The Best of You in My Mind Episode 8 Recap
> The Best of You in My Mind Recap
Lin Xichi took Xu Fang's earlier advice to heart, appearing for her outing in a long, straight black wig and a white dress. Though her new look was a bit messy, Senior Ye was pleasantly surprised, complimenting her. Later, Xu Fang, seeing her transformed appearance, privately wondered if Lin Xichi's earlier question about what kind of girl men liked was subtly directed at him. Senior Ye chose an art studio for their date, believing it would appeal to her.
While he meticulously sketched "Lump," one of Picasso's famous dogs, Lin Xichi's canvas remained largely empty until the last minute. She quickly sketched a simple dog from her phone. To her surprise, Senior Ye interpreted her drawing as another rendition of Picasso's "Lump," marveling at their perceived shared understanding. He expressed delight at their "connection," leaving Lin Xichi feeling a mix of amusement and embarrassment.
As they left the studio, a gust of wind unfortunately blew Lin Xichi's wig off, leaving her mortified. Senior Ye quickly reassured her, saying she looked beautiful with either long or short hair. Their lunch at a Western restaurant proved equally challenging for Lin Xichi, who found herself struggling with her filet mignon, even questioning where the cut was located on the cow, relating it to an anatomy class drawing.
Senior Ye, noticing her struggle, wondered if his conversation about his interests was boring her, or if she hadn't learned about cow anatomy yet. Recognizing her discomfort, Senior Ye suggested another outing, taking her to a pet shop. Upon entering, Lin Xichi's demeanor instantly shifted; her eyes lit up as she excitedly identified various breeds like Labradors, Huskies, Schnauzers, Bulldogs, and particularly a Westie that she longed to hold.
Senior Ye, observing her relaxed state, noted that she seemed happiest there. He subtly indicated his ownership of the establishment by mentioning "our pet shop" and its focus on "advanced care services" for "purebred dogs which have had competitions," though Lin Xichi seemed oblivious to these clues. Back at school, Lin Xichi ran into Xu Fang and Jiang Zheng Xu, who were surprised by her changed appearance.
Xu Fang, noticing her long black wig and white dress, immediately mocked her, asking if she thought it was ugly and comparing her to Sadako. Lin Xichi, familiar with his taunts, lashed out, calling him a "dog" and declaring she wouldn't speak to him again. Their usual bickering escalated, resulting in a physical struggle. Eventually, Xu Fang called for a truce, counting to three for them to release each other.
He then surprisingly apologized and called her "Big Brother Chi," though he still playfully called her "the most stupid person in the world." He suggested they reconcile, offering to treat her to a meal the next day. The following day, Lin Xichi had abandoned her previous day's outfit, reverting to her usual self. When Xu Fang questioned why she didn't wear the wig, she retorted that she was afraid of scaring him with her "Sadako" look.
They opted for a simple street food meal, a familiar comfort for both. Lin Xichi admitted the steak from the day before hadn't filled her, leaving her hungry. As they ate, they reminisced about their childhood, recalling how they used to skip classes together for the same food. Lin Xichi remembered Xu Fang forging signatures, her father being frequently called to school when they feigned sickness together, and Xu Fang even writing her essays.
This simple interaction highlighted the ease and genuine comfort Lin Xichi felt when she was with Xu Fang, a stark contrast to her previous date. With Lin Xichi's birthday just days away, Xu Fang decided to give her his gift early, as her class was scheduled for a farm visit that day, followed by dinner with her mother.
He presented her with a rare Yugioh card, the very one she had desperately wanted to complete her collection as a child, and which she had asked him to give her for her birthday back then. Though Lin Xichi feigned disinterest, claiming she no longer collected such cards and didn't want it, Xu Fang insisted it was her birthday present, showing he still remembered her childhood wish. He then questioned if Senior Ye would also be attending the farm trip.
Days before her birthday, Lin Xichi had dinner with her mother, Zheng Fang Fang. During their meal, Lin Xichi asked about her parents' early relationship. Zheng Fang Fang recounted how her father, Lin Chang Ge, though reserved, had shown his deep affection by consistently bringing her warm jujube juice during the coldest winters, which eventually led to their marriage.
Lin Xichi, who had always perceived her father as a "strict person" even in his youth and complained he never cooked proper meals, expressed understanding for her mother's departure but hoped they could reconcile for the sake of her and her brother, Lin Xi Geng, to have a complete home. Later, with friends Nie Yue and Xin Zidan, Lin Xichi devised a plan.
She crafted a WeChat message, posing as Zheng Fang Fang, to send to Lin Chang Ge, reminiscing about the "jujube juice" and her desire for him to find warmth. Lin Chang Ge, however, responded with a cold message, telling her not to interfere in matters that hadn't concerned her for years. Lin Xichi initially misjudged his reaction, thinking it was just a bad mood, but her sister later confirmed that their father was simply being his usual stubborn self.
On the morning of her birthday, Lin Xichi awoke to a flood of WeChat messages wishing her well. She had to rush to meet Nie Yue and Xin Zidan, barely making it to the bus for their class trip to Hum Hum Organic Farm. There, Senior Ye, an animal medical student, greeted them.
He began instructing the class on how to safely handle and examine animals, particularly focusing on methods of "holding their horns and getting on their backs" for sheep, a crucial step before examination or vaccination. After demonstrating the technique himself, he invited students to try. Lin Xichi, with Nie Yue holding the sheep for her, successfully managed the technique. Afterwards, she helped a friend take a photo, but during this time, she inadvertently lost her phone.
