Shining For One Thing Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Shining For One Thing

Shining For One Thing Synopsis

Lin Beixing, who had always followed the step of her love but not been herself, was deeply hurt when her boyfriend cheated on her.

She accidentally deleted text messages from her old cell phone while cleaning up items related to her ex-boyfriend, and frequently time-traveled back to high school.

But every time in the most exciting moment, she was always dragged back to the real world.

After several explorations, Lin Beixing found that the key to travel is related to Zhang Wansen, so she was determined to save Zhang Wansen.

It’s an amazing story of redemption and mutual growth.

Shining For One Thing Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

A towering lighthouse stands resolute amidst the tumultuous sea, its light piercing through the gloom, until a loose railing gives way, plunging a school uniform-clad boy into the churning waters below. Lin Beixing, on the cusp of turning thirty, starts her day by hastily silencing her alarm and rushing to work on an empty stomach. Her life, much like her alarm clock, has been predictably routine.

However, this routine is shattered when her boyfriend of eight years, Zhan Yu, unilaterally cancels their wedding and breaks up with her, just two weeks before the planned ceremony. Despite her desperate attempts to reconcile, shedding tears late into the night, Zhan Yu remains cold, stating he never truly loved her and urging her to accept reality. Distraught, Lin Beixing finds herself by the sea, drinking.

An elderly man, muttering about "those who want to get caught," offers her his fishing rod, advising her to fish, see the sea, and enjoy the wind. He cryptically tells her, "The whole world is behind you. It's in your past." In a blink, the old man vanishes. Lin Beixing returns home, burdened by her mother's incessant nagging about the impending wedding, unable to confess that it has been canceled.

Desperate for a last chance, she retrieves her old high school phone and uniform, resolving that if Zhan Yu shows up at their high school tomorrow to take wedding photos as they had discussed, she will pretend nothing ever happened. Donning her old uniform, Lin Beixing arrives at Nanchuan High School. While using her old phone, a system glitch causes her to accidentally delete a message.

As the sky darkens and rain begins to pour, a black umbrella silently extends over her head from behind. However, Lin Beixing's attention is fixed on Zhan Yu, who descends from the building in his school uniform. She joyfully approaches him, believing he has come for her, only to be met with his harsh rejection, telling her to stop flattering herself and to leave him alone.

Heartbroken, Lin Beixing sits on the bus ride home, contemplating their past and deciding to bury those memories. She pulls out her old phone and deletes another message. The sky darkens once more, and she notices the boy who offered her the umbrella sitting behind her. He hands her the black umbrella, noting the heavy rain outside.

Dazed and dejected, Lin Beixing walks home, oblivious to the 2010 College Entrance Examination news playing on her television and her bedroom adorned with anime posters. Later, a call from her best friend, Tengteng, wakes Lin Beixing from a deep sleep. Tengteng discusses their upcoming Nanchuan High School class reunion. While looking at a group photo in their class chat, Lin Beixing realizes the boy who gave her the umbrella was Zhang Wansen.

She immediately asks Tengteng about him, and Tengteng confirms he was the top student in their year. The next morning, Lin Beixing searches for the black umbrella she brought home, but her brother tells her it was a sunny day and there was no umbrella. Soon after, Zhan Yu comes to her door to return her belongings.

When she confronts him about their meeting at school, he denies ever being there and states he threw away his school uniform upon graduation. Confused, Lin Beixing recalls her experiences. She takes out her old phone, deletes a message, and to her astonishment, finds herself transported back ten years. Believing she can now erase Zhan Yu, this "blot on her life," she discards his photo.

Just then, her parents, looking younger, deliver a shocking announcement: she has the College Entrance Examination tomorrow. As expected, Lin Beixing turns in a blank exam paper. Afterward, she sits at a bus stop amidst a downpour and encounters Zhang Wansen again. She recognizes him and excitedly tries to talk to him, seeking to "get closer to the top scorer for luck."

He does not seem surprised by her, instead mentioning they have met a few times and that he remembers her even if she doesn't remember him. Soon after returning home, Lin Beixing receives a message on her old phone stating that something happened at the lighthouse, startling her awake. Back in her present time, Lin Beixing realizes that despite her actions, she still attended college, meaning her past intervention had no bearing on her future.

She reviews a documentary her brother watched about time travel and "wormholes," realizing she hasn't traveled to the past but rather to a parallel universe, which explains why her life remains unchanged. Facing her unfulfilling present, Lin Beixing longs for another chance to restart her life. She diligently studies for the 2010 College Entrance Examination. Her parents discuss the pressures on today's youth, mentioning a recent news report about an 18-year-old who committed suicide due to parental pressure.

Her mother then recalls an old case from ten years prior, about a Nanchuan High School boy, around Lin Beixing's age, who jumped from a lighthouse after the College Entrance Examination. She mentions that a pink rabbit hairband, typically a girl's accessory, was found on him. Lin Beixing, focused on her studies, leaves the table, determined to score perfectly on "the exam of life" this time.

Episode 2 Recap

Lin Beixing wakes up to an angry call from her Curator, who reminds her about the regular meeting and chastises her for repeatedly being late. The Curator threatens to fire her if she doesn't arrive within ten minutes. Frustrated, Lin Beixing realizes she forgot about the meeting. She then thinks to herself that since she has already memorized all the answers, it's better to go back to the past than to wait around and be fired.

She deletes a message on her old phone, which then transports her back to the year 2010. Lin Beixing finds herself back in her high school classroom in 2010. She quickly starts writing down answers to exam questions. Her best friend, Tengteng, approaches her, offering a physics exam paper she has already revised, and expresses concern, believing Lin Beixing is upset because Zhan Yu rejected her confession the previous day.

Tengteng suggests she could talk to Zhan Yu for Lin Beixing during the upcoming graduation photo session. However, Lin Beixing dismisses her friend's worries, asserting that she has much more important things to do. All senior three students gather for their graduation photo. Lin Beixing, confident she will now be the top student, has an internal thought addressing a "little boy," implying she will take his academic standing.

During the photo session, Mr. Gao, the director of student affairs, singles out Lin Beixing's class, criticizing their disorganization, improper uniforms, and poor academic performance, threatening to not take their photo. Lin Beixing challenges him, stating that other classes are also noisy and questioning why her class is always singled out. She boldly declares that the college entrance examination is "not a big deal."

When Mr. Gao sarcastically invites her to share her "exam preparation experience," Lin Beixing seizes the opportunity, grabs the megaphone, and loudly announces that this year's Chinese composition topic for the college entrance examination is "The Crow and the Pitcher," insisting that what she says is absolutely true and warning everyone that they will regret it if they don't believe her.

On June 7th, 2010, the first day of the college entrance examination, Lin Beixing is riding a bus after her exam. She bumps into Zhang Wansen and asks him if the composition topic she announced was indeed correct. She then boasts that because of her, their school's average score has increased by dozens of points. Observing that Zhang Wansen frequently gives speeches, she confidently asks him to write the outstanding student representative's speech for her.

Back home in 2010, Lin Beixing's mother asks about her exam, joking that she doesn't expect much from her or her brother. Lin Beixing confidently suggests she could get into Peking University or Tsinghua University and expresses a wish to eat at "Tuguagua." Her mother mentions it's already 6:30 PM, and her father still hasn't returned. Suddenly, a message appears on her phone: "Something happened at the lighthouse."

Lin Beixing then abruptly wakes up in 2021, her mother rushing her to get ready for work. The driver, who has arrived, mentions failure to wake her despite many alarms, and the Curator has already called. At the zoo, the Curator discusses the declining profits and proposes a "retro fireworks convention," a type of event they held ten years prior.

As he talks, Lin Beixing recalls a past fireworks convention where Zhan Yu won first prize, bought her shoes, and wanted to sing for her, but she told him not to because it was "shameful." During the meeting, a colleague subtly pushes the task of writing the event proposal onto Lin Beixing, and she reluctantly accepts.

Later in 2021, Lin Beixing receives a message from Zhan Yu stating that he has canceled their hotel and honeymoon trip, and that he will tell her family what she dares not say. Annoyed, Lin Beixing deletes the message, which once again transports her back to 2010. She finds herself at a fireworks convention, encountering Zhan Yu who attempts to give her a pair of shoes. She firmly rejects them, stating she doesn't want them.

At the fireworks convention, Zhang Wansen accidentally hits Lin Beixing with a water polo. He apologizes, and she tells him they are "even" after he also helps block other incoming water attacks. The next morning, Tengteng eagerly questions Lin Beixing about her previous evening's outing with Zhan Yu. Lin Beixing, however, states that she didn't go out with him and no longer wishes to speak to him.

Despite Tengteng praising Zhan Yu's qualities, Lin Beixing dismisses him, citing his poor academic performance and her decision to no longer be interested in him. When Zhan Yu appears, Lin Beixing defiantly declares that she has no interest in what he does or how he lives his life in the future.

Tengteng tries to mend things, even suggesting Zhan Yu apologize by taking a photo with Lin Beixing, but Lin Beixing refuses, firmly stating her desire to "live for myself this time," to "cherish the college entrance exam," and to "turn over a new leaf." Following the college entrance examination, Lin Beixing encounters Zhang Wansen again on a bus. She checks if he caught a cold from their previous, wet encounter.

Noticing his music player, she asks to listen, and the two quietly sit together, sharing the music. Back home in 2010, Lin Beixing waits for time to pass, noting that it's 6:30 PM and her father still hasn't returned, the same time as a previous loop. She hopes to remain in the past. However, a new message appears on her phone, revealing that Zhang Wansen of Class One jumped off the lighthouse.

She immediately wakes up at her desk in 2021. The Curator has sent her materials for the upcoming fireworks convention, and in an old photo from a past convention, Lin Beixing spots Zhang Wansen. Realizing his connection to the time loops, she becomes determined to understand "what the ending trigger is."

She deletes a message on her phone, and is transported back to 2010, to the day her mother hands her 20 yuan and asks her to buy stewed pig's foot, wishing her good luck with her exams. As Lin Beixing walks back from the store, Zhang Wansen suddenly grabs her hand and pulls her into a frantic run, glancing back nervously at some strangely dressed individuals.

Exhausted, Lin Beixing asks why he dragged her, lamenting that she dropped her drink and recalling how unlucky she feels whenever she encounters him, even mentioning the water polo incident. Zhang Wansen quickly states that the water polo incident is "two days later" and then admits he was at an internet café when Mr. Gao unexpectedly showed up, forcing him to flee.

Lin Beixing scolds him for being so careless with the college entrance examination so close, knowing that Mr. Gao frequently patrols internet cafés. Zhang Wansen then offers to walk her home. Tengteng approaches Lin Beixing, enthusiastically suggesting they attend a fireworks convention at the zoo the following day, proposing it as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for Lin Beixing to reconcile with Zhan Yu. Lin Beixing expresses disinterest, dismissing Zhan Yu as a "narcissist."

When Zhan Yu himself appears and coldly states that he is not interested in anything she does to gain his attention, a provoked Lin Beixing defiantly announces that she has a "new target" – Zhang Wansen, the "top scorer in our grade," who is "much better than him." She then declares that she will bring Zhang Wansen to the fireworks convention with her the next day, much to the surprise of Tengteng and Zhan Yu.

The next day, Lin Beixing waits for Zhang Wansen at the Nanchuan Zoo's fireworks convention entrance. She eagerly approaches him, offering to walk with him since walking alone is boring. Tengteng soon spots them, surprised by Lin Beixing's newfound closeness with Zhang Wansen, and introduces herself to him. Lin Beixing then buys a headpiece for Zhang Wansen. When they observe a water fight, Lin Beixing excitedly encourages Zhang Wansen to join, then tells him to aim for "them."

She then intentionally throws a water polo at Zhan Yu, causing him to fall into a nearby pond. A furious Zhan Yu confronts her, shouting, "Why can you embarrass me every time?" He angrily demands if she intends to continue making him look foolish, echoing Lin Beixing's own past words to him. Silently leaving the confrontation, Lin Beixing expresses a desire to sit alone. Zhang Wansen approaches her and invites her to ride the ferris wheel.

As they ride, Lin Beixing asks him if she is "kind of annoying" and if she ruined his fun. He honestly agrees, but she quickly dismisses it. She then offers him a piece of advice: "If you fall in love in the future, you must not chase that person all the time. Always chasing him will give him many stress and become a burden to him, just like me."

While watching the fireworks light up the sky, Lin Beixing asks Zhang Wansen a profound question: "If there was a chance to start your life all over again, would you accept it?" Zhang Wansen replies that he would, but adds that it is "not up to me." After the high school graduation photos are taken, Mr. Gao instructs everyone to return home and study for the upcoming college entrance examination.

Lin Beixing, however, stops Zhang Wansen, insisting that their previous group photo doesn't count and asks to take a picture of just the two of them. She takes a selfie with him, noting the poor quality but promising to send it to him later. Before they part, she delivers a stern warning to him: "Zhang Wansen, after the exam, go back home immediately. Don't go to the lighthouse. Got it?" He confirms he understands.

Later, Lin Beixing is at home, anxiously staring at her phone. Her mother is discussing her brother's whereabouts. Suddenly, the familiar message appears on her screen: "It seems to be Zhang Wansen of Class one. He jumped off the lighthouse." Immediately, she is transported back to the year 2021. Back in 2021 at her workplace, Lin Beixing now understands the event that repeatedly ends her trips to the past.

Determined to prevent Zhang Wansen's fate, she attempts to delete the message about him jumping from the lighthouse, hoping to return to ten years ago once more. However, despite her repeated attempts to delete the message, she finds herself unable to travel back in time, questioning why she can no longer return.

Episode 3 Recap

Lin Beixing found herself at the seaside once more, confiding in an old man she had met previously. She expressed her confusion, struggling to differentiate between dreams and reality, and questioned if she was going insane. The old man, calm and composed, reassured her that the true and the false, the real and the fake, were simply profound features of the world.

He explained that her experiences were fragments of her past and future, destined to appear in her mind at the right time. He advised her to fish more often and then mysteriously granted her ownership of the reef, promising they would meet again. Soon after, Lin Beixing's life began to unravel. Her mother called, scolding her for not answering and demanding she come home to try on her wedding dress.

Immediately after, the Curator of the zoo where Lin Beixing worked called, accusing her of treating the zoo like her personal property and officially firing her. Later, Lin Beixing learned from a phone call that Zhan Yu was planning to introduce his new girlfriend at their usual gathering spot. To her astonishment, Lin Beixing's long-time best friend, Tengteng, who had been living abroad, arrived, revealing herself as Zhan Yu's new girlfriend.

Tengteng apologized for not telling her sooner, hoping Lin Beixing wasn't upset. Lin Beixing, reeling from the shock, sarcastically offered her congratulations and handed Tengteng a gift with the inscription "A fish takes the bait willingly" before Zhan Yu dismissively told her to leave. Lin Beixing's mother, overjoyed, excitedly took photos of Lin Beixing in a beautiful wedding dress, calling her "Mommy's little princess" and planning to share the pictures with her colleagues.

But Lin Beixing abruptly stopped her, declaring she wouldn't get married because the groom didn't love her. Her mother was shocked, unable to comprehend the sudden change of heart. Later, as Lin Beixing wandered the streets in her wedding dress, a delivery person brought ten cups of bubble tea. Zhan Yu then appeared, explaining he was there because Lin Beixing's mother had called him.

Lin Beixing, however, made it clear she had no intention of reconciling and told him to stop bothering her parents. After he left, Lin Beixing murmured to herself, wishing she could restart her life from high school, vowing to cherish every day and not revolve around Zhan Yu. Shortly after, Tengteng sent Lin Beixing a commemorative video containing clips from their high school days, apologizing and expressing hope that Lin Beixing would attend her upcoming wedding.

Watching the video, Lin Beixing saw Zhang Wansen being beaten by punks. This visual confirmation solidified her belief that she had returned in time because of his death. She immediately questioned how he died and wondered if the red-haired gangster was involved. Her parents then burst into her room, urging her to eat. Lin Beixing tried to assure them she was fine, but her father, still fuming, threatened to confront Zhan Yu.

Lin Beixing desperately tried to calm her father down, even offering for him to hit her instead. In the midst of the chaos, Lin Beixing desperately pressed the delete button on her phone, and with a surreal jolt, found herself back in her high school, exactly on the first day of her senior year. The entire school was engaged in the "rabbit dance" exercise.

During the dance, she intentionally stepped on Zhang Wansen's foot and, with feigned concern, dramatically announced his injury, insisting on taking him to the infirmary. In the infirmary, she immediately bombarded him with questions, asking who he was, if they were related, what she had done to him, and why he kept "sending her back."

She then directly asked about any strange recent occurrences, his connection to the red-haired gangster, and if he knew how he died, explaining she needed the information to protect him. Zhang Wansen was visibly confused and uneasy. Two of his classmates then arrived, accusing Lin Beixing of purposely stepping on him and telling her to mind her own business.

They boasted about Zhang Wansen's reputation as a "genius at predicting the content of exams" and mocked Lin Beixing's poor academic performance. Lin Beixing boldly declared that she would keep a close eye on Zhang Wansen, stating that he would die after the college entrance exam in one year, and she was determined to uncover the cause of his death.

She gave him a drink, explaining it was "good for his brain," and clarified that she wasn't apologizing but reintroducing herself as Lin Beixing from Class Nine, Grade Three. She reiterated her warning of danger and her intent to protect him. Zhang Wansen's classmates repeatedly told Lin Beixing to return to her own class. Determined to keep a close watch on him, Lin Beixing decided she had to find a way to transfer to Class One.

She was seen struggling with a stack of test papers, frustrated about having to endure another year of high school. She then tried to get Han Tengteng to write her name on the papers, but Han Tengteng refused, reminding Lin Beixing how she used to eagerly help her. Lin Beixing then approached Liu Ga, the headteacher of Class One, affectionately calling him "Gazi" and herself "Sister Xing."

She flattered him, then boldly requested a transfer to his class, promising to become a "dark horse" in the college entrance exam and not to cause any trouble. Liu Ga dismissed her request as "nonsense" and summoned her to Mr. Gao's office. In Mr. Gao's office, Lin Beixing found Zhang Wansen picking up materials for a city-wide speech contest, a competition Nanchuan High School had never won. Mr. Gao urged Zhang Wansen to prepare thoroughly and encourage others to participate.

Lin Beixing immediately volunteered to participate, confidently claiming no one understood "Life After Ten Years" better than her, and vowing to win the gold award. She proposed a deal to Mr. Gao: if she won gold, she would be transferred to Class One; otherwise, he could do whatever he wished with her. Mr. Gao accepted the challenge, warning her of the consequences if she failed.

Lin Beixing then turned to Zhang Wansen, suggesting they prepare together and implying she might let him win second place, but Zhang Wansen firmly stated he intended to win first. He also observed that Lin Beixing had changed, becoming more eloquent and no longer solely focused on Zhan Yu. Later, Lin Beixing spotted Zhang Wansen at a supermarket. She jokingly asked why he always ran from her, then learned he was buying presentation paper for the speech contest.

She bought one for herself and insisted on paying for his, jokingly calling herself his "older sister." She then tried to persuade him to "make a concession" in the speech contest, admitting she was confident but feared his "extraordinary performance." Zhang Wansen offered to help her with her speech but firmly insisted on fair competition. Undeterred, Lin Beixing launched her "bribery" plan, delivering boxes of popsicles and snacks to Class One, instructing the students to thank Zhang Wansen.

Zhang Wansen, embarrassed, tried to refuse the gifts, repeatedly asking her to stop. Lin Beixing persisted, pleading with him to make a concession, arguing that her transfer to Class One would benefit them both, especially her. Meanwhile, Zhang Wansen's deskmate, Li Mingtian, left before Mr. Gao's chemistry class, prompting other students to comment on her dislike for her father's lessons. Later, Han Tengteng reminded Lin Beixing about their plan to investigate the strange rumors surrounding the lab.

As they explored the dark and seemingly scary lab, Lin Beixing pranked Han Tengteng with mustard, pretending there was a ghost, which caused Han Tengteng to pass out. As Lin Beixing left the lab, she noticed the door to Chemistry Lab 2 was open. She turned on the light to find Zhang Wansen inside, conducting an "Elephant's Toothpaste" experiment.

