When We Were Young Recap, Plot, Synopsis
When We Were Young Synopsis
In the summer of 1996, Yang Xi’s legs were injured by the shockwave of a laboratory explosion while chasing a car thief. She was unable to participate in the long-distance running race that would give her extra points in the entrance exam.
After the start of the school year, Yang Xi found out that the “culprit” transferred to her class and took away the class president position she wanted to be re-elected.
The teenager Hua Biao was a hot-blooded, righteous, a little impulsive science genius.
The sudden appearance of Hua Biao made the whole class very serious “like facing an enemy”. However, he used his genius brain to save the class’s mid-autumn party qualification, refresh the game record with a fabulous game strength, help his classmates regardless of his own safety. After he proved his own personality with practical action, everyone finally dispelled the suspicions for him.
Hua Biao formally became one member of the mall group “Fei Che Wu Ren Zu”.
Yang Xi discovered Hua Biao not only has a sense of responsibility and loyalty but also returns filial piety to grandma, then she also finally put down prejudice.
So in the last days of senior high school, the “Fei Che Wu Ren Zu” was all-powerful on campus. They tasted the laughter and bitterness of youth, withstood the growth of the storm, left a trail of youthful in this unforgettable year.
When We Were Young Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In 1996, the Atlanta Olympic Games captivated audiences, and Yang Xi was thrilled to watch Wang Junxia win the gold medal in the women's 5-kilometer long-distance race. Her mother then called her out to run, as she had promised Yang Xi a new bicycle if she could complete 5 kilometers in under 20 minutes. Accompanied by her childhood friend Li Yu, Yang Xi successfully finished the distance in 17 minutes and 59 seconds.
That evening at dinner, Yang Xi eagerly tried to show her parents the timer, but they seemed distracted. To her surprise, they had already prepared the money for her new bike, which she excitedly declared would be a "Giant." Yang Xi's father mentioned that Li Yu's father had bought them identical birthday presents again this year, to which Yang Xi blurted out that she didn't want to spend her birthday with "Master Li" anymore.
Li Yu was visibly hurt and quickly went upstairs after claiming to be full. Yang Xi’s mother criticized her, but Yang Xi dismissed Li Yu's reaction, saying he simply lacked an appetite due to the hot weather and that they shouldn't have to share every birthday like twins. Upstairs, Li Yu was listening to a voice message on a cassette tape from his mother, who informed him she would be returning to China on the 20th of the month.
As he was happily digesting this news, Yang Xi "fished" a food container and a note up to his window, telling him to eat and to meet her at 7 a. m. the next morning to buy her new bicycle. The following morning, Li Yu picked up Yang Xi on his bike, and they soon met up with their friends, Situ Ertiao and Yang Xiaohemei. At the bike shop, Yang Xi immediately spotted and bought a pink Giant bike.
Outside, as Ertiao tried to take a picture of her with her new bike, a thief suddenly rode off with it. Yang Xi, a long-distance runner, told her friends to get their bikes while she pursued the thief on foot. The thief, desperate, rode into Hui Ying High School. Yang Xi managed to jump onto the back of the bike and struggled with him.
Just as her friends arrived and Yang Xi was close to subduing the thief, an explosion occurred in a laboratory upstairs. The shockwave shattered the windows, and falling glass pierced Yang Xi's leg. In the ensuing chaos, the thief escaped with the bike. The next day, Yang Xi was at home recuperating and saw a news report about the explosion, which identified the expelled student responsible as Hua Biao.
Meanwhile, Li Yu had prepared an elaborate dinner, anticipating his mother’s return, but missed her phone call. Yang Xi received the call instead, learning that Li Yu’s mother couldn't come home due to a work issue. Yang Xi went upstairs to relay the disappointing news. Though disappointed, Li Yu saw Yang Xi’s longing gaze at the dinner table and invited her to eat.
Just then, Huang Chengcheng, the class’s art committee member, arrived, claiming to visit Yang Xi but clearly there to see Li Yu. Li Yu slipped away, asking Yang Xi to cover for him. Yang Xi told Huang Chengcheng that Li Yu had to accompany her for a hospital follow-up, which frustrated Huang Chengcheng, who then deliberately deflated Li Yu’s bicycle tire before leaving.
Because his bike tire was flat, Li Yu had to carry Yang Xi on his back to the hospital. Yang Xi chattered incessantly along the way, while Li Yu remained quiet and lost in thought. On September 1st, the first day of their senior year, Ertiao showed the class funny pictures of Yang Xi. The director entered, restored order, and reprimanded the class leader, Yang Xi, for her low academic ranking.
As he spoke, a handsome transfer student, Hua Biao, entered, carrying a backpack with a steel pipe sticking out. He picked up one of Yang Xi’s photos and took the empty seat next to her. Yang Xi smugly informed Li Yu that her new deskmate was more handsome than him, after which Hua Biao asked if her leg was feeling better.
After class, Ertiao recounted rumors about the new student, revealing that Hua Biao was the one who had caused the lab explosion at Hui Ying High School and had been expelled. Yang Xi immediately realized that Hua Biao's explosion was the reason for her leg injury and the loss of her new bike. Enraged, believing his earlier concern was feigned innocence, she confronted him.
Instead of apologizing, Hua Biao suddenly lifted Yang Xi and carried her to the school infirmary for a dressing change. In the infirmary, Yang Xi learned from the doctor that her leg would not recover in time for a crucial running competition in two weeks. She explained that the ten bonus points from that race were essential for her to get into a vocational college.
Witnessing her distress, Hua Biao appeared remorseful and later asked the doctor about the importance of the bonus points. On the way home, Hua Biao appeared again and advised the stubbornly walking Yang Xi to let her friends give her a ride. Yang Xi, still seething, interpreted his words as gloating.
She declared that Hua Biao would be added to her personal list of adversaries, alongside her mother and the director, marking a new chapter in their lives that began in the summer of 1996.
Episode 2 Recap
The episode begins with Li Yu and his father having dinner when their meal is interrupted by a knock at the door. It is Kong Xiaojun, the new head teacher of Year 12 Class 3 at Yu Cai High School, paying a home visit. Kong Xiaojun explains that this is his first head teacher position, and he is eager to understand his students' family situations.
He expresses his determination to transform their class, currently ranked last, into a "dark horse in progression rate" by graduation. Meanwhile, downstairs, Yang Xi calls her brother, Yang Zhao, to dinner. The siblings bicker at the table, while their father expresses bewilderment at Yang Zhao's fleeting interests, from pigeon-keeping to rock music, advising him to settle down.
Yang Zhao dismisses his father's concerns, claiming his latest research on the relationship between voltage and human body resistance is too complex for him to understand. Just as Yang Xi attempts to tell her mother she cannot participate in the long-distance race, Kong Xiaojun arrives, having just finished his visit with Li Yu's family. Kong Xiaojun presents Yang Xi’s dismal academic results from the previous semester.
Trying to save face, Yang Xi's mother brings up Yang Xi's specialty in long-distance running, which could earn her 10 bonus points on the college entrance exam if she places in the top three. At this moment, Yang Xi reveals the truth: her doctor warned her that running in the race could permanently damage her leg. Enraged, her mother grabs a feather duster and then finds Yang Xi's beloved martial arts novels, calling them a "drug" before tearing them up.
Heartbroken, Yang Xi argues with her mother and runs out of the house. Her brother, Yang Zhao, follows to comfort her. He reminds her that while their mother has a bad temper, she cares deeply for them, revealing she had been secretly saving money to buy Yang Xi a new bicycle for her birthday. Yang Zhao explains their mother's anger isn't about the poor grades, but about Yang Xi not knowing what she wants or what she is capable of.
He encourages her to apply the same persistence to her studies that she discovered for running when she used to chase the bus. The next day, on their way to school, Li Yu shows Yang Xi new policies allowing "outstanding student cadres" to earn bonus points, reigniting her hope. At the school's back gate, they are stopped by a group of thugs known as The Wild Bunch.
They demand to know the whereabouts of Hua Biao, accusing him of bragging about breaking their boss's leg. Just then, Hua Biao appears, dismisses the thugs for the day, and then surprises everyone by sweeping Yang Xi up onto his back, declaring he will be her "legs" as promised and carrying her to class despite her protests. He formally introduces himself as Hua Biao.
