo Ningzi.

Chen Zhihan mocks Luo Ningzi for her late-night behavior with men and insults Yi Lan by association. The verbal sparring quickly turns into a physical altercation. Tong Xiaole arrives just in time to break up the fight. While Chen Zhihan threatens to report them to the student advisor, Luo Ningzi mocks her for always running to teachers and challenges her to settle the matter through a professional duel.

They agree to perform a duet at the auditorium three days later, with the losers required to issue a public apology. Tong Xiaole carries Yi Lan to the infirmary to check on her sprained foot. While waiting for the doctor, Tong Xiaole rests Yi Lan's leg on his lap to help with her blood circulation, telling her that he finds happiness in being needed by her.

Luo Ningzi arrives shortly after, and Tong Xiaole leaves the two women alone to talk. Yi Lan asks why Luo Ningzi chose her as a partner. Luo Ningzi finally admits that she had seen Yi Lan’s progress in Ye Mei’s class and felt threatened, which is why she had been distancing herself. She confesses her deep envy of Yi Lan’s freedom and firm dreams, whereas she feels burdened and obligated to play the cello for her parents.

Yi Lan, in turn, admits that she has always looked up to Luo Ningzi as a role model. The two friends reconcile and begin practicing Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Cellos. When they move their practice to the auditorium, Chen Zhihan interrupts them, still acting provocatively. She mocks Yi Lan's "pitiful" act and demands they settle the score immediately. Yi Lan and Luo Ningzi begin their performance, and their chemistry is undeniable.

Shocked by Yi Lan's rapid improvement, Chen Zhihan realizes that a simple competition is no longer enough. Instead of continuing the feud, she picks up her violin and joins them, turning the duet into a harmonious trio. Watching from the wings, Professor Ye Mei looks on with a sense of pride and relief.

Tong Xiaole's internship takes an unexpected turn when he witnesses his class teacher, Ma, getting into a physical altercation with Professor Zhao. While intervening, Xiaole also captured the scuffle on camera. When Ma later questions why he didn't help, Xiaole shows him the photos. Ma is impressed by the composition of the shots and asks Xiaole to send one to him. The two strike up a friendly bond, with Ma insisting that Xiaole call him "Lao Ma" from now on.

Ma then invites Xiaole to accompany him to an interview the following evening, offering him an opportunity to learn. Meanwhile, Yi Lan sends a message to Xiaole, happily sharing that she has reconciled with Chen Zhihan. She suggests they meet at the sports ground that night to celebrate. Across town, Shan Liwei and Ye Mei meet at a bar to catch up.

Ye Mei describes her grueling year abroad, where the competition was so fierce she practically lived in the practice room. Shan, in turn, speaks of his quiet life running the musical instrument store and teaching lessons. The evening sours when Ye Mei reveals she has applied to be a principal conductor for an orchestra, a role that would require her to tour constantly.

This triggers a painful memory for Shan; three years ago, he had bought a house and planned a future with her, only for her to propose going abroad for an exchange program for three years. Realizing that her career still seems to come before their relationship, a frustrated Shan leaves the bar early. After an orchestra performance, Luo Ningzi approaches Cai Yu to ask about Mr. Guo, a businessman known for sponsoring music students to study abroad.

Cai Yu explains that while Guo is a benefactor, he is also a businessman who looks for a return on his investments. Luo Ningzi expresses her eagerness to be introduced to him, promising to help the orchestra secure more funding if Cai Yu can help her obtain a full sponsorship. At the sports ground, Xiaole and Yi Lan share their recent successes.

Xiaole is thrilled with his smooth first day of internship, and Yi Lan is delighted to have collaborated with Luo Ningzi, rediscovering her previous passion for performing. Yi Lan introduces a "love notebook" for them to record the things they are too shy to say out loud, suggesting they leave it under their "confession tree" to share. Xiaole finds the idea very poetic.