She playfully teased him about secretly working hard, then tried to persuade him to withdraw from the speech contest so she could win and get into Class One, explaining that if she couldn't get into his class, she wouldn't be able to protect him. Zhang Wansen seemed puzzled by her assertion that he needed protection. As they walked away from the lab together, the inner door of Chemistry Lab 2 quietly opened, and a figure emerged.

On the day of the speech contest, Lin Beixing confidently told Zhang Wansen that she was well-prepared and expected to win first place, advising him to be mentally prepared for defeat. Zhang Wansen then delivered his speech on "Life in Ten Years," describing a future with a "new green sharing economy" including shared bikes, cars, and electric cars.

He also predicted the rise of "take-out services" like ELEME Takeout and the development of immersive, interactive products like VR games in the cultural industry. He concluded that life in ten years would be much happier, with people earning money from home, traveling, getting married, and having children. The judge praised Zhang Wansen's speech for its originality and human touch, awarding him the first prize.

Lin Beixing, who had to hastily improvise her speech after realizing Zhang Wansen's predictions made hers redundant, received only a memorial award and complained to Zhang Wansen that she would have won if he hadn't spoken before her. Back at school, Lin Beixing discovered flyers scattered everywhere, accusing her of sneaking into the lab. Han Tengteng appeared, admitting she wrote them for revenge after Lin Beixing pranked her with mustard.

Han Tengteng declared them enemies, but Lin Beixing defiantly demanded an apology. The conflict quickly escalated to Mr. Gao's office. Mr. Gao reminded Lin Beixing that she had just been disciplined for unauthorized lab entry. Lin Beixing claimed it was a misunderstanding and even suggested she be transferred to Class One to avoid Han Tengteng. Mr. Gao dismissed her speech about "earning money while lying down" as nonsense, pointing out she only won a memorial award.

Lin Beixing blamed Zhang Wansen for speaking first and even suggested he cheated by seeing the future. Mr. Gao brushed off her accusation, stating Zhang Wansen was simply talented. However, Mr. Gao's words about "seeing what will happen in 10 years" sparked Lin Beixing's memory of the old man's cryptic advice about fragments of her past and future. She realized that perhaps she could warn Zhang Wansen about what would happen to him.

Mr. Gao then reiterated his condition for her transfer to Class One: she must achieve a top 50 rank in the upcoming monthly exam. Lin Beixing readily agreed. That evening, Lin Beixing, having accepted Mr. Gao's challenge, dragged Zhang Wansen to the lighthouse before their evening self-study session. She urged him to close his eyes and "feel it," asking him to report anything he heard, saw, or smelled, hoping to trigger some premonition.

Zhang Wansen was visibly scared, and his fear nearly caused Lin Beixing to be sent back in time again. Lin Beixing quickly apologized for frightening him and immediately proposed that he tutor her. She explained that if she could get into Class One by ranking in the top 50 in the monthly exam, it would be beneficial, again referring to him as a "genius at predicting the content of exams." Zhang Wansen appeared hesitant.

Later, Lin Beixing pressed Zhang Wansen about the tutoring, asking for his decision. He gave a vague "we'll see" before leaving. Lin Beixing then overheard another student mention that the monthly exam papers were already available in the office. Lin Beixing dismissed the idea of cheating, stating it was "not reliable," and reaffirmed her need for Zhang Wansen's help. After school, as Lin Beixing walked, she noticed a group of punks at the school gate, asking people if they knew Zhang Wansen.

Episode 4 Recap

Lin Beixing, remembering the red-haired punk who beat Zhang Wansen in a video, wears a red wig, hoping to trigger Zhang Wansen's forgotten memories. During this time, she witnesses a heated argument where two girls confront Gao Ge. One of the girls claims Zhang Hao invited her to the library, despite him regularly studying with Xing Sisi. Gao Ge, upset that Xing Sisi, her best friend, is suddenly ignoring her, accuses the girl of causing the rift.

Lin Beixing intervenes, urging them to stop, but Gao Ge tells her to "stay out of it." The other girls involved in the argument then complain that Lin Beixing is "nosy." Yang Chaoyang later takes Lin Beixing to his personal "secret base," a quiet spot where he practices crosstalk.

Lin Beixing asks about the "bad-tempered girl" from the earlier confrontation, and Yang Chaoyang identifies her as Gao Ge, Nanchuan High School's most famous "pretty overachiever" and the daughter of Gao Guangming. Following this, Lin Beixing firmly decides she "has to go to Class One." Yang Chaoyang suggests that Zhang Wansen, the top student in the school, is known for "guessing test questions" accurately, advising Lin Beixing to seek his help.

Lin Beixing then approaches Zhang Wansen, showing him the red wig and persistently asking if he recognizes the hair color or anyone who dyes their hair red. Zhang Wansen denies remembering anything or knowing anyone fitting that description. After Zhang Wansen departs, Lin Beixing spots the punk, who was earlier inquiring about Zhang Wansen. She confronts him, demanding to know his intentions. The punk dismisses her, asking "Who do you think you are?"

and declares that he will continue to wait for Zhang Wansen the following day. Lin Beixing and Yang Chaoyang are caught by the Dean for "joking," which involved simulating a fight, and are punished to run two laps. As Lin Beixing completes her punishment, Zhang Wansen brings her a bottle of water. Lin Beixing immediately takes this gesture as "proof" that he has agreed to tutor her.

Later, Gao Guangming specifically asks Zhang Wansen to "continue to help" him persuade his daughter, Gao Ge, to focus on her studies. Lin Beixing later learns from Yang Chaoyang that Zhang Wansen and Gao Ge have a close bond as "childhood friends" and "neighbors since childhood." Outside school, Lin Beixing again encounters the punk, who is still looking for Zhang Wansen. She boldly confronts him, declaring that if he wants to find Zhang Wansen, he must first "get past her."

Annoyed, the punk tells her to pass on a message to Zhang Wansen: he challenges Zhang Wansen to a "match" this Friday afternoon at "Shilong Repair Shop." Lin Beixing subsequently follows the punk and his gang, observing them aggressively demand "protection money" from people, confirming their identity as dangerous thugs.

When Yang Chaoyang inquires about the previous day's confrontation, Lin Beixing reveals that the punk challenged Zhang Wansen to compete in an "Elephant Toothpaste experiment" at Shilong Repair Shop, and she decided to compete in Zhang Wansen's place. She finds the challenge suspicious, believing "it's not such a simple thing," especially since she only knows Zhang Wansen can perform this specific experiment.

Yang Chaoyang then offers her a "brilliant plan" on how to deal with "straight A students" like Zhang Wansen. Lin Beixing discretely places a romance novel titled "Sexy Wife Falls for Me" into Zhang Wansen's desk. When he initially hesitates to teach her the Elephant Toothpaste experiment, she retrieves the book, threatening to expose his "hobby" if he doesn't comply. Faced with this, a reluctant Zhang Wansen agrees to teach her.

After school, they covertly enter the laboratory to conduct the experiment. However, they are discovered by a security guard, prompting them to quickly flee the scene hand-in-hand. Lin Beixing arrives at the "Shilong Repair Shop" as planned, where she finds Gao Ge casually lounging on a hammock. Gao Ge reveals that the punk's name is "Maizi" and states that she is there to help Lin Beixing.

Crucially, Gao Ge instructs Lin Beixing to "put all the blame" for today's events "on her" to avoid potential expulsion from school. Zhang Wansen examines a bottle of "hydrogen peroxide disinfectant" at the infirmary, realizing that "a little mistake" was made in the Elephant Toothpaste experiment he taught Lin Beixing. Anxious to correct it, he searches for Lin Beixing and learns that she "was taken away by a hooligan."

Fearing for her safety, Zhang Wansen hastily enlists Yang Chaoyang's help, and together they rush to the "carport behind" to find her. The competition between Mai Zi and Lin Beixing begins, with Gao Ge surprisingly serving as the judge. Lin Beixing's "Elephant Toothpaste experiment" fails to "squirt," resulting in her loss, while Mai Zi's attempt is successful. Just as Mai Zi is celebrating, Zhang Wansen rushes to the scene, immediately asking Lin Beixing if she's "okay."

Mai Zi then confronts Zhang Wansen, calling him a "coward" for sending a girl to protect him. Gao Ge steps in, telling Mai Zi that "no matter what he does, Zhang Wansen is much better and stronger." Gao Ge then departs, ignoring Mai Zi, who is left feeling that she "still looks down on" him. Despite Gao Ge's dismissal, Mai Zi persistently pursues her, feeling she still "looks down on him."

Exasperated, Gao Ge presents him with an unusual challenge: if he dares to "smash the windows of Gao Guangming's office," she will "give him this real chance." Mai Zi is left feeling frustrated and helpless, lamenting that their interactions always revolve around Gao Ge's father. Zhang Wansen approaches carrying a stack of test papers, just as he overhears Lin Beixing suggesting to Zhan Yu that they "enter Class One together" and have Zhang Wansen teach them.

Zhang Wansen, visibly angered by this interaction, turns and "angrily walks out" of the school campus. Lin Beixing, unaware of the true cause of his sudden displeasure, mistakenly believes he is upset because of Gao Ge.

Episode 5 Recap

Zhang Wansen approaches Gao Ge, asking if one should lie to a person who is truly important to them. Gao Ge firmly replies that lying is unacceptable, warning she would not spare anyone who dared to lie to her, and she senses Zhang Wansen might have something on his mind. Meanwhile, Zhang Wansen stands on stage, delivering a speech titled "Cherish Time, Do Not Waste Youth."

From afar, Lin Beixing watches him, concerned by what she perceives as Gao Ge's dangerous influence on him, recalling Gao Ge's competitive nature. Believing Zhang Wansen needs to focus on his studies and be protected from distractions, Lin Beixing begins secretly taking photos of academically excellent female students like Zhou Xiaohong and Li Shuangshuang, intending to introduce them to Zhang Wansen.

When Gao Guangming approaches, Lin Beixing quickly hides the photos, claiming she is "saving someone" and enlists him to "keep guard" for her. Lin Beixing hurries to Zhang Wansen, explaining she was late because she was printing photos. She then presents him with a collection of printed photos of top female students from their school, urging him to choose one and trust her judgment, even suggesting Zhou Xiaohong for English conversation practice.

Zhang Wansen, clearly uninterested, expresses his preference for studying alone, noting that he is already studying with her. Despite his reluctance, Lin Beixing persists, insisting he select a girl from her array of photos. When Zhang Wansen attempts to leave, stating he doesn't think she's in the mood to study today, Lin Beixing expresses frustration at his lack of appreciation for her efforts. Lin Beixing then suggests that Maizi's issues were related to Zhang Wansen's relationship with Gao Ge.

Zhang Wansen attempts to clarify that he and Gao Ge are not romantically involved, but Lin Beixing interrupts, declaring her resolve to protect him from Maizi. She vows to follow him everywhere, every day, asserting that he is "her person" and no one will bully him.

Zhang Wansen, initially taken aback, eventually smiles shyly and agrees, while Lin Beixing continues to encourage him to consider other girls instead of just Gao Ge, solidifying their new arrangement to walk to and from school together starting the next morning. The next morning, Gao Ge coughs, revealing she is unwell. Her father, Gao Guangming, preoccupied with a phone call about grading exams, pays little attention to her condition.

He simply leaves some money on the table, instructing her to buy breakfast on her way to school. Gao Ge quietly sighs, looking at a thermometer which clearly shows her temperature is 38 degrees. Zhang Wansen faithfully waits outside Lin Beixing's home the next morning. Gao Guangming passes by, noting Zhang Wansen's early presence. Gao Ge also briefly appears, still coughing, and Zhang Wansen asks about her health before she departs.

Soon, Lin Beixing arrives, but to Zhang Wansen's dismay, she is accompanied by Li Shuangshuang. Lin Beixing introduces Zhang Wansen to Li Shuangshuang as the "top 1 student" and suggests they all walk to school together, then quickly cycles off. Annoyed, Zhang Wansen decides to take the bus alone. However, Li Shuangshuang and other students quickly join him, asking for his help with math problems, which Lin Beixing interprets as a successful "radical" method of getting students to interact.

Finally, Zhang Wansen loses his patience. He confronts Lin Beixing, asking if she thinks teaching her is easy, and firmly tells her not to ask him for tutoring again if she is unwilling to seriously learn. Lin Beixing retorts, asking why he's angry and stating that if it weren't for him, she would have already achieved her own "comeback." The following morning, students are shocked to find the glass windows of Class One and Gao Guangming's office shattered.

Speculation quickly turns to accusations against Yang Chaoyang from Class Nine, as he was seen "creeping alone" near the school with a brick the previous evening, and he had a past dispute with Class One. Students from Class One confront Yang Chaoyang, who denies involvement, but they mock his inability to defend himself and disparage Class Nine as "the worst." Lin Beixing intervenes, defending Yang Chaoyang and her class.

Witnessing the chaos and the Class One students' frustration over their damaged classroom, Lin Beixing proposes a temporary classroom swap: Class Nine will switch with Class One. She sternly states that while they will move, they will not accept any false accusations and demand an apology once the truth is uncovered.

Despite some initial hesitation from her own classmates about the inconvenience, Lin Beixing passionately rallies them, asserting that they are a united community and must stand up for each other against unfair blame, convincing them to agree to the swap. A Class One student, still suspicious, sarcastically remarks on Class Nine's denial before urging them to hurry and move. After the class exchange is complete, Gao Ge, still feeling unwell, makes her way to her father Gao Guangming's damaged office.

Zhang Wansen finds her there, gently asking if she's feeling better and inquiring if Maizi might be involved in the glass incident. Gao Ge quickly denies any connection and, with a subtle gesture, straightens Zhang Wansen's tie. Her father, Gao Guangming, observes this interaction, immediately becoming suspicious. He later reprimands Gao Ge for claiming responsibility for the incident, seemingly disbelieving her and accusing her of misleading him, and threatens her with punishment.

He then sternly warns her against interfering with Zhang Wansen's studies, reminding her of Zhang Wansen's excellent academic record and the crucial timing of the college entrance exam. Gao Guangming declares that any decline in Zhang Wansen's performance due to her influence would result in severe consequences, to which Gao Ge defiantly responds. Zhang Wansen makes his way to a secluded warehouse where Maizi and his associates are discussing debt collection.

Zhang Wansen confronts Maizi, stating that his visit is not about Maizi's relationship with Gao Ge, but rather to uncover the truth about the broken glass at school. Zhang Wansen reveals his observations: engine oil found on the school wall, linking it to Maizi, and his deduction that the main target was the office, with their classroom glass being broken incidentally. He further asserts that Maizi was the one skillfully conducting the "Elephant Toothpaste experiment" in the lab.

Zhang Wansen then offers Maizi money, explaining it as a loan, and asks for Maizi's help in clearing Yang Chaoyang's name, as his friend is being wrongly accused because of the broken windows. Suddenly, Lin Beixing bursts into the warehouse, scolding Zhang Wansen for putting himself in danger and confronting Maizi. She loudly declares Zhang Wansen "her person," asserting that any issues should be directed at her.

Maizi, observing their interaction, tells Zhang Wansen to take his money back, stating he will handle his own affairs. Lin Beixing continues to berate Zhang Wansen for his recklessness and for not involving her. She then sincerely apologizes for misunderstanding him that morning, admitting she wrongly doubted his trust in Yang Chaoyang. She promises not to bother him with other girls anymore, to which Zhang Wansen reminds her of their study plan for the next day.

Lin Beixing asks if Maizi will apologize, and Zhang Wansen confirms he will. Misunderstanding their relationship, Lin Beixing apologizes for Zhang Wansen's situation with Gao Ge and vows to protect him from Maizi's troubles, inadvertently cutting off Zhang Wansen's attempt to clarify that he and Gao Ge are merely childhood friends. Just as Zhang Wansen begins to explain the true nature of his relationship with Gao Ge to Lin Beixing, Gao Ge suddenly appears.

She dramatically declares that "from now on, Zhang Wansen's time is hers," announcing that they will go to and from school together, as she has realized that indirect methods are ineffective. This bold declaration leaves Zhang Wansen completely flustered. Lin Beixing, surprised by Gao Ge's directness, comments on how "cool" and "simple" it is, but clarifies that while she won't interfere with Gao Ge and Zhang Wansen's dynamic, she will still protect Zhang Wansen, to which Gao Ge indifferently agrees.

With the broken classroom windows still unrepaired, a student named Tengteng complains that her books have gotten wet from the rain, blaming Lin Beixing's decision to swap classrooms. Another student also complains about the inconvenience. Lin Beixing then confronts Gao Yuanyuan, who is also complaining, and tells her to move, offering to exchange seats. Gao Yuanyuan agrees, mockingly stating that Lin Beixing just wants attention, and questions her about the legality of damaging public property.

Lin Beixing, undeterred, simply continues to study diligently while holding an umbrella over herself. This display of resilience and focus is observed by Zhan Yu, who finds her strikingly beautiful. Maizi voluntarily confesses his wrongdoing to Gao Guangming, admitting he was the one who broke the glass. Gao Guangming questions him about his parents, and Maizi reveals they are migrant workers, leaving him to fend for himself by taking on various odd jobs.

Understanding Maizi's difficult circumstances, Gao Guangming returns the money Maizi had offered. Instead of severe punishment, Gao Guangming gives Maizi a school uniform to wear and assigns him the task of sweeping the school grounds, particularly focusing on the fallen leaves from the recent rain. Gao Guangming enters the classroom to announce the findings of the investigation into the broken glass incident, officially clearing Yang Chaoyang's name.

Maizi, now sporting the school uniform as part of his punishment, attracts curious glances and whispers from students due to his unusual appearance. Zhang Wansen approaches Maizi and quietly joins him in sweeping the school grounds. As they work, Zhang Wansen takes the opportunity to clarify his relationship with Gao Ge, explaining that they are merely childhood friends and urging Maizi not to misunderstand. Maizi, however, seems indifferent, dismissing Zhang Wansen's explanation and struggling awkwardly with the broom.

In the study room, Lin Beixing is surprised to find Zhan Yu sitting opposite her. She tells him the seat is taken, but Zhan Yu retorts that he can sit wherever he pleases, hinting at his intentions. He provocatively tells her he finds it "good to have her follow him" and that if she wants to go to Class One, she can only do so with him.

Annoyed, Lin Beixing dismisses him and tries to leave, but Zhan Yu follows, claiming he has something important to tell her. Simultaneously, Zhang Wansen approaches Gao Ge, asking if she would accompany him to explain something to someone. Gao Ge, understanding immediately, identifies Lin Beixing as the person Zhang Wansen wishes to speak to, and encourages him, asserting that if Lin Beixing is truly important to him, he shouldn't hesitate to act.

Episode 6 Recap

Lin Beixing, eager to be admitted to Class One, decided to use her day off for tutoring with Zhang Wansen, playfully telling him she was going there to be his "bodyguard." Zhang Wansen, however, questioned her true intentions. Their study session was interrupted by Zhan Yu, who declared his intention to join them in Class One and insisted on being tutored as well. Annoyed by Zhan Yu's presence, Zhang Wansen subtly switched seats.

Zhan Yu, acting superior, claimed the basic questions were beneath him, but then struggled with the advanced ones, prompting Zhang Wansen to advise him to go home and memorize more formulas. Offended, Zhan Yu challenged Zhang Wansen to a one-on-one basketball game, but Zhang Wansen dismissed the idea, reminding him they were in a library. Frustrated by Zhang Wansen's refusal, Zhan Yu persisted in challenging him, suggesting a bicycle race around the island instead.

Zhang Wansen initially declined, citing his commitment to tutoring Lin Beixing. Zhan Yu boasted about being the first to know Lin Beixing, which Zhang Wansen subtly contested. Despite his bravado, Zhang Wansen proved to be unable to ride a bicycle and promptly fell. Lin Beixing, concerned, approached him.

Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Wansen feigned a severe leg injury, claiming it would take "a hundred days" to recover, then accepted Lin Beixing’s offer to ride on the back of her bike, while playfully remarking on her weight and making a general comment about danger being omnipresent. Upon arriving at Zhang Wansen's house, Lin Beixing was impressed by the vast collection of books.

Zhang Wansen revealed that his parents had been working in Africa since he was very young, leaving him to live alone. Lin Beixing, in a motherly manner, treated his leg wound and scolded him for not checking his expired medicines. Zhang Wansen attempted to clarify a past "misunderstanding" with Gao Ge, but Lin Beixing assured him she understood. She then noticed his old middle school basketball uniform and realized he had attended Nanchuan Middle School and was on their team.