Later, Yang Xi proudly announces she has secured six performance slots for their class at the Mid-Autumn Party. This angers the entertainment leader, Huang Chengcheng, who confronts her for not consulting her or including ballet. Their argument is cut short by Kong Xiaojun, who, after a brief introduction, declares a change in leadership. He bypasses a vote and appoints Hua Biao as the new class leader, asserting that the "best student" is needed to lead the class.
Yang Xi protests, suggesting Li Yu. To settle it, Kong Xiaojun writes a challenging math problem on the board, declaring that whoever solves it will be the leader. While Li Yu struggles and gives up, Hua Biao confidently provides the correct answer, "16," officially becoming the new class leader and crushing Yang Xi's hopes for bonus points. Seeking revenge, Yang Xi devises a plan.
During gym class, she slips a note to The Wild Bunch, written in Hua Biao's name, daring them to a fight at the New Roller Skater rink at 5 o'clock. She then tells Hua Biao that the thugs are looking for him, relaying their supposed challenge. Taking the bait, Hua Biao asks Yang Xi to make an excuse for him and promptly leaves.
However, their classmate Situ Ertiao accidentally reveals Hua Biao's plan to fight to the director, who immediately heads out to intervene. Li Yu confronts Yang Xi for her reckless actions, but she dismisses his concerns. A short while later, the director returns with grim news for Kong Xiaojun: the rink is covered in broken glass and blood. Enraged, the teacher vows to find his student.
Overcome with guilt, Yang Xi and her classmates rush to the scene, only to find it empty. A guardian tells them the boys were taken to Ping'an Hospital. Yang Xi frantically searches the hospital, crying and apologizing, convinced she has caused Hua Biao serious harm. As she breaks down, Hua Biao appears, revealing only a minor, bandaged wound on his hand, which he jokingly compares to Doraemon's paw to reassure her.
Hua Biao recounts what happened: The Wild Bunch confronted him, but before a fight could start, a repairman working on the lights accidentally caused a set of lamps to fall. Hua Biao instinctively pushed the thugs out of harm's way, injuring his hand while protecting them. The next day, still too ashamed to face him, Yang Xi gives Kong Xiaojun a letter of self-criticism to pass to Hua Biao.
The teacher advises her to judge people only after getting to know them. He reveals that during his home visit, he learned Hua Biao's parents died when he was an infant and that he lives with his grandmother. He praises Hua Biao's intelligence and clarifies that the "steel pipes" Yang Xi saw were materials he was using to build a handrail for his grandmother.
Returning home, Yang Xi finds the martial arts novel her mother had torn up, now taped back together. Moved, she apologizes to her mother for her behavior and promises to study hard. She then borrows Li Yu's bike and rides to Hua Biao's house. She gives him a casserole, soda, and red dates as a peace offering and delivers a heartfelt apology.
As she is about to leave, Hua Biao stops her, inviting the "ex-class leader" to stay for tea with the "current class leader." At that moment, Li Yu, having followed her, arrives at Hua Biao's doorstep.
Episode 3 Recap
Upon entering Hua Biao's house, Yang Xi was struck by the countless awards and certificates adorning his living space, confirming his academic prowess. Hua Biao then led her to the backyard, where she was overjoyed to discover her stolen pink Giant bicycle. Hua Biao explained that after he rescued a group of thugs, they felt indebted to him, and he had them retrieve the bike from the thief.
To Yang Xi's surprise, Hua Biao's grandmother was the familiar "Buns Granny" whom Yang Xi knew and who affectionately called her "Maruko." Later, Hua Biao carried Yang Xi onto the rooftop, where they shared a watermelon. He recounted a childhood memory of his family sleeping on the roof to escape the summer heat, which made him appreciate his current home.
They resolved their past differences, and Hua Biao playfully nicknamed Yang Xi "Scud Yang" for her ability to run despite her injury. Feeling guilty that his actions led to Yang Xi's leg injury, costing her a chance at 10 crucial bonus points for the college entrance examination, Hua Biao insisted on tutoring her to compensate. Yang Xi was skeptical, confiding that Li Yu had tutored her for two years with no improvement.
Hua Biao proposed a secret pact: if her grades improved, it would be a success; otherwise, they would simply pretend the tutoring never happened. As Hua Biao walked Yang Xi out, they found Li Yu waiting to take her home. Li Yu observed their growing closeness with evident displeasure. Noticing the bicycle wasn't her original one, Li Yu questioned her, but Yang Xi quickly urged him to keep the matter a secret.
Li Yu, Situ Ertiao, and their friends were regulars at a local game arcade, consistently frustrated by a top player known only as "X. H." Eager to finally defeat this rival, Situ Ertiao convinced his friends to skip English class for the arcade. Hua Biao tried to stop them but failed, so he covered for their absence by telling their teacher, Mr. Kong, that they had upset stomachs.
Later, during math class, Mr. Kong caught Yang Xi reading a wuxia novel. Hua Biao intentionally made a noise to draw attention, and Mr. Kong called Yang Xi to the blackboard. Citing her injury, Hua Biao offered to be "her leg" and carried her to the front. He attempted to whisper the answer, but when Mr. Kong noticed, Hua Biao subtly wrote hints on her leg, helping her solve the problem.
A jealous Li Yu later snatched the novel, which Mr. Kong promptly confiscated. The school director caught Situ Ertiao and his friends at the arcade and punished each of them with 100 laps. As the class leader, Hua Biao stepped forward and offered to run the laps for them, arguing it was his responsibility and would prevent them from missing more classes. As Hua Biao struggled through the punishment, his classmates from Class 3 were deeply moved by his sacrifice.
They rushed onto the track and joined him, running in solidarity and fully accepting him as their leader. Later, Li Yu retrieved the confiscated wuxia novel from Mr. Kong's cabinet, fixing the cabinet door to conceal his entry, and returned it to Yang Xi, leading to their reconciliation.
Furious about the recent truancy and the class's poor performance, Mr. Kong issued an ultimatum: if Class 3's average score on the upcoming math test was below 80, their Mid-Autumn Festival party performance would be canceled. Realizing the class couldn't improve in time, Hua Biao devised a cheating strategy based on the "Bagua map." He and Li Yu, the top students, would sit in the center, passing answers to the weaker students around them.
Mr. Kong misinterpreted the new seating arrangement as a good-faith effort to prevent cheating. During the test, the plan worked for most, but Huang Chengcheng, a weak link, failed to copy the answers correctly. The class achieved an average score of 83, delighting Mr. Kong, who praised Hua Biao for his perfect score and Yang Xi for her personal best of 89. However, Huang Chengcheng's extremely low score raised his suspicion.
Upon re-examining the papers, Mr. Kong discovered identical answers clustered around the top students, revealing the widespread cheating. He confronted Huang Chengcheng, who, upset that Li Yu had helped Yang Xi but not her, confessed the entire scheme and named Hua Biao as the mastermind. Though deeply disappointed, Mr. Kong gave the class a second chance.
He ordered them to keep the incident secret, mandated after-school study sessions, and scheduled a re-test in three days, stating that "effort" and "honesty" were all that was needed to earn back their party performance. Later, Hua Biao's grandmother visited the school asking for "Xiao Hu." Situ Ertiao overheard the nickname and connected it to "X. H." from the arcade. His suspicion was confirmed when he later saw Hua Biao at the arcade, realizing his classmate was the legendary top player.
Episode 4 Recap
When Mr. Kong assigned Hua Biao to tutor Yang Xi, Li Yu felt uneasy and privately asked the teacher if he could be Yang Xi's tutor instead. Li Yu highlighted their long history, having been classmates since kindergarten and neighbors for over ten years, with their parents working together.
However, Mr. Kong explained his "targeted pairing" strategy, noting Hua Biao's exceptional science scores and his consistent top-three ranking at his former municipal key high school, making him the most suitable tutor for Yang Xi's science subjects. Yang Xi struggled immensely to grasp the concepts of action-reaction forces and balanced forces. To help her understand, Hua Biao took her outside and had several classmates demonstrate by slapping each other.
He explained that when one person's hand hit another's face, both experienced pain, illustrating action-reaction forces acting on different objects. For balanced forces, he had two classmates hit a third person together, showing forces acting on the same object. After repeated demonstrations, Yang Xi finally began to grasp the concepts. Feeling guilty, she offered to treat everyone to orange soda.
Later that night, Li Yu asked Yang Xi to write a letter to his mother for him, praising her beautiful handwriting. During a playful struggle over the letter, Li Yu accidentally fell onto Yang Xi on the bed, but she immediately pushed him away, teasing him about the "force and counterforce" she had just learned. The next day, Yang Xi joyfully learned from her long-distance running teammates that the race had been postponed.