As they reflect on their relationship, Yi Lan admits she isn't quite sure of the difference between friendship and love, noting that little has changed between them besides their occasional kisses. Xiaole remains optimistic, telling her that as long as they are happy, the labels don't matter. Later, Qiao Mengmeng visits the musical instrument store to congratulate Yi Lan on passing Professor Ye Mei's audition.

Yi Lan mentions a confusing comment Ye Mei made about how even people who love each other can break up. Shan Liwei weighs in, explaining that a long-distance relationship is impossible if two people have irreconcilable goals, such as one wanting to live in China while the other wants to go abroad.

Yi Lan counters this cynical view, arguing that even the separation of life and death is a form of long-distance relationship, yet it doesn't diminish the love people feel. She believes that if people love each other, they should cherish the present moment regardless of the future. Moved by Yi Lan’s perspective, Shan Liwei takes the necklace Ye Mei had left behind and goes to the sports ground.

Though he hesitated for a long time, he finds he cannot bear to throw it away. When Ye Mei arrives and tells him she is leaving the next day, Shan surprises her by suggesting they get back together, even if it is only until one minute before her departure. Touched by his change of heart and new "persona," Ye Mei happily embraces him.

To celebrate their 100-day anniversary, Xiaole prepares a surprise mini movie night for Yi Lan on a small hill. He projects a compilation of videos he secretly took of her, showing her dancing and laughing. He even teases her about her "boiled egg" face in some of the older clips. Luo Ningzi happens to pass by and sees the carefree version of herself in the background of the videos.

The sight brings a rare, genuine smile to her face as she reflects on how much time has passed, but she chooses not to disturb the couple and walks away quietly. Xiaole continues to shadow Ma during his interviews, including one with a widow who continues her late husband's legacy of sponsoring hundreds of students to keep his memory alive.

After Xiaole accidentally breaks Ma's thermos and quickly buys him a new one as compensation, Ma offers him some professional advice. He explains that journalism is about more than just recording facts; it’s about conveying the raw emotions behind a story. Ma also promises to introduce Xiaole to the editor-in-chief, who is returning from abroad, as an opportunity for Xiaole to pursue his interest in the overseas beat. As the day ends, a student named Xi experiences a sudden stomach ache, and a concerned Xiaoyi steps in to help her.

One night, Yi Lan was suddenly struck by severe abdominal pain and nausea. Her roommate quickly contacted Tong Xiaole, who rushed her to the hospital. Diagnosed with a bad case of the flu, Yi Lan lay weak under a drip that was expected to last until the morning. Concerned about the chill in the hospital, Xiaole went out and bought a large supply of heat packs and a hot water bottle to keep her warm.

He fussed over her, suggesting that a good sweat would help her recover faster. Feeling vulnerable and cold, Yi Lan confessed that she felt safer holding onto him. Xiaole squeezed onto the narrow hospital bed and held her close, providing the comfort she needed as they slept through the night. After this, Luo Ningzi met with Mr. Zhao, where she was pressured to drink heavily.

Mr. Zhao then tried to take advantage of her, insisting on driving her home and making inappropriate advances. Before he could do more, a man suddenly pulled Mr. Zhao away from behind. Luo Ningzi, disoriented, vaguely saw Chen Fan's figure before he disappeared. Cai Yu then offered to take her home, but Luo Ningzi refused. The next morning, Xiaole was awakened by a call from Mr. Ma, who reminded him of a crucial meeting with the editor-in-chief.

This was a rare chance for Xiaole to break into the overseas division of the newspaper, and Mr. Ma warned him that the editor was a man of high integrity who would not tolerate being stood up. However, seeing that Yi Lan still needed him, Xiaole chose to stay. He apologized to Mr. Ma, claiming a family emergency at home prevented him from coming. When Yi Lan woke up, Xiaole presented her with steaming hot porridge.

