Summit of Our Youth Episode 19 Recap
> Summit of Our Youth Recap
The competition entered its final countdown, and in the decisive round, Capital University emerged victorious. Everyone cheered for their efforts. Before stepping onto the podium, Gu Xuejiao mysteriously told Lin Zhihua she had a big surprise for him. As she passed Zhou Shiyun, Gu Xuejiao mentioned the final maintenance system, asking if it was specifically designed. Zhou Shiyun replied that if their positions were reversed, Gu Xuejiao would also show no mercy, a straightforwardness Gu Xuejiao appreciated.
The two congratulated each other, with Gu Xuejiao acknowledging Zhou Shiyun’s strong performance. During the award ceremony, Zheng Qin, though outwardly smiling, presented the trophy to Gu Xuejiao. While Gu Xuejiao's win was unexpected to her, she quickly composed herself with a smile, accepting the award. After Gu Xuejiao's team thanked Zheng Qin, a reporter pressed Zheng Qin on whether the award was prearranged due to the collaboration between Capital University and B&C Motors. Zheng Qin denied it, assuring fairness.
Gu Xuejiao then politely asked Zheng Qin if the competition represented the highest national standard, which Zheng Qin confirmed. Gu Xuejiao then publicly announced that Capital University’s intelligent information technology would be applied to the C1 autonomous vehicle project, a collaboration between Capital University and B&C Motors, spearheaded by honorary captain Lin Zhihua. Facing a technology selected as champion by her own company, Zheng Qin could only force a bitter smile and concur.
Zheng Qin, looking displeased, exchanged tense glances with Gu Xuejiao before warning her after the ceremony that their issues weren't over. Lin Zhihua approached Gu Xuejiao, asking if this public announcement was her "surprise." Gu Xuejiao confirmed, and Lin Zhihua found it "super satisfying." Worried about Zhou Shiyun’s spirits, Gu Mingze rushed to comfort her, admitting he was awkward with words and had even searched online for phrases to console a second-place winner.
Zhou Shiyun, seeing his genuine efforts to cheer her up, eventually managed a smile and made him promise that in his heart, she would always be number one. With the busy competition days behind them, Lin Zhihua planned a date with Gu Xuejiao. However, Gu Xuejiao deemed it too time-consuming, expressing her desire to gain more experience before Lin Zhihua graduated.
As they talked, a news notification appeared, stating that Capital University had been disqualified from the National Intelligent Safety Competition (NISC) and stripped of its championship due to rule violations. Gu Xuejiao exclaimed, "Shameless!" Lin Zhihua immediately suspected Zheng Qin was behind it and, without hesitation, pulled Gu Xuejiao to B&C Motors for an explanation. At B&C Motors, Zheng Qin claimed to have received complaints about Capital University's cheating during the competition, stating that the disqualification was a committee decision.
Just then, Dr. Cai from B&C headquarters unexpectedly entered the meeting room. He sternly reprimanded Zheng Qin for consistently damaging B&C's reputation and appropriating the technical achievements of startup teams. As Zheng Qin tried to defend herself, Dr. Cai produced a joint letter of complaint. Lin Zhihua revealed he had asked Lin Zhiyue to collect statements from all the teams B&C had wronged, presenting irrefutable evidence. Zheng Qin was left speechless and forced to accept civil penalties.
Regarding the cooperation with Capital University, Dr. Cai stated it would not be affected. However, Lin Zhihua informed him that they wished to terminate the partnership, citing B&C’s prior breach of contract as the reason. Dr. Cai respected Lin Zhihua's decision, offering future help if needed. After resolving the dispute with B&C Motors, Lin Zhihua suggested they celebrate.
Gu Xuejiao, however, stated she had coursework to complete and also expressed a desire for Lin Zhihua to inform her earlier about such matters in the future, asking for his complete trust. Hearing "trust," Lin Zhihua considered revealing his secret about being a transmigrator to Gu Xuejiao but was hesitant. He initially thought of consulting Lin Zhiyue but ultimately decided against asking her for advice, instead calling Gu Xuejiao directly to tell her in person.
Gu Xuejiao was waiting on campus when she unexpectedly encountered the little girl who had been in the same hospital room as Lin Zhihua. The girl mentioned that Lin Zhihua had accurately predicted the score of the World Cup match between China and Korea. Gu Xuejiao recalled Lin Zhihua mentioning a secret before he went abroad, confirming her suspicion that he had been hiding something from her.
When Lin Zhihua found a visibly upset Gu Xuejiao, he tried to explain that he had intended to tell her the truth after the C1 project was launched, and that he had feared mixing memories and affecting their relationship. Gu Xuejiao, however, felt that Lin Zhihua still treated her like a fool, just as in his previous life, and, regardless of his explanations, walked away angrily. Lin Zhihua sought comfort from Gu Mingze.
Gu Mingze suggested Zhou Shiyun console Gu Xuejiao. Lin Zhihua admitted he had only told "white lies," but Gu Mingze argued that lovers should have no secrets and that such lies, even with good intentions, still breach trust. The next day at the lab, Lin Zhihua wrote an apology letter, but Gu Xuejiao refused to even look at it. She updated her social media status with, "What's a boyfriend? Sisters should be self-reliant."
Yi Tianyu, seeing Gu Xuejiao's post, immediately booked a flight back to China, even buying a bouquet of yellow roses to "celebrate" Gu Xuejiao's breakup. Lin Zhihua sent Gu Xuejiao an apology message, only to discover he had been unfriended. Back at the lab, Yi Tianyu appeared at the doorway with flowers. After a brief altercation, Lin Zhihua entered the lab to work. Yi Tianyu then called Sun Tiantian for help.
Within minutes, he returned with new milk teas from Sun Tiantian's shop, delivering one to Gu Xuejiao with its precise, elaborate order (zero sugar, less ice, pearls replaced with popping boba plus milk foam, peach oolong tea). He expected a surprise, but Gu Xuejiao only felt awkward, telling him to distribute the milk teas and leave quickly so as not to disrupt their work. Meanwhile, Zhou Shiyun’s family business went bankrupt, forcing them to sell their villa to repay debts.
As Zhou Shiyun packed her belongings at home, her mother continued to chastise her for not being good enough, constantly comparing her to Gu Xuejiao and accusing her of deliberately trying to embarrass her. Finally, Zhou Shiyun found the courage to stand up, asserting that no matter what she achieved, it would never earn her mother's approval. She declared that from now on, she would only follow her own heart and would not live with her parents anymore.
As she walked out of the house, Gu Mingze followed her quietly, hesitant to ask why she was upset. Zhou Shiyun eventually stopped and confided in Gu Mingze, who simply stayed by her side, assuring her that her feelings mattered, and seeing her safe was paramount.