This meant she could still participate, making the extra points from Hua Biao's tutoring less critical. She excitedly resumed training with the team. However, due to her long break, her body was out of condition, and she struggled with the run. Hua Biao, playing basketball nearby, noticed her difficulty and began dribbling his ball alongside her, encouraging her to follow its path to keep pace. Li Yu, witnessing this interaction, felt a pang of resentment.
Determined to prove himself, Li Yu insisted on signing up for the municipal physics competition, just like Hua Biao. Mr. Kong was hesitant, knowing physics wasn't Li Yu's strongest subject and that only top-three placements in three consecutive competitions would yield points for university applications. He worried it would be a waste of Li Yu's time, but Li Yu was resolute, stating he wanted to prove himself and was confident in his ability to get into a top university regardless.
Hua Biao also vouched for Li Yu, convincing Mr. Kong to allow him to register. Li Yu studied diligently for the competition, but found the exam challenging. Hua Biao, on the other hand, submitted his paper early and effortlessly clinched first place. Everyone cheered for Hua Biao, while Li Yu stood by, feeling disheartened.
Yang Xi approached Li Yu, comforting him by reminding him that he was unparalleled in English competitions and promising to buy him a grand frame for his future English awards. Humbled by the experience, Li Yu later admitted his admiration for Hua Biao. As a reward for winning the competition, Hua Biao received an opportunity to participate in a one-week exchange program in Hong Kong and was exempted from the upcoming physics weekly test.
Mr. Kong then appointed Hua Biao as the invigilator for that test. During the exam, Hua Biao deliberately kept a close eye on Yang Xi, making it impossible for her to cheat. Consequently, Yang Xi scored only 25 points. Believing Hua Biao had intentionally targeted her, Yang Xi resolved to get revenge.
Later, Hua Biao was packing for his trip when his grandmother, who was cooking green bean soup in a pressure cooker, asked him to watch it and turn off the heat. Just then, Yang Xi and Yangxiao Hemei called Hua Biao, fabricating a story that Yang Xi had been apprehended by a local hoodlum named Wang Laowu. They claimed Wang Laowu was retaliating for a past grievance.
Alarmed, Hua Biao rushed out to "rescue" Yang Xi, leaving the pressure cooker unattended. Soon after he left, an explosion rocked his house. Yang Xi was later called to Mr. Kong's office and informed that the school had decided to give her long-distance running spot to another student, citing concerns about her leg injury and long absence from training. Yang Xi was devastated.
That evening, Yangxiao Hemei showed Yang Xi a newspaper report about the explosion at Hua Biao's house, revealing it happened around the same time they had lured him out with their prank. Overwhelmed with guilt, Yang Xi rushed to Hua Biao's house, crying and apologizing profusely. Hua Biao, despite the chaos and his grandmother's distress over the damaged pressure cooker—a sentimental item from her dowry—downplayed the incident, claiming it was unrelated to Yang Xi's prank.
He simply asked her not to tell their classmates, wishing to live quietly with his grandmother. Unknown to others, Hua Biao later kept his damaged Hong Kong travel pass, torn to pieces by the explosion, under his pillow, dreaming of the trip he could no longer take.
Episode 5 Recap
Feeling guilty over the pressure cooker explosion she caused, Yang Xi secretly takes a bed-curtain fabric from her mother's wardrobe. Accompanied by Hemei, she goes to Hua Biao's house to help. They find Hua Biao asleep in a chair, exhausted from his masonry work. The two girls quietly make new curtains for him, and Yang Xi gently wipes the mud from his face.
When Hua Biao wakes up, he is touched by the gesture and, despite calling the curtains "girlish," expresses his sincere gratitude. At school, Li Yu notices the dried mud on Hua Biao's uniform. Yang Xi discovers that Class 1 is also performing a magic show, a direct clash with her own class's plan.
She confronts Class 1's leader, only to learn that Huang Chengcheng had asked them to switch their act from dance to magic, claiming Yang Xi was no longer the class leader and didn't need to be consulted. Enraged, Yang Xi finds Huang Chengcheng and they get into a physical fight in the hallway.
Afterward, Yang Xi tearfully complains to Li Yu, accusing him of being cold-blooded and blaming him for Huang Chengcheng's hostility, which she believes is an attempt to keep them apart. When Li Yu notices mud on Yang Xi's uniform, he questions where she has been, leading to another argument, and they part on bad terms.
Li Yu is approached by one of Hua Biao's former classmates from Hui Ying High School, who reveals that Hua Biao didn't go to Hong Kong and has been borrowing money, sparking concern. After school, Li Yu follows Hua Biao and finds him doing grueling manual labor moving tiles. Li Yu steps in to help, and they work on the roof of Hua Biao's house together.
He urges Hua Biao to accept his friends' help, but Hua Biao insists on handling it himself, driven by pride and a desire not to bother his new friends. He explains his goal is to fix the house and buy his grandmother a hearing aid. That night, Li Yu calls his father and asks for help sourcing some tiles for Hua Biao.
The next morning, Yang Xi deliberately avoids Li Yu by taking the bus, but he ends up on the same one. She ignores him until a man harasses her, prompting Li Yu to immediately step in and protect her, leading to a silent reconciliation. At school, Hua Biao, as the new class leader, announces they will perform both the ballet and the magic show.
He plans to use his knowledge of physics to design a unique and impressive magic act, ensuring everyone in the class can participate as they are the final performance of the night. To ensure her class can perform, Yang Xi must pass her physics exam. She goes to Hua Biao's house for tutoring, accidentally walking in on him showering. The study session is filled with playful bickering as Hua Biao grows frustrated with how difficult she is to teach.
To escape, Yang Xi suggests they go buy a hearing aid for his grandmother. At the store, Hua Biao is stunned by the high price of even the cheapest model. Sensing his embarrassment, Yang Xi quickly invents an excuse about wanting cotton candy to pull him out of the store. As they walk home, they find Li Yu waiting.
He discreetly sends Yang Xi away before giving Hua Biao a load of surplus tiles and an envelope of money, assuring him it's from his father's connections and can be used to repay his old friends. Li Yu then walks Yang Xi home. After Class 3 passes the physics exam, they are cleared to perform at the Mid-Autumn party. Backstage, while fixing his bike, Li Yu borrows a screw from a nearby chair.
Subsequently, Huang Chengcheng steps on the weakened chair and falls, injuring herself. As he was scheduled to perform the magic act with Yang Xi, Li Yu has to rush Huang Chengcheng to the hospital. Hua Biao steps in to take his place, riding the same, now-unrepaired bicycle for the finale of their act, "Dawn Blossoms And Dusk Moonlit."
The performance is a success until the loose screw causes the bike to fail, and they tumble to the ground, landing in a nearly-kissing position. They lock eyes, and the moment sparks new feelings between them. That night, both are restless, replaying the fall in their minds. They finally call each other but only manage awkward small talk, unable to voice their true feelings before hanging up with their hearts still pounding.
Episode 6 Recap
Following the awkwardness of their fall on stage, Yang Xi visits Hua Biao's grandmother for lunch. When she asks for Hua Biao, he rushes to change into his father's clothes and comb his hair, presenting a surprisingly mature appearance that startles both Yang Xi and his grandmother. During their meal, Hua Biao, aiming to appear sophisticated, discusses various female celebrities.
When Yang Xi asks about her own femininity, Hua Biao remarks that with shorter hair, no one would realize she was a girl. Annoyed, Yang Xi leaves abruptly. Later, affected by his comments, Yang Xi tries to appear more feminine at home, dressing in a sweet style and speaking in a deliberately cute manner. Her father, while finding her new look pretty, asks her to speak normally.
That night, Hua Biao wakes up startled from a romantic dream about Yang Xi. Meanwhile, Huang Chengcheng deliberately prolongs her hospital stay for a sprain, ensuring that a guilt-ridden Li Yu continues to bring her three meals a day. She uses this time to manipulate him, comparing their potential relationship to the slow but inevitable process of iron oxidation. Li Yu, however, observes that she doesn't seem as injured as she claims.
At home, Li Yu discovers his father with a new girlfriend, Ms. Huang. His father's attempts to explain that he needs help managing the household are met with coldness, as Li Yu firmly states that the only person their family needs is his mother. In class, a magazine is distributed featuring lyrics written by Huang Chengcheng, which subtly express her unrequited love for Li Yu.