When she asked about his meeting, he lied to reassure her, claiming it had been rescheduled so she wouldn't feel guilty about him missing such a big break in his career. Meanwhile, Shan Liwei and Ye Mei celebrated their fifth New Year together. Reflecting on how quickly time had flown, Shan Liwei took the opportunity to present Ye Mei with a ring.

He asked her to move in with him, expressing his simple wish to see her face every morning when he woke up. Touched by his sincerity, Ye Mei accepted both the ring and his proposal to start a life together. As the New Year’s celebrations continued, Tong Xiaole, Yi Lan, Qiao Mengmeng, and Zhao Zhenghao gathered at their old high school. Zhao Zhenghao arrived with a massive haul of fireworks, joking that he had practically emptied an entire shop.

As they set off the displays, Xiaole played music that sounded remarkably like Chen Fan’s style. He mentioned a popular independent band called the God of War whose lead singer, an internet sensation, had a voice identical to Chen Fan's. Hearing this, Luo Ningzi was overcome with longing for him. Making an excuse about a part-time job, she left the group early. On her way, she almost called Chen Fan but hesitated and hung up at the last second.

During this gathering, Qiao Mengmeng openly wished for a new romance. The high school gathering was briefly interrupted by Director Hu, who was still patrolling for fire hazards even on New Year’s Eve. The group scattered. Xiaole and Yi Lan managed to sneak away to the school gate to finish their fireworks and make wishes for their future together.

Separately, Zhao Zhenghao, showing a responsible side by cleaning up the leftover fireworks to prevent any accidents, was met by Qiao Mengmeng. He complimented her as being as beautiful as ever. Recognizing his long-standing devotion and his sense of responsibility, Qiao Mengmeng suggested that they finally try dating. During a joint New Year’s Eve reunion dinner for the Tong and Yi families, the atmosphere was festive and filled with tradition. The elders handed out red envelopes to the younger generation.

Yi Xuan, being particularly clever, called Tong Xiaole "brother-in-law" to secure a double red envelope, which Xiaole happily provided with a laugh. Luo Ningzi’s path to her dreams remained a struggle. Persuaded by Cai Yu, she met with a wealthy donor named Mr. Zhao to discuss funding her studies abroad. Mr. Zhao offered a recommendation letter and sponsorship through his foundation but pointedly noted that there was no such thing as a free lunch.

He pressured her to drink, and when she tried to negotiate the funding as a loan to avoid owing him a favor, he and Cai Yu continued to push more alcohol on her. Eventually, Mr. Zhao left, signaling for Cai Yu to take the intoxicated Luo Ningzi to a designated hotel. Fortunately, Chen Fan and his band were at the same restaurant for a performance.

Witnessing Cai Yu trying to force a resistant Luo Ningzi away, Chen Fan intervened and stopped him. The restaurant manager, Mr. Wang, who had been looking for a reason to replace Cai Yu, sided with Chen Fan. He treated Chen Fan as an honored guest and kicked Cai Yu out of the establishment immediately. Shortly after this ordeal, Luo Ningzi received a call from Ye Mei.

She had officially secured the exchange student spot with a full tuition waiver and a scholarship. Overwhelmed by the news that her hard work had finally paid off, she collapsed on the ground and wept with relief. A few days later, Luo Ningzi visited the bar where Chen Fan was performing to thank him for his help and to say goodbye.

She noticed how much he had matured, and Chen Fan credited her for helping him finally find his life's direction. As she prepared to leave for her studies, she sent him a heartfelt phone message wishing him well. To her surprise, Chen Fan met her to see her off and revealed that he had been approved for a self-funded exchange program in the same country. He suggested that since they were both heading into the same unknown territory, they should stick together and look out for one another.

Luo Ningzi sent a farewell message to Chen Fan, expressing her regret for not cherishing their relationship and admitting he was a wonderful partner. To her surprise, Chen Fan appeared right beside her. He revealed that he had secured a spot as a self-funded exchange student, meaning they would be heading abroad together. Luo Ningzi was overjoyed, finding comfort in the fact that she wouldn't have to face the challenges of a foreign country alone.

