Summer Again Episode 18 Recap
> Summer Again Recap
Tong Xi taught ballet to Xiao Bei while Lin Nanyi captured their graceful movements on canvas. Later, on their way back, Tong Xi fell asleep on Lin Nanyi, creating a tender and intimate moment. At Wang Yiming's basketball game, Sun Jieping and her friend arrived to cheer him on. Earlier, Sun Jieping had playfully asked Wang Yiming to pick up a ball, to which he had retorted about her own legs, before grumbling and picking it up for her.
She confidently declared Wang Yiming the best small forward in the basketball club, much to her friend's agreement. Tao Zhu, however, grew visibly uncomfortable observing their interaction and soon left the court, feeling unsettled. Later, Tao Zhu asked Wang Yiming when he started playing and if he had a coach, to which Wang Yiming attributed his skill to natural talent before excusing himself.
Sun Jieping then asked Tao Zhu if he could teach her basketball, and he readily agreed, suggesting they get something to eat first. As the new semester began, Tong Xi's mother brought her glutinous rice balls for supper, a treat from her father, and discussed Tong Xi's decision to pursue the arts stream, offering her full support.
On the first day of school, Lin Nanyi showed his affection by queuing for over an hour to buy Tong Xi her favorite oyster cakes from Xi Zhao Lane, which deeply touched her. Their friends teased Lin Nanyi for his thoughtfulness. Their teacher announced a school-organized Community Day activity where students would help fishermen dig clams. This was mandatory for students applying for poverty allowance, while others could volunteer.
Tong Xi, having never experienced sea-foraging despite growing up by the sea, was very excited to try it. Tao Zhu, Lin Nanyi, and Wang Yiming decided to sign up with her, agreeing it would be a last group activity before class streaming. Tao Zhu jokingly told Wang Yiming to "go with Sun Jieping instead," but Wang Yiming insisted he would join his friends.
Lin Nanyi also committed to joining the group, stating he would participate for his friends before class streaming separated them. Meanwhile, Ni Xiaowan's father insisted she apply for the poverty allowance, which had increased significantly by 50%. He was frustrated by her reluctance, reminding her of his struggles for every cent and asking if her dignity was worth more than the money, noting that his work as a fisherman was not shameful.
Ni Xiaowan, worried about her image among classmates, argued that her family wasn't that poor and she feared being looked down upon. Her mother tried to calm the situation, suggesting the money could be saved for college tuition.
Ni Xiaowan secretly nurtured a facade of being from a well-off family, boasting about a cousin studying at a key school in Da Cheng City, an aunt there who sent her study materials, and a one-on-one tutor her father arranged in Da Cheng. Alone, she mused on how many lies she had told to maintain her "perfect person" image and how she would keep them up. Overwhelmed, she eventually tore up the poverty application form.
Later, Lin Nanyi coincidentally saw Ni Xiaowan's torn application form. He tried to comfort her, telling her not to be ashamed, as it was "nothing." However, Ni Xiaowan felt he didn't understand her situation. Tong Xi witnessed this interaction and felt a pang of jealousy. That evening, Lin Nanyi informed Tong Xi that Mint's new single volume had been printed and promised to share the sample copy with her as soon as it arrived.
The next day, during class, Ni Xiaowan feigned a stomachache to leave the classroom. Her father, furious that she had torn up the application, arrived at the school gate to submit it himself. Ni Xiaowan frantically rushed out to stop him, pleading for him not to embarrass her at school. Her father, however, was resolute, arguing that there was nothing shameful about their situation and that if she cared about dignity, she shouldn't rely on family money.
Lin Nanyi, passing by, intervened, offering Ni Xiaowan his bank card and telling her to use the money as a loan to give her parents an explanation, rather than applying for the allowance. Ni Xiaowan, recalling his similar kindness in junior high, thanked him but initially refused. She then emotionally leaned on him, asking him to stay with her for a moment.
Tong Xi, on her way to collect the sample copy of Mint's new single volume, witnessed this intimate scene. Overwhelmed by emotion, she threw the necklace Lin Nanyi had given her and ran off in tears. Lin Nanyi tried to follow, but she was too upset to listen, asking if he couldn't tell her about Ni Xiaowan.
Tao Zhu found Tong Xi and tried to comfort her, saying it must be a misunderstanding and reminding her of Lin Nanyi's recent kind gesture with the oyster cakes. Tong Xi, however, expressed her frustration, comparing Lin Nanyi's secretive behavior to Wang Yiming's reluctance to share information since becoming friends with Sun Jieping.
During the weekend clam digging activity, Ni Xiaowan approached Lin Nanyi, thanking him for inviting her to the group chat, which allowed her to participate without officially being identified as a needy student. Lin Nanyi reassured her that many students were there voluntarily and no one would judge her. Ni Xiaowan, however, still feared gossip and wished for class streaming to happen quickly so her situation would be unknown.
Meanwhile, Sun Jieping and Wang Yiming were seen happily digging clams together, with Sun Jieping excitedly showing Wang Yiming a small crab she caught. This sight further angered Tong Xi and Tao Zhu. As the activity concluded, Wang Yiming suggested to Sun Jieping that they should play basketball together again if the opportunity arose.
