The Best of You in My Mind Episode 18 Recap
> The Best of You in My Mind Recap
The National College Archery Invitational’s group category began with Rong University team competing fiercely. Lin Xichi cheered enthusiastically for Xu Fang and their teammate Jiang Zheng Xu. As the final arrow approached, Rong University was two points ahead, needing only a steady shot from Xu Fang to secure victory against Huaqing University. Lin Xichi, remembering Coach Liu's past encouragement for Xu Fang, believed in him, telling him, "We'll win."
However, a strange unease seemed to unsettle Xu Fang as he prepared for his shot. Despite the team's strong lead, his final arrow shockingly missed the target entirely, leading to Rong University's unexpected defeat. The loss sent shockwaves through the team. Jiang Zheng Xu immediately confronted Xu Fang in disbelief, demanding to know why he missed, stating Xu Fang had never missed a shot in his life.
As their heated argument escalated, Ding Yi appeared, casually remarking to Xu Fang that at least he had secured his individual championship. This comment fueled Jiang Zheng Xu's suspicion, leading him to accuse Xu Fang of deliberately missing the team shot to secure personal glory. Xu Fang, in turn, stonewalled his agitated teammate, simply saying, "You can think whatever you want." Enraged, Jiang Zheng Xu called him a "jerk," and other teammates openly labeled him "scum" and "rubbish."
Eventually, Xu Fang shockingly confessed, stating he "lost to Huaqing University on purpose" and had never truly liked archery, claiming he only joined for academic reasons. He questioned why they took it so seriously, suggesting he'd rather graduate as a national champion than sacrifice his individual achievements for the team. Jiang Zheng Xu, heartbroken, reminded Xu Fang of their shared dream and how archery was a "fair sport" where no one could cheat.
He bitterly told Xu Fang that he no longer deserved to hold a bow. Later, Nie Yue informed Lin Xichi that Xu Fang had quit the team after a big fight in the locker room, and had told Coach Liu he was no longer practicing. Lin Xichi quickly sought out Xu Fang, finding him sitting alone. She pleaded with him to explain his decision, reminding him of his dedication to archery.
However, Xu Fang coldly reiterated his fabricated story, claiming he joined archery only for his studies and that, as a national champion and fourth-year student, it was the right time to quit. He insisted that he was fine and she shouldn't worry about him. Lin Xichi, unable to believe his words, confided in a friend about Xu Fang's unusual behavior and ill temper. She also learned that he had gone alone into the mountains to clear his head.
Meanwhile, Lin Xichi received persistent, anonymous phone calls. Upon answering, the caller, Chen Ding, introduced herself and requested a meeting. Lin Xichi confronted her about the constant calls, to which Chen Ding admitted she called to gauge Lin Xichi's well-being and, more disturbingly, because she "wanted [Lin Xichi] to live an unfortunate life" so that she herself "could be happy." Lin Xichi was taken aback by her malice.
Chen Ding then explained that hatred had been like a protective "shell" for her, but she suddenly found it gone, leaving her feeling lost. She admitted that she had wanted to tell Lin Xichi how much she hated her, but upon seeing her, she "couldn't bring herself to hate [her]" anymore, which made her feel like an "ungrateful traitor" to her own mother.
This encounter opened Lin Xichi's eyes to her mother's past struggles in Rong City, realizing her mother had quietly endured immense pain alone for ten years. She later messaged Xu Fang, confiding that she now understood her parents' past deceptions were, in fact, "the biggest protection" for her and her brother, and that her insistence on honesty had been selfish. Concerned by Xu Fang's prolonged absence, Coach Liu learned from Lin Xichi that he was still in the mountains.
He tracked Xu Fang to a dilapidated house, finding it filled with target boards, each marked with countless arrows. Xu Fang, despondent, told Coach Liu he could "no longer play archery." Coach Liu challenged him to shoot a target, and despite Xu Fang's initial reluctance, he accurately hit it.
Coach Liu then revealed that Xu Fang's true problem was not a lack of skill, but that his "body and mind have been captured by fear," a condition known as target panic, which makes archers unable to hit the bullseye. He explained that while technique is learned early, psychological fortitude is paramount for archers. Coach Liu admitted he had noticed signs of this problem earlier but was surprised by its sudden and severe onset.
He offered Xu Fang the opportunity to go abroad after graduation for specialized treatment at a world-class rehabilitation-training center, emphasizing that target panic was a treatable psychological condition, not a terminal diagnosis. Xu Fang said he would consider the offer.