Meanwhile, Tong Xiaole happened upon a couple saying goodbye on the street. Capturing the perfect angle with his camera, he approached them and asked for permission to post the photo online. After the girl gave her verbal consent, the image went viral, garnering high engagement. That evening, he and Yi Lan shared their successes; she had passed the first round of her interviews, and they playfully praised each other's achievements.

However, their happiness was interrupted by a frantic call from Xiaole’s mother. His father had fallen from a height while moving renovation materials at a construction site and was now in the ER in critical condition. Xiaole rushed back to his dorm to pack, and Yi Lan’s stepmother drove them both through the night to reach the hospital. At the hospital, the news was grim.

The doctor explained that Xiaole’s father had a massive blood clot in his brain and a severe lower back injury, warning that he might never wake up. Standing in the hallway, Xiaole looked at old family photos from his childhood, struck by the painful realization that despite being a photographer, he had never taken a proper photo of his father himself.

Yi Lan stayed by his side, offering comfort and promising him that there would be plenty of time to make up for it once his father recovered. While watching over his unconscious father, Xiaole spoke to him, recalling the tenth birthday gift that started it all: his first camera. His father had told him to use it to record every happy and sad moment so they could share them together when he returned from work trips.

Xiaole lamented that he hadn’t yet had the chance to share his university life through those photos. A few days later, a miracle occurred; Xiaole noticed his father’s hand twitching as he regained consciousness. The doctor confirmed that his vitals were recovering well. Relieved, Xiaole began stepping up to manage the family business, coordinating with clients like Mr. Gu on materials and labor services so his father could focus entirely on healing.

However, new trouble surfaced when Chen Fan alerted Xiaole to a growing legal mess online, sending him screenshots of negative comments. The girl from the viral photo had turned against him, falsely claiming he violated her portrait rights without permission. Mr. Ma was shocked and reminded Xiaole that the internet could be a double-edged sword, though he still helped him consult with Lawyer Wang.

Chen Fan, Zhao Zhenghao, and Yi Lan met to discuss ways to help Xiaole, with Yi Lan noting that she hadn't had a chance to see him since his family's accident due to his busy schedule. The situation escalated when the male half of the couple confronted Xiaole at a restaurant and physically assaulted him. Fortunately, the incident was caught on camera. Feeling guilty or perhaps fearing legal repercussions for the assault, the couple eventually withdrew the lawsuit.

Lawyer Wang noted that the beating Xiaole took had effectively ended the legal dispute. As the departure date for studying abroad approached, Yi Lan received her formal enrollment notice, though Xiaole was still waiting on his own progress. The two shared a quiet moment at the pier, hoping to buy their favorite nougat and write down their wishes before leaving.

When they found the stall closed, Yi Lan felt a sense of loss, but Xiaole promised her he would handle everything. On the day of the flight, both families gathered to say goodbye. Yi Lan’s stepmother provided her with financial support, while Xiaole’s mother mentioned she had purchased a new apartment downtown, seemingly worried that Yi Lan might have a change of heart while abroad.

Yi Dong asked his sister to bring him toys when she returned, and Yi Lan urged him to study hard. Xiaole pulled Yi Lan into a long embrace, reluctant to let go. As they were urged to hurry for their flight, Xiaole gave Yi Lan a final set of instructions: she had to stay safe, never go out alone, reply to his messages immediately, and, most importantly, avoid making any close male friends.

They made a final pinky swear to stay true to their promises. After Yi Lan left, Xiaole tracked down the nougat vendor, who explained he was quitting the business due to family issues. Determined to fulfill Yi Lan's wish, Xiaole asked the man for a special favor regarding the sweets she loved so much.

Time has passed quickly during their years abroad. Luo Ningzi is on the verge of becoming the orchestra's principal cellist, with Chen Fan staying by her side as an accompanying student. Back in China, Qiao Mengmeng and Zhao Zhenghao have started their careers, while Yi Lan and Tong Xiaole, despite their deep history, chose to part ways to pursue their individual development.