Inspired by Situ Ertiao’s passionate praise for the movie "A Chinese Odyssey," Yang Xi suggests to Li Yu that they watch it together for their shared birthday on September 17th, which is also the day of the last screening. They agree to meet at the cinema. For their birthday, Yang Xi's father gifts them matching T-shirts.
They decide to wear them, with Li Yu choosing a shirt that says "I'm joking" and Yang Xi picking "Don't treat me as a human being." Hoping to impress Yang Xi, Hua Biao gets a new haircut and jacket and buys two tickets for "A Chinese Odyssey." However, he is forced to cancel his plans when he learns his grandmother was nearly hit by a car due to her poor hearing.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, he returns the tickets and calls Yang Xi to cancel, wishing her a happy birthday. His attempt to buy a cheap hearing aid backfires when he discovers it's a fake filled with cotton. The seller, Ms. Lan's brother, claims he got it from Situ Ertiao. As a prize for her lyrics, Huang Chengcheng received two movie tickets. She secretly slips one to Li Yu, who mistakenly assumes it's from Yang Xi.
While searching for Ertiao, Hua Biao encounters Huang Chengcheng, who reveals she is meeting Li Yu at the cinema. Confused, Hua Biao goes to the theater and finds Yang Xi waiting alone. Inside, Li Yu waits for Yang Xi, only to be met by Huang Chengcheng after the film ends. As Yang Xi leaves, she sees Li Yu with Huang Chengcheng and furiously believes he stood her up. Before Li Yu can explain, Hua Biao appears at Yang Xi's side, deepening the misunderstanding between the childhood friends.
Episode 7 Recap
Yang Xi becomes fixated on a newspaper advertisement for Pizza Hut's new salad. At home, her mother, Du Yuemei, and father, Assistant Chief Yang, debate parenting styles and argue over his assistant, Liu. Du Yuemei strikes a deal with Yang Xi: if she scores 70 or higher on her upcoming math test, they will go to Pizza Hut, a promise Yang Xi eagerly holds her to. Meanwhile, Hua Biao confronts Situ Ertiao about the fake hearing aid he bought.
Ertiao vehemently denies selling counterfeit goods and shows his genuine stock. It becomes clear that the brother of a girl named Lan sold Hua Biao the fake, falsely claiming it came from Ertiao. Hua Biao had paid 20 Yuan for the fake, which was just a shell filled with cotton. Since Ertiao's parents are in the business, he gives Hua Biao some real hearing aids from their leftover stock and advises him to use cleverness, not fists, against the bullies.
After getting his 20 Yuan back from Lan's brother, Hua Biao gives the money to Ertiao. Furious about being framed, Ertiao plots revenge. He gets Li Yu to help him sell rollerblades to Lan's brother and his friends, later revealing that he loosened the screws, causing the bullies to fall spectacularly as a lesson for their behavior. Later, Li Yu approaches Yang Xi to clarify the misunderstanding at the cinema, finally ending their cold war.
He sincerely apologizes and asks her out for a special treat on Saturday afternoon. Thrilled by their reconciliation, Yang Xi suggests the whole group hang out since school was dismissed early. The five friends—Yang Xi, Li Yu, Hua Biao, Situ Ertiao, and He Hemei—go for a bike ride by the river, christening their group the "Speeding Five."
During the outing, Li Yu and Ertiao formally invite Hua Biao to join their basketball team for an upcoming match against the rival school, Hui Ying. At home, Hua Biao is relieved when his grandmother tests the new hearing aid and can hear with perfect clarity. She makes him promise not to worry about money and, most importantly, not to borrow from anyone again.
Hua Biao agrees, but later, alone in his room, he calls his old classmate Yang Ming from Hui Ying to accept an offer. That evening, Lan's brother calls Hua Biao under the pretense of wanting to apologize. On the day of the basketball game, the teacher, Mr. Kong, finds the teams' uniforms too similar and has the Yu Cai players remove their shirts.
When Ertiao playfully pulls off Hua Biao's shirt, the team is shocked to see his body is covered in bruises. The game ends prematurely in chaos after a blatant foul by Hui Ying's Yang Ming. Afterwards, Mr. Kong questions Hua Biao about his injuries, but Hua Biao convinces him it's a rare genetic condition he calls "Tupus Violetmatosus" that causes spontaneous bruising.
After the game, Li Yu sees Hua Biao meeting with Yang Ming and fears he is borrowing money again. He confronts Hua Biao, who decides to trust Li Yu with the truth: the "apology" from Lan's brother was a trap. To protect Ertiao from retaliation, Hua Biao willingly took a beating from the gang, resulting in his injuries. Hua Biao then confides another, more significant secret to Li Yu: he is in love with Yang Xi.
Though Li Yu had long suspected Hua Biao's feelings, the direct confession unsettles him. His turmoil deepens when he returns home to hear his parents in a volatile argument over their respective companions—his father's assistant, Liu, and his mother's dance partner, Zhang—which escalates to talk of divorce. Haunted by his parents' first divorce and their perpetually troubled marriage, Li Yu feels his own apprehension towards relationships intensify.
The knowledge that the confident and capable Hua Biao also loves Yang Xi extinguishes his courage completely. Overwhelmed, Li Yu writes a note for Hua Biao, telling him to take Yang Xi to Pizza Hut in his place. He then cancels his date with Yang Xi, giving a vague excuse. Left waiting and furious over being stood up again, Yang Xi is surprised when Hua Biao appears and insists on taking her to Pizza Hut.
Her anger melts away once they are inside, and her mood brightens as they eat. Hua Biao explains the treat is both a late birthday present and a reward for passing her math test. While happy, Yang Xi can't help but wonder where Hua Biao found the money for such an expensive meal.
Episode 8 Recap
Following up on Li Yu’s decision to have Hua Biao take his place, Yang Xi confronted Li Yu, questioning why he had stood her up for their planned outing. Li Yu, still grappling with his feelings for Yang Xi and memories of his mother's departure, vaguely explained that something unexpected had come up. The awkward tension was broken by the arrival of Yang Xi's brother, Yang Chao, who had returned home to collect clothes for a three-day research field trip.
After warning them about an impending rainstorm, Yang Chao proudly showcased his latest invention, a rainwater collector, asking for help in applying for a patent. Meanwhile, Hua Biao received a call from Yang Ming, who asked him to visit a patient on his behalf in exchange for payment. Hua Biao readily agreed.
At his grandmother’s bun shop, where his friends were having breakfast, Hua Biao claimed he needed to get a gas tank refilled and asked Yang Xi to cover for him at school, telling the teacher he had a stomach ache. As he rushed off, his grandmother pointed out that he had forgotten the gas tank. While eating, his friends speculated about Hua Biao’s frequent meetings with Yang Ming, noting they often exchanged kraft paper bags and suspected it involved money.
During the conversation, Yang Xi inadvertently revealed that Hua Biao had treated her to Pizza Hut, much to her friends' surprise and slight annoyance. Later at school, the director criticized Yang Xi for the dusty handrail at Shanqing Building, as she was the student on duty for cleaning. When asked about her partner, Yang Xi hesitantly named Hua Biao, who rushed in at that moment, claiming he had an unavoidable stomachache.
Unconvinced, the director ordered them both to clean the handrail after class. To finish quickly, Hua Biao suggested they slide down the railing on a rag. They playfully pretended to be the superheroes He-Man and She-Ra as they slid down, only to be caught by the director. He sternly reminded Hua Biao of his past expulsion and warned Yang Xi against such antics. As punishment, he ordered them to hold basins full of water on the playground for twenty minutes.
On the playground, as it began to rain heavily, they embraced the downpour, splashing water on themselves and turning their punishment into a game. Amid their laughter, Hua Biao suddenly fainted. In the infirmary, a feverish Hua Biao woke up and cried out in fear at the sight of an injection needle. Yang Xi calmed him by promising there would be no shot, while secretly signaling the doctor to administer it while he was distracted.
The pain caused Hua Biao to flinch, leading to a brief, awkward physical contact with Yang Xi. Afterward, still disoriented, he vaguely recalled skipping class to play a video game and was frustrated that someone had broken his high score. During a school physical, the girls noted that Yang Xiao Hemei's chest development was more advanced, and the doctor advised her to wear an adult bra.
At the same time, Li Yu, Ertiao, and Hua Biao grew concerned about their sparse leg hair, fearing it was a sign of excessive estrogen. Li Yu got hair growth lotion from his father’s factory, lying that it was for the director’s son. The three applied it liberally to their legs and sat on the rooftop for "photosynthesis" to stimulate growth. However, their legs soon broke out in an intensely itchy rash.