Lin Beixing recounted how her school, the Seventeenth Middle School, had played against Nanchuan, and it was during that game that she "blindly fell in love with Zhan Yu" because he had saved her, getting injured in the process. She quickly dismissed him as just an "ordinary classmate" now.

Unbeknownst to Lin Beixing, Zhang Wansen recalled a memory from that same game, where he, as a young boy, shyly approached a girl with a pink hair tie, only for her to politely ask him for directions to the restroom. As Lin Beixing observed the lack of food and cooking utensils, Zhang Wansen casually mentioned that his family never cooked. Later, Zhang Wansen encountered Mai Zi struggling to get a drink from a vending machine.

After Zhang Wansen showed him how, they chatted. Mai Zi confessed he had moved on from Gao Ge and felt he had nothing to fear anymore. He then directly asked Zhang Wansen if he liked Lin Beixing. Zhang Wansen explained he was just tutoring her to help her get into Class One. Mai Zi, seeing Zhang Wansen's reticence, urged him to be direct and ask Lin Beixing if her desire to join Class One was for him.

Zhang Wansen, feeling nervous, took several gulps of Coke to gather his courage. That night, Zhang Wansen and Mai Zi went to Lin Beixing's building. Lin Beixing, having been alerted by Zhang Wansen's "emergency distress signal" about physics problems, came downstairs to find Mai Zi there. Mai Zi bluntly prompted Zhang Wansen to ask if Lin Beixing's fervent desire to join his class was because of him.

Lin Beixing, without hesitation, fiercely declared that she intended to go to Class One specifically to "protect him all the time" and prevent people like Mai Zi from taking advantage, stating that Zhang Wansen "must finish Gaokao under my supervision." Mai Zi, seemingly satisfied, laughed and departed.

Alone with Zhang Wansen, Lin Beixing explained that she sought to improve academically and that he was the only one genuinely willing to help her, thus her desire to protect him as a form of reciprocation. She also warned Zhang Wansen not to trust others so easily. Through persistent effort and Zhang Wansen's diligent tutoring, Lin Beixing successfully entered the top fifty in the monthly exam.

She excitedly celebrated her achievement, and Zhang Wansen congratulated her, saying he would "see her in Class One." Meanwhile, Zhan Yu confronted Lin Beixing, offering her something, but she dismissed him, implying he was merely trying to save face. He then challenged Zhang Wansen to a fair basketball match, which Zhang Wansen readily accepted. In Class One, Lin Beixing introduced herself, acknowledging past misunderstandings and expressing hope for mutual help.

The teacher welcomed her and directed her to a single seat in the back row. Gao Ge, who was occupying that seat, announced her preference for sitting alone and offered to move, implicitly allowing Zhang Wansen to sit with Lin Beixing, which he promptly did, greeting her as his new deskmate. Shortly after, a student from Class Nine teased Lin Beixing for leaving them behind.

Later, Lin Beixing and Yang Chaoyang arranged to have dinner with Zhang Wansen and Gao Ge. At the bustling food stall, Gao Ge clarified to Lin Beixing that while she didn't care about Lin Beixing's personal affairs, she was concerned for Zhang Wansen, assuring her that she had no romantic interest in him. Mai Zi unexpectedly showed up, revealed to have been invited by Gao Ge.

Gao Ge admitted her intention was to make Lin Beixing nervous, hoping it would help Zhang Wansen, who "can't even express himself at all." Mai Zi then proposed setting off fireworks at the beach, but Gao Ge, seeking to provoke her father, Gao Guangming, suggested doing so at the school instead. As expected, Gao Guangming, the school's strict director, discovered the group setting off loud fireworks at the school.

Gao Ge immediately took responsibility, but Yang Chaoyang, demonstrating loyalty, also confessed his involvement. Mai Zi explained to Lin Beixing that Gao Ge had deliberately orchestrated the incident to anger her father, revealing that Gao Ge had previously used him in a similar way, making him believe she liked him.

Gao Guangming scolded both Gao Ge for her misbehavior and Yang Chaoyang for his academic performance, warning Gao Ge that she would be responsible if Yang Chaoyang failed to get into a good college. Yang Chaoyang insisted his participation was voluntary, not coerced. As punishment, both Gao Ge and Yang Chaoyang were ordered to run ten laps.

Yang Chaoyang, who confessed his dream was to be a cross-talk master and whose allegros had often been confiscated by Gao Guangming, found a new camaraderie with Gao Ge during their punishment, forging a new friendship. Lin Beixing, intrigued by Yang Chaoyang's hobby, expressed interest in learning cross-talk herself. In Class One, the teacher announced the upcoming inter-class basketball game against Class Nine, urging students to sign up. Zhang Wansen volunteered immediately.

After school, Zhang Wansen waited for Lin Beixing, who was meticulously creating a large banner for the upcoming basketball game, decorated with slogans like "Zhang Wansen! You're the best!" and "The senior Class One is not afraid of difficulties." Zhang Wansen complimented her effort but playfully critiqued her handwriting. As rain began to fall, Zhang Wansen offered to walk her home. Lin Beixing thanked him, saying he had shown her "youth can be so great."

He downplayed the importance of the basketball game. The next day, Lin Beixing was distraught to discover her carefully made banner ruined by the rain. Determined not to "lose momentum," she rushed to the utility room to make a new one. Han Tengteng appeared, attempting to talk to her, likely about damaging the banner. Lin Beixing refused, stating she needed to focus on the game.

Enraged by the rejection, Han Tengteng locked Lin Beixing inside the storage room, telling her to watch the game from there. From the storage room window, Lin Beixing desperately cheered for Zhang Wansen, yelling his name. In a dangerous attempt to get a better view and be heard, she climbed onto a plastic box and squeezed through the window, getting precariously stuck.

Seeing her predicament from the basketball court, Zhang Wansen immediately abandoned the ongoing game to rush to her rescue. He carefully lifted her down from the window, reassuring her that she was fine, suffering only a strain. He advised her against such dangerous actions in the future, but Lin Beixing, feeling guilty, apologized for making him miss the game.

This incident also triggered Lin Beixing’s memory of a junior high fire where, on the verge of despair, she saw a boy in a basketball uniform save her, only to find Zhan Yu standing before her upon regaining consciousness. Shortly after, Lin Beixing confronted Zhan Yu about an old injury on his arm. He casually explained it was a cat scratch from junior high. After hearing his dismissive response and recalling the past, Lin Beixing turned to Zhang Wansen and asked, "Did we know each other before?"

Episode 7 Recap

Lin Beixing pressed Zhang Wansen about whether they had met before, even prior to high school, but he vaguely replied that he couldn't remember. Undeterred, Lin Beixing invited him to have breakfast together the following morning at Zhangji Steamed Buns Restaurant. The next day, a super typhoon called Soda hit, causing widespread flooding. The steamed buns restaurant was closed, but Zhang Wansen still managed to acquire two buns and waited, soaking wet, at school for Lin Beixing.

When she arrived, concerned he might catch a cold, she insisted he change into her brother's limited edition Kobe jersey right there, hoping to find a scar on his arm, much to his discomfort, but he eventually complied. During class, held in the cafeteria due to flooded classrooms, Lin Beixing tried to apologize to Zhang Wansen via a thrown note for standing him up earlier.

Dean Gao Guangming intercepted the note, and after Lin Beixing admitted it was hers, both she and Yang Chaoyang, who stood up when asked who the note was for, were punished with three chemistry test papers. Zhang Wansen offered to help Lin Beixing, suggesting cleaning her "secret hideout" would be easier than the chemistry homework. Meanwhile, Yang Chaoyang was distraught over his wooden clappers, which were blessed by a master and now damaged by the typhoon.

Gao Ge arrived, expecting him to teach her crosstalk and provide her with her own clappers, but Yang Chaoyang, frustrated, questioned why a top student like her would pursue such an unconventional interest. Gao Ge simply stated it was her choice. Lin Beixing's brother, Lin Dahai, faced trouble at his beauty products shop. A group of angry women confronted him, accusing him of selling fake facial masks, hair dye, and contact lenses that caused them harm.

Just then, Mai Zi arrived, demanding money Lin Dahai owed to someone named Lei. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Dahai falsely accused Mai Zi of supplying the fake goods and slipped away while the women turned their attention to Mai Zi. Later, Lin Dahai was seen selling frog-themed raincoats, exaggeratedly boasting about their "typhoon-proof" quality. Zhang Wansen, rushing to school, was pressured by Lin Dahai into buying one at a discounted price of 150 yuan.

Shortly after, Mai Zi and his group, mistaking Zhang Wansen in the unique raincoat for Lin Dahai, beat him up. Zhang Wansen was sent to the school infirmary, where Dean Gao Guangming visited him. Lin Beixing rushed there, realizing her brother had caused Zhang Wansen's accident. She apologized for Lin Dahai's opportunistic behavior, while Zhang Wansen found the raincoat "cute."

Noticing he was still wet, Lin Beixing offered him her long-sleeved top to change into, discreetly turning away to give him privacy. That night, Zhang Wansen encountered Mai Zi being cornered by a group of thugs over the money owed to Lei. Zhang Wansen intervened, calling the thugs "kids" and then used a fire hydrant to spray them with water, driving them away. Impressed, Mai Zi apologized for mistaking him earlier and they became friends.

Later, while Zhang Wansen was tutoring Lin Beixing on chemistry, she shifted the topic to physics, asking about the lever principle of the human arm and requesting a bicep demonstration. Lin Beixing kept pressing him to let her look closely, trying to find a specific mark. Dean Gao Guangming and Gao Ge unexpectedly arrived.

Gao Guangming, misinterpreting the situation, provided a detailed explanation of the arm's lever principle as a Class Three lever, then urged all three students, especially the "top students," to continue their studies diligently even while at home. Gao Ge, however, seemed to grasp the underlying reason for Lin Beixing's insistent questioning. Gao Guangming then received a call about the school's statue being damaged by the typhoon and the school's plan to collect new designs from students.

He recalled a "top ten beautiful statue" from Nanchuan High School, which now featured a star and a book. However, he quickly decided that third-year students would not participate, citing their limited time and the importance of their college entrance exams. Lin Beixing protested, arguing they might have good ideas, but he remained firm. Determined to participate, Gao Ge orchestrated a plan to distract her father.

She had Yang Chaoyang pretend to give her private tutoring lessons, then Yang Chaoyang "accidentally" spilled water on Gao Guangming, leading to a comical chase. With Gao Guangming distracted, Lin Beixing suggested they base their statue design on the Nanchuan High School badge, which she knew had been incorporated into a previous award-winning sculpture. Gao Ge, revealing her impressive drawing skills, quickly sketched out a design that embodied knowledge, stars, and the sea, combining their ideas into a cohesive concept.

After a long night of designing, the three were exhausted. Lin Beixing took the opportunity to finally examine Zhang Wansen's arm, confirming the burn scar from the school badge. In that moment, she realized it was truly Zhang Wansen who had saved her from the fire in her past life. Soon after, their statue design was officially approved by the school, and professional architects were enlisted to refine their sketches. Overjoyed, Lin Beixing spontaneously hugged Zhang Wansen.

Seeing this, Gao Ge subtly suggested to Zhang Wansen that he should "say something" to Lin Beixing when the statue was fully repaired. Gao Guangming also praised Gao Ge for the successful design, acknowledging her hard work and academic progress, and also recognizing Yang Chaoyang's significant assistance. A month later, with the typhoon passed and the statue repaired, Yang Chaoyang proudly declared their "great achievement," but Lin Beixing teasingly dismissed his boast, calling it merely a "participation trophy."

As they left school, Lin Beixing noticed Mai Zi outside, riding a motorcycle, with his distinct red hair. A disturbing memory flashed through her mind, leading her to wonder if Mai Zi was the one who had caused Zhang Wansen's death in her previous life.

Episode 8 Recap

Four friends, including Lin Beixing and Zhang Wansen, gather to clean Yang Chaoyang's secret hideout. Lin Beixing, distracted by her thoughts, is nearly hit by a falling box. Zhang Wansen swiftly pulls her away, causing her to bump into his arms. Lin Beixing thanks him, noting he has saved her three times, recalling a junior high basketball game where she initially mistook him for someone else, only later realizing it was him due to a distinct scar on his arm.

Feeling indebted, she offers to fulfill a wish for him. Zhang Wansen expresses his wish for her and their friends to remain safe and by his side without any accidents, a sentiment Lin Beixing agrees with, acknowledging their close friendship. Soon after, Yang Chaoyang is informed by Gao Guangming that the school plans to convert his secret hideout into a car shed, invalidating their cleaning efforts.

Gao Ge apologizes on behalf of her father, but Lin Beixing encourages Yang Chaoyang, assuring him he will find a larger platform for his passion. Yang Chaoyang quickly recovers his spirits, proposing he will find a new secret hideout and continue his crosstalk practice. He invites his friends to join him that evening, but Lin Beixing, Zhang Wansen, and Gao Ge all decline due to prior commitments.

Later, Lin Beixing visits Mai Zi's motorcycle repair shop, where she is alarmed to find a school uniform with Zhang Wansen's name on it, stained with what appears to be blood. A punk returns to the shop, mistakes her for a thief, and grabs her bag. Just then, Zhan Yu arrives and intervenes, asserting Lin Beixing is his friend. They manage to escape the pursuing punks. Once safe, Lin Beixing briefly explains her presence at the shop.

Zhan Yu attempts to rekindle their past connection, but Lin Beixing clarifies that her previous affection for him was based on a misunderstanding about a scar from the junior high basketball game, as she had mistakenly thought he was her savior. She explains that those feelings were merely an "erroneous obsession" and she no longer harbors them, advising Zhan Yu not to cling to similar persistent obsessions.

Still troubled by the stained uniform, Lin Beixing questions Zhang Wansen about Mai Zi. Zhang Wansen, however, expresses trust in Mai Zi, describing him as loyal and kind despite their different lives. Lin Beixing presses him about an injury he sustained during a typhoon, asking if Mai Zi was responsible, but Zhang Wansen insists he was simply "smashed by a billboard."

Later, while hiding, Lin Beixing overhears Mai Zi confronting Lin Dahai at "Dahai Beauty" about a faulty hair dye that caused an allergic reaction. During their heated exchange, Lin Dahai angrily accuses Mai Zi and his associates of brutally beating "the boy who bought my raincoat," a high school student, on the day of the typhoon.

This conversation, combined with the earlier discovery of the stained uniform, solidifies Lin Beixing's suspicion that Mai Zi was involved in Zhang Wansen's injury, despite Zhang Wansen's consistent explanation. Mai Zi visits Zhang Wansen at his large, quiet house. Finding it somewhat boring, Mai Zi suggests watching a war film he rented. Zhang Wansen, who enjoys war films, playfully suggests Mai Zi consider joining the army.

Mai Zi then spots a pink rabbit hairband in Zhang Wansen's drawer and teases him about it, asking if it's connected to Lin Beixing, which Zhang Wansen nervously denies. Mai Zi proposes a group outing to a beautiful camping resort, encouraging Zhang Wansen to invite Lin Beixing and use the opportunity to directly ask her about her feelings if he's too shy to express his own.

Yang Chaoyang later proudly unveils his newly established secret hideout on a rooftop, which he rented with his allowance. Zhang Wansen suggests a group camping trip to a beautiful site on the outskirts of Nanchuan for the upcoming winter break, and Gao Ge enthusiastically agrees. However, Lin Beixing becomes furious upon learning the camping idea originated from Mai Zi. She confronts Mai Zi at his repair shop, accusing him about the "bloody school uniform."

Mai Zi, having just dyed his hair a vibrant red, explains that the stains were merely red hair dye that accidentally splashed onto Zhang Wansen's uniform. As Lin Beixing's accusation escalates, Mai Zi, feeling scorned and misunderstood, becomes defensive. He sarcastically admits to being a "bad guy" and even claims he wanted to "kill Zhang Wansen from the beginning," abandoning any further explanation.

This aggressive outburst, combined with the accidental drop of a pink rabbit hairband from Mai Zi, further solidifies Lin Beixing's conviction that Mai Zi is dangerous and indeed responsible for Zhang Wansen's injury. At that moment, another gang of punks, led by Li Zhonghe, arrives to confront Mai Zi, igniting a brutal brawl. Witnessing the chaotic fight, Lin Beixing, fearing for Zhang Wansen's safety and associating the violence with him, impulsively calls the police to report the incident.

She watches from the shop entrance as Mai Zi is subsequently apprehended and taken away by the police. Later, friends reflect that Mai Zi's arrest is a necessary lesson for him, hoping he will change by the time they finish their college entrance exams. The new year arrives, and the four friends gather for a joyous outing.

Gao Ge and Yang Chaoyang playfully tease Lin Beixing and Zhang Wansen about their yellow and purple attire, pointing out how their chosen colors and accessories complement each other well. Gao Ge takes Lin Beixing aside, questioning her feelings for Zhang Wansen, pointing out that his dedicated, one-on-one tutoring, despite his academic excellence, suggests a deeper connection than mere friendship.

Meanwhile, Zhang Wansen receives an anonymous text message informing him that the rabbit hairband Mai Zi gave him has been returned, and expressing a hope that he will have found his answer when they meet again in six months. Encouraged by this, Zhang Wansen courageously begins to ask Lin Beixing if she likes him, but before she can fully respond, Gao Ge and Yang Chaoyang call them over to set off fireworks. As the four prepare to make their future wishes, Lin Beixing is startled to see the pink rabbit hairband now adorning Zhang Wansen's hand.

Episode 9 Recap

Zhang Wansen's father returned home, explaining that his mother was still abroad completing her research. Meanwhile, Lin Beixing lay awake, troubled by a nagging question: why was the rabbit hairband still in Zhang Wansen's possession? She recalled Zhang Wansen's words about the hairband being a gift from "someone very important" to him and worried about its connection to his past death, resolving to uncover the truth.

The next morning, Lin Beixing arrived at Zhang Wansen's house and was greeted by his father. During breakfast, Zhang's father, who jokingly claimed to have cooked the meal, inadvertently revealed that as a child, Zhang Wansen was often dressed like a little girl by his mother, who enjoyed braiding his hair and putting him in skirts. Lin Beixing then asked if his mother frequently bought him hair accessories, to which Zhang's father confirmed she bought various colors.

This led Lin Beixing to deduce that the rabbit hairband likely came from Zhang Wansen’s mother. Soon after, Zhang’s father unexpectedly excused himself for an urgent matter. Meanwhile, Gao Ge, contemplating an art exam school advertisement, encountered Yang Chaoyang, who was headed to a nearby crosstalk seminar. Gao Ge asked him to pose as a sketch model, and after an hour of various uncomfortable poses, Yang Chaoyang, frustrated, fled to find Lin Beixing.

Together, they spotted Zhang Wansen’s father behaving intimately with another woman in a store. Recalling Zhang Wansen’s earlier comment that his mother was still abroad, Lin Beixing immediately suspected Zhang Wansen’s father of having an affair. She instructed Yang Chaoyang to discreetly follow Zhang Wansen’s father and report any developments, while she kept the gorilla doll Yang Chaoyang had just bought as a New Year's gift for Zhang Wansen.

Lin Beixing insisted on taking Zhang Wansen to her home for dinner, eager for him to experience a lively family atmosphere since his own house was often empty. Her parents warmly welcomed him, though their enthusiastic hospitality quickly devolved into their usual playful bickering, with her father praising Zhang Wansen's academic achievements while playfully critiquing Lin Beixing. Her mother, in turn, defended Lin Beixing fiercely.

During the meal, Lin Beixing’s mother lovingly offered Zhang Wansen a shrimp, only for Lin Beixing to quickly remind her of his seafood allergy. Embarrassed by her parents' bickering, Lin Beixing eventually pulled Zhang Wansen to her room. Zhang Wansen remarked how much he enjoyed the lively atmosphere, a stark contrast to his own quiet home, and Lin Beixing agreed.

In her room, Lin Beixing showed Zhang Wansen her childhood photo album, revealing her admiration for Sailor Moon and her aspiration to be like her. She pointed to a picture of herself as a child, dressed like a boy.