Luo Ningzi’s professional dreams hit a major roadblock when another student was parachuted into the position she had worked so hard for. Frustrated by this stroke of bad luck, she gets into a heated argument with the conductor and ends up drowning her sorrows at a bar. Chen Fan, who has been supporting her for four years, stays with her, even though her constant drinking has left him with little inspiration to write music.

When Yi Lan joins them, the conversation turns to Tong Xiaole. Chen Fan mentions that Xiaole has been working relentlessly, often traveling alone and becoming unreachable for days. He also notes that Xiaole's father is still in rehabilitation, which adds to his burdens. Chen Fan urges Yi Lan to reach out to her childhood friend, believing Xiaole truly needs someone to be there for him.

While at the bar, Yi Lan tries to cheer up Luo Ningzi by dancing, but they accidentally knock over a cello case. Yi Lan takes it to Mark, a senior student who runs a musical instrument store, for repairs. Mark informs her that the cost will be 3,000 euros.

Seeing her struggle with the expense, he offers to fix it for free if she treats him to a meal, but Yi Lan insists on paying the full amount once she earns the money. Having just paid her rent, Yi Lan is completely broke and regrets quitting her part-time jobs. Desperate for funds, she finds a lucrative job posting for a local guide and translator for a three-day photography trip.

To her shock, the client turns out to be Tong Xiaole, who is in town for a three-day shoot. Their reunion is tense; Xiaole is still bitter about their breakup, which he characterizes as her giving him the silent treatment, while Yi Lan believes he was always the busier one. Despite the friction, they strike a deal for her to act as his local guide, being on call 24/7 for a payment of 20,000 yuan.

Xiaole pays 15,000 yuan upfront, jokingly worrying she might take the money and run. At the apartment Yi Lan found, Xiaole notices a unique fireplace and asks if it was chosen specifically for him, but Yi Lan dismisses it as a standard feature of the flat. When Xiaole complains of hunger and worries about being unaccustomed to the local food, Yi Lan prepares toast pizza for him.

He is impressed by her improved cooking skills, noting that the toast isn't even burnt. Later, they go to pick up the cello. Xiaole is visibly jealous of Mark’s familiarity with Yi Lan, especially when he hears about her promise to treat him to dinner. He reminds Yi Lan that she is currently his guide and needs to focus on his work schedule.

During the photoshoot, Xiaole intentionally drags out the time and makes Yi Lan fetch a card holder from his bag. Yi Lan is touched to see he is still using the one she gave him. That evening, Chen Fan invites them to dinner at a bar where Yi Lan used to work. The owner recognizes Xiaole and greets him warmly, surprising Yi Lan. Xiaole orders a full table of Chinese dishes that are hard to find abroad.

When Luo Ningzi arrives, she continues to drink heavily. Xiaole accidentally mentions her struggles at the orchestra, but Chen Fan quickly tries to change the subject. Luo Ningzi admits that life abroad is much tougher than she imagined and expresses a willingness to return home. Tong Xiaole suggests that Chen Fan could form a private orchestra for her back in China, a sentiment Chen Fan secretly shares. After dinner, the group goes for a walk in the pleasant weather.

Chen Fan reveals that he and Luo Ningzi are planning to get married. He then turns the question to Tong Xiaole and Yi Lan, asking if they intend to reconcile after knowing each other for nearly half their lives. Yi Lan avoids a direct answer and instead leads them into a warm greenhouse to escape the cold. As they sit together, the old chemistry between her and Xiaole remains evident, leaving their future as a couple uncertain but hopeful.

Luo Ningzi asks Yi Lan if she has any intention of getting back together with Tong Xiaole, but Yi Lan gives a firm no. Looking back to two years ago, Yi Lan had sacrificed a great deal for him; when Tong Xiaole went missing for over ten days right before her graduation exams, she was so distracted that she skipped the test and flew back to China to find him.