They rushed to wash it off, but with the water cut off at Hua Biao’s house, they desperately ran outside and jumped into a swimming pool. Later, while shopping for bras with Hemei, Yang Xi lamented her lack of suitors. Hemei teased that it was because everyone knew Li Yu had "declared his ownership" of her. That evening, the boys paused to watch the iconic confession scene from "A Chinese Odyssey."
Inspired, Hua Biao asked Li Yu if he should confess his feelings to Yang Xi. Li Yu, haunted by the memory of his mother leaving, felt a deep-seated fear that Yang Xi would also leave him, and struggled to give a sincere answer. The next day, their teacher, Mr. Kong, discovered that Ertiao had dyed his hair red and Yang Xi had gotten a perm for the upcoming Leon Lai concert.
Though a fan himself, Mr. Kong insisted they follow school rules and restore their hair. Later, while buying concert tickets for the class with Yang Xi, Hua Biao, looking pale, fainted again after buying red bean cakes for her, insisting he wasn't hungry himself. It was revealed that Hua Biao was severely anemic because he had been saving money by splitting one meal into two, lying to his grandmother that the school provided dinner.
Overcome with guilt, Yang Xi confided in Hemei, who in turn shared her own anxieties about the relentless pressure to study. Yang Xi later visited Hua Biao, who, happy to see her concern, assured her he would be fine after a good meal. That evening, the director took over their class and forced them to stay late to correct their work, threatening a pop quiz. Determined to make the concert, the students worked furiously and finally passed his test.
They caught the last bus to the venue, only to find the concert had ended early due to the rain. Despite their deep disappointment, they cherished the shared memory, reflecting that it was an experience unique to their youth. In the following days, life returned to a new normal: Yang Xi received a mixtape from Li Yu, Hemei's grandmother brought Hua Biao sauced beef to help him recover, and Hemei prepared for her first private tutoring session.
Episode 9 Recap
Hua Biao, posing as a private tutor named Chen Ming, arrived at Yang Xiaohemei's house. Although he attempted to leave by claiming he had the wrong address, Hemei recognized him and begged him to stay. She explained that a regular tutor would report her poor academic performance, causing her strict parents to take away her entertainment. She pleaded for the clever Hua Biao to help deceive her mother, and he reluctantly agreed.
Hemei's mother, a formidable woman, tested Hua Biao with questions on complex physics and obscure European poetry. Hua Biao bluffed his way through, even inventing a poet named "Buffon" and a poem. He later confessed to an amused Hemei that Buffon was actually a famous Italian goalkeeper, and advised her to find another tutor, admitting her mother was scary. Meanwhile, Huang Chengcheng went to Li Yu's house for tutoring. As they left, they ran into Yang Xi.
Huang Chengcheng assumed the red bean soup Li Yu was carrying was for her, but he clarified it was for Yang Xi, remarking that she loved it and could finish two bowls. He then bluntly told Huang Chengcheng to stop coming for tutoring. Hurt, Huang Chengcheng confessed her feelings for him, but Li Yu stated he already liked someone else. Despite the rejection, she insisted she would continue to like him.
Later, Li Yu offered the soup to Yang Xi, but she refused it, gently reminding him not to spend money on her and returning a cassette tape he had given her, still unopened. Left alone, Li Yu felt a profound sense of loss, realizing his cautious attempts to protect their friendship were only pushing her further away.
During lunch, Mr. Kong announced that for the upcoming mid-term exams, Yu Cai Middle School and Hui Ying Middle School would exchange exam papers and testing locations to prevent cheating. Later, Hua Biao was cornered by the Director while discussing the tutoring situation with a friend, who admitted to posting tutoring flyers around the school. The friend then gave Hua Biao a stack of study materials from Hui Ying, containing all their focus points for the semester.
Hua Biao gathered his friends and proposed they copy the materials for all the class leaders, hoping to raise the entire school's scores and restore their pride against Hui Ying. Situ Ertiao, however, was more preoccupied with an upcoming Li Ming concert in Guangzhou. As the exam approached, Yang Xiaohemei grew increasingly stressed, haunted by her mother's harsh warnings about failure. On exam day, Situ Ertiao was absent. Hemei, seated with Yang Xi, Hua Biao, and Li Yu, panicked.
Her attempts to get help from Hua Biao and then Yang Xi earned two sharp warnings from the invigilator. In a final, desperate act, she snatched Li Yu's exam paper. Consequently, both she and Li Yu were disqualified. Overwhelmed with shame and anxiety, Hemei fainted at her desk. The Director accused the four of organized cheating, citing the invigilator's report.
He ordered the parents of Hua Biao, Yang Xi, and Li Yu to the school and declared that Hemei would be kept at home indefinitely. At Yang Xi's home, her mother and grandmother discussed the parent meeting. Yang Xi tearfully complained about constantly being paired with Li Yu, embarrassed that their classmates called them a "little couple." Li Yu, who had arrived at her door, overheard everything and left, visibly hurt.
The next day, Yang Xi defiantly told the Director she did not cheat. Meanwhile, Huang Chengcheng, with her mother's help, went to the school to defend Li Yu, explaining that his paper had been snatched. Later, Li Yu confronted Huang Chengcheng, telling her to stop making decisions on his behalf.
When she tearfully asked why he treated her so harshly compared to Yang Xi, he replied that she could never compare, because the time he and Yang Xi had spent growing up together was something no one could ever replace. Elsewhere, Situ Ertiao returned triumphantly from Guangzhou, having skipped the exam to attend the Li Ming concert and get autographs. At school, Hua Biao anxiously waited for his grandmother to arrive for the meeting with the teacher.
A worried Xiao Lan rushed over, explaining that Hua Biao's grandmother was supposed to go to a community meeting after her school appointment but had never shown up. Realizing his grandmother might be lost, Hua Biao frantically ran off to find her.
Episode 10 Recap
Following his grandmother Shi Junfang's disappearance, Hua Biao frantically searched the neighborhood. His teacher, Kong Xiaojun, arrived looking for him about the missed parent-teacher meeting and, upon learning the situation, joined the search. Hua Biao's friend, Lan, had already called the police, but they could not file a missing person case for 24 hours. As night fell, Hua Biao persuaded Kong Xiaojun to wait at the school reception while he took the teacher's bike to continue searching.
Eventually, the police brought a safe Shi Junfang home. She explained she had gotten lost on her way to apologize to Kong Xiaojun and had stopped to buy desserts. Relieved, Hua Biao settled in to watch anime with his grandmother, completely forgetting about Kong Xiaojun, who waited at the school reception all night. Meanwhile, Yang Xi's parents, Du Yuemei and her husband, returned from the school.
Du Yuemei berated Yang Xi for running away from the director and then presented her chemistry paper, which scored 85, accusing her of cheating. She argued that the test, designed by the competitive Hui Ying school, was the hardest they had ever taken, yet Yang Xi achieved her highest score. Furious at her mother's distrust, Yang Xi was comforted by her father, who expressed faith in her but suggested she retake the test to prove her innocence.
Yang Xi accepted the challenge, redoing the paper in the living room under her parents' watch and scoring an even higher 90. To apologize for their doubts, her parents treated Yang Xi and Li Yu to a meal, acknowledging her genuine progress. Elsewhere, Situ Ertiao faced his parents' wrath for skipping the midterm exam. Ertiao cleverly used a collection of his father's "beauty" name cards as leverage, blackmailing him into helping with a scheme.
At school, Yang Ming warned Hua Biao that news of their private tutoring was spreading and handed him a letter from Yang Xiaohemei, who was in detention. Later, Ertiao began selling Leon's signatures, promising each buyer a brief phone call with the celebrity. A crowd of students gathered at the school's shop to listen to "Leon's" voice on the phone. The director arrived, summoning Hua Biao, Li Yu, Situ Ertiao, and Yang Xi to his office.
He berated them for their midterm absences and implied Hua Biao, as a transfer from Hui Ying, had stolen the exam papers. Hua Biao vehemently denied the accusation, insisting he just helped his classmates review effectively. The tense meeting was interrupted by Yang Xiaohemei's mother, who apologized to the director for her previous suspicions about Hua Biao. The director then confirmed that the illegal tutoring had been discovered, and Hua Biao accepted all responsibility.