This sparked a memory for Zhang Wansen of a spring outing from their childhood: a young Lin Beixing, then a "tomboy," had comforted his crying self with animal crackers, declaring herself "Sailor Moon" and using "Moon Prism Power Make Up" to make his pain disappear before pulling him to explore the zoo. Lin Beixing explained that her brother had cut her hair that day for McDonald's.

As they later walked along a tree-lined road at night, Zhang Wansen reiterated how much he enjoyed the lively dinner, and Lin Beixing encouraged him to always come to her if he felt lonely or needed help, asserting her "Moon Prism Power" would assist him.

Their budding connection, however, was observed and misinterpreted by Gao Ge, who saw them holding hands and warned Lin Beixing not to use Zhang Wansen to make her father jealous or as a rebound after "Maizi" ignored her. Yang Chaoyang called Lin Beixing, reporting that he had followed Zhang Wansen's father and the woman to a restaurant. Lin Beixing rushed there, intending to expose what she believed was an affair.

To her surprise, the woman was revealed to be Zhang Wansen's mother, who had secretly returned to surprise her son. During the reunion, Zhang Wansen's mother again offered him shrimp, forgetting his allergy. She also presented him with a pink panther stuffed animal, claiming it was his favorite as a child, though Zhang Wansen denied this.

His mother then produced an application form for "Veterinarians without Borders," explaining that signing it would allow him to participate in an assessment and training program abroad, but would mean missing the college entrance examination. She stressed that she and his father believed pursuing dreams was equally important.

Later, Dean Gao Guangming advised Zhang Wansen to defer studying abroad until after the college entrance examination, suggesting that his mother’s decision might be a way for him to "repeat her old ways" in animal protection. Lin Beixing overheard this, and when Zhang Wansen later asked for her opinion on becoming a "Veterinarian without Borders," she, influenced by the pink panther gift and Dean Gao’s words, concluded that Zhang Wansen was merely fulfilling his mother's desires.

She dismissed the idea as "dirty and tiring" and strongly advised him to focus on preparing for the college entrance examination instead. She later confided in Yang Chaoyang that Zhang Wansen seemed "not himself" and that she believed he was being forced to go abroad, which was negatively impacting his studies and mood, and could jeopardize his college entrance exam. Alone at the station, Zhang Wansen looked at the application form with a heavy heart.

Later, as he began to fill it out, he was transported back to a childhood memory. He recalled an instance where he had witnessed Lin Beixing "healing" a small cat and then, admitting he did not want to be a general vet, confessed his true aspiration to her: to become a "Veterinarian without Borders," even though he feared others would mock him. Young Lin Beixing, however, had warmly encouraged him, stating she believed he could achieve it.

Overcome by his inner turmoil, Zhang Wansen became noticeably withdrawn, sleeping in class and seeing his academic ranking plummet from first to tenth place – an unprecedented decline. Concerned by his state, Lin Beixing went to his house, where she encountered his mother. Initially, Lin Beixing confronted Zhang Wansen's mother, accusing her of forcing him into a path he didn't want, asserting that she didn't truly understand her son.

However, Zhang Wansen's mother then revealed a childhood photo of him dressed as a girl, explaining her own desire for a daughter. She clarified that Zhang Wansen, as a small boy, had himself expressed his desire to become a "Veterinarian without Borders" on the very day he told her he no longer wanted to be dressed as a girl, thereby confirming that this had always been his deeply held dream.

Lin Beixing was stunned by this revelation, realizing her grave misunderstanding. The mother then recounted the story of that pivotal day at the zoo spring outing: Zhang Wansen and Lin Beixing had together rescued an injured kitten. When the Curator found them, they convinced him to take care of the cat, and he rewarded them each with a rabbit hair tie.

It was on this very day, after Lin Beixing gave Zhang Wansen one of the hair ties and encouraged him to pursue his dream, that Zhang Wansen, who had previously been timid and quiet, gained the courage to tell his mother about his aspiration to become a Veterinarian without Borders. Prompted by the revelation, Lin Beixing asked her mother for her childhood metal storage box.

Her mother found it and retrieved it from the cabinet, commenting that it held many old things. Inside, Lin Beixing found an identical rabbit hair tie, which her mother recognized from the elementary school spring outing when Lin Beixing had gotten muddy saving a cat and was rewarded by others.

Realizing the full extent of her misunderstanding and that Zhang Wansen’s dream had been his own all along, Lin Beixing immediately sent him a text message, apologizing for her previous misjudgment and affirming her full support for him to go abroad and achieve his aspirations.

The next day, as Lin Beixing was lost in thought at her desk, Yang Chaoyang burst into the classroom with urgent news: someone from their school was preparing to go abroad, with all the necessary procedures already finalized. Instantly fearing it was Zhang Wansen, Lin Beixing rushed to his house. She frantically knocked on the door and called out his name, but a chilling silence was her only reply, indicating the house was already empty.

Episode 10 Recap

As Lin Beixing was about to leave, Zhang Wansen emerged, coughing. She noted he had a cold and asked about his parents, who had already returned. Despite Zhang Wansen's reassurances that he was fine, Lin Beixing insisted he take his medicine, urging him not to underestimate the severity of his cold and to rest at home without going anywhere. Observing study materials, she confirmed his plans to study abroad before she departed.

Lin Beixing advised Yang Chaoyang to consider changing classes since he spent so much time in theirs, but he lamented his grades prevented it. Yang Chaoyang then confided a secret to Lin Beixing: a scout contacted him after he passed a crosstalk test, allowing him to bypass the college entrance examination and pursue his dream directly. Lin Beixing, initially skeptical and worried he might be cheated, expressed her strong disagreement with his decision to forgo university.

Yang Chaoyang, however, was resolute, informing her he was not seeking her permission but merely informing her. He showed her his college entrance examination candidate number, No. 01, which he printed as a memento despite his intention not to take the exam. Lin Beixing, upon realizing his conviction, sincerely encouraged him, asserting that he would become a famous crosstalk actor and that the college entrance examination simply was not for him.

Yang Chaoyang appreciated her support, contrasting it with others who would "throw cold water" on his aspirations. Reflecting on Yang Chaoyang's unwavering pursuit of his dream, Lin Beixing realized the impact her previous dismissal of Zhang Wansen's aspiration to be a Veterinarian without Borders must have had. She asked Zhang Wansen how he felt about pursuing such a career abroad. He initially downplayed it as "dirty and tiring," suggesting focusing on the college entrance examination was more important.

Lin Beixing then probed whether he would be upset if a friend asked him to abandon his dream. Zhang Wansen firmly stated that such a friend would not be a true friend, indicating that giving up a dream was not an option for him, despite acknowledging it might be a difficult choice for others.

Zhang Wansen then told her that she was the first person to encourage him, promising that even if he became famous, he would not pretend not to know her. This interaction deepened Lin Beixing's understanding of Zhang Wansen's passion, prompting her to arrange a meeting with him at the zoo to offer a sincere explanation. Zhang Wansen waited at Nanchuan Zoo for Lin Beixing, who arrived late.

She apologized for her tardiness, while Zhang Wansen admitted he had not remembered their meeting very clearly either, offering his own apology. Lin Beixing then took out a childhood photo and sincerely explained that she had misunderstood his previous situation, believing he was forced to study abroad. She clarified that if becoming a Veterinarian without Borders had always been his childhood dream, she would stand by him and support him unconditionally.

Zhang Wansen revealed that others often ridiculed his dream of "saving animals around the world." Lin Beixing, however, assured him that she believed in his ability to achieve it and would support him through any challenge, even declaring she would follow him through "fire and water." Zhang Wansen responded with a knowing smile, recognizing that the girl who once first encouraged him as a child had truly returned.

As Lin Beixing went to purchase two tickets, the conductor mistakenly assumed Zhang Wansen was her boyfriend, remarking on her apparent happiness. The conductor then added that "the whole world is behind you, in your past." Lin Beixing turned to look at Zhang Wansen, a deep realization dawning on her, and he offered her an umbrella because of the heavy rain.

Returning to a familiar area in the zoo, Lin Beixing, who used to work there, felt a sense of familiarity as she observed the same lazy tigers her mother used to tell stories about. When the tigers startled her, Zhang Wansen swiftly pulled her into his embrace, protecting her.

As the zoo prepared to close, the Curator, who appeared to recognize Lin Beixing before feigning ignorance, urged them to leave, adding a philosophical remark that just as fish swim with the waves but must look back to see their own world, one must remember to look back to find their true world. Lin Beixing noticed Zhang Wansen's overseas application form and pressed him on his hesitation to leave, acknowledging the difficulty of returning if he went abroad.

Zhang Wansen admitted his internal struggle, as he wished to stay to accompany Lin Beixing through her college entrance examination. Lin Beixing, understanding his predicament, explained that while separation is hard now, it would become a normal part of life as they grew older. She insisted that his pursuit of a Veterinarian without Borders was what he genuinely loved, and that companionship did not solely rely on physical presence, suggesting they could stay connected through calls and future video chats.

Zhang Wansen revealed his assessment was in April, meaning he would have to leave shortly thereafter. Lin Beixing expressed her regret that they would not be able to attend a fireworks convention together before his departure. Before leaving, Zhang Wansen handed her a small item, telling her it would bring her good fortune in fulfilling her wishes and dreams. On her way back, Lin Beixing was confronted by Zhan Yu, who questioned why she had not answered his calls.

She dismissed his concern, reminding him that she had already told him she did not like him and he should mind his own business. Zhan Yu then challenged her, pointing out that Zhang Wansen's departure for abroad meant there was no future for them, questioning her persistent efforts and citing her past encouragement during his basketball games as mixed signals.

Undeterred, Lin Beixing, determined to create a lasting memory for Zhang Wansen before he left, approached the Curator of Nanchuan Zoo with a proposal for a fireworks party. She argued it would revitalize the zoo's stagnant business by offering visitors a more engaging experience beyond just animal viewing. The Curator initially dismissed her ambitious plan, stating that such an event was far more complex than she imagined, requiring detailed planning, public surveys, and internal discussions, not just "paperwork."

Lin Beixing passionately assured him she could handle all the requirements, explaining that she deeply wished to give a beloved friend a beautiful farewell memory before he left Nanchuan. Convinced by her sincerity, the Curator agreed to review her detailed proposal. At an internet café, Lin Beixing encountered Zhan Yu, who was idly playing games. She criticized his self-defeating behavior after his failed confession before sitting down to work on her fireworks party proposal.

He recognized her project as what she had been working on secretly and offered to help her with the extensive questionnaire survey, but she declined, insisting on managing it herself. Despite her dedication, Lin Beixing's exhaustion began to show. During tutoring sessions with Zhang Wansen, she frequently dozed off and attempted to leave early, which puzzled him. He expressed concern over her skipping evening self-study and napping during the day, fearing it would jeopardize her college entrance examination performance.

Lin Beixing tried to reassure him she would excel and uphold their promise to appear on the honor roll together. However, her distraction severely impacted her studies, as evidenced when she was caught dozing and snoring during a city-wide mock exam, leading to a significant drop in her grades. Her teacher, Liu, called her to the office, expressing deep concern about her academic decline and the large blank spaces on her exam paper.

Teacher Liu reminded her of her initial drive and how she had successfully transferred to Class 1, but now saw her current state as "abandoning herself," urging her to refocus on her studies. Yang Chaoyang diligently practiced crosstalk routines alone on the steps. Gao Ge approached him, urging him to reconsider his decision to forgo the college entrance examination, warning him that the crosstalk training class was a scam designed to defraud him.

Yang Chaoyang, however, perceived her intervention as a dismissal of his aspirations, telling her to mind her own business and warning that if she continued to interfere with his life, their friendship might end. Angered by his dismissal, Gao Ge retorted that if he insisted on pursuing his crosstalk dream, she would enroll in the academy of fine arts herself, emphasizing that dreams were not exclusive to him alone.

Zhang Wansen later visited Lin Beixing, bringing her food his father had made. Lin Beixing questioned why his overseas assessment date had been moved from April to June, deducing it was to stay longer for her, which he implicitly confirmed by remarking on her "love for causing trouble." Zhang Wansen then discovered Lin Beixing still trying to finish the numerous questionnaires late at night, instead of studying.

Frustrated, he attempted to make her go home and focus on her studies, especially with the college entrance examination drawing near. Zhan Yu intervened, telling Zhang Wansen to let Lin Beixing do what made her happy. Zhang Wansen, however, expressed his profound disappointment, feeling betrayed by her deception and neglect of her studies, despite understanding her desire for a fireworks party before his departure.

Overwhelmed, Lin Beixing informed the Curator that she might not be able to continue with the fireworks party planning. The Curator, disheartened, criticized her for her impulsive nature, stating that she did not know what she truly wanted, even with the "answers to the college entrance examination," metaphorically her clear path forward.

Gao Ge presented Yang Chaoyang with her art school examination pass, asserting that she was a person who "does what she says" to prove her commitment to her own dream. Yang Chaoyang, surprised by her decision, questioned why a top student like her would choose such a challenging path instead of an easier one.

Gao Ge firmly stated that she had made up her mind and was merely informing him, adding that if he would not let her interfere with his life, he should not interfere with hers either. Later, to help reconcile Lin Beixing and Zhang Wansen, Yang Chaoyang brought them to a mesmerizing fluorescent beach, presenting it as his farewell gift and suggesting it was even more beautiful than a fireworks party. He then left them to reconcile.

Lin Beixing apologized for her impulsive behavior and for hiding her efforts from Zhang Wansen, who accepted her apology, understanding her worry for him. She expressed sadness about missing the fireworks party, but Zhang Wansen reassured her, noting his wonder at seeing the fluorescent beach for the first time, describing it like the Milky Way.

He then explicitly revealed he had extended his stay by changing his assessment date to June, specifically to remain with her until her college entrance examination concluded. Lin Beixing was overjoyed by this news but then voiced her envy that both Zhang Wansen and Yang Chaoyang had clear dreams and directions, while she felt lost.

Zhang Wansen pointed to the Big Dipper, correcting her when she mistook it for Polaris, and explained that people had long used the Big Dipper to find Polaris, their guiding star in the darkness. He reassured her that not knowing one's path was not frightening; by taking continuous steps forward, she would eventually discover her own guiding star.

When Lin Beixing asked what happened if clouds obscured the Big Dipper, he pointed to himself, implying he would be her unwavering guide. Yang Chaoyang then reappeared, asking if they had reconciled, proudly claiming credit for their renewed understanding. Yang Chaoyang approached Zhang Wansen, handing him a candidate number. He explained that Gao Guangming had made an error, and this number, Candidate number 01, actually belonged to Zhang Wansen.

This revelation deeply impacted Lin Beixing, who now realized that Zhang Wansen had not participated in the college entrance examination that year. She wondered aloud if this previously unknown fact could be the underlying reason for his suicide.

Episode 11 Recap

Lin Beixing went to Mr. Gao's office to check the college entrance examination candidate numbers. She discovered Zhang Wansen was listed as candidate 01, which left her confused, wondering why she had seen him after the college entrance examination if he had gone to the lighthouse instead of taking the exam. Meanwhile, Gao Ge, who had skipped class to attend an art college exam, called Yang Chaoyang to ask him to cover for her.

When Gao Ge expressed suspicion about the training institution's reliability, Yang Chaoyang falsely reassured her that everything was fine, concealing its true nature. Later, during a class meeting before the third mock exam, Mr. Liu asked students to write down their dreams for the future. Lin Beixing's paper remained blank. She then approached Zhang Wansen, asking if his June assessment would conflict with the college entrance examination.

He confirmed it would, stating that even if he rushed back "at the speed of light," he would only be able to see her "coming out of the exam room." This reply led Lin Beixing to suspect that Zhang Wansen might have failed his assessment, missed the college entrance examination, and subsequently committed suicide at the lighthouse in her original timeline.

Zhang Wansen was seen at a pet clinic, gaining practical experience, but he struggled and felt unwell during a surgery, stepping away to vomit. Lin Beixing went to the pet clinic to check on him. She admitted that she regretted her earlier words about separation being common. As his departure date loomed, she grew fearful of never seeing him again.

She passionately pleaded with him not to go to Africa for the "Veterinarians Without Borders" assessment, expressing her earnest desire to attend Agriculture University with him to study veterinary medicine. In response, Zhang Wansen pulled out his application form and gave it to Lin Beixing, asking her to tear it up as a promise that she would study diligently on her own merit, not through shortcuts.

As she tore the paper into pieces and they watched them scatter, both felt a profound sense of happiness. Zhang Wansen meticulously created a study plan for Lin Beixing. She, holding a college entrance examination answer booklet, recalled Zhang Wansen's words and resolved to study hard and rely on her own abilities to get into university with him.

However, to her shock, she discovered that the third mock exam questions were identical to the college entrance examination questions she had previously memorized. As expected, Lin Beixing achieved the top score in the third mock exam. A jealous Han Tengteng accused her of cheating. Fortunately, both Zhang Wansen and Mr. Liu believed in her. Lin Beixing later confessed to Zhang Wansen that she had seen and memorized the exam paper a long time ago, admitting her score wasn't "honorable."

Instead of reprimanding her, Zhang Wansen simply encouraged her to work even harder. Meanwhile, a distraught Gao Ge received a phone call from Yang Chaoyang. He called her "sister" and asked to borrow money, explaining he "couldn't get out" and needed the money sent to the "Star Academy." Gao Ge, realizing Yang Chaoyang was likely being held captive by the unreliable institution, concluded that he was not simply "restricted from his personal freedom" but truly imprisoned.

Gao Ge, Lin Beixing, and Zhang Wansen devised a plan to rescue Yang Chaoyang. Gao Ge, dressed maturely, would pretend to be Yang Chaoyang's older sister to infiltrate the "Star Academy." For safety, Lin Beixing instructed Zhang Wansen to stay outside and act as a backup. Gao Ge and Lin Beixing entered the academy. Although Gao Ge tried to act tough, she and Yang Chaoyang eventually found themselves tied up.

Yang Chaoyang expressed gratitude for Gao Ge's rescue attempt, but it was ultimately thanks to Zhang Wansen, who had alerted Yang Chaoyang's parents and Mr. Liu, that they were all rescued. Although Yang Chaoyang was disheartened by the experience, Lin Beixing steadfastly encouraged him, asserting that he would definitely become a renowned crosstalk master in the future. That evening, the four friends gathered under a firework display to make wishes.

Zhang Wansen wished to be admitted to a university in Beijing with Lin Beixing. Yang Chaoyang wished to become a true crosstalk master, and Gao Ge wished to continue pursuing her passion for drawing. Lin Beixing, in turn, wished for all their dreams to come true, hoping they would all find their own paths in life. Lin Beixing had often envisioned her dream life, concluding that true beauty, much like fireworks, would always have its moment to shine.

With only two days left until the college entrance examination, Lin Beixing fell asleep at her desk and dreamt of running towards the lighthouse, desperately calling Zhang Wansen's name amidst a pouring rainstorm.

Episode 12 Recap

As the college entrance examination approached, Lin Beixing found herself increasingly troubled by a recurring, terrible dream. She couldn't shake the feeling of dread, wondering if she could change the outcome this time. With tear-filled eyes, she questioned Zhang Wansen, pleading that they would make it through the exam together and embark on a new life in Beijing. Lin Beixing's anxiety about Zhang Wansen grew.

She urged him to prioritize his safety, insisting they travel to and from school together every day, as only hearing his voice could soothe her to sleep. One evening, unable to sleep, Lin Beixing called Zhang Wansen, expressing her worry and giving him detailed instructions to check windows, turn off the air conditioner, and inspect the electrical switches, valves, and gas stove at home to prevent any accidents.

Zhang Wansen, in an effort to calm her, suggested they recite the periodic table together. He began the recitation, eventually taking over completely as Lin Beixing drifted off to sleep, listing elements like Scandium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Gallium, Germanium, Arsenic, Selenium, Bromine, and Krypton, Rubidium, Strontium, Niobium, Yttrium, Zirconium, Molybdenum, Technetium, Ruthenium, Rhodium, wishing her good night. The day for the high school graduation photo arrived.

Gao Ge offered to switch places with Lin Beixing, allowing her to stand closer to Zhang Wansen. Zhang Wansen's gaze continued to gravitate towards Lin Beixing during the photo session. After the pictures were taken, Zhan Yu, a student from Class 9, pompously declared his admission to a sports university in Beijing, boasting that he aimed to prove himself to Lin Beixing.

