Remembrance of Things Past Episode 12 (Ending) Recap
> Remembrance of Things Past Recap
After a brief holiday, it was time for Qiao Xichen, Xu Yan, and Ji Nanjia to return to their work lives in Beijing, bidding farewell to their families. Qiao Xichen, after much deliberation, decided to finally reveal her boyfriend, Jian Yifan, to her parents and promised to bring him home for the upcoming Spring Festival.
Her parents were overjoyed, but Qiao Xichen had to explain that she waited to share the news because their relationship was new and personal matters at home had been consuming her attention. She then said her goodbyes to her parents and her dog, Mo Mo. Meanwhile, Xu Yan’s mother, before Xu Yan left, cautioned her daughter to control her temper and not let it ruin her relationship with Shen Zichang, urging her not to repeat her mother's past mistakes.
As Xu Yan was leaving, she noticed her mother hastily answering a phone call, seemingly trying to avoid her daughter's notice. Xu Yan asked about the caller, and her mother vaguely claimed it was a colleague seeking help. Xu Yan teasingly suggested her mother might have a new boyfriend, which her mother quickly dismissed. Soon after, Shen Zichang arrived with his parents to pick up Xu Yan.
Ji Nanjia, absorbed in her work, was busy preparing for the Spring Festival, giving detailed instructions for the menu and ingredients. She was caught off guard when Ou Yang called her, complaining about her lack of response to his messages. He declared he was at the airport, threatening to leave Beijing since she was ignoring him. To prove his point, he initiated a video call.
Panicked, Ji Nanjia immediately rushed to the airport, begging him not to leave, admitting her pride and indecision. Ou Yang then playfully claimed he had already checked his luggage, prompting Ji Nanjia to insist he retrieve it. Finally, he revealed it was all a joke and he hadn't checked any luggage. Ji Nanjia, furious that she had rushed through traffic, realized he was merely picking up his mother, who was returning to Beijing.
Ou Yang explained that his family had a tradition of bringing flowers to greet someone at the airport. He then sincerely confessed his feelings for Ji Nanjia, promising to pamper her even more if she accepted him. He pointed out that her rush to the airport indicated her true feelings for him. Ji Nanjia, seeing his genuine emotions, finally acknowledged her feelings and they shared a tender moment.
Back at the office, Qiao Xichen learned from a colleague that Jian Yifan had submitted his resignation. Her colleague also informed her that Jian Yifan wanted her to meet him on the rooftop to discuss a "Spring Festival event." Annoyed by his absence when she arrived, Qiao Xichen was further frustrated when Jian Yifan finally appeared, presenting her with a gift of coffee beans from Yunnan and telling her to open them later.
She confronted him about his resignation and his plans to go to Yunnan without consulting her. Jian Yifan explained that his independent upbringing had shaped his decision-making process, and he apologized for not discussing his resignation with her. He clarified that he hadn't made a final decision about Yunnan and would need her consent.
He then revealed the real reason for his resignation: following a recent incident involving a colleague, President Han was strictly enforcing a no-office-romance policy, and since Qiao Xichen was his subordinate, one of them had to leave. Jian Yifan, who had previously considered leaving after an earlier incident to clear his name, saw this as an opportunity to allow Qiao Xichen to stay.
Although Qiao Xichen was still upset about his secrecy, Jian Yifan emphasized that he didn't want either of them to sacrifice their aspirations for the relationship. He passionately described his dream of starting his own coffee brand with Mu Mu in Yunnan, a place free from corporate politics and stress, which he felt suited him perfectly. Qiao Xichen, however, admitted she hadn't considered leaving Beijing, which felt like home to her.
Jian Yifan urged her to at least consider Yunnan as an option. Xu Yan later called her mother to share the exciting news of a potential promotion at work. While her mother was happy, she also expressed concern about a potential increase in workload. During the call, Xu Yan realized her mother was at the hospital and pressed her for details.
Her mother reluctantly admitted she had undergone a minor operation for a liver cyst, but had kept it secret to avoid worrying Xu Yan, timing the surgery after Xu Yan had returned to Beijing. Distraught, Xu Yan offered to book a ticket home, but her mother insisted she was fine and had ample support from relatives and colleagues, urging Xu Yan to focus on her work, which would ease her mind the most.
Xu Yan, feeling guilty, apologized to her mother. Ji Nanjia arranged to meet Ou Yang's mother, Ada. Ou Yang thanked Ji Nanjia for welcoming his mother, and Ji Nanjia shared details about her career journey, from import-export to event planning, highlighting the stability she had built in Beijing. Ada then dropped a bombshell, announcing her plans to sell Ou Yang's grandparents' house and bring them abroad to live with her family, implicitly suggesting that Ou Yang should also leave Beijing.