In a private conversation, the director first apologized to Hua Biao for accusing him of theft, then pressed him to explain the tutoring. Hua Biao finally admitted he did it for money. Afterward, Hua Biao found Kong Xiaojun and asked to be removed as class monitor. Meanwhile, Li Yu, Yang Xi, and Situ Ertiao read Yang Xiaohemei's letter, in which she expressed deep remorse for causing them trouble and felt she no longer deserved their friendship.
Moved, the friends planned to cheer her up. That evening, Hua Biao created a diversion by shouting "Fire!" through a loudspeaker, drawing residents outside. Ertiao distracted Yang Xiaohemei's parents while Yang Xi and Li Yu whisked her away to a swimming pool that Ertiao had rented out just for her, encouraging her to forget her worries. The next day, Li Yu developed a high fever and broke out in chickenpox.
Due to a widespread outbreak, the school announced a one-week closure. Li Yu went to recover at Yang Xi's house. Concerned about the missed class time, Kong Xiaojun decided to organize home-visit tutoring sessions. He sought out Hua Biao, who was still withdrawn and repeated his desire to be "deposed." Kong Xiaojun refused, insisting Hua Biao's help was essential. He showed Hua Biao a detailed map of student addresses he had made, assigning him a group of classmates.
Kong Xiaojun expressed immense pride in Hua Biao, calling him a "responsible big man," and apologized for not understanding his family's financial struggles sooner. Touched by his teacher's sincerity and a gift of chocolate, Hua Biao accepted the task, reflecting on how lucky he was to be Kong Xiaojun's student. At Situ Ertiao's home, the phone continued to ring with calls from Leon's fans. It was revealed that the "Leon" on the phone was actually Ertiao's father.
A radio broadcast coincidentally reported that the real Leon had contracted chickenpox and was resting in Hong Kong. While still impersonating the star, Ertiao's father advised his son to be more careful in the future and to focus on his studies.
Episode 11 Recap
Li Yu, recovering from a fever, is staying at Yang Xi’s house, but she is completely engrossed in watching "The Smiling Proud Wanderer". She avidly discusses the casting choices, finding the actress playing Ren Yingying underwhelming compared to her ideal Linghu Chong, portrayed by Lv Songxian. Li Yu, feeling neglected and unwell, points out he wasn't watching TV but reading "Fantasies Behind The Pearly Curtain".
Yang Xi receives a call from Huang Dengdeng, who, with her chickenpox confinement ending soon, reveals her parents are seeking private tutors through an unusual challenge involving a question from her father’s studio. Yang Xi’s mother reprimands her father, Yang Weiguo, for smoking indoors, just before Yang Chao arrives home, unexpectedly bringing Hua Biao with him. Hua Biao is welcomed by Yang Xi’s family for dinner after helping Yang Chao move some boxes.
Yang Xi’s mother praises Hua Biao’s helpfulness, prompting playful banter between him and Yang Xi. During dinner, Yang Chao attempts to show off an electronic cigarette he invented to his skeptical parents. Later, Hua Biao proposes an all-night outing to Little Panda, an arcade that has acquired new microcomputers, with Ertiao treating. To entice Yang Xi, he describes the online news, the "Legend of Sword and Fairy" game, and even the possibility of chatting with strangers.
Yang Xi, eager to go, agrees to Hua Biao’s challenge: she must correctly answer ten questions across various subjects. While studying history, Yang Xi demonstrates an astonishingly deep knowledge of events like the Shame of Jing Kang and Emperor Kangxi’s achievements, linking them to her extensive reading of Louis Cha’s wuxia novels, much to Hua Biao’s surprise. She even tests his knowledge of wuxia-related history. Impressed, Hua Biao asks to borrow her novels and confirms their late-night meeting.
At 12:30 AM, Yang Xi attempts to sneak out, but finds the door stuck. Simultaneously, Yang Chao is trying to sneak back in. Trapped on opposite sides of the same door, they argue before deciding to climb through the window, leading to a comical confrontation on the awning. Yang Chao playfully threatens to tell their mother Yang Xi is going on a date.
Yang Xi eventually meets Hua Biao and thoroughly enjoys her night at Little Panda, particularly the new chatroom features. The next morning, she excitedly recounts her adventures to Li Yu, boasting about her online popularity among Louis Cha fans, where she earned the nickname "Da Xia" (Great Hero), and tests his knowledge of internet slang.
Li Yu, however, scolds her for her frivolity, reminding her of upcoming tests and offering to help her study, though he teasingly withholds the meaning of one slang term. Later, Hua Biao catches numerous crabs and a goldfish, playfully interrupting a couple on a boat. Yang Xi arrives with food for him, and in an act of selflessness, he tries to give all the crabs to her family, claiming he's tired of them.
Seeing through his pretense, Yang Xi tricks him into a crab-eating competition. By feigning to be a fast eater, she gets him to consume most of the crabs himself, thus winning their bet for another trip to Little Panda. Meanwhile, Huang Dengdeng visits Li Yu, who is still recuperating. She correctly guesses he likes Yang Xi, and he admits it. Huang Dengdeng encourages him to be upfront, sharing how she came to admire his honesty during a Grade 9 test.
She then uses their shared secret to secure Li Yu's agreement to tutor her after her ballet classes. Elsewhere, Mr. Kong is grading papers on a bus when he meets Li Hongbai, an English teacher from Huiying High School, who gracefully helps him pick up some dropped papers. Yang Xi, Hua Biao, Li Yu, and Ertiao return to Little Panda for another all-night session. However, the school director, alerted by the owner, raids the arcade.
As everyone flees, Ertiao is tripped by a gas canister's pipe and caught by the Director, who drags him away. Shortly after they leave, an explosion occurs at Little Panda due to faulty wiring. The next day, Ertiao dramatically recounts how the director inadvertently saved his life. While cycling home after the escape, Yang Xi gets separated from Hua Biao and Li Yu. In a dark alley, a man approaches, offering to help with her broken bike.
However, he suddenly exposes himself, terrifying Yang Xi. She screams and frantically runs, crashing into Hua Biao, who has come searching for her. The pervert vanishes as Hua Biao comforts a shaken Yang Xi. Teachers from the key class challenge Hua Biao's selection for the city's televised knowledge contest, arguing he is weak in arts subjects. The Director, however, supports Hua Biao, noting the prize money would help his family since a past disciplinary action makes him ineligible for scholarships.
He instructs Mr. Kong to apply for a subsidy for Hua Biao. Back in class, Hua Biao consults Yang Xi on details from Louis Cha's novels, including the master of Cheng Yaojia from "The Legend of the Condor Heroes". Meanwhile, Huang Dengdeng confides in Yang Xi that she is meeting an online friend, revealing she lied about her age and attending Peking University to impress him.
Later, Huang Dengdeng discovers her online friend is Yang Chao; they are mutually surprised and agree to keep it a secret. Separately, Mr. Kong encounters Li Hongbai being harassed by thugs and bravely intervenes, taking a beating to defend her. At the knowledge contest, the final question is about the master of Cheng Yaojia. Drawing on his conversation with Yang Xi, Hua Biao correctly answers "Sun Bu'er," securing the championship. In his acceptance speech, he notably thanks "Big Jumpy Yang."
Episode 12 Recap
Li Yu and Yang Xi called Li Yu's mother, who was on a business trip in Hong Kong. Yang Xi joyfully shared that she had improved her test ranking by two spots, mentioning that Li Yu had practiced the phrase to connect with the PolyGram extension so often that their whole class had learned it. After Yang Xi left for school cleaning, Li Yu continued to talk with his mother, who confirmed she would be home that night.
Shortly after their call, Li Yu found his father, who had been in contact with Aunty Huang. His father relayed that Aunty Huang had arranged a training opportunity for him and had bought a pair of leather shoes for Li Yu. Li Yu, however, firmly refused the gift, stating he didn't wear leather shoes and his shoe size was 43, not 42.
Back at school, the teacher announced that Huang Chengcheng was absent due to chickenpox, having fallen ill after she falsely told Li Yu she had already had it. Hearing this, Li Yu felt a pang of guilt. Hua Biao was also absent, as it was the anniversary of his parents' death, and he was at home with his granny preparing tributes. His granny insisted he kneel and kowtow to his parents, which Hua Biao found old-fashioned but ultimately complied with.
He also expressed his determination to defeat the rival Hui Ying High School in the upcoming roller skating competition, fueled by their arrogant claims. That evening, Hemei and Yang Xi rode their bikes to Hua Biao's house to pay respects to his parents. On their way, they heard a whistle playing the tune of "There is a Cloud Made of Rain in the Wind." Hemei recalled that a wanted criminal was known for whistling.