Lin Beixing was unfazed by his showmanship, but a phone call from Zhan Yu was accidentally answered by Lin Beixing's father, causing him significant unease. Gao Ge successfully passed her art examination.

Concerned for Lin Beixing, who was visibly worried about Zhang Wansen, Gao Ge called Lin Beixing's mother, fabricating a story about needing to study together to get permission for Lin Beixing to stay at her house, hoping it would ease Lin Beixing's mind by being closer to Zhang Wansen. Upon returning home, Gao Ge confronted her strict father, Gao Guangming, the school's dean.

She defiantly presented her acceptance letter from the Academy of Fine Arts, asserting her dream of becoming a painter. Gao Guangming, unable to accept his academically stellar daughter pursuing an artistic path, vehemently disagreed, sparking a fierce argument between father and daughter. Lin Beixing, who had intended to help mediate, found herself caught in the escalating conflict. Disturbed by the argument, Lin Beixing went to Zhang Wansen's nearby home to discuss Gao Ge's situation.

Both worried, they decided to search for Gao Ge, who had stormed out of her house. As Zhang Wansen was making a phone call by the roadside, Zhan Yu appeared, seeing Lin Beixing and Zhang Wansen together, and tried to pull Zhang Wansen away. This scene was witnessed by Lin Beixing's father, who had been following his daughter, leading to a severe misunderstanding. Normally gentle, he became enraged and nearly struck Lin Beixing.

However, a heavily intoxicated Lin Dahai stumbled home, his unkempt state further provoking Lin Beixing's father, who then redirected his anger toward Lin Dahai, making him the convenient scapegoat. Lin Dahai, completely inebriated, rambled about his "Dahai Liren" business expanding globally. Gao Ge sought refuge in Yang Chaoyang's secret hideout, breaking down in tears. Yang Chaoyang listened patiently as Gao Ge poured out her heart, feeling that her father neither cared for her nor respected her aspirations.

Yang Chaoyang gently reassured her that Gao Guangming deeply cared, but as a dean, he had to maintain impartiality and consider the well-being of all students. Yang Chaoyang also shared his own experience, noting that despite his parents' anger when he was scammed by a comedy school, they resumed their business the next morning, showing little outward concern for him. Boldly, Gao Ge told Yang Chaoyang that if she could achieve her dream, he should accompany her to Beijing.

This startled Yang Chaoyang, who quickly made his excuses and fled. As the college entrance examination loomed, Zhang Wansen finally inquired about Lin Beixing's persistent worries. The two walked together to the lighthouse, a place that had always terrified Lin Beixing in her dreams. Zhang Wansen confessed that after Lin Beixing coaxed him there at the start of their senior year, the lighthouse had surprisingly become a source of comfort for him.

He promised to stay by Lin Beixing's side, reassuring her they would calmly face the exam and undoubtedly pass, ready to embark on their new lives. On the first day of the college entrance examination, Lin Beixing and Zhang Wansen, along with other students, focused on their answer sheets in the examination hall. Outside, amidst a torrential downpour, Mai Zi, recently released from prison, stood before Mr. Lei.

Mr. Lei reprimanded Mai Zi for his impulsive actions, stating that the first person they needed to settle accounts with was Lin Dahai. Silently, Mai Zi returned to his dilapidated auto repair shop, looking up at the television broadcasting news about the ongoing college entrance examination.

Episode 13 Recap

During a heavy rain after the college entrance examination, Lin Beixing and Zhang Wansen found themselves on a Ferris wheel. Zhang Wansen, perhaps sensing Lin Beixing's nervousness, initiated the conversation by asking why they were on a Ferris wheel. He then explained that Lin Beixing had actually dragged him there directly from the exam venue, and he thought it would be a romantic way to shelter from the rain.

Lin Beixing then asked if they could get off, questioning their constant preference for high places like lighthouses or Ferris wheels. Zhang Wansen reassured her they would soon get off, and Lin Beixing expressed her need to relax after the exam. Zhang Wansen then played a soothing song to help her unwind, observing that despite her seemingly fearless demeanor, Lin Beixing also possessed a vulnerable and timid side.

He found this endearing, promising to always be by her side to protect her. Lin Beixing awoke from a deep sleep inside the stopped Ferris wheel, calling out for Zhang Wansen. When he approached, she rushed to embrace him, overwhelmed with relief that the unfortunate events predicted after the college entrance exam had finally been broken, ensuring his survival. Still disbelieving, she asked him to pinch her.

Zhang Wansen shared his joy, emphasizing that this day was significant not just for the start of college life but, more importantly, because she was still with him. He asked her to always tell him what was happening in her life and then, asking her to extend her hand for a symbolic gesture, declared that she now belonged to him.

Lin Beixing reflected on Einstein's theory of relativity, believing her intense efforts had allowed her to "travel faster than the speed of light" to prevent terrible events. For her, eighteen years old was not an end, but the beginning of their story. Meanwhile, Lin Dahai, who had borrowed high-interest loans from Mr. Lei, found himself in dire straits when he was unable to repay. He desperately pleaded with Mr. Lei, claiming temporary financial difficulty and begging for another chance.

Mr. Lei sternly reminded him of his promise when borrowing the money, stating his men were dangerous and that there would be consequences for his failure to pay. He gave Lin Dahai three days to return the money, demonstrating his seriousness by pretending to pour gasoline on him, only to reveal it was just water, warning him he wouldn't be so lucky next time. At the lively graduation party, Zhang Wansen showed keen interest in applying to China Agricultural University.

Dean Gao Guangming even invited Zhou Yujing, an accomplished alumna from the school who planned to pursue further research at China Agricultural University, to share her insights. The Dean praised Zhang Wansen for his steady demeanor and potential in research, likening him to Zhou Yujing. Lin Beixing, however, felt slighted by Zhou Yujing's suggestion that she dress more maturely and stop wearing overalls, even defending her "retro style."

Zhang Wansen discreetly asked Zhou Yujing questions about the university's majors and admission ranks, subtly admitting he was "asking for someone else." Zhou Yujing accurately deduced he was asking for the girl he liked and encouraged him to confess his feelings soon. Feeling a pang of jealousy and discomfort, Lin Beixing moved to sit with Yang Chaoyang. She complained that Zhang Wansen seemed to have forgotten her while talking to the seniors.

Yang Chaoyang mentioned Gao Ge’s absence from the party. Lin Beixing then asked Yang Chaoyang if she appeared immature compared to the senior, to which he teasingly replied she "lost," but then offered her "100 points for friendship," while commenting on the peculiar behavior of girls who pretend to be mature before 25 but claim to be "forever 18" after.

Later, on the beach, Zhan Yu appeared before Lin Beixing, announcing he had passed the Beijing Sport University exam and intended to pursue her, telling her to be ready. Lin Beixing unequivocally stated she no longer had feelings for him. Desperate, Zhan Yu threatened to jump into the sea if she didn't give him a chance, listing his efforts, such as training and applying to a Beijing university, all to win her back.

Lin Beixing urged him to come down, pointing out their classmates were present. Despite her plea, Zhan Yu, unable to swim, actually jumped into the water. Lin Beixing immediately rescued him. As she pulled him out, drenched, she told him that she had given him chances in the past, but his current actions were unreasonable. She brought up her past unrealistic dream of an underwater wedding with him, knowing he couldn't swim.

Zhan Yu tried to argue that he would have learned to dive for such a wedding if she hadn't dismissed it as a "waste of time." Lin Beixing dismissed his claims, stating her preferences were no longer relevant. She explained that her previous encouragement for his training and exams was meant to prevent him from regretting impulsive decisions later in life.

She sternly told him they were adults now, responsible for their actions, and he should stop threatening anyone in such a manner. She then left, advising him to dry his hair. Back at the party, Zhou Yujing, having recognized Lin Beixing as the girl Zhang Wansen was interested in, gave him a graduation gift and wished him success in his confession. Emboldened, Zhang Wansen later invited Lin Beixing to the aquarium that weekend.

Lin Beixing said she would check her schedule. Meanwhile, Gao Ge had skipped the graduation dinner due to ongoing conflict with her father, Gao Guangming. Her father tried to comfort her, acknowledging her love for painting but insisted it should remain a hobby, not a profession. He reasoned that her mock exam scores were high enough for a good university and that he wouldn't intentionally harm her.

Gao Ge, however, tearfully revealed that painting was her deepest passion, filling the void left by her father’s constant busyness and neglect, to the point she never told him when she was sick because she knew he wouldn't care. She questioned why he would take away this one thing that gave her life meaning. Yang Chaoyang found Gao Ge burning her paintings.

He questioned her actions, reminding her of her past promise to pursue him after getting into an art college. Gao Ge confessed she had "screwed up the college entrance exam" and felt she couldn't get into the Central Academy of Fine Arts. She revealed she initially started painting to defy her father but eventually fell in love with it. Despite receiving a qualification certificate, she felt her father was right that it meant nothing.

Yang Chaoyang vehemently disagreed, reminding her of her talent, referencing a sculpture she designed. He contrasted her with himself, pursuing crosstalk with nothing but passion, and urged her not to give up. Gao Ge explained that out of 80 certificate holders, only 20 get in, admitting her prior arrogance due to her good grades had vanished, leaving her feeling she had lost her only advantage. Yang Chaoyang insisted he believed in her regardless of what others thought.

He pointed out his own contribution to the paintings she was burning, having posed for her. He pleaded with her not to destroy them, emphasizing the importance of keeping promises and finishing what one starts. Gao Ge, moved by his words, embraced him. Back at the shop, Mr. Lei was enraged that Lin Dahai had escaped, berating his men for their incompetence. He declared that no one had ever welched on him and swore to make Lin Dahai's life difficult.

One of his men revealed Lin Dahai had a sister named Lin Beixing. Mr. Lei immediately ordered Mai Zi to capture Lin Beixing and bring her to him, intending to use her as leverage. On a balcony, Lin Beixing and Yang Chaoyang discussed their respective romantic situations. Yang Chaoyang, having resolved issues with his father, questioned why Lin Beixing was still sighing, suggesting she should be happily with Zhang Wansen.

Lin Beixing admitted she hadn't decided whether to accept Zhang Wansen, stating it depended on his sincerity. Yang Chaoyang pointed out she was "still at square one," unlike his relationship with Gao Ge which was moving forward smoothly. Just then, a package arrived for Lin Beixing: tickets to the Aquarium at 3 pm, from Zhang Wansen.

Excited by this gesture, Lin Beixing quickly got ready for her date, thinking Zhang Wansen's idea of dressing up as an animal mascot with flowers was creative. However, upon arrival, she was dismayed to find Zhan Yu inside the mascot. He declared he had reflected on her previous words, admitting his fault for causing her trouble but insisting there was nothing wrong with liking someone.

He added that even if she didn't want him, he would prove his good qualities to her one day. Disgusted, Lin Beixing turned to leave, but Zhang Wansen, appearing suddenly, grabbed her arm and pulled her away, telling her to follow him. As Zhang Wansen pulled her towards his house, Lin Beixing questioned his actions, and then spotted Mai Zi running towards them in the distance.

Episode 14 Recap

When Maizi quickly found Zhang Wansen, he alerted him to the danger Lin Beixing was in. Zhang Wansen initially intended to keep the truth from Lin Beixing, but Maizi insisted that she needed to be aware of the situation. He disclosed that Lin Dahai owed money to Mr. Lei and had run away, and Mr. Lei was now looking for Lin Beixing to get Lin Dahai back. Maizi stressed that Lin Beixing was in great danger and should stay indoors.

Zhang Wansen reassured Lin Beixing, promising that he and Maizi would find a solution, and she shouldn't worry because he would protect her. Zhang Wansen later went to Lin Beixing's house and encountered Mr. Lei's subordinates who were keeping an eye on the area. Zhang Wansen also informed Lin Beixing during his visit that the police were monitoring Mr. Lei's activities.

To ensure Lin Beixing's safety, Maizi lied to Mr. Lei, claiming that Lin Beixing's family had sent her abroad for studies because of her poor academic performance. Mr. Lei, trusting Maizi, did not question the story and decided to wait for things to calm down. Lin Beixing then apologized to Maizi for her previous behavior and misunderstanding, which Maizi graciously accepted, emphasizing his loyalty to friends. Later, the college entrance examination results were announced.

Lin Beixing scored 585, a significant improvement, but she was still anxious about her chances of getting into Agriculture University in Beijing, as her score just barely passed the first-tier university cutoff, making it risky. Similarly, Gao Ge was disappointed with her scores and decided to retake the exam, announcing her decision to abandon her art studies. Gao Guangming, Gao Ge's father, was drinking with her headteacher.

Gao Guangming sighed, admitting that he didn't truly understand his daughter, Gao Ge, despite raising her alone after his wife's early passing. He lamented that he thought he was the one who knew her best, but he was unaware of her true thoughts. As Lin Beixing was walking on the beach with Zhang Wansen, she spotted Gao Guangming and her headteacher. Lin Beixing boldly approached them, quickly downing two glasses of Baijiu.

Slightly tipsy, she passionately spoke up for Gao Ge's artistic dreams. She explained that children learn through drawings and teenagers through cartoons, and even textbooks have illustrations. She insisted that if Gao Ge stopped drawing, she would surely regret it, as pursuing her dream despite setbacks was admirable. Gao Guangming, also having had several drinks, opened up and thanked Lin Beixing for her honest words about his daughter.

He told her that students call him "Bright Summit" and that she could too, acknowledging her as a good student for speaking her mind. As Zhang Wansen carried the drunk Lin Beixing home, she teared up, lamenting her exam score. Despite her immense effort, she feared she wouldn't be able to get into Agriculture University and be with Zhang Wansen. Zhang Wansen comforted her, promising he would never leave her.

Lin Beixing, emboldened by his words, leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. On graduation day, Yang Chaoyang confidently approached Gao Ge, intending to make a grand gesture. However, Gao Guangming, having been swayed by Lin Beixing's words, instead handed Gao Ge a brochure for an art training class. Gao Ge, looking at a sweet and slightly clumsy Yang Chaoyang, intertwined her fingers with his, a tender moment between the couple.

Lin Beixing, having received her graduation certificate, showed her personal growth by calmly and kindly advising her classmate, Teng Teng, who still displayed "princess-like" behavior, indicating she had truly moved past her past grudges. Zhang Wansen gave Lin Beixing a small red flower as a graduation blessing. Lin Beixing then saw a message from Zhan Yu on her phone and decided she needed to meet him to clarify things in person.

On her way home, Lin Beixing saw Lin Dahai hiding behind a trash can. He admitted he was ashamed to come home and explained that he had managed to gather 200,000 yuan to repay his debt, promising to return home to their parents once the money was paid. Meanwhile, Zhan Yu, who had learned to dive over the summer for Lin Beixing, expressed his feelings to her underwater.

He recalled her past comment about getting married underwater, offering to try it if she wished. Lin Beixing thanked him for his efforts but honestly told him she couldn't lie. She acknowledged they had shared happy moments and she once liked him deeply, but she had since grown and realized that only by finding oneself can others truly love you.

She expressed her belief that he would find the person best suited for him and then revealed that she had fallen for someone else who shone like the sun in her eyes. She then left to confess her feelings to him. On Zhang Wansen's eighteenth birthday, Lin Beixing took him to a bar to celebrate.

She presented him with two birthday gifts: her successful admission to Agriculture University, which meant they could go to Beijing together, and a surprise for later that evening. She then invited him to dance with her, despite only knowing the "rabbit dance." Lin Beixing confided in Zhang Wansen about a very long and incredibly realistic dream she had, suggesting the existence of another version of herself who had made many good and right decisions.

Zhang Wansen inquired about the dream's ending, but Lin Beixing hesitated to tell him. Later, a dejected Zhan Yu was playing basketball when he encountered Mr. Lei's subordinates, who had previously been looking for Lin Beixing. In his distress, Zhan Yu inadvertently revealed that Lin Beixing was still in Nanchuan and was about to go to Beijing with "that boy." Mr. Lei's subordinate, upon hearing this, gleefully relayed the information to Mr. Lei.

Episode 15 Recap

Zhan Yu, heavily intoxicated, once again called Lin Beixing. Lin Beixing brought Zhang Wansen along to definitively reject Zhan Yu's romantic overtures. Lin Beixing firmly told Zhan Yu not to call her again when he was drunk, and expressed her unwillingness to meet him in such a manner, adding that she was not that tolerant of rivals in love. She then asked Zhan Yu about a dream he had mentioned, in which another Lin Beixing existed, inquiring about its ending.

Zhan Yu replied that the dream's ending wasn't important; what mattered was their shared future, including attending college in Beijing together and doing many things during the long summer vacation. Meanwhile, Mr. Lei, having learned that Lin Beixing was still in Nanchuan, furiously ordered Mai Zi to bring her back, threatening to make Mai Zi pay Lin Dahai’s debt himself if she wasn't found. Zhang Wansen noticed Mai Zi and his men pursuing them.

Seeing Mai Zi's signal, Zhang Wansen quickly pulled Lin Beixing into a nearby arcade and into a photo booth. Inside, Zhang Wansen lifted Lin Beixing to conceal her, creating the illusion that he was alone. Mai Zi, understanding the situation, timely stopped his subordinates from searching the photo booth, discreetly providing cover for the two. The close proximity and intimate moment inside the photo booth created a tense atmosphere between Zhang Wansen and Lin Beixing.

However, a panicking Zhang Wansen's immediate thought was to get Lin Beixing home safely, then contact Mai Zi. When he finally reached Mai Zi, Mai Zi revealed that Mr. Lei was frantically searching for Lin Beixing and had questioned him about her going abroad, making it clear that Lin Dahai had not repaid the money.

Later, Zhang Wansen saw Lin Dahai out buying things and angrily confronted him, punching him and demanding to know why he hadn't paid back the money. Lin Dahai explained that after they had parted ways that day, he had gone to Mr. Lei, but because he had exceeded the repayment deadline, the debt had escalated to 500,000 yuan with compounding interest, an amount he couldn't possibly raise. He knew it was illegal, but Mr. Lei had threatened his family.

Zhang Wansen urged him to turn himself in, stating that it was the only way to ensure the safety of Lin Beixing and his parents. Lin Dahai reluctantly agreed, promising to deal with his current clients who were demanding their rights first, then surrender to the police, entrusting Zhang Wansen with the care of his sister. Unaware of the impending danger, Lin Beixing was still reveling in the sweet dream of her budding romance with Zhang Wansen.

She was woken by her mother and overheard her parents discussing Zhang Wansen, with her father praising his academic achievements and her mother initially resistant but eventually conceding he wasn't a bad choice. Soon after, she received her admission letter from China Agricultural University, making it a truly joyful occasion for her. Zhang Wansen was selecting clothes, preparing to see Lin Beixing, when his parents unexpectedly returned, claiming they wanted to give him a surprise.

Lin Beixing, arriving to share her good news, found herself in an awkward encounter with Zhang Wansen's parents. Zhang's mother, overly enthusiastic, affectionately pulled her in, gave her a precious bracelet from Zhang Wansen's grandmother, expressed her long-held wish for a daughter, and even proposed visiting Lin Beixing's parents. Overwhelmed, Lin Beixing shyly made her excuses and quickly left. Zhang Wansen later met Mai Zi and Gao Ge for a meal.

Zhang Wansen expressed concern about Mai Zi despite Mai Zi's casual assurances that he had gotten away with it and that Mr. Lei wouldn't harm him given their long association. Zhang Wansen asked Mai Zi if he had considered leaving Nanchuan, warning that the police would investigate after Lin Dahai’s surrender. Mai Zi, however, confidently stated his independence, having been "out in the world" for over a decade.

Instigated by Gao Ge, Zhang Wansen then decided to plan a grand confession to Lin Beixing, determined to make it a hundred times more romantic than Zhan Yu's aquarium proposal, and chose the zoo as the location, where he and Lin Beixing had first met as children. Zhang Wansen tasked himself and Mai Zi with arranging the venue, while Gao Ge would bring Lin Beixing there by tricking her.

On the day of the planned confession, Mai Zi didn't answer his phone. Worried, Zhang Wansen went to the Shilong Repair Shop, only to find a note from Mai Zi stating he had an unexpected call from his first love and couldn't help today. As Zhang Wansen read the note, he overheard Mr. Lei's subordinates discussing Lin Dahai's attempt to flee and their orders to catch him at the train station.