Ou Yang immediately protested, stating his independence. Ada then tried to persuade Ji Nanjia to join them abroad, arguing that Ji Nanjia's industry had global potential. Ji Nanjia admitted the suggestion was sudden and needed time to think. Later, Ou Yang, reflecting on his mother's words, expressed his worry to Ji Nanjia about his ability to provide security as a mere assistant.
Ji Nanjia reassured him that she didn't need him to provide security; she was capable of providing it for herself and simply wanted him to be himself. She then took Ada to visit familiar places in Beijing, sharing her deep connection to the city. Ji Nanjia explained how Beijing had given her opportunities, a dream, and confidence, making it impossible for her to leave.
She challenged Ada's assumption that Ou Yang would find more opportunities abroad, arguing that Beijing offered a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with abundant job opportunities. She passionately conveyed her belief in Ou Yang's distinct love for the city, which transcended any material motives, and stated that he was a reliable man, not just a playful kid. Ji Nanjia's heartfelt words successfully convinced Ada to let Ou Yang stay in Beijing.
Later, Xu Yan messaged Shen Zichang, requesting to meet him at the basketball court for the last time. As Shen Zichang headed to the court, he recalled their past, including his confession to her while dressed in a bear costume. Xu Yan appeared at the court in the same bear costume she used to wear, reminiscing about his past grand gestures and how she once dreamed of a lifelong happiness with him. She then told him, "Let's break up."
She expressed no regrets about their relationship, thanked him for his love and support, and wished to create one last beautiful memory. She asked him not to forget her too soon. Shen Zichang, deeply saddened, apologized, confessing he didn't understand how their relationship had reached this point, still caring for her but acknowledging their inability to stay together.
Xu Yan affirmed they had both tried very hard, and despite the finality of their meeting, they should both move forward with courage. She left the bear costume with him as a farewell gift. Qiao Xichen and Jian Yifan met for dinner, and Qiao Xichen, slightly tipsy, reiterated that she could not leave Beijing with him. She expressed her strong attachment to the city, her career, and her friends, finding comfort and ease there.
Jian Yifan offered to stay for her, but Qiao Xichen, seeing the passion in his eyes when he spoke of his coffee brand dream in Yunnan, encouraged him to pursue it. She declared that she didn't want either of them to compromise their dreams or feel resentment in their relationship. Instead, she proposed they try a long-distance relationship, believing they were young enough to embrace the possibilities and challenges.
Jian Yifan, appreciating her understanding, agreed, admitting that meeting her had made him yearn for a home. They both promised to miss each other. Ou Yang surprised Ji Nanjia by showing her a coffee shop he had recently acquired from a friend. He proudly brewed her a cup of coffee, explaining that he had also bought a second-hand car and registered for a barista certificate.
He told Ji Nanjia that while she might not need him to provide a sense of security, he wanted to give it to her. He assured her that, regardless of his past, he now had a clear plan for their future, and this coffee shop represented both his dream career and his promise to her. Finally, the three friends gathered, with Xu Yan confirming her imminent departure from Beijing to return to her hometown.
She reflected on her realization that true success wasn't about "winning" in Beijing but finding a place where she felt at ease, surrounded by family and free from superficial pressures. Both Ji Nanjia and Qiao Xichen fully supported Xu Yan's brave decision. They reaffirmed their enduring friendship, promising that distance would not diminish their bond. One year later, Qiao Xichen, Ji Nanjia, and Xu Yan visited the Great Wall.
They took a moment to reflect on their journeys and lovingly address the memory of their dear friend, Hu Jingjing, who had passed away. Qiao Xichen shared how everyone had changed, and how much they missed her. Xu Yan proudly announced her success in her hometown, having been named the "Most Outstanding Employee." Ji Nanjia expressed her love and resolve to live a good life. They all reaffirmed their enduring love for Hu Jingjing.
The narrator reflected on the journey of seeking a foothold in the city, the hesitations between staying and leaving, and the ultimate realization that "home" is wherever one finds ease and belonging. While the city offered excitement and opportunities, the warmth of family and hometown roots held a powerful pull.
The experiences, both challenging and rewarding, ultimately taught them that home is a place filled with love and family, and that life's choices, embraced without regret, lead to a fulfilling path. Hu Jingjing's heartfelt message, left behind for her dearest friends, reminded them that even in life's most difficult moments, they are never alone and hope will always prevail.