Just as they grew frightened, Li Yu and Situ Ertiao appeared, much to their relief. However, when asked about the whistle, both Li Yu and Ertiao denied knowing how to do it. After paying their respects, the friends gathered on the rooftop where Hua Biao shared the tribute fruits, dismissing old superstitions as wasteful.
As they ate watermelon, Li Yu was annoyed that Yang Xi wouldn't spit out the seeds, but Hua Biao playfully taught her how to spit them at targets, a new skill she quickly enjoyed. The next day, the "Flying-Car Gang of Five"—Hua Biao, Yang Xi, Li Yu, Situ Ertiao, and Hemei—teamed up for a roller skating competition against Hui Ying High School and emerged victorious.
Later that night, Yang Xi returned home to find her parents had posted a wanted poster on her door, warning her about a pervert. After frightening her with exaggerated tales of the criminal's danger, her parents locked her in the apartment and left to visit a sick relative. At the same time, Li Yu saw a news report about a massive fire at the Jiali Commerce Building in Hong Kong, where his mother was working.
He tried to call her, but the line was busy, and then the power went out. He rushed downstairs, ran into Huang Chengcheng, and they went out together to find a place with a working TV and phone. Meanwhile, Yang Xi, alone in the dark, realized the man on the wanted poster was the same flasher she had encountered. Terrified by the power outage and being locked in, she tried and failed to reach her brother and Li Yu.
In desperation, she called Hua Biao. Unable to get in through the locked door, Hua Biao sat outside her apartment all night, telling her jokes to ease her fear. The following morning, Yang Xi saw the news of the fire and rushed to Li Yu's apartment. To everyone's relief, his mother was safe; she had been urgently called back to Japan the day before the fire and had called Li Yu as soon as she heard the news.
Later, Yang Xi and her family attended a great-aunt's funeral in the suburbs. Anxious about a test the next day, she decided to take the last bus home alone. On the bus, she panicked when she saw a man who closely resembled the criminal on the wanted poster. Just then, Hua Biao appeared, cycling alongside the bus and singing "There is a Cloud Made of Rain in the Wind" to comfort her.
When Yang Xi got off, Li Yu was waiting to meet her. Seeing she was safe, Hua Biao quietly rode away. Li Yu walked Yang Xi to her building, telling her to go up while he went to buy supper. Inside her apartment, Yang Xi realized she had forgotten to lock the door and then heard the chilling whistle. Peeking out, she saw the wanted criminal entering her home.
Meanwhile, Hua Biao, troubled by the memory of the man on the bus, had decided to turn back. He arrived to see Yang Xi trying to escape through a window and immediately rushed upstairs to confront the intruder. Li Yu, returning with food, joined the fight. Together with a patrolling police officer who arrived at the scene, they subdued and apprehended the criminal.
Li Yu and Hua Biao's heroism was celebrated in the newspaper and they received official commendations, making their teacher, Mr. Kong, immensely proud. Later, Li Yu overheard his father on the phone, ending his relationship with Aunty Huang for Li Yu's sake. The realization left Li Yu feeling deeply guilty for inadvertently causing pain to his father and someone who cared for him.
Episode 13 Recap
Yang Xi awakens with a jolt from a nightmare in which the stalker entered her room, only to find it’s her brother, Yang Chao, secretly taking chocolates Li Yu’s mother sent from Japan. Yang Xi confronts him, but Yang Chao defiantly states that her home is also his and he can go wherever he wants. The next morning, Yang Xi’s father and Yang Chao work together to reinforce their home’s door for security.
Yang Xi, meanwhile, prepares a birthday card for Yang Xiaohemei. When she tries to call her, she finds the line dead. Following the phone line, Yang Xi discovers Yang Chao’s hidden computer in his closet. She finds him quoting a classic poem in an online chat and teases him about his new "netizen" girlfriend. Yang Xiaohemei later visits Yang Chao at his school, asking him to tutor her.
Yang Chao impressively solves a complex physics problem about the electron's charge-to-mass ratio given by Yang Xiaohemei’s mother. This earns her praise, and she not only accepts him as a tutor but also extends an invitation to visit her and her husband's lab. Yang Xiaohemei notes this is the first time her mother has taken off her glasses in front of a stranger. Yang Chao's true intention, however, is to gain access to Yang Xiaohemei’s 486 computer.
As Yang Xiaohemei walks him home, Yang Chao gives her Yang Xi's birthday card. Learning it is her birthday, he then offers her the chocolate he took from Yang Xi as a belated gift. Early the next morning, Hua Biao and his grandmother are at their bun stall when they are greeted by Yang Ming from the rival school, Hui Ying. Yang Ming challenges Hua Biao’s class to a basketball game later that day.
After he leaves, Granny, observing Yang Ming’s new bicycle and attire, expresses concern for Hua Biao. He reassures her, dismissing the new bike as impractical and preferring his own. He also gently corrects his grandmother, who had mistaken Yang Ming for Ertiao. During English class, the teacher scolds Class 3 for their dismal listening comprehension scores, accusing them of dragging down the entire grade.
She notes that most students scored poorly, with the exception of Li Yu, Hua Biao, and a few others. Kong Xiaojun, the head teacher, overhears the angry lecture from outside the classroom. After school, as the students prepare for the basketball game, Kong Xiaojun stops them, emphasizing the need to study for the Gaokao. Hua Biao, quick-witted, informs him that Hui Ying’s new English teacher, Little Hongbai, is officiating.
Intrigued, Kong Xiaojun agrees to act as referee to impress her and eagerly leads the students to Hui Ying. During warm-ups, Yang Ming asks Hua Biao about Yang Xi, describing her as "the one with short hair, smiling." Hua Biao, clearly jealous, dismisses her as average but admits she looks cute when she smiles. During the game, Kong Xiaojun openly favors Hui Ying due to Little Hongbai's presence, ignoring their fouls. This biased officiating infuriates the Yu Cai students.
Ultimately, Yu Cai loses, and Ertiao fulfills his earlier promise to run ten laps around Hui Ying’s playground naked. Later that night, Kong Xiaojun tries to casually encounter Little Hongbai at a bus stop. Hua Biao spots and teases him before leaving. Moments later, Kong Xiaojun is ambushed by a gang known as the "Thirteen Protectors." Hua Biao returns to intervene and learns the gang was sent by Wang Laowu, who is also pursuing Little Hongbai.
Wang Laowu then confronts Hua Biao, warning him not to meddle and threatening his grandmother's bun business. Meanwhile, Huang Chengcheng persuades Li Yu to walk her home by exaggerating her fear of stalkers. Outside her building, Li Yu gives her medicine, thanking her for her support during the Hong Kong building fire. Huang Chengcheng asks if he has confessed his feelings to Yang Xi. Li Yu says no, giving her a flicker of hope.
However, he firmly states that no one can compare to Yang Xi in his heart, leaving Huang Chengcheng disheartened. Returning home alone, Yang Xi bravely dashes through the dark alley where she was previously stalked, only to run into Hua Biao. He walks her home, and she, noticing his subdued mood, cheers him up with a silly joke. Upon arriving home, Hua Biao cannot find his grandmother and learns from a neighbor that she went out to sell buns.
He rushes to her stall to find her in a heated argument with another vendor from "Wang's BBQ." The vendor claims Wang Laowu, their landlord, rented the spot to him for nighttime use. Hua Biao’s grandmother insists she paid for the entire day, but the vendor explains a clause in her contract allows the spot to be shared. Granny pulls an angry Hua Biao away, urging him to resolve it with Wang Laowu.
Hua Biao confronts Wang Laowu, who points to the contract, leaving Hua Biao with no recourse. Wang Laowu then offers a deal: if Hua Biao can collect all the unpaid rent from other tenants within three days, Wang Laowu will refund half of his grandmother’s rent. At the same restaurant, Situ Ertiao is picking up his intoxicated father. He overhears the conversation and resolves to help his friend.
Episode 14 Recap
After his father, Situ Dongfeng, returns home intoxicated with a thick stack of cash, Ertiao, troubled by Hua Biao's situation, conceives a plan. Meanwhile, at Li Yu's house, Yang Xi delivers a parcel to him and then produces a stack of test papers, begging Li Yu to forge her mother's signature on them. She explains that, apart from English and History, her scores have declined again, and she has even brought carbon paper to make the forgeries consistent.