Mai Zi was found badly beaten and questioned about Lin Beixing's whereabouts, but he remained silent, refusing to disclose her location. Meanwhile, Gao Ge brought Lin Beixing to the zoo as planned, but Zhang Wansen was nowhere to be found. Lin Beixing, growing impatient and concerned, tried calling him. Shortly after, she received a call informing her that Lin Dahai had turned himself in and was at the police station with their mother.

Zhang Wansen accompanied Lin's mother at the police station, offering comfort to Lin Beixing when she arrived, telling her that reporting Lin Dahai was the right thing to do. Lin's mother tried to negotiate for her son's release, but was informed it was a temporary detention and questioning. After handling the procedures, Zhang Wansen led Lin Beixing to the beach.

There, she witnessed the demolition of the hated lighthouse in the distance, hoping that with its destruction, all bad things would finally end. Realizing Zhang Wansen had planned to confess, she told him she owed him too much and insisted that this time, she should be the one to express her feelings, promising to do so soon. Lin Dahai, now at the police station, reported Mr. Lei for illegal lending.

Enraged, Mr. Lei ordered his men to apprehend the escaped Mai Zi. As Lin Beixing was preparing for her romantic confession to Zhang Wansen amidst pink balloons on the street, Mai Zi suddenly ran past, pursued frantically by Mr. Lei’s men. Hearing Mai Zi’s warning, Zhang Wansen grabbed Lin Beixing and ran with him towards a shopping mall rooftop. He managed to hide Lin Beixing in a fire extinguisher cabinet, but was cornered by Mr. Lei on the rooftop. Under duress, Zhang Wansen was forced off the rooftop. In his final moments, as he fell, he finally uttered the words to Lin Beixing, "I like you!"

Episode 16 Recap

Overwhelmed with sorrow, Lin Beixing awoke at her desk, tears streaming down her face as she recalled her memories with Zhang Wansen. Despite her desperate attempts, she had been unable to alter the tragic outcome, leaving her with an agonizing "Sorry." She confronted her father, Lin Dahai, about what he did during her college entrance exam days. Lin Dahai admitted he had been heavily indebted and unable to repay.

He vaguely remembered receiving several text messages urging him to turn himself in to the police at the beacon in the suburbs. He initially dismissed them as pranks or thought they were from her parents, but on the day of her college entrance exam, a final urgent message spurred him to rush to the beacon. That message profoundly impacted him, making him realize the immense importance of his family.

He confessed to being an "asshole" but insisted everything was "water under the bridge" now, and he had even saved enough money for the debts, though no one had come to collect. However, he claimed he truly couldn't recall what happened at the beacon that day, only seeing Zhang Wansen fall from it. Lin Beixing, consumed by guilt and grief, knew that Zhang Wansen’s sacrifice had bought her father’s realization and their family's current happiness.

As she deleted messages from her phone, realizing she could never return to the past or save him, her mother entered, mistaking her profound sadness for heartbreak over a broken engagement with Zhan Yu, and tried to comfort her. Later, Lin Beixing visited the lighthouse, which she had forgotten was no longer operational.

Desperate to go inside, she pleaded with the staff, insisting she needed to check on a friend she believed was still there and promising she wouldn't do anything foolish. The staff, however, refused entry as it was not an open day and called for security. Her mother rushed to the scene, thanking the staff and scolding Lin Beixing for going so far and risking herself, fearing what would happen if anything befell her.

As they prepared to leave, Lin Beixing's mother suddenly cried out in pain, clutching her leg and collapsing. At the hospital, the doctor informed them that Lin Beixing's mother had a lump on her leg, not a lymph gland or a simple contusion. Further pathological research was needed to determine a treatment plan, which could range from a minor surgery to spontaneous healing within days. She was advised to take foot baths and eat a light diet.

Lin Beixing then found her way to a bookstore named "Sea of Spacetime." There, she discovered a lending card with "Zhang Wansen" written on it inside a book. She offered to help the owner move books, hoping to obtain Zhang Wansen's contact information. When the owner initially refused due to privacy, Lin Beixing explained her urgency.

She recounted how Zhang Wansen had once confessed his love for her, and though they were separated before she could reciprocate, he was the one who had helped her see the world anew, a "streak of light" who warmed her. But when she became better, he had disappeared, leaving this world. Despite the slim possibility of it being the same person, she felt compelled to try, even wanting to see what someone sharing his name looked like.

The owner, touched by her story and having seen her help, also shared the philosophy behind his shop's name: "Stars exist and die, but spacetime is everlasting. We go after light and look for new territories. So, wherever there's light, there are spacetime, and lives." He then sought permission from the VIP member and eventually provided Zhang Wansen's contact information, urging Lin Beixing not to leave herself any regrets, regardless of the outcome.

Back home, Lin Beixing diligently prepared a Chinese medicine foot bath for her mother, having read it would benefit her leg. Her mother, still downplaying her condition, complained about being bored stuck at home due to the doctor's cautionary words. Lin Dahai, however, insisted she follow the doctor's orders, even humorously offering to be pushed off a mountain if it meant her well-being.

Lin Beixing's mother teased Lin Dahai about his newfound attentiveness, contrasting it with his more self-assured demeanor when they were younger. Later, Lin Beixing tried calling the number she had received, but there was no answer. Driven by her search, Lin Beixing visited Zhang Wansen's old family home, only to discover it had been sold to a new owner who knew nothing of the previous residents.

As she prepared to leave, she encountered Gao Ge, her former high school classmate, now preparing for a painting exhibition. Lin Beixing, who remembered Gao Ge as a "gorgeous straight A student" and "great beauty" from high school, inquired about Zhang Wansen. Gao Ge explained that she only knew his name and had heard of an accident after his college entrance exam. She confirmed that Zhang Wansen's family had abruptly left Nanchuan the day after the exam, selling their house.

Gao Ge's own family later moved, and the old house eventually became her art storage. They hadn't been in contact for years. Lin Beixing admitted she owed Zhang Wansen something and wanted to return it. Gao Ge, in turn, sadly concluded that given the sudden departure of his family, Zhang Wansen had likely passed away, echoing common rumors. Gao Ge then invited Lin Beixing to her exhibition the following day.

After sending a text expressing her apologies for disturbing him, Lin Beixing received a reply instructing her to meet at the "Sea of Spacetime" the next morning. Filled with anticipation, she arrived only to be greeted by a young boy who introduced himself as "Zhang Wansen." He revealed that the phone number belonged to his private teacher, who was waiting outside.

Lin Beixing, recognizing the tutor from a distance, mistakenly believed him to be the Zhang Wansen she knew and excitedly followed him, only to realize her error and apologize for the misunderstanding. Later, Lin Beixing attended a performance by Yang Chaoyang, who had become a famous crosstalk actor, adored by fans. They exchanged playful banter, with Yang Chaoyang commenting on her newfound elegance while she teased him for his ceaseless chatter.

Lin Beixing reminded him that he was still her "best friend in Grade Three." When Yang Chaoyang jokingly asked if she was trying to get close to him now that he was famous, Lin Beixing retorted that he was a "jinx" she'd rather avoid. She then confessed that seeing him reminded her of their high school stories, including skipping classes and restoring his "secret base," a detail that surprised him.

Taking a leap of faith, Lin Beixing asked if he would believe her if she told him she had experienced a time travel from Grade Three. Yang Chaoyang, drawing on the peculiar narratives in crosstalk, surprisingly affirmed that he would believe her. He then asked how her journey had ended. Lin Beixing solemnly stated that she was "driven back" due to "a man's death" and could not return.

Yang Chaoyang asked if she would have stayed if she had saved him, and whether she would abandon her life and family in the present. Lin Beixing sadly confirmed that she could neither go back nor save him, marking the definitive end of her journey. Yang Chaoyang comforted her, reminding her that she had a "big star" as a friend and invited her to visit him often as he planned to develop his crosstalk career in Nanchuan.

Back home, Lin Beixing’s mother brought her fruit, still concerned. Lin Beixing reassured her, explaining that she had come to terms with things and now only wished to cherish the time she had with her parents, letting other matters take their natural course. Her mother expressed relief at her daughter’s newfound peace. Subsequently, Lin Beixing returned to the lighthouse, which had been converted into an astronomy museum.

She spoke with a staff member about the nature of galaxies, how they are formed from countless stars and cosmic matter, each with its own trajectory, and not as brightly dazzling as one might imagine. Lin Beixing apologized for her previous distraught visit, and the staff kindly informed her of the museum's regular open days for future visits. As she gazed at the stars, her old phone slipped from her bag, shattering on the ground.

She desperately tried to piece it back together, but it was beyond repair. The broken phone symbolized the definitive end of her connection to the past, stripping away any last hope of returning or saving Zhang Wansen. Overwhelmed by the irreversible reality, Lin Beixing collapsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.

Episode 17 Recap

Lin Beixing sat at breakfast, lost in thought. Her mother chided her for being in a daze, warning her to take care of herself, as her mother couldn't accompany her forever. Lin Beixing inquired about her mother's medical examination report, but her mother assured her she was fine, urging Lin Beixing to find a job or travel once her mood improved. Lin Beixing, however, stated her intention to meet the Curator and ask to be reinstated at the zoo.

At the zoo, Lin Beixing humbly admitted her past naivety and requested another chance, promising to work diligently. The Curator acknowledged that emotional setbacks weren't inherently bad but emphasized they were no excuse to shirk responsibility. She agreed to let Lin Beixing return, starting as a ticket seller with a halved salary this month and unpaid overtime for two days, and required her to check the zoo after closing.

Lin Beixing accepted, explaining to a colleague that she had suddenly realized the inherent meaning in every job. A new zookeeper, Chen Yichen, approached the ticket office with a cockatiel that repeatedly chirped "I like you." He introduced himself to Lin Beixing, who was working at the ticket office. Chen Yichen, new to the job after Lin Beixing's recent return due to family matters, admitted his lack of familiarity with zookeeping and sought her guidance.

He expressed his boredom with the job, which mainly involved routine feeding, wishing for more interaction with animals, noting only the cockatiel offered any interest with its limited phrase. Later, Chen Yichen mistakenly tried to buy tickets from Lin Beixing. He then gave her a ticket, inviting her to accompany him through the zoo after closing, suggesting it would help him learn the routes while she conducted her checks. Lin Beixing agreed.

As Lin Beixing accompanied Chen Yichen through the zoo, he remarked on the zoo's animals, pointing out how the seemingly cute tigers became aggressive during feeding times. Looking at the tigers, Lin Beixing recalled the time Zhang Wansen had embraced and protected her. Chen Yichen shared his ambition to use the zoo job as a stepping stone to become a qualified veterinarian.

He then told Lin Beixing that he found her "quite charming" and "liked her," suggesting their encounter might be fate, much like the parrot saying "I like you." Lin Beixing gravely responded that "love shouldn't be said easily," and mused on the theory of relativity, noting that from the same spot, they could both look up and see the same moon. Upon returning home, Lin Beixing discovered her parents discussing her mother's medical results.

Although her parents tried to hide the severity of the diagnosis and downplayed it as a minor swelling, Lin Beixing saw the medical record indicating "bone tumor." Her parents quickly reassured her it was a small, routine surgery with no danger, which her father would accompany her to. Lin Beixing, however, insisted on accompanying her mother herself.

Back in her room, Lin Beixing recalled Zhang Wansen's words encouraging her to be strong, and she smiled, cheering herself up, believing tomorrow would be a new day. Later, Lin Beixing's mother spoke to her, reflecting on how she always believed Lin Beixing was fearless but had now seen her vulnerability and timidity. She gently encouraged Lin Beixing not to be nervous, reassuring her that "Tomorrow is approaching. Yes. Tomorrow is approaching. Tomorrow will be a new day."

At the late-night repair shop, Maizi took over from the owner, Wang, who was struggling with a screw. Wang, visibly older, expressed his fatigue and admitted he would have closed the shop long ago if not for Maizi's presence. He praised Maizi as a rare, diligent, and hardworking young man. Maizi replied that he felt obligated to work, given that Wang allowed him to live there. As Wang left, he advised Maizi not to read too late.

Soon after, Zhan Yu arrived in his car, asking if it could be maintained. Maizi agreed, noticing Zhan Yu had been drinking. Zhan Yu emphasized that the car was for his upcoming wedding and warned Maizi not to damage it. Maizi assured him the car would be fine and wished him a happy wedding. The zoo's prized talking cockatiel, its "treasure," mysteriously went missing.

The Curator, furious, confronted Lin Beixing, holding her responsible as the last person to check the premises. Lin Beixing protested her innocence, but the Curator blamed her for mismanagement. Chen Yichen stepped forward, accepting shared responsibility as he had checked with Lin Beixing. The Curator then ordered them to find or buy an identical talking parrot. Lin Beixing, declining Chen Yichen's offer to help, stated she would search for one alone.

Lin Beixing went to a market, visiting a bird shop in search of a talking parrot. The seller showed her two cockatiels for fifteen yuan each, explaining that teaching them to speak, even simple phrases like "hello," required months of patient, continuous effort, and a phrase like "I like you" would take over a year. At that moment, the distinctive phrase "I like you" was heard. Maizi walked past Lin Beixing, carrying the very same cockatiel.

It was revealed that Zhang Wansen had carefully taught this parrot to say "I like you" specifically to confess his feelings to Lin Beixing. An acquaintance accompanying Maizi taunted him, suggesting he should say "I like you" to Lin Beixing directly rather than teaching a parrot. Maizi, taking the parrot, remarked that he would take it home, acknowledging the great effort someone had put into teaching it.

Lin Beixing, unable to find a parrot that could speak immediately, declined the seller's offer. Lin Beixing reported to the Curator that she couldn't find a talking parrot. The Curator then showed her blurry CCTV footage that nonetheless revealed the parrot thief: Maizi from Wang's Repair Shop. The Curator wanted to call the police, but Lin Beixing asserted she could find him herself. She went to Wang's Repair Shop and found Maizi being brutally beaten by several men.

They mocked his current studious demeanor, challenging him to fight back, and threatened to return daily until he retaliated. Lin Beixing rushed to Maizi's side and called for an ambulance, identifying herself as his family member to the paramedics. As she tended to him, the parrot, still repeating "I like you," was nearby. Amidst the chaos, Lin Beixing noticed a photograph of Maizi and Zhang Wansen, with "2020" inscribed on the back.

Later, Lin Beixing brought the photo to the repair shop owner, asking if he could authenticate its age. He found it difficult without Maizi's input, but after Lin Beixing explained Maizi was unconscious in the hospital, he re-examined it. He confirmed the "2020" inscription but noted it appeared to be scribbled randomly. Based on the wear and tear of the photo paper, he concluded it was at least a decade old.

Slightly disappointed, Lin Beixing thanked him and then asked if he could repair her old, broken mobile phone. Later, at her mother's hospital bedside, Lin Beixing looked at her old phone, where a message from Zhang Wansen displayed: "I am Zhang Wansen. Do you remember me?" Lin Beixing's mother spoke to her, tearfully confessing her own fear about the upcoming surgery, despite having bravely gone through childbirth.

She spoke of the inevitability of parents growing old and eventually leaving their children, expressing her desire for Lin Beixing to live a happy, fulfilling life without regret, and to be brave in pursuing love. Holding her mother's hand, Lin Beixing cried. The family then accompanied her mother to the operating room. Inside, Lin Beixing observed Maizi, still in a coma, which deepened her sorrow. A doctor later reported that Maizi remained unconscious but his vital signs were stable.

Fortunately, Lin Beixing's mother's surgery was a success. Her father diligently cared for her mother, feeding her and bantering about her recovery, which brought a faint smile to Lin Beixing's face. Sitting in the hospital corridor, Lin Beixing gazed at Zhang Wansen's message on her phone. The moment her finger pressed the delete button, she was abruptly transported back to the day after the college entrance examination, amidst a heavy rain. She saw Zhang Wansen standing behind her.

Without hesitation, she grabbed his hand and pulled him into a run, embracing him tightly in the downpour. " Zhang Wansen," she confessed, "I like you. I like you very much." Yet, the bewildering question echoed in her mind, "Zhang Wansen, why? Why did I come back after I saved him?" After this brief, intense encounter, Lin Beixing found herself back in the hospital, mechanically uttering Zhang Wansen's name, the loop of her journey seemingly unfinished.

Episode 18 Recap

Lin Beixing found herself back in reality, her heart heavy with tears. Despite her certainty that she had saved Zhang Wansen, she had inexplicably returned to her own time. As she sat at a bus stop, gazing at the last message on her old phone, she whispered a silent prayer, hoping that this final chance would allow her to truly rescue him. Driven by a renewed determination, Lin Beixing deleted the message and sprinted across the campus.

Spotting Zhang Wansen engrossed in his phone, she grabbed him, pulling him urgently. In their hurried escape, Zhang Wansen's phone slipped from his grasp, crashing to the ground. As Lin Beixing caught sight of the unsent confession message on its screen – "I like you" – she was abruptly pulled back to her original reality, leaving her bewildered as to where things had gone wrong.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fei and his group of punks descended upon Wang's Auto Repair Shop once more, demanding to see Maizi. Discovering that Maizi had already left, they rummaged through his belongings, seizing his phone and other personal items from under his bed. Their message was clear: if Maizi wanted his things back, he knew where to find them.

Maizi, having discharged himself from the hospital that morning against the nurses' advice and mentioning an afternoon flight, soon arrived at the old meeting spot to confront Mr. Fei. It was revealed that years ago, Mr. Lei, a ruthless man who valued money over human life, had discovered Maizi's betrayal—Maizi had sided with Zhang Wansen. In the ensuing confrontation, Maizi had accidentally killed Mr. Lei with an ashtray, leading to a ten-year prison sentence.

Mr. Fei, fiercely loyal to Mr. Lei, sought revenge, but Maizi, having served his time, vehemently declared he was through with the life of hiding, fighting, and killing. As the tension escalated, Lin Beixing burst in, grabbing a fire extinguisher to create a diversion and rescue Maizi. As they fled, they unexpectedly ran into Lin Dahai, who was assisting the dean in catching truant students. Maizi's primary goal was to retrieve his old photo with Zhang Wansen and his phone.

Lin Beixing, who possessed the photo, promptly handed it over. With Lin Dahai bravely holding back the punks and a stroke of luck bringing patrolling police to the scene, Maizi seized the opportunity, scaling a wall and escaping. Having heard about Maizi's supposed flight, Lin Beixing rushed to the airport, only to find no trace of him. Unbeknownst to her, Maizi had not left Nanchuan.

Instead, clutching the old photograph of himself and Zhang Wansen, he made his way to the lighthouse, which had been converted into an astronomical observatory. He needed to say a quiet farewell to his friend before truly departing. The old photo had been taken by Maizi after Zhang Wansen had secretly walked Lin Beixing home. The date "2020" had been marked on it because they had made a "ten-year promise" to reunite and share a drink then.

Zhang Wansen, however, had never made it. Back at the repair shop, Maizi overheard a conversation between Zhan Yu and another person, learning that Zhan Yu had actually dumped Lin Beixing. Enraged, Maizi stepped forward and punched Zhan Yu, then immediately called Lin Beixing, asking her to meet him. When they met at Liangshan Food Stall, Lin Beixing apologized to Maizi on behalf of Lin Dahai, confessing that she now understood some of Zhang Wansen's sacrifices for her.

Maizi, however, revealed that Zhang Wansen had done far more than she knew. He explained that Zhang Wansen had used not only all his hard-earned living expenses but also the money his parents had sent him for overseas studies to cover Lin Dahai's burgeoning debt to Mr. Lei, which had escalated from 200,000 to 500,000.

Maizi recounted how Zhang Wansen had been prepared to go abroad, but when news of Lin Beixing's presence in Nanchuan became known, he immediately canceled his plans and secretly returned to protect her. For a long period, Zhang Wansen had constantly been behind her, silently safeguarding her and solving her problems, with Maizi secretly assisting him.

Maizi also explained that Zhang Wansen had deliberately kept his actions a secret because he simply wanted Lin Beixing to have a peaceful college entrance exam period and achieve her dreams, even those she shared with Zhan Yu. This was why Maizi had become so furious upon hearing about Lin Beixing's wedding, feeling that Zhang Wansen's profound affection should have been known to her.