At the time, Tong Xiaole’s mother claimed he had simply gone abroad for a shoot, but Yi Lan eventually received a message from him saying he needed to leave her to find himself. Left with no other choice, she had eventually returned to school alone, feeling that he had chosen a different path that didn't include her. Now, Luo Ningzi and Chen Fan are finalizing their own plans to return to China.

Although Chen Fan hasn't explicitly said it, his parents have pressured him to return several times, and he is eager to pursue his career back home. Luo Ningzi’s father also hopes she will establish an orchestra in China, with Chen Fan likely involved.

When Yi Lan jokingly asks if there is a spot for her, Luo Ningzi tells her that she isn't quite ready to be the principal cellist, but Yi Lan is happy to remain her close friend and "support," and Luo Ningzi assures her that if there's ever a cello duet, the other spot will always be hers.

While Tong Xiaole and Chen Fan are out buying beer, Xiaole explains that his disappearance the previous year was due to being in the snowy mountains without any signal. Chen Fan scolds him for not communicating better, though Xiaole reveals he plans to quit photography after his final exhibition. Around the same time, the group receives a video call from Qiao Mengmeng, who is currently looking after the musical instrument store while Shan Liwei and Ye Mei are traveling abroad.

She shares that she and Zhao Zhenghao have broken up because of their clashing personalities and that she is now focusing all her energy on making money. Inspired by the sudden changes, Luo Ningzi decides they should book their tickets immediately and head home the following week. In the days leading up to her departure, Yi Lan discovers an interesting photography blogger on social media.

She discusses the photos with Qiao Mengmeng, who points out that images of a breakfast shop, a café, and a school uniform look exactly like Yi Lan’s life. After finally returning to China, she finds her brother, Yi Dong, cleaning the front of their house. Tong Xiaole arrives early to gift her father a limited edition sword for his morning exercise.

Soon after, Mark drives Yi Lan home and displays some intimate affection toward her, which earns him a look of pure disdain from Tong Xiaole. Later, Yi Lan goes for a walk in the park where Yi Dong has bought a large amount of BBQ for them to share. He tells her that while she was away, a neighbor named Mrs. Wang tried to set Tong Xiaole up on many dates, but he wasn't interested in anyone.

Yi Dong also reveals that Xiaole promised to give him his old camera once he and Yi Lan officially get engaged, as Yi Dong wants to use it to look cool at university. Tong Xiaole eventually finds them in the park after being sent by Yi Lan’s father. He awkwardly joins them and sneaks a few bites of BBQ, though Yi Lan tries to keep a polite distance.

When Xiaole mentions an upcoming gathering with their old friends, he asks how they should describe their relationship. Yi Lan insists they should just tell everyone the truth: that they have broken up. She warns him not to look at her with such a pining expression at the party so people don't think she was the one who cruelly dumped him, though Xiaole notes that is exactly what happened.

Back at home, the Yi family treats Tong Xiaole like a member of the family, constantly asking him for help with household chores and errands. Yi Lan eventually tells her father to stop bothering him, but Tong Xiaole arrives shortly after, carrying heavy jugs of oil from the supermarket and offering to fix the bathroom lights.

When Yi Lan pulls him aside to tell him to stop doing so much, Xiaole explains that her father is aging and even injured his leg last year, while her stepmother suffers from tenosynovitis. He also wants to make sure Yi Dong stays focused on getting into a top university. Touched by his dedication to her family while she was away, Yi Lan’s attitude softens, and she sincerely thanks him for his help.

Later, Yi Lan takes a phone call from Mark, agreeing to meet him the following day. Tong Xiaole then reminds Yi Lan about the upcoming gathering with their old friends and offers to pick her up, but Yi Lan firmly declines. During a celebratory family dinner for Yi Lan’s graduation, her father and stepmother express how much they have come to rely on Tong Xiaole over the years.

Her father, clearly hoping for a reconciliation, makes several toasts and treats Xiaole like a son-in-law. To avoid the pressure, Xiaole drinks heavily with the family, and even Yi Dong joins in to thank him for the tutoring. After the meal, Yi Lan’s father insists that the two of them go out together to deliver pastries to the neighbors so everyone can see they are doing well.

As they walk through the falling snow, the neighbors assume a wedding is in their future. When Xiaole jokingly plays along with the neighbors' congratulations, Yi Lan scolds him for talking nonsense.

Tong Xiaole and Yi Lan continue to play the part of a devoted couple in front of their neighbors while delivering cakes. To maintain the illusion, Xiaole goes as far as calling Yi Lan’s father, Yi Dong, "Dad," ensuring no one suspects their breakup. As a gentle snow begins to fall, they head to the park for a walk. Yi Lan finds the neighbors' convinced expressions amusing, but the mood shifts as Xiaole muses about what might have been.

He wonders if they would be married with children by now if she had never gone abroad or if he had followed her. Yi Lan acknowledges the sentiment but reminds him that time cannot flow backward; there are no "ifs," and they cannot return to the past. Finding his courage in the cold air, Xiaole pulls Yi Lan into his arms.

He asks if she was sad after they separated, and he confesses that he was deeply depressed but forced himself to carry on with life. They revisit a lingering question from their past about the true distinction between love and friendship. Neither of them has found an answer, and they agree that being friends is better than living in pain.

After walking her to her door, Yi Lan takes the umbrella and feels a sudden urge to hold Xiaole’s hand again, but they simply exchange goodnights. Once inside, Yi Lan’s brother, Yi Xuan, teases her about seeing them kiss, but she quickly dismisses his claims and sends him to bed. The next morning, Xiaole arrives in a second-hand car to pick up Yi Lan for a gathering.

While she gets ready, Yi Xuan tries to follow them but is caught by Xiaole. Xuan later voices his suspicions to Yi Dong that Xiaole might be cheating, but Yi Dong dismisses it as nonsense. Yi Dong then heads out for sword practice with his neighbor, Old Wang. The two fathers are highly competitive; Wang brags about his daughter’s job at the TV station and her many suitors, while Yi Dong boasts about Xiaole being a famous photographer.

When Wang suggests that long-distance relationships are unstable and the young couple is likely just pretending, Yi Dong insists they are "locked in" and plan to get engaged right after the New Year. Xiaole and Yi Lan meet Qiao Mengmeng and Zhao Zhenghao at Mengmeng’s musical instrument store. They learn that Shan Liwei has married Ye Mei and that they are selling the store to move abroad.

Zhao Zhenghao and Mengmeng explain that they are no longer a couple but are now business partners, combining her creativity with his execution to make money. Yi Lan clarifies to Mengmeng that she and Xiaole are also just friends. Shortly after, Mark arrives to look at the shop. Mark is impressed by the luthier tools and practice rooms and agrees to sign a contract in two days.

When Mark tries to invite Yi Lan to dinner, Xiaole immediately cuts in, claiming they already have other plans. Mengmeng later mentions that Mark is actually a good man who is already engaged, despite having pursued Yi Lan in the past. The four of them pile into Xiaole’s car, with Mengmeng and Zhenghao complaining about how cramped the old vehicle is.

When they hit a heavy traffic jam near Xinyun Road, the group decides to follow Yi Lan's suggestion and visit their old high school nearby. On the playground, they reunite with Chen Fan and Luo Ningzi, who reveal they have already officially registered their marriage. Ningzi has stayed sober and looks healthier than ever. They all make New Year's wishes: Mengmeng and Zhenghao wish for wealth, while the married couple hopes for their orchestra to achieve great success.

Yi Lan’s wish is for the health and happiness of her family and friends. While the men play basketball, the women watch from the side. Luo Ningzi remarks that Yi Lan likely won't find anyone more compatible than Xiaole. As they prepare to leave, Xiaole offers to accompany Yi Lan to any place she wants to visit while she is back. Realizing she hasn't visited Xiaole's parents yet, Yi Lan suggests they go to his house.

