The Best of You in My Mind Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> The Best of You in My Mind Recap
After the qualifying round of the National Archery Championships, Xu Fang stayed late to practice. His performance that day had been subpar, barely securing his qualification for the finals. Lin Xichi arrived, having gone to great lengths to bring their dog, Fang Fang, to cheer him on. As Xu Fang rested his head on Lin Xichi's lap, he found a sense of peace while listening to her talk about their future.
Lin Xichi spoke of his potential path to the national team, the World Championships, and even the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which would mean four years of waiting for her. Though she playfully complained about the long wait, she concluded that four years was a short period in a hundred-year lifespan. She also humorously demanded that he be by her side during her pregnancy, childbirth, and confinement, serving her just as she imagined he served his own father.
Her words brought him comfort, rekindling his confidence. The following day, the individual elimination tournament began, and Xu Fang’s form returned, attracting many spectators with his steady performance. In what seemed like a destined rematch, Xu Fang once again faced Ding Yi. However, the weather turned, with strong winds quickly followed by heavy rain, conditions that would severely impact their scores. Despite the adverse weather, Xu Fang concluded the match by hitting a telescoping shot.
When the referee announced Xu Fang as the champion of the National Archery Championships, widespread cheers erupted. However, Xu Fang’s gaze was fixed solely on Lin Xichi, who had dropped her umbrella in her excitement. He had succeeded, a silent understanding passing between them that spoke volumes. Later, at a celebratory dinner for Xu Fang's victory, Xu Fang himself was absent, but this did not dampen the spirits of his friends.
As they toasted to Xu Fang's win and to Lin Xichi as the "future wife of the champion," the subtle affection between Lin Xi Geng and He Liyang was evident. Someone commented on Lin Xi Geng's good performance over the past year, and He Liyang admitted she wouldn't know what to do without him.
When asked why she hadn't pursued studying abroad with her high GPA, she replied that she was "waiting for someone to grow up," clearly referring to Lin Xi Geng. Lin Xichi, then gave a heartfelt speech, thanking everyone for their support. She reflected on their shared journey of laughter, tears, hopes, and disappointments, emphasizing that they had never forgotten their original aspirations.
She likened life to archery, where once an arrow is shot, it cannot be recalled, urging everyone to strive forward and become their best selves to meet the best people in the world. During the meal, Xu Fang called, and everyone insisted Lin Xichi put him on speaker. Their sweet exchange, filled with expressions of longing, amused everyone. Xu Fang mentioned that he was looking forward to introducing her to someone important in his hometown in a few days.
He instructed her to dress formally and bring the black box he had given her previously, which she hadn't been able to open. Lin Xichi, surprised that the box was not for her but for this mysterious meeting, was left confused by his cryptic instructions. Arriving in his hometown, Lin Xichi saw Xu Fang on a bicycle.
A sense of nostalgia washed over her, making their childhood antics feel like they had just happened yesterday, as if they had grown up overnight. Xu Fang led her to a familiar tall building, a place they hadn't visited in a long time. He asked if she wanted to go up, despite the presence of a security guard.
Once on the rooftop, Xu Fang observed that they had come full circle, ending up back at this significant place, now as a couple. He told her that this day might be the most special one for her. On the rooftop, Xu Fang’s parents and their friends were waiting. Xu Fang asked Lin Xichi to open the black box and allowed her to ask for help with the password.
After several incorrect guesses from their friends, Lin Xi Geng correctly deduced that the password was 0710, based on the numerical pronunciation of Lin Xichi's name: Lin (0), Xi (7), Chi (10). Lin Xichi was impressed that her brother remembered such a detail about her. Inside the box was a ring that was clearly not her size. Xu Fang explained, "It's not for you. It's for myself."
He then knelt before her, holding another ring, and formally proposed, saying, "Lin Xichi, adopt me." With their parents and friends cheering them on, they embraced and shared a shy kiss, promising a lifetime together. Years later, in 2020, a voiceover reflected that true and beautiful relationships often begin in innocence, and that it is a great fortune to remain with the most important person from one's youth, like holding hands with one's childhood self, never letting go.
By this time, Lin Xichi was pregnant, and she and Xu Fang were watching their dog, Fang Fang, play freely on the grass. Lin Xichi, overwhelmed by her happiness, wondered if their lives were fictitious, like characters in a drama, fearing that Xu Fang might stop loving her once the "drama" ended. Xu Fang reassured her that their existence and their love were real, and that after all the challenges they had overcome, she deserved this happiness.
He affirmed his love for her, and she, in turn, asked him to continue loving her even after the "drama" concluded. He promised he would. The story concluded with the hopeful message that one can only deserve the best in life by becoming the best version of themselves, wishing everyone with love in their hearts the strength to achieve this.