Thus, he had folded Zhang Wansen's confession letter into a paper plane and thrown it into her room. Lin Beixing rushed home, frantically searching for and finding the paper plane. She carefully unfolded it, reading the handwritten words of love from Zhang Wansen. The police had already investigated and closed Zhang Wansen's case. Maizi had explained that Zhang Wansen's continuous protection of Lin Beixing had eventually enraged Mr. Lei.

Zhang Wansen had called Lin Dahai to the lighthouse, intending to settle the debt issue directly with Mr. Lei, emphasizing that family should not be involved. However, Zhang Wansen had also secretly called the police. As the sirens approached, Mr. Lei, realizing Zhang Wansen's treachery, brutally assaulted him. Zhang Wansen, in his final moments, desperately clung to Mr. Lei, determined to ensure his capture and simultaneously managed to send the "I like you" message to Lin Beixing.

In a fit of rage, Mr. Lei grabbed Zhang Wansen and forcefully shoved him over the lighthouse railing. He tragically fell to his death. Lin Beixing now held Zhang Wansen's old phone, the last physical connection to him, while truly understanding his unspoken devotion. She would probably never know, but Zhang Wansen had loved her since he was very young.

Episode 19 Recap

Zhang Wansen harbored a secret affection for Lin Beixing from a young age. He vividly recalled a spring outing during their childhood when Lin Beixing bravely intervened to stop children from bullying him. She boldly told his tormentors to stop harming others and gave him animal crackers, promising to protect him and playfully declaring herself "Pretty Soldier Sailor Star." Her words deeply encouraged him, particularly when she affirmed his aspiration to become a veterinarian without borders, a dream others mocked.

This encouragement also empowered him to assert himself and no longer allow his mother to dress him as a girl, overcoming his timidness. He reflected on how he was once timid, even about his own dreams, but Lin Beixing's encouragement changed him. From that day forward, he tried countless times to get closer to her, even signing up for a poetry recitation contest. However, his mother's job transfer necessitated their move, and he was abruptly transferred to another school.

His deepest regret from that period was never having the chance to introduce himself: "Hello, Lin Beixing. I'm Zhang Wansen." Years later, in middle school, Zhang Wansen successfully skipped a grade. He sought out Lin Beixing, hoping she would finally recognize him, but she walked past him without a glance. He later learned, through conversations among students, that Lin Beixing seemed to admire boys who excelled at basketball, particularly Zhan Yu. Although Lin Beixing feigned disinterest, Zhang Wansen was convinced.

He then dedicated himself to learning basketball and joined the team, eagerly anticipating another encounter with her. He had envisioned a simple meeting, perhaps just asking for directions, but fate intervened unexpectedly. During a basketball game, Lin Beixing found herself trapped in a fire and calling for help. Zhang Wansen rushed to her aid, calling her name through the smoke. He was no longer the timid child who needed her protection; now, he was capable of protecting her.

After leading her to safety, he went to find a doctor for her. Lin Beixing thanked him for saving her, but despite his heroic act, he still failed to make her recognize him. He desperately wished he could have moved even faster, hoping it might have altered the outcome of their brief encounter. On September 1, 2007, Zhang Wansen’s wish finally came true as he enrolled at Nanchuan High School and was assigned to the same class as Lin Beixing.

He found immense joy just being in the same classroom with her, even though they hadn't spoken yet. As the class president, Zhang Wansen was put in charge of the Tenth School Art Festival. He approached Lin Beixing, proposing a harmonica performance. She seemed open to the idea, saying she was fine with anything.

However, when Zhan Yu called her to play basketball, she left with him, casually remarking that she hadn't even memorized all their classmates' names yet, effectively leaving Zhang Wansen to make the final decision for the performance by himself. Later, Zhang Wansen shared some animal crackers with her—the same kind she had given him as a child—and she still found them delicious.

During this period, Zhang Wansen confided in Zhan Yu, acknowledging his current grades weren't good enough to attend Beijing with him but promising to try his best. Zhan Yu encouraged Zhang Wansen to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian without borders and not to forget him once he achieved it. Later, visiting a parrot garden, Zhang Wansen found himself repeating "Idiot" after a parrot, feeling downcast.

He then poured out his heart to the bird, repeatedly confessing, "I like you," though to no avail. Despite these lingering feelings, Zhang Wansen learned that Lin Beixing planned to go to Beijing with Zhan Yu. He diligently took notes on exam key points, hoping to help her achieve her dream. Subsequently, he decided to pursue his own dream, informing his mother of his intention to go to Africa.

When Lin Beixing's brother, Lin Dahai, faced a dire situation with Mr. Lei demanding an exorbitant 500,000 yuan, threatening to kidnap Lin Beixing if the debt wasn't paid, Zhang Wansen stepped in. He contacted his mother to withdraw all the tuition money she had saved for him, confirming his unwavering decision.

In a heartfelt internal message to Lin Beixing, he declared that he had paid off her brother's debts so she could safely take the college entrance exam and happily go to Beijing with Zhan Yu. With a heavy heart, he bid farewell to her, the girl who never truly knew him. Finally, he articulated the words he had never dared to speak, confiding them to his diary: "Lin Beixing, I like you.

No matter how time flows, I will always like you." Before leaving Nanchuan, Mai Zi made the difficult decision to give Zhang Wansen's diary to Lin Beixing, explaining that a paper airplane containing a specific message was merely one page from this comprehensive diary, which detailed all that Zhang Wansen had done for her.

Mai Zi conveyed that this was the last thing he could do for his brother, bidding Lin Beixing to take care as he prepared to start a new life. Zhang Wansen was at the airport, ready to leave, when Mai Zi called with urgent news: Mr. Lei had demanded significantly more money from Lin Dahai, and the previous payment was insufficient. They were now actively looking for Lin Beixing.

Mai Zi suggested lying to Mr. Lei, claiming Lin Beixing was going abroad, believing Mr. Lei would trust his words. Zhang Wansen then pondered whether he would regret leaving this way. Mai Zi responded, stating that "perhaps regret is the most common thing in the world."

Zhang Wansen's diary entries revealed his profound jealousy and sadness over Zhan Yu's shared experiences with Lin Beixing – watching fireworks, taking graduation photos, dancing the rabbit dance, and walking out of the college entrance exam together.

He passionately wished he could revisit those moments of regret, yet he feared that even with a second chance, he might still not even secure a seat beside her, let alone realize dreams of riding bikes together, attending concerts, witnessing the first snow, or growing into adults alongside her. Reading Zhang Wansen’s diary, Lin Beixing came to a profound realization: every text message that had sent her back in time corresponded to a moment of Zhang Wansen's regret.

Walking along the familiar seashore after finishing the diary, she was filled with remorse, wondering if their story would have been different, if they would have had fewer regrets, had she only turned around and noticed him earlier. She then understood that the time travel did not end with Zhang Wansen's death, but rather when they both said, "I like you." As long as those words were spoken, the temporal loop would conclude, ensuring they were destined to be apart. Despite this heartbreaking truth, Lin Beixing cried out, "Zhang Wansen, I like you. I like you very, very much. Can you hear me?"

Episode 20 Recap

With tears in her eyes, Lin Beixing tearfully declared her deep affection for Zhang Wansen, repeatedly shouting "I like you!" and asking if he could hear her. This was the smile she wanted him to see, even as she pondered if this was truly her last chance to save him. At the Nanchuan Zoo ticket booth, Lin Beixing scrolled through her phone, grappling with the weight of her decision.

Suddenly, Yang Chaoyang appeared, his usual cheerful demeanor giving way to a confession of emptiness after his performances, despite his success. Lin Beixing admitted her own heartache, unsure if she could save the person she desired to. She expressed her reluctance to live a life where she couldn't even voice her feelings.

Yang Chaoyang challenged her, asking if her love was more important than his life, suggesting that the "game rules" might have changed and encouraged her to take a chance. He also advised her to tell her best friend in senior year to stop being impulsive and learn to enjoy life instead of trying to become a crosstalk master at once.

With newfound determination, Lin Beixing deleted a message, resolving to save Zhang Wansen, believing they would soon find answers to what tomorrow and the future held. Returning to her first year of high school, Lin Beixing found herself in the rain, rushing to the art festival's harmonica performance rehearsal. Meanwhile, Zhang Wansen was typing a message that simply read "I like you." He hastily deleted it when he saw Lin Beixing enter the classroom.

Inside, Yang Chaoyang expressed his disinterest in the harmonica performance, preferring to perform crosstalk alone. His classmates accused him of being selfish and caring only about his own dreams, ignoring the collective effort. Feeling unjustly criticized, Yang Chaoyang stormed out. Lin Beixing followed him to his "secret hideout" in the bike shed. She acknowledged his discomfort, but also shared her own regrets about being distant in the past.

Lin Beixing explained that she used to be so preoccupied with her own thoughts that she couldn't see her friends, her future, or the people who cared for her. Now, with a second chance, she urged Yang Chaoyang to mature, advising him to enjoy his high school life rather than constantly striving for instant fame as a crosstalk master. She told him she believed in his success, asserting that no one knew his future better than she did.

After their conversation, Lin Beixing and Yang Chaoyang returned to the classroom, apologizing to their classmates and Mr. Zhang for the disruption. Lin Beixing affirmed her commitment to the rehearsal, and Yang Chaoyang declared his loyalty to Class 8. As Mr. Zhang distributed the music scores, Lin Beixing asked Zhang Wansen to teach her.

She felt a profound sense of relief seeing him again, resolving to accompany him through the college entrance examination and help him overcome any future regrets, even if she couldn't say "I like you." Later, on her way home, Lin Beixing saw her older brother, Lin Dahai, embroiled in an argument with furious customers who accused him of selling fake goat's milk powder that had worsened their health.

Lin Dahai desperately tried to placate them, claiming the product needed time to work and promising refunds and free home repairs. Lin Beixing stepped forward, apologizing to the elderly customers and revealing that Lin Dahai was her brother and had lied to them, confirming the goat's milk was fake. She advised them to consult doctors for their illnesses and discuss such purchases with their children.

Though the customers expressed worry about their money, Lin Beixing assured them she would ensure they received full refunds. When Lin Dahai's parents arrived, they harshly reprimanded him, demanding he stay home and reflect on his actions, questioning if he intended to cause them further distress. Lin Beixing firmly declared she would not allow such things to happen again. She later called the Nanchuan Bureau of Industry and Commerce to report his fraudulent activities.

Facing Lin Dahai, she expressed her sadness, telling him that despite their arguments, she, like their parents, acted for his own good. She questioned why he couldn't find a stable job after graduating and highlighted the potential harm his actions could inflict on their family and innocent people. Lin Beixing steadfastly told him that as long as she was around, she wouldn't permit him to harm anyone.

Later, Lin Beixing formally reintroduced herself to Zhang Wansen, stating her name, zodiac sign (Sagittarius), and personality. Zhang Wansen, in turn, identified himself as a student from Class 8, Grade 1, and surprisingly revealed he already knew her as a Cancer, a "little genius," and consistently the top student in their grade. He complimented her smile and expressed his pleasure in meeting her.

Lin Beixing then invited him to call on her if he needed help or encountered trouble, promising to assist him. She suggested they walk home together after school since their routes were similar. On the bus ride, she offered him her music player to listen to a new song she had downloaded.

Then, she spontaneously offered to teach him how to ride a bicycle, an activity she noted would improve his lung capacity for playing the harmonica, crucial for their performance. Zhang Wansen admitted he couldn't ride, and they agreed to meet the next day. The following morning, as Lin Beixing walked with her bicycle towards Zhang Wansen's house, she encountered Gao Ge arguing with Gao Guangming, the dean.

Gao Ge was trying to sneak out with her phone, which Gao Guangming confiscated, demanding she return home to study. Gao Ge defiantly declared she would do anything but homework. Lin Beixing intercepted Gao Ge, remarking on Gao Guangming, often called "Bright Summit" by students. She described his short temper and tendency to ambush students, but acknowledged that he was under stress managing mischievous students, which explained his disposition.

Observing a "National Youth Painting Competition" form in Gao Ge's hand, Lin Beixing advised her to improve communication with her father by starting with sharing her dreams. Later, Lin Beixing began teaching Zhang Wansen to ride his bike. She held the back of his bicycle, encouraging him to pedal confidently, promising to protect him. Zhang Wansen admitted he was nervous under her gaze, but Lin Beixing reassured him, telling him to relax and focus on balance.

She then let go and rode ahead herself. When she deliberately fell, Zhang Wansen instinctively rushed to help her, and to his surprise, found that he could now ride the bicycle on his own. Lin Beixing then led Zhang Wansen to a familiar lighthouse. Zhang Wansen remarked it was his first time seeing it and found it beautiful, but Lin Beixing playfully corrected him, hinting that he had been there before in her memory.

She explained that she came there often, and her feelings varied with each visit – sometimes sad, sometimes scared, sometimes simply drawn there without reason. She then declared that now, she felt no fear, but instead possessed the confidence and courage to face all troubles and prevent any unhappy or dangerous events from occurring.

She jokingly defined "dangerous things" as being scolded by teachers for not answering questions, punished by "Bright Summit" (Gao Guangming) for tardiness, or having parents called due to laziness. She invited Zhang Wansen to close his eyes and feel the wind. Lin Beixing then revealed that the lighthouse would be torn down in two years, urging him to cherish the present moment. Zhang Wansen, intrigued, asked how she knew, and she simply replied that she guessed.

Shyly, Zhang Wansen suggested they ride their bikes to school together the next day, and Lin Beixing happily agreed. The following morning, heavy rain poured down unexpectedly, forcing them to take the bus instead of cycling. They arrived at the school entrance, both realizing they had forgotten their raincoats in the study room, which was now locked.

As the rain showed no signs of stopping, Zhang Wansen told Lin Beixing to wait and suddenly ran towards the school store to retrieve an umbrella. Lin Beixing followed him, bumping into a girl holding a campus art festival flyer. In that instant, Lin Beixing recognized the scene from her previous memory of the hospital, realizing that Zhang Wansen had already typed the message "I like you" during their first year of high school.

A profound realization washed over her: every step she took towards him was giving him hope and the opportunity to say those words prematurely. She understood that the more she tried to prevent his disappointment, the less likely their ultimate outcome would change. Distraught, she wondered if her only recourse was to distance herself from him, further and further away.

Episode 21 Recap

Zhang Wansen meticulously marked notes on Lin Beixing's harmonica sheet music, carefully shielding it from Yang Chaoyang when he tried to borrow it. Yang Chaoyang remarked that the performance was the next day, so there was no need to cram.

When Lin Beixing did not show up for practice, Zhang Wansen stepped out to call her, only to hear her state that she was not coming to training that day due to not feeling well, clarifying it was not from a cold. Lin Beixing announced to her father, Lin Dahai, that she had decided to skip the performance, stating her desire to focus on her high school studies at home, despite Lin Dahai's encouragement about the importance of collective activities.

With her parents on a business trip, Lin Beixing, who had previously reported Lin Dahai's unsuccessful goat milk powder venture, found him busily arranging a new business selling hair dye cream. He excitedly shared his plan to rent a store for both storage and sales, even revealing the chosen name, "Dahai Beauty," and warned Lin Beixing not to interfere again. This development immediately put Lin Beixing on high alert, knowing it was the beginning of significant trouble.

On the day of the harmonica performance, Yang Chaoyang discussed Lin Beixing's absence with the class monitor. Lin Beixing had already decided to withdraw from the show, a decision that had previously disappointed Zhang Wansen, who had even tried to persuade her to participate. Shortly before the performance, they learned that another student, Li Mingtian, could not attend due to acute gastroenteritis requiring bed rest. With their performance jeopardized by the missing member, a senior hesitated to let them perform.

Seeing the impending crisis, Lin Beixing volunteered to fill in. The performance proceeded smoothly, and during the group photo afterward, Lin Beixing's gaze instinctively drifted towards Zhang Wansen, a look of concern and unspoken sadness in her eyes. Lin Beixing grew alarmed when she overheard Lin Dahai chatting with his friend, Shunzi, about meeting at the Chengnan Pool Club on the 10th of next month and acquiring an agent position after borrowing money.

She confronted him, demanding to know what he was doing and what the pool club meant. Lin Dahai, smugly showing off his hair dye products, claimed he was "all set" and just needed "a little bit of money" to become a general agent, expecting to make a fortune. He warned Lin Beixing not to interfere as she had with his previous venture, but she defiantly retorted that if he didn't return the goods, she would destroy them.

Lin Beixing vehemently warned him that as long as she was around, she would block his every move and never let him open that store. While a listless Lin Beixing was studying, Yang Chaoyang approached her, showing her a hand-drawn poster for his special crosstalk show. He invited her to witness the birth of a crosstalk master the following day, even offering her a role as his supporting crosstalk partner if she came.

However, Lin Beixing was preoccupied, consumed by worry over how to prevent Lin Dahai from borrowing from loan sharks. When Zhang Wansen sat down nearby, Lin Beixing quietly packed her bag and left, too distracted to engage with either of them. Yang Chaoyang, feeling like he'd upset Lin Beixing, tried to enlist Zhang Wansen's help to convince her to attend his show, promising to take care of things if Zhang Wansen attended.

Zhang Wansen, on his way to find Lin Beixing, then encountered her just as she heard Lin Dahai leaving and hurried out after him. Upon meeting Zhang Wansen, Lin Beixing curtly asked why he was there, stating she was busy. Zhang Wansen explained Yang Chaoyang had asked them to go listen to his crosstalk.

Zhang Wansen then tried to talk to Lin Beixing, expressing his concern that she was avoiding him, but she coolly dismissed his worries, insisting she had no issues with him and was merely busy. She then intentionally spoke harshly to him, prompting him to leave, as she rushed towards the pool hall. Upon arriving at the pool hall, Lin Beixing found Lin Dahai attempting to borrow money from Mr. Lei, even offering him a gift from his shop.

She immediately intervened, pulling Lin Dahai away and angrily denouncing Mr. Lei as a ruthless loan shark who cared nothing for human lives. Mr. Lei, angered by her insight into his dealings, dismissed Lin Dahai and ordered his men to teach Lin Beixing a lesson. Maizi, reluctant to strike her, was pushed forward but hesitated. Just then, Zhang Wansen burst through the crowd and shielded Lin Beixing, taking the blows himself. He was consequently hospitalized with broken bones.

Overcome with regret and anger, Lin Beixing confronted Zhang Wansen, tearfully telling him that her affairs were none of his concern and that he needed to learn to protect himself rather than always trying to protect others. Lin Dahai, still delusional about his business, confidently spoke on the phone, assuring someone that he would secure 200,000 yuan worth of goods and become a General Agent, believing their family would soon be rich from his new store.

Lin Beixing burst into the newly rented shop, furious. She bitterly chastised him, pointing out that Mr. Lei's associates were dangerous outlaws and that borrowing from them would eventually destroy their entire family. Despite her desperate warnings, Lin Dahai dismissed her concerns, claiming he would handle any issues himself without troubling the family, and forcibly pushed her out of the store, declaring his unwavering resolve to open it. In the empty performance hall, Yang Chaoyang sat despondently by the stage.

Two classmates arrived and mocked him for the lack of an audience, noting his usual boasts about being a crosstalk master. Yang Chaoyang was speechless until Gao Ge walked in. She not only sharply reprimanded the gloating classmates, reminding them that Yang Chaoyang might have one audience today and hundreds in the future, unlike them, but also took a seat in the front row.

Gao Ge then revealed her identity, surprising Yang Chaoyang by mentioning her father had confiscated his four pairs of kuaiban. She then encouraged him to perform, and Yang Chaoyang eagerly began his show with a "Name the dish" routine. Zhang Wansen, with his leg in a cast, encountered Lin Beixing just as he was leaving. She naturally took his schoolbag, taking on the responsibility of caring for him.

He immediately inquired if she was hiding anything about the people who had chased her, but she insisted the matter was settled and dismissed his questions as they headed to class. Later, as Lin Beixing dozed off while sitting beside him, Zhang Wansen tried to retrieve his crutch, which Lin Beixing was holding in her sleep. He accidentally pulled her closer, his breath catching as he found her nestled in his embrace.

When Lin Beixing indicated she needed to step out, Zhang Wansen insisted on accompanying her, only for her to reveal she was going to the men's restroom by herself. Separately, an altercation between other students nearby was quickly dispersed by Mr. Gao. While Zhang Wansen, with his leg still propped up, was tidying his home, Lin Beixing arrived at his door, bringing him food. She reminded him of the doctor's instructions for him not to move around.

