The Best of You in My Mind Episode 20 Recap
> The Best of You in My Mind Recap
Lin Xichi, having reconciled with her parents, now cherished her father's role in her upbringing more than ever. She discussed her post-graduation plans with him, sharing her intention to stay and work in Rong City, find a rental home, and eventually bring Xu Fang to live with her. She reassured her father that she was capable of taking care of herself and promised to call him whenever needed.
Reflecting on her family, Lin Xichi explained the unique reproductive process of seahorses, where the male is responsible for raising the offspring. She likened her parents to seahorses, acknowledging that both she and Lin Xi Geng had been lovingly raised by their father. She affirmed that she no longer harbored any resentment towards him and expressed a desire to become a parent who would always be present for her future children, mirroring her father's devotion.
At their graduation ceremony, Lin Xichi gathered with Nie Yue and other friends to capture the moment with photos. As they prepared for a group picture, Lin Xichi expressed her feelings about being the only one left to continue her studies alone in the final year. Just as the camera flashed, she quickly leaned in and playfully kissed Xu Fang on the cheek. Nie Yue, observing the scene, remarked that the resulting image looked like a wedding photo.
He Liyang, unable to attend the graduation ceremony due to a leg injury, received a thoughtful visit from Lin Xi Geng. He brought her a graduation robe, helped her wear it, and took commemorative photos. He Liyang, clearly pleased, smiled for the camera as they discussed her post-graduation dream of a year-long motorbike trip, now temporarily derailed by her injury. Lin Xi Geng assured her that her injury would heal, and they would eventually embark on the trip.
Later, Lin Xichi, Nie Yue, and their friends connected with He Liyang via video call from the bustling ceremony, ensuring she felt included and sending their well wishes for her swift recovery. Soon after, a doctor confirmed He Liyang's recovery was progressing well, informing her that she would soon be able to walk with a cast. Overjoyed, He Liyang and Lin Xi Geng eagerly anticipated fulfilling her aspiration of a motorbike journey. A farewell party was held for Xu Fang.
Jiang Zheng Xu, addressing Xu Fang as his best brother, raised a toast to his recovery abroad, jokingly advising him to avoid the temptation of expensive branded goods. Lin Xichi then presented Xu Fang with a custom-made necklace engraved with the character "Fang," playfully admitting it resembled a dog tag, though Xu Fang expressed his genuine liking for it.
The gathering was soon joined by Coach Jiang and Xu Fang's teammates, who, having learned of his injury, offered their unwavering support and shared valuable wisdom. Coach Jiang reminded Xu Fang that an exceptional athlete must conquer three critical challenges: fatigue and tiredness, failure, and sickness and injuries. He urged Xu Fang to remain resilient, drawing strength from the pride archery brought him and the thoughts of his friends and teammates, rather than allowing himself to be discouraged.
Xu Fang promised he would not let them down. In exchange for the necklace, Xu Fang handed Lin Xichi a blank book titled "Future plans with Fang Fang," instructing her to fill it with her aspirations from the day he departed, promising to fulfill each one upon his return. He confessed to having previously seen her personal notes, which explained how their "three-year plan" for milestones like holding hands and kissing had been unexpectedly achieved overnight.
While denying he intentionally pried, he admitted he saw his name written. Lin Xichi playfully teased him about "conquering" her. Xu Fang confessed his long-standing affection for her, though he couldn't pinpoint the exact moment it began, musing that their destinies might have intertwined the day his family moved next door to hers. They both agreed never to suggest breaking up again.
Before their final goodbye, Lin Xichi made Xu Fang promise not to fall for any other boys, which he readily agreed to. As Xu Fang prepared to depart, Lin Xichi meticulously checked his passport, ID, and phone, showering him with advice to take care of himself, eat on time, and avoid staying up late.
She urged him not to wander alone at night and to contact Jiang Zheng Xu if he returned late from work or felt down, though she stipulated any social outings should include other girls. Overcome with reluctance, Lin Xichi jokingly expressed regret for her magnanimity, wishing she could find kidnappers to bring him back. Xu Fang, in turn, reassured her he would return soon, take good care of himself, and secure a decent job to achieve self-sufficiency.
Lin Xichi, emotional, reflected on how Xu Fang had always been by her side through every hardship, declaring him the "most precious" person she had met. She vowed to become the "best version of herself" to honor their relationship. Their tearful farewell was punctuated by a final promise from Lin Xichi: Xu Fang must not fall for other girls, to which he readily agreed, sealing it with an embrace amidst the falling rain.
Time seemed to accelerate, and the day they first met felt like only yesterday. Yet, they now faced the reality of going their separate ways after graduation. Their shared youth had been marked by a tapestry of emotions including sadness, joy, arguments, and reconciliations. As Xu Fang departed for abroad, Jiang Zheng Xu observed that they had all been left behind. He shared his immediate post-graduation plan to focus on earning money to repay his family's debts.
Although Xu Fang had departed, the depth of Lin Xichi's affection only intensified. She resolved to face life positively and await his return, while also focusing on her immediate goals. Nie Yue supported her by providing a list of potential internship hospitals, although she humorously attributed her help to Xu Fang's request for Jiang Zheng Xu to look after Lin Xichi. Lin Xichi expressed her primary wish to secure a job quickly to alleviate any worries Xu Fang might have.
However, her internship search proved challenging; she visited numerous pet hospitals, including Sheng Chong Pet Hospital, Ai Yue Pet Shop, and An Bei Pet Shop, only to face repeated rejections due to lack of open positions or specific requirements. Later, she received an official call from Sheng Chong Pet Hospital confirming her unsuccessful interview. Meanwhile, Jiang Zheng Xu was plagued by persistent calls from individuals demanding repayment of his father's debts.
Lin Xichi, protective, intervened and encouraged him not to give up, asserting they could earn the money together. Across the distance, Xu Fang embarked on his rigorous training abroad under Coach Jiang, who, along with Liu Xiao Jiang, an intimate friend, instructed him to "drop the bow, forget the past, and start from the beginning" as a novice.
Xu Fang's initial days were consumed by intense physical training, running relentlessly to achieve complete body control, a dedication that earned him praise as a "thorough-bred horse." During a video call, Lin Xichi, trying to sound positive, initially claimed her job search was going well. However, in a private moment, she admitted to a friend her struggles, having been rejected by numerous hospitals.
Xu Fang, in turn, shared insights from his training, explaining that Coach Jiang emphasized archery relied on feeling rather than sight, citing the example of Lin Dong Xian, a world champion with extremely poor vision who could still hit targets. Xu Fang grasped that the true "target" was within one's heart, not merely visible to the eye, and his current training aimed at achieving mental and physical stability for each shot. Lin Xichi jokingly suggested he try shooting blindfolded, like Guo Jing's master Ke Zhen E.
