Speed and Love Episode 7 Recap
> Speed and Love Recap
Following her discharge from the hospital, Jin Chao brings Jiang Mu back to the garage, where she immediately begins searching for a keychain that Sanlai mentioned, but she finds nothing. Later, Jin Chao prepares a nutritious meal for her, including milk and eggs. Jiang Mu expresses her dislike for these foods and complains that he is stricter than her own mother.
Jin Chao reminds her that he signed a hospital form acknowledging his responsibility for her well-being, and he would be ashamed if she were to become malnourished again while staying with him. He also insists she eat the fruit he prepared. Meanwhile, Lin Sui confronts Wan Qing at Wan's, accusing her associates of attempting to kidnap his "sister," Nana, a few days prior.
When one of Wan Qing's men tries to dismiss it as mere "messing around," Lin Sui retaliates by grabbing the man's arm, causing him pain. Wan Qing intervenes, asking what else he wants after physically assaulting her employee. Lin Sui sternly warns her that if she wishes to be friends with Nana, she must be respectful and understand that if Nana is unwilling, she must leave her alone.
He concludes with a threat, stating that if such an incident occurs again, the consequences will be severe. Wan Qing questions his implication. Jiang Mu informs Nana of her decision to stay in Manshi for her studies, explaining that she needs a valid reason to do so and prefers Manshi's vibrant and diverse environment over going to Canada, as her mother wished. She mentions needing to enroll in a language foundation course due to her weak language skills.
Nana excitedly suggests her family's language training institute, which specializes in less commonly taught languages. Impressed by the school's size, Jiang Mu enrolls in an intermediate class, which Nana explains is a medium-sized class for overseas Chinese, foreigners, and Chinese students planning to study abroad.
Nana emphasizes the importance of interacting with locals and teaches Jiang Mu several phrases in the local language, such as "Don't worry," "Don't overthink it," "So beautiful," "Thank you," "Gently," and "Kiss," which Jiang Mu eagerly practices. With the race drawing near, Jin Chao's car is still missing two critical parts that are unavailable anywhere in the city, leading him to believe he is being targeted.
Despite this obstacle, he remains confident, acknowledging the race's importance for him to secure a top-three finish and enter the top ten in overall points. Nana drops Jiang Mu at the garage, only to find it closed. Nana expresses frustration with Jin Chao's insensitivity for not knowing Jiang Mu was returning and suggests Jiang Mu stay with her. Jiang Mu declines, stating her need to speak with her father, Jin Qiang, about future arrangements with her mother.
Nana then takes her to Jin Qiang's house, which is also locked. Walking alone and feeling down, Jiang Mu accidentally steps on someone's hand in a pile of trash. Startled, she discovers it's her drunken father, Jin Qiang, who explains that the house's electrical circuit is burned out, leaving no air conditioning, and it's cooler outside. Jiang Mu calls Mrs. Zhao, who is in the countryside with Xin.
Mrs. Zhao instructs Jiang Mu to ignore Jin Qiang, as he frequently gets completely drunk and sleeps wherever he drops. Jiang Mu expresses concern about his safety and the mosquitoes, but Mrs. Zhao assures her he will return home once he sobers up. Jin Chao arrives and discovers Jiang Mu with a drunken Jin Qiang next to a pile of trash.
Jiang Mu explains she was trying to care for him by covering him to protect him from mosquitoes, but Jin Chao, seemingly accustomed to Jin Qiang's behavior, dismisses her mosquito concern and brings his father home. Jiang Mu asks Jin Chao about Jin Qiang's current state and how he ended up this way, but Jin Chao suggests she inquire directly when he is sober.
Jiang Mu explains that the house's electrical circuit is burned out and Jin Qiang was too lazy to fix it. Jin Chao promptly repairs the circuit. He then helps a partially sobered Jin Qiang into the shower. Looking at Jin Chao and Jiang Mu, Jin Qiang expresses deep regret, apologizing for being a bad father. He promises to stay with them, provide for them, and cook delicious meals.
Late that night, Jin Chao prepares for a trip, explaining to Jiang Mu that he will be driving to Qingshi for "a few days" to search for a crucial car part, and advises her to stay with Jin Qiang. Jiang Mu expresses concern for his safety while driving at night. She then shares her "good news": she has decided to remain in Manshi to apply for school and has enrolled in a language training class through Nana.
Jin Chao questions her decision, suggesting she would be better off in Canada with her mother, claiming Manshi is not as good as she perceives. Jiang Mu firmly disagrees, stating it's "even better than I imagined." When Jin Chao asks for clarification, she playfully refuses. Jin Chao observes that she has many secrets, to which she retorts that he has even more. He admits his "business is nothing but trouble" and it's better if she doesn't know.
Jiang Mu proposes exchanging secrets, but Jin Chao cuts the conversation short, giving her money and instructing her to eat on time. Jiang Mu, who is a fussy eater, hints that Jin Qiang could cook for her and asks Jin Chao to return soon, to which he replies he'll "try." She privately thinks that "money isn't what I want." After sobering up from his shower, Jin Qiang is asked by Jiang Mu for a favor.
Jiang Mu calls Jiang Yinghan, informing her mother that she has decided to stay in Manshi for its favorable environment and good schools, and has enrolled in a language class, planning to take an exam after three to four months. She tells her mother that Jin Qiang is aware and agrees. Jin Qiang then takes the phone and confirms his agreement. After the call, a hungry Jiang Mu asks Jin Qiang to cook for her, saying she'll eat "anything."
As he cooks, Jiang Mu compliments his culinary skills, declaring them far superior to Jin Chao's. Jin Qiang proudly agrees, joking that he was also much more handsome than Jin Chao in his youth. Jiang Mu echoes this sentiment. Jin Qiang dismisses her flattery and tells her to go to bed early, adding that he plans to sleep in the next morning and not to be disturbed for breakfast.
When Jin Chao cannot find the necessary parts, he discusses a connecting rod with a man, who suggests he craft the part himself, as no suitable alternative exists in Manshi. Jin Chao accepts the challenge. During the race, his black car exhibits great potential. A crew member advises caution on the back hill due to numerous blind curves, emphasizing safety. Someone is later seen watering the downhill road, causing concern among observers who question if it's "extra training."
Jin Chao, however, confidently relies on his rain tires. Despite a warning about his thin tires, Jin Chao's car skids on the wet track, allowing an opponent to overtake him. In a dramatic final sprint, he skillfully maneuvers his car, driving backward across the finish line, securing a victory by a car's length and successfully earning a spot in the top ten in points.
Nana takes Jiang Mu to Lin Sui's luxurious garage, where Jiang Mu is impressed by a 1999 GTR34 she'd only seen in movies. Nana explains Lin Sui's perfectionist nature, which extends to his car modifications and maintaining the garage like a sterile ward, hence a faint "hospital smell." Jiang Mu notices the car's small, light, and delicate pedal, speculating it's a custom modification.
While Jiang Mu takes photos, Lin Sui, observing them via surveillance, calls Nana away by dangling a promised guitar. Left alone, Jiang Mu is confronted by Lin Sui, who accuses her of being sent by a rival racing team to use Nana to get close to him. Jiang Mu dismisses his self-importance and denies any ulterior motive, explaining she was simply curious and Nana brought her there.
She then provocatively states that his car collection is "not that impressive" and "nothing special," adding that her friend possesses a "Wankel engine" that is "really impressive," an engine Lin Sui had been actively searching for. Intrigued, Lin Sui's expression changes, but Jiang Mu asserts it's "none of his business" and demands to be let go. Lin Sui agrees to drive Jiang Mu home, but only after she provides her address.
Upon arrival, Jiang Mu slams his car door and warns him that if he provokes her again, she might become the first person to smash his car, to which he playfully agrees to give her "that chance next time." He then makes a comment about a nearby restaurant, which Jiang Mu informs him only sells "extremely salty pickled vegetable filling dumplings."
Later, Mrs. Zhao calls Jin Chao, reporting that she saw Jiang Mu being dropped off by a man in a sports car and believes Jiang Mu is in a relationship. Concerned, she urges Jin Chao to speak with Jiang Mu, noting her stubborn personality. Jin Chao agrees. During a walk, Jin Chao probes Jiang Mu about her activities in the area and then asks her what kind of person she envisions marrying. Jiang Mu finds the question odd.
Jin Chao recounts a cautionary tale of a schoolmate who exploited a girl, leading to her academic decline and a suicide attempt after their breakup, concluding that boys her age often lack responsibility and view relationships as mere "trophies." Jiang Mu challenges his generalization with an example of a successful high school couple who remained together and attended the same university. Jin Chao maintains that "most boys at this age aren't mature enough to shoulder responsibility."
Jiang Mu then directly asks him if he is "that kind of boy." As they navigate a challenging path, Jiang Mu nearly steps into a hole, but Jin Chao quickly catches her. He offers his clothes for her to hold, but she chooses to take his hand, stating she "won't take this kind of path with anyone else either."