When Zhang Wansen offered to help her if she got into trouble again, she firmly rejected his assistance, telling him she didn't need it and that he should let "it" (referring to the plaster on his leg) protect him instead. As she watched him sleep, she felt a strong urge to gently kiss his cheek. Just then, Zhang Wansen stirred and woke up.

Lin Beixing promptly rose to leave, but Zhang Wansen, in his haste to stand, inadvertently revealed that his leg had already healed. Seeing this, Lin Beixing coldly stated that she would no longer visit him. Despite all of Lin Beixing's efforts, Lin Dahai ultimately borrowed 200,000 yuan from Mr. Lei, with his signature on the loan document. Meanwhile, Lin Beixing was studying in a classroom when an earthquake suddenly struck.

As the teacher urged everyone to evacuate, Zhang Wansen immediately turned and ran towards her, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the school's sports field. In that critical moment, Lin Beixing looked at Zhang Wansen, her words to him firm: she urged him to stay away from her from then on.

Episode 22 Recap

Lin Beixing watched as Lin Dahai, her father, boasted about his newly decorated shop to Mr. Fei, confidently assuring him that he would not disappoint Mr. Lei. She knew then that the very thing she dreaded had come to pass. Lin Beixing confronted her father, demanding he return the money he had borrowed from Mr. Lei, but Lin Dahai defiantly told her he had already secured the agency deal and that she should mind her own business.

Witnessing her father’s stubbornness, Lin Beixing resolved to stop the impending danger, especially the harm that might befall Zhang Wansen. While Lin Beixing was at home with a fever, her mother worried about the broken window, which had been smashed by hail. Lin Beixing expressed surprise at the early occurrence of hail, noting that winter was still far off. Meanwhile, at school, Zhang Wansen seemed distracted during basketball practice.

His friend Zhan Yu noticed his mood and directly asked if he liked Lin Beixing. When Zhang Wansen confirmed it, Zhan Yu suggested he approach her directly, especially since she was ill and avoiding him. Soon after, Lin Beixing received a call from Yang Chaoyang, who informed her that the centennial statue at Bright Summit had been completely destroyed by hail the previous day. Lin Beixing was shocked, remarking that this event was not supposed to happen so soon.

Shortly, Zhang Wansen arrived at her doorstep with her homework and medicine. She thanked him but firmly told him he could leave. Moments later, Lin Beixing’s mother stumbled and fell. At the hospital, the doctor revealed a serious lump on her leg, which could be either hyperosteogeny or a tumor, requiring further tests and possibly immediate surgery.

This diagnosis, coupled with the statue's early destruction, an earthquake occurring in a different city instead of Nanchuan, and Lin Dahai's shop opening ahead of schedule, left Lin Beixing in despair. She realized that her return had caused everything to be out of order. When Zhang Wansen tried to offer comfort, Lin Beixing recoiled, pushing his hand away and insisting she didn't need his help.

Later, in her diary, she confided her true purpose: she had returned to this world to make Zhang Wansen abandon and hate her, believing it was the only way to protect him from danger. Determined to stop Lin Dahai’s dealings, Lin Beixing began spending every day at his shop, deliberately obstructing his business to force him to shut it down.

She also informed him that she was quitting school to work alongside him, believing two people could earn money faster for their mother. She also sought out Mai Zi at his car repair shop, urging him to distance himself from Mr. Fei and his group.

She told Mai Zi that fighting wasn't noble and posed a rhetorical question about how he would feel if someone died in front of him because of a fight, telling him he was not a bad person at heart. Just then, Zhang Wansen approached, confronting Mai Zi and questioning Lin Beixing's presence with him.

To push him away, Lin Beixing brazenly claimed that she and Mai Zi were in a relationship, telling Zhang Wansen to stop meddling in her affairs and that she didn't need his help. Zhang Wansen was left confused and hurt, unable to comprehend her sudden change. The situation escalated when Mr. Lei’s men arrived at Lin Dahai’s shop, demanding money. Lin Beixing intervened, offering to pay back the original 200,000 yuan with interest, but they mocked her offer.

When Mr. Lei himself arrived, he questioned who was truly in charge of the shop. Lin Dahai promised to repay the 200,000 yuan with interest within six months. However, Mr. Lei rejected the offer, immediately demanding 500,000 yuan and claiming he could have earned more if he hadn't lent the initial sum. When Lin Dahai admitted he didn't have the money, Mr. Lei ordered his men to smash the shop.

Lin Beixing frantically tried to stop them but was pushed onto a shelf, hitting her head and bleeding profusely. Witnessing his daughter's injury, Lin Dahai, stimulated by anger, grabbed a stick and wildly fought back against Mr. Lei's men. Later, Zhang Wansen sat alone on the basketball court, holding concert tickets. He confided in Zhan Yu that Lin Beixing had changed dramatically, seemingly no longer herself.

He expressed his wish for her to return to her former self, and Zhan Yu encouraged him to directly tell her how he felt. Meanwhile, Mai Zi observed Lin Beixing's bandaged head, admitting that seeing others hurt made him feel uncomfortable. Lin Beixing, noting his interest in war movies, suggested he join the army, where he could protect many people. She challenged his hesitations, implying he lacked the capacity to protect others as a "hooligan."

Her father, Lin Dahai, soon arrived and took her home. Lin Dahai, remorseful for his actions, vowed to repay Mr. Lei and swore off further foolish endeavors. Lin Beixing, however, realized that Mr. Lei's criminal activities likely extended beyond just her father. She proposed they collect evidence against him, believing it would be their only way to deter him. Lin Dahai’s friend, Dashunzi, later provided photos and a USB drive containing evidence of Mr. Lei’s crimes.

Although Lin Dahai hesitated to go to the police out of concern for his friend, Lin Beixing took possession of the evidence, determined to use it. Unbeknownst to them, Mr. Lei had already heard that Lin Dahai’s sister was "asking around for our information" and, confident in his ability to find a scapegoat, instructed his subordinate to "teach her a lesson."

Lin Beixing later received the concert tickets from her father, who said a friend had asked him to pass them on to her. Zhang Wansen, still concerned for Lin Beixing, found her in the rain, offering her his umbrella. He expressed his desire to protect her, acknowledging her vulnerability and wishing only for her happiness. At the concert, Zhang Wansen was invited on stage as a lucky audience member.

He used the opportunity to express his deepest wish for the girl who came with him—Lin Beixing—to be "always happy and delighted." As he spoke, Lin Beixing looked at him with a pained expression, softly uttered "Sorry," and then left. Moments later, her phone rang; it was Mr. Lei. Mr. Lei immediately brought up the closure of her brother's shop and her recent inquiries about him.

He directly threatened Zhang Wansen, revealing he knew where he lived and which roads he took to school. Lin Beixing pleaded with him not to involve Zhang Wansen, but her pleas were ignored. When Zhang Wansen approached her, she hardened her heart, launching into a cruel tirade. She dismissed his past encouragement and the arm injury he sustained protecting her as trivial childhood matters, questioning the point of his persistent affection.

She coldly told him that their connection meant nothing, that she didn't need his protection, and that he should abandon any "groundless fantasy." Zhang Wansen, heartbroken, stood silent as she walked away, telling him to stay as far away as possible and that she would handle her own affairs. Lin Beixing’s resolve was clear: if someone had to sacrifice to end all this, she would be that person.

She would protect Zhang Wansen at all costs, even if it meant sacrificing herself, so he could live a peaceful life without her. In a blazing fire, Mr. Lei ultimately fell in a pool of blood, with Lin Beixing standing before him, staring him down.

Episode 23 Recap

Lin Beixing reflected that the whole ordeal was finally over. Back at school, she seemed preoccupied, though she denied it when a classmate inquired. She then heard Zhang Wansen confirm his plans to go abroad soon, having already submitted his application. When she asked him about his decision, Zhang Wansen coldly stated that his travel plans were none of her business, echoing her past words.

Alone, Lin Beixing bitterly thought that Zhang Wansen must truly hate her now, and she should be satisfied. Lin Beixing visited Yang Chaoyang at their secret hideout, confessing she simply wanted his company. Yang Chaoyang, however, immediately suspected it was about Zhang Wansen's imminent departure, urging her to seize the chance before their relationship ended.

Lin Beixing then posed a curious question to him: if she were to become someone entirely different one day, would he still be willing to be her friend? Yang Chaoyang expressed confusion, noting she already seemed like a different person. Meanwhile, Lin Beixing was grappling with her own complex situation; she had inexplicably returned to her freshman year of high school, years before tragic events, hoping to right Zhang Wansen's past regrets.

Yet, she discovered a painful paradox: every effort to protect him and prevent him from saying "I like you" prematurely only seemed to solidify their destined ending. She realized her best course of action was to keep her distance, even if it meant pushing him away with harsh words, hoping he would hate her, believing danger would befall him otherwise. It became clear that Zhang Wansen was already aware of Lin Beixing's secret.

Days earlier, he had discovered her dropped diary. Through its pages, he learned of her incredible journey back to high school and understood the true intention behind her every act of distancing and every harsh word.

Her journal revealed her belief that every step she took toward him could prematurely lead him to say "I like you," and that her attempts to avert a tragic outcome required her to push him away, hoping he would come to despise her for his own safety. Reading these profound revelations, Zhang Wansen was overwhelmed with emotion, weeping uncontrollably in an empty classroom. Zhan Yu, learning of Zhang Wansen's impending departure, offered to host a farewell party.

Zhang Wansen casually dismissed Lin Beixing as merely a classmate when Zhan Yu inquired if he had "given up" on her. Spotting Gao Ge and Yang Chaoyang together, Zhan Yu extended the invitation to them as well. Zhang Wansen appeared awkward, trying to leave and asserting that he and Gao Ge were "just friends." Zhan Yu insisted on the party. Zhan Yu then asked if Lin Beixing should be invited, to which Zhang Wansen emphatically replied, "No need.

It's better not to invite her. I simply dislike her." That night, Lin Beixing called Yang Chaoyang, asking him to deliver a cake she had bought for Zhang Wansen's farewell party. Yang Chaoyang insisted she deliver it herself, believing it would be more impactful coming from her personally, despite Zhang Wansen not having invited her. Lin Beixing, though reluctant, agreed. The next day, at the party, Lin Beixing, disguised in a mascot costume, presented the cake.

Zhang Wansen remarked on its ugliness and inquired if she had written on it. Just then, Lin Beixing tripped, sending the cake crashing onto Zhang Wansen's clothes. Removing her mascot head, she immediately apologized for the accident. Zhang Wansen, however, was not appeased.

He bitterly asked Lin Beixing if she enjoyed toying with him, recalling her past words that his efforts were in vain, and now she treated him as if he were a mere clown, summoned and dismissed at her whim. Despite friends trying to mediate, he remained angry. Lin Beixing attempted to make amends by suggesting they all celebrate Christmas together. But Zhang Wansen rejected the offer, stating he wasn't interested and was leaving.

Lin Beixing desperately tried to remind him of his past wish to see the first snow with her, asking, "Won't we see the first snow together?" but Zhang Wansen walked away, leaving her heartbroken. News reports circulated about Nanchuan police cracking down on criminal gangs, with one individual, Mr. Lei, having died in a fire. Lin Dahai, seemingly relieved, cheerfully told Lin Beixing about Mr. Lei's death, expressing his belief that they no longer needed to involve the police.

Lin Beixing remained silent, her mind elsewhere, as she left for school. Unbeknownst to her, Zhang Wansen was already aware of the situation. Further news confirmed Mr. Lei's death in a factory fire, noting the discovery of a pink rabbit hair tie at the scene, suspected to be the culprit's evidence. Zhang Wansen, holding an identical hair tie, was deep in thought.

After receiving a call from his mother, who eagerly inquired about his arrival and expressed how much she and his father missed him, Zhang Wansen made a crucial decision: he informed his mother he would no longer be going abroad. After his decision not to go abroad, Zhang Wansen learned from a doctor that his mother's tumor had metastasized, a characteristic of malignant tumors, though recovery was possible with chemotherapy.

Meanwhile, at her own home, Lin Beixing's parents tried to reassure her, urging her to go back to school and insisting her mother was fine. Lin Beixing, however, was consumed by guilt. She believed her actions had disrupted everything and that the only way to restore order was for her to disappear from the world. She resigned herself to the idea that the long-awaited first snow, which she might never see, would forever remain a profound regret.

Despite forecasts of a rare warm winter, news reported a significant temperature drop and the likelihood of the season's first snowfall starting the following night. The next day, Zhang Wansen, seeing his ID and the pink hair tie, and hearing a news report predicting the season's first snowfall would arrive starting that night, decided to join the gathering at the beach.

Lin Beixing, Gao Ge, and Yang Chaoyang were already there, waiting for the elusive "Milky Way-like glowing beach" and the first snow, which Lin Beixing had promised them. Zhang Wansen arrived, feigning to deliver Gao Ge's forgotten drawing board. After some conversation about the absence of both the glowing beach and the snow, Zhang Wansen suggested they collect shells, a seemingly childish idea that he surprisingly agreed to when teased.

As the night progressed, Zhang Wansen told Lin Beixing he felt different, perhaps because he was leaving tomorrow, putting him in an especially good mood. When she asked if he was truly leaving the next day, he expressed his regret that he wouldn't be able to wait for the snow with her. He urged her to focus on her own life and to go do her own thing, which she promised to do obediently.

The following morning, Lin Dahai informed Lin Beixing that the police had called, requesting her presence at the station. He revealed that a boy, carrying a pink rabbit hair tie, had turned himself in. Lin Dahai further disclosed that the incriminating evidence against Mr. Lei hadn't come from Dashunzi, but from this same boy, who had specifically asked him not to tell Lin Beixing.

Lin Beixing rushed to the police station, but was told the case was closed, the true culprit identified, and the boy who self-confessed was not the murderer and had already left. Frantically, Lin Beixing tried to reach Zhang Wansen by phone. It was revealed that Mr. Lei's death was the result of retaliation, as he had attempted to frame Mr. Fei for his own criminal activities.

Zhang Wansen, unaware of the full context, had mistakenly interpreted the dropped pink rabbit hair tie as evidence linking Lin Beixing to the crime, prompting his self-confession to protect her. A flashback also revealed Zhang Wansen himself had previously provided the police with evidence against Mr. Lei, insisting that Lin Beixing not be informed of his actions. Lin Beixing rushed to the school, finding a bookmark from her diary tucked into Zhang Wansen's desk.

It was then she fully understood: he had known her secret plan all along. Overwhelmed, she realized the depth of his selflessness, questioning why he always went to such lengths to save her, making her feel like a fool. She felt perpetually a step behind him, her own efforts paling in comparison to his constant protection. Urged by Gao Ge, she raced to the airport, where she spotted Zhang Wansen on the verge of boarding. Tears streaming down her face, Lin Beixing choked out "Sorry." Zhang Wansen looked back at her, and with sincere resolve, finally uttered the words, "I like you."

Episode 24 (Ending) Recap

In the midst of the first snowfall, Lin Beixing watched Zhang Wansen wave goodbye to her. She silently resolved that even if life was long and they might not meet again, she would find a new life, bravely forget his name, and never let him down. Embracing her new resolve, Lin Beixing began her day.

Dressed smartly for work, she greeted her parents and confidently declared that she would take over preparing breakfast, assuring them she knew what they liked and where to buy it. Her mother playfully expressed doubt, but Lin Beixing affirmed her commitment before heading out. At work, the Curator praised Lin Beixing for her outstanding performance in the animal rescue team, highlighting her efforts in rescuing stray animals across the city and the positive community response.

He announced that her dedication represented Nanchuan Zoo's image and encouraged everyone to learn from her. The Curator then informed Lin Beixing that Liu Ga, the vice principal of Nanchuan High School, had invited her back as an outstanding graduate to speak at the senior class graduation ceremony, emphasizing that she would represent both the school and the zoo. Lin Beixing accepted the honor.

Later, while browsing an art exhibition, Lin Beixing paused before a painting of a vast prairie, wistfully thinking how wonderful it would be if Zhang Wansen were still with her to see it. Nearby, she observed Zhan Yu and Tengteng squabbling over photos. Tengteng criticized Zhan Yu's photography, calling the pictures "so ugly" and beyond editing, while Zhan Yu retorted that they were at an art exhibition, not a photo shoot.

Tengteng accused him of being impatient with her after such a short marriage and walked away, followed by Zhan Yu. Lin Beixing watched their bickering with a faint smile, a sign that she was finally able to let go of her own past burdens. Yang Chaoyang approached Gao Ge at her exhibition, attempting a cool demeanor, but Gao Ge instantly recognized him.

She playfully taunted him, recalling his past naughtiness and her father's frequent scolding, and admitting she kept up with his daily gossip. Yang Chaoyang, intrigued, invited her to his cross-talk show at Nanxiaoku Theater. Gao Ge declined, explaining that she was scheduled to speak at Nanchuan High School's graduation ceremony the next day as an outstanding graduate. Yang Chaoyang then suggested dinner, which Gao Ge accepted, insisting it would be her treat.

Upon her arrival at Nanchuan High School, Lin Beixing was greeted by Gao Guangming, who also welcomed Gao Ge. Gao Guangming, a former disciplinarian known as "Bright Summit," playfully ribbed Lin Beixing about her past misdeeds and their "even" standing now that he was retired and she was grown.

Gao Ge affectionately chided her father for his lingering "grudges," but Gao Guangming proudly declared that all his students had turned out well, citing former student Li Mingtian's recent wedding speech as proof that he was far from ready for retirement. Gao Ge gently reminded him to prioritize his health. When it was Lin Beixing's turn to speak at the graduation ceremony, she introduced herself as an employee of Nanchuan Zoo and a member of the animal rescue team.

She urged the graduating students to cherish their present moments, explaining that no matter what life held for them, the seemingly huge worries of youth would eventually pale in comparison to the future's gains. She recounted a teacher's childhood joy in a village by a reed field, a joy that never returned in adulthood.

She then shared a memory of her own "summer," a dream that seemed endless, filled with arguments and troubles that now seemed insignificant compared to the growth and connections she gained. She recalled a group of friends who cared for her deeply, and Zhang Wansen's encouraging words: "Don't be afraid of anything. What will tomorrow be like? What will the future be like? We'll get the answer soon. If you can't go to Beijing this time, never mind.

I will study with you for another year. Wherever you are, I'll be there for you. You can definitely make it." Lin Beixing concluded by asserting that while others might inspire dreams and futures, ultimately, unknown challenges and fears could only be conquered by oneself. She declared that by bravely overcoming these obstacles, she could proudly tell the person who cared about her the most that she had succeeded and grown up.

Later, on the winter solstice, the Curator announced a significant opportunity: the animal protection association and foreign rescue organizations were jointly holding an assessment. Those who passed would become Veterinarians Without Borders, joining international rescue efforts to protect endangered animals worldwide. He emphasized the rigorous requirements, including theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and English proficiency, promising the zoo's full support to any qualified applicant. Lin Beixing listened intently, a new determination shining in her eyes.

Fueled by Zhang Wansen's dream, Lin Beixing diligently prepared for the Veterinarian Without Borders assessment. She dedicated her commute time on the bus to reviewing study materials, in addition to her daily duties of rescuing animals. One evening, Lin Beixing heard a news report announcing the city's first snowfall of the winter, due to begin that night. She wistfully mused aloud, "It's going to snow again in Nanchuan. It would be nice if you were here."

Moments later, she received an excited call from the Curator, who told her to get off the bus and return to the zoo immediately. He revealed that she was the only person from the entire rescue team to pass the interview and would now represent Nanchuan Zoo globally in wildlife protection. Lin Beixing, elated, agreed to return at once. As she stepped off the bus at the next stop, Lin Beixing happily looked at a map in her hand.

The date overlay read "2022," marking the New Year. She gazed up at the falling snow, a deep sense of longing overwhelming her as she whispered, "Zhang Wansen, it's snowing. How are you doing? I miss you. I miss you so much." As she waited at a crosswalk, a black umbrella suddenly appeared over her head, held by someone standing behind her, shielding her from the flakes. Lin Beixing's eyes filled with tears, a mix of surprise, anticipation, and profound emotion.