As thanks, Yang Xi offers to let Li Yu play on her brother Yang Chao's computer. Li Yu suggests they go out with Ertiao, but Yang Xi expresses a preference for spending time with Hua Biao, noting it would be more interesting, which disappoints Li Yu.
Ertiao later tells Li Yu and Hua Biao that the money is from his savings and that he intends to use it to pay Wang Laowu, forcing him to refund half of the rent to Hua Biao's grandmother. He boasts about his family’s wealth, claiming his father regularly closes deals worth twice that amount and that his mother’s recent business venture in Guangzhou brought in a deposit that put their family's liquid assets at fifty thousand yuan.
He promises to accompany them the next day to confront Wang Laowu. The following day, Mr. Kong, while reviewing test papers, discovers the carbon paper marks on Yang Xi's exams and realizes she has forged the signatures. He goes to the classroom looking for her but learns she has already left. At the school gate, he spots Hua Biao leaving with the 13 Taibao gang and decides to follow. Hua Biao, accompanied by Li Yu and Ertiao, confronts Wang Laowu.
However, Wang Laowu notices the consecutive serial numbers on the banknotes and accuses them of trying to frame him with stolen money. As tensions rise, Ertiao smashes a glass bottle, inadvertently cutting Hua Biao’s forehead. Seeing the situation escalate, Wang Laowu falters. Just then, Mr. Kong arrives and proposes a "fair" way to resolve the dispute. He challenges Wang Laowu with three questions: first, to recite a classical Chinese text; second, a chemistry question; and third, a math problem.
Wang Laowu fails the first two and, to avoid further embarrassment, refuses to answer the third, thereby losing the challenge. Li Yu, Ertiao, Hua Biao, and Mr. Kong make a triumphant exit, and the boys playfully ask Mr. Kong if he has a crush on "little Hongbai." Shortly after, Ertiao’s mother discovers he stole the twenty thousand yuan deposit and scolds both him and his father.
Situ Dongfeng angrily demands the money back from Ertiao, who feels his parents prioritize money over him. At home, Yang Xi finds that Yang Chao has taken his computer back to school. She pleads with her mother to buy her a 486 computer, but her mother insists she must earn it with excellent grades.
Yang Xi selectively reports her highest scores, but her mother reveals she already knows Li Yu forged the signatures, advising her that while childhood mischief is forgivable, adult deception is not. The next day, Li Yu reminds Yang Xi that she left her English exam papers at school, prompting her to return. Yang Xi finds the school gate locked but is suddenly pulled into a classroom by Hua Biao. They hide just as a security guard patrols the hall.
Hua Biao explains he is staying at school overnight to hide his forehead injury from his sensitive grandmother, who even cries while watching the cartoon Maruko-chan. He calls his grandmother, falsely claiming he’s at Ertiao’s house helping him study. Meanwhile, Ertiao, still upset with his parents, has been spending his nights at an arcade.
Later, Yang Xi secretly brings Hua Biao a blanket and calls his grandmother to cover for him, claiming that he is safe at Ertiao's house but simply forgot to call. The next morning, Yang Xi brings Hua Biao a newly released Magnum ice cream. Having only enough money for one, she pretends she has already eaten. Hua Biao, sensing her lie, takes a bite, feigns that it tastes bitter, and convinces her to eat the rest.
During chemistry class, Ertiao arrives late after spending another night out. He proceeds with the experiment, adding the solutions in the wrong order, causing the beaker to explode and embed glass shards in his neck. Ertiao requires immediate surgery, but his blood type is a rare Rh-negative, and the hospital has no matching blood.
While his father is not a match and his mother, who shares his blood type, is in Guangzhou, she charters a private plane and arrives just in time for the surgery to proceed successfully. Later, Yang Xi is astonished when her mother explains a chemistry problem with expertise. Her mother reveals that, frustrated by Yang Xi’s academic struggles, she decided to learn chemistry herself in order to teach her.
Elsewhere, Hua Biao buys a cute Maruko-chan hair clip for Yang Xi. He runs into her as she is clearing out old belongings to make space for her new 486 computer. As Yang Xi picks up each item, she recounts specific memories and stories, all involving Li Yu. Hearing her continuous recollections, Hua Biao quietly puts the hair clip back in his pocket.
Episode 15 Recap
The day began with Yang Xi’s mother pressuring her to recite politics and revealing that she had knitted sweaters for Yang Xi, Li Yu, and Hua Biao. Yang Xi's father then arrived, proclaiming he had brought the much-anticipated "486," only for Yang Xi to discover it was a "Bully Learning Machine." Disappointed, she stormed into Yang Chao’s room to complain and was playfully scared by him with a fake snake.
Meanwhile, at school, the chemistry teacher had been suspended due to an accident involving Situ Ertiao. In the office, the Director and other teachers blamed Ertiao for staying up late playing games, leading to a lack of focus and incorrect chemical procedures. Only Mr. Kong stood by Ertiao, asserting that his student insisted he hadn't made a mistake.
The Director criticized Mr. Kong for always defending his students, highlighting issues with Class 3, including Huang Chengcheng’s pop-song lyrics in essays, general noisiness, poor history homework, and deeming the open class, initially planned for Class 3, as now inappropriate. Mr. Kong maintained his stance, stating that he treated his students like his own children and chose to believe Ertiao until clear evidence proved otherwise.
Later, Mr. Kong, visibly upset, returned to the classroom to find a still-injured Ertiao playing with his classmates. He confronted Ertiao, demanding the truth about the experiment, emphasizing that the chemistry teacher was suspended because of Ertiao. Though he publicly affirmed his trust in Ertiao, he later lamented that Ertiao seemed not to care, and their class had lost the chance to host the open class because of the incident.
After school, the "Flying Car Five Group" gathered, and Ertiao, pressed for the truth, reaffirmed that he had not made a mistake in the lab, though he seemed to hesitate slightly. Hua Biao declared he would investigate and resolve the matter himself. As winter solstice approached, Yang Xi invited Hua Biao to her home for dumplings and sweater measurements, but Hua Biao politely declined, saying he preferred to stay with his granny.
Later that evening, Yang Xi, carrying dumplings and an electric blanket, went to Hua Biao’s home, but found only his grandmother, who told her Hua Biao had gone to school. Yang Xi then headed to the school, finding Hua Biao in the chemistry lab, recreating the experiment to prove Ertiao's innocence. Yang Xi took out a measuring tape for the sweater, and their close proximity created an undeniable, budding tension between them.
The next day, Hua Biao presented his findings to the Director, explaining that the "yellow liquid" Ertiao used was leftover from the previous class, mistakenly left by Class 1’s chemistry leader, which led to the explosion. To Hua Biao’s surprise, the Director informed him that Mr. Kong had already resolved the matter; Situ Ertiao was cleared of responsibility, and Class 3 could proceed with the open class.
However, back in class, the news that Mr. Kong had reapplied for the open class and extended evening self-study by an hour was met with resentment. Students believed he was aiming for the "excellent teacher" award. To ensure a perfect performance for the open class, Mr. Kong made them practice the same math problems for a week, which students saw as "cheating."
When confronted, Mr. Kong scolded them for their lack of effort and intelligence, challenging them to do better without his guidance. In response, led by Hua Biao, the students collectively walked out. Huang Chengcheng, feeling sympathetic, stayed behind and advised Mr. Kong to control his anger and "make friends" with his students. Mr. Kong dismissed her advice. Later, Mr. Kong expressed his frustrations to the Director, regretting his decision to become a teacher.
The Director offered advice on teaching, suggesting taking books from boys and shaming girls who read non-academic materials. Following this advice, Mr. Kong returned to Class 3, publicly humiliated Yang Xi by reading a passage from her Qiongyao novel aloud, and then confiscated Li Yu's treasured manga, threatening to destroy them and telling him his mother would have to retrieve them.
Huang Chengcheng sought out Mr. Kong to explain the immense sentimental value of the manga to Li Yu, given his parents' divorce and his mother's distant presence, and reiterated her earlier advice about connecting with students. Mr. Kong, appearing defeated, acknowledged her words and implied his departure, stating he didn't deserve to be their teacher. He then returned the manga to Huang Chengcheng, who, in turn, gave them to Li Yu.
She criticized both Li Yu and Hua Biao for being self-centered and not considering how their actions affected others. Hua Biao then pressed Li Yu about his feelings for Yang Xi, but Li Yu stated that his relationship with Yang Xi was that of "childhood sweethearts," a