The Best Thing Episode 5 Recap
> The Best Thing Recap
Shen Xifan returned home in high spirits, a noticeable change that surprised her parents. Her mother quickly concluded that she had reconciled with Yan Heng, although her father simply remarked on her improved complexion after taking traditional Chinese medicine. Later, while having tea with Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen, Shen Xifan shared the mint candy that He Suye had given her. Xu Xiangya, having seen a video of He Suye, found him handsome and suggested Shen Xifan consider dating him.
Shen Xifan, however, firmly stated that they were just friends. She explained that she was applying to study abroad and didn't want a long-distance relationship. On their way back, Xu Xiangya chatted with Lin Yishen about Shen Xifan, lamenting that her friend's dedication to her studies might cause her to miss out on a good relationship.
Lin Yishen then subtly inquired if long-term friendships often made it difficult to develop into something more, to which Xu Xiangya agreed, saying such dynamics are hard to change. Meanwhile, He Suye received a call from his father, He Sheng, who wanted to meet for dinner before flying back to Bei City. He Suye declined, claiming he was already eating. His grandfather, overhearing the conversation, urged him to let go of old grievances.
However, He Suye's resentment towards his father remained strong, stemming from his father's neglect during his mother's critical illness and death. A flashback revealed an earlier argument where He Suye accused his father of never caring for him, especially when his mother was sick, and reiterated his commitment to studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a choice his father, a Western doctor, had strongly opposed.
That evening, Shen Xifan's mother discovered photos of her and He Suye in the neighborhood group chat and confronted her, implying she was two-timing. Shen Xifan finally confessed that she and Yan Heng had broken up some time ago, explaining that their long-distance relationship had led to faded feelings and a lack of common ground. She also revealed her plans to pursue a master's degree in hotel management in Switzerland.
Her parents were taken aback, expressing concerns about her age, the need to quit her current job, and the challenges of re-entering the job market after studying abroad, especially with potential employers considering her future marriage and family plans. Feeling overwhelmed and disheartened by her parents' lack of support, Shen Xifan sought solace downstairs in the neighborhood, where she unexpectedly ran into He Suye. He Suye suggested they go for a late-night snack to clear her head.
To Shen Xifan's surprise, his idea of "venting" was eating spicy hot pot. She was further surprised when he ordered a mild, non-oily white broth hot pot made with Chinese yam for her, as she was on herbal medicine. Shen Xifan playfully challenged his choice of food and hobby (skateboarding), joking that a TCM physician should be "clean-eating" and "cultivated."
He Suye countered, asserting that spicy hot pot is magical if the broth is good and that her perception of TCM doctors was narrow. Encouraged by He Suye, Shen Xifan opened up about her lifelong path of following her parents' wishes, feeling lost, and her desire to study abroad to discover her true self. She admitted her resolve was wavering after her parents' practical concerns.
He Suye empathized, sharing his own story of defying his father to study TCM after witnessing his mother's suffering from breast cancer and chemotherapy, and how Chinese medicine had offered relief. He explained that this experience led him to find his true passion, imagining himself becoming a contented old TCM physician like his grandfather, mentoring students and enjoying tea.
He Suye then advised Shen Xifan, telling her she had two choices: a stable life dictated by her parents, or a brave attempt to follow her dreams. He spoke of the many oncology patients he had seen who, at the end of their lives, were filled with regrets about what they hadn't pursued, urging her to try and see if her dreams came true.
After they returned home, Shen Xifan, reflecting on He Suye's words and demeanor, sensed that he too was carrying a burden. Reinvigorated, she spoke to her parents once more, reiterating her desire to study abroad and informing them she would apply to one of the top three global universities. She promised that if she failed to get in, she would accept the outcome without complaint or regret. Her parents, seeing her determination, finally gave their consent.
Shen Xifan immediately messaged He Suye to share her good news but received no reply. He Suye, meanwhile, was skateboarding alone, using the activity to process his own emotions. Shen Xifan soon found him and excitedly told him that her parents had agreed to her studying abroad. He Suye apologized for not replying, explaining he hadn't seen his phone while skateboarding. To celebrate, He Suye drove Shen Xifan to a serene lakeside.
He shared that he often came to this quiet spot at night during his early career to reflect and decompress, noting how the place would become lively with the sunrise, symbolizing a return to normalcy. Shen Xifan thanked him for his company. Observing his lingering melancholy, she suggested they watch the sunrise together. Touched by her gesture, He Suye agreed, and they waited for dawn.
As the sky brightened, He Suye returned with breakfast, and they sat side-by-side, watching the beautiful sunrise, toasting to the new day. Later, the first heavy rain of autumn arrived, and Shen Xifan experienced severe period pain. Simultaneously, Mr. Ding, a hotel client, was irate about his lost wedding ring, believing it to be stolen.
He explained he had left it on the bathroom counter after washing up, then gone for breakfast, taken a call in the garden, and upon returning, found it missing. He stressed the ring's immense sentimental value, even more so than the Maybach his wife had given him, demanding an immediate search. Shen Xifan instructed staff to check the bathroom pipes and, despite her escalating pain and the pouring rain, personally searched the garden.
She eventually found the ring, calming Mr. Ding, who expressed regret for his earlier accusations and praised her professionalism. Afterward, soaked and in severe pain, Shen Xifan sat in the lounge, distracted, clutching the fragrant sachet He Suye had given her, opting for painkillers rather than taking a day off.
