The Best of You in My Mind Episode 7 Recap
> The Best of You in My Mind Recap
The coach, a former teammate and close friend of Xu Fang's first coach, reflected on his friend's past. A talented and hard-working seeded player, his friend had missed joining the national team at the age of thirty due to emotional instability during a major competition, leading to a crucial missed shot. The coach now saw a similar determined, talented, and energetic spirit in Xu Fang, which paradoxically became his greatest worry.
He aimed to guide Xu Fang to achieve the dream his friend couldn't, emphasizing that archery is not merely about strength or technique, but about maintaining composure and confronting oneself, unaffected by external pressures. Despite Xu Fang's stubbornness regarding his shooting posture, Lin Xichi advocated for him. She convinced Coach Liu that Xu Fang had matured since becoming captain, now acting seriously and responsibly.
His reluctance to change his technique stemmed from a fear of underperforming and failing to demonstrate the archery team's capabilities or improve their standing. Lin Xichi presented a target paper from Xu Fang's practice, showcasing his consistent high scores of nine rings or above, regardless of his technique. This evidence made Coach Liu realize his own rigidity and narrow-mindedness, admitting that as long as excellent results were achieved, a specific posture shouldn't be a limitation.
He then encouraged Xu Fang to unleash his full potential in the upcoming competition. As the friendly match against Huaqing University approached, the Rong University team was plagued by anxiety, feeling outmatched and dreading humiliation, especially on their home turf. Coach Liu acknowledged their feelings of inadequacy but stressed that a true athlete must possess an unyielding spirit. During a break, with the team visibly disheartened, he reminded them that personal growth requires pushing one's limits.
He pointed out the individual improvements of his athletes: Fu Kuan Kuan's enhanced stamina, Yu Tong's newfound ability to self-reflect rather than make excuses, and Yao Wang's recent abstention from junk food. He reiterated that archery is a personal battle, urging them to conquer their fears and cultivate a "champion's heart" before stepping onto the field. The friendly match commenced with a qualifying round, followed by an elimination tournament.
During the finals, the competition intensified between Xu Fang and Ding Yi from Huaqing University. Despite Ding Yi winning the first round, Xu Fang consistently landed bullseyes, allowing Rong University to catch up. The score reached a thrilling five-five tie, necessitating a sudden-death tiebreaker. As Ding Yi flawlessly hit a bullseye, cheers erupted from his team. Xu Fang, unfazed, put on his headphones, seemingly isolating himself from the external commotion.
He then released his arrow, striking near the center of the target, securing a hard-fought victory for Rong University. Coach Liu was visibly surprised and elated by the outcome, while the triumphant Rong University team, amidst roaring cheers from their fellow students, hoisted Xu Fang into the air in celebration. A celebratory dinner followed, hosted by the Rong University archery team.
Coach Liu, beaming with unconcealed pride, delivered a diplomatic speech, declaring "Friendship first, competition second" to their "brother schools" from Huaqing. The Huaqing team, though clearly disappointed by their defeat, maintained their composure while dining. Before leaving, Ding Yi approached Xu Fang, acknowledging his skill and expressing a keen anticipation for their next "real match." Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Xu Fang paid little heed to the outgoing remarks of the Huaqing team.
His attention was fixed on Ye Shao Wen, who was diligently serving Lin Xichi. Xu Fang's jealousy was palpable. Sensing Xu Fang's feelings for Lin Xichi, Ye Shao Wen made it clear that despite their shared history as childhood friends, he had no intention of backing down. He openly declared his intention to pursue Lin Xichi.
Realizing that he couldn't simply deter rivals like Ye Shao Wen, Xu Fang knew his only option was to confess his feelings to Lin Xichi. That night, he found her and, in a rare moment of seriousness, apologized for the "horrible things" he had said during a rainy night in high school when they were searching for him. He admitted his inability to empathize with her pain at the time and regretted hurting her.
Lin Xichi, however, found his apology long overdue, revealing she had forgiven him the very next day. She recounted trying to find him then, just as he had later tried to find her at her grandfather's house, suggesting they were now "even." As Xu Fang tried to confess his feelings, stammering "I like you," he was unexpectedly interrupted. Xu Fang presented Lin Xichi with the bicycle he had won in the competition. She was overjoyed, excitedly riding circles around him.
Her pure joy deeply resonated with Xu Fang, yet his confession remained unspoken, perhaps out of a profound fear of losing her. When Lin Xichi accidentally fell while riding, Xu Fang, despite his initial concern for the bike, rushed to her side, his worry for her overriding everything else.
He dismissed the bicycle as "shabby" and wanted to abandon it, but Xu Fang insisted on carrying his prize, revealing how much he cherished it, a tangible symbol of his unspoken feelings. Xu Fang's confession remained unsaid, but Ye Shao Wen wasted no time. The very next day, he invited Lin Xichi to dinner. Unaware of the implications, Lin Xichi innocently sought Xu Fang's advice, asking what kind of girls boys typically preferred.
Xu Fang, exasperated, described a type completely opposite to her: quiet girls with long, flowing hair, wearing white dresses, and adept at coy charm, humorously implying she deserved "dog food" instead of a meal. It was clear that Lin Xichi was beginning to develop feelings for Ye Shao Wen, a fact Xu Fang remained painfully oblivious to.