Xiaole waits for her to change before heading over. Outside his home, Xiaole encounters his parents. His mother initially plans to take his father for a stroll, but upon hearing that Yi Lan is coming over, she decides to stay and clean the house to prepare for her visit, telling Xiaole to take his father for the walk instead.

Tong Xiaole invited Yi Lan to his home, and while she went to change, Xiaole’s mother suggested he take his father for a walk while she tidied up. During their stroll, his father noted that Xiaole had seemed preoccupied ever since Yi Lan returned to the country. Although Xiaole tried to attribute it to work stress, his father saw through the excuse, having already heard from Xiaole’s mother that the couple’s relationship was in trouble.

His father made it clear that he would support whatever decision Xiaole made, emphasizing that a man should eventually build his own life and family. He even revealed that he had already prepared a home and the traditional betrothal gifts, wanting to ensure that when Xiaole did marry, his bride would join the family with dignity. When Yi Lan arrived, she found Xiaole’s mother busy with chores and offered to help.

She was sent to Xiaole’s bedroom to organize some large boxes, where she discovered a meticulously kept album filled with photos of herself spanning many years. The records went back to their university days, capturing moments she had long forgotten. Tears welled in her eyes as she realized Xiaole had been quietly documenting her life all along. Alongside the photos were numerous flight tickets, proving he had secretly traveled to visit her multiple times during her years abroad.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she left a large question mark on a piece of paper for him to find. When Xiaole returned and saw the note, he immediately headed to their usual meeting spot to find her. Meeting at their old haunt, the two finally confronted their past. Yi Lan demanded to know why they had truly broken up, while Xiaole was equally desperate for the truth.

Yi Lan confessed that after they first got together, she became so consumed by thoughts of him that she felt the need to break up just to regain her sense of freedom and find her own identity. Xiaole admitted he had gone to see her abroad but only watched her from a distance. Seeing her enjoying her independence and surrounded by other men, he had been too afraid to approach, fearing he would disrupt her life or face rejection.

Yi Lan realized they had both suffered from a lack of communication. Moved by his long-standing devotion, she kissed him—an act witnessed by her younger brother, Yi Xuan, who happened to be passing by. During a joint New Year’s Eve reunion dinner, the atmosphere was festive until the two fathers began discussing an engagement. They mentioned they had already arranged an apartment in the city center and were willing to handle all the wedding formalities themselves.

However, the mood shifted when Yi Xuan loudly accused Xiaole of cheating, claiming he had seen him kissing another woman on two separate occasions. This sparked a sudden fury in Yi Lan’s father, Yi Dong, who nearly lost his temper until Yi Lan stepped in to clarify. She admitted that she was the one who had initiated the breakup a year and a half ago and confessed that she was the person Xiaole had been seen kissing in the park.

Later, the couple retreated to the balcony to settle their relationship. Xiaole stated that he would let Yi Lan decide their future, and she wasted no time telling him she still loved him. As they shared another kiss, their four parents secretly watched from nearby, delighted by the reconciliation. To ensure no more misunderstandings occurred and to ward off other potential suitors who had been pestering the family, Yi Dong even took a photo of the couple together.

Having officially reconciled, the two began planning their future. Yi Lan expressed a desire to travel across the country before her final domestic performance, and Xiaole insisted on accompanying her to take photographs along the way. They promised never to be apart again. A month later, Xiaole arranged a surprise proposal with the help of Chen Fan’s orchestra.

In front of both sets of parents, Xiaole delivered a heartfelt speech, describing Yi Lan as the winter sun that cleared the shadows from his life and the "Great Sage" who helped him overcome any obstacle. He addressed a question she had once asked about the difference between friendship and love, telling her he wanted to spend the rest of his life giving her the answer. Touched by his sincerity, Yi Lan joyfully accepted, and the two celebrated their lifelong commitment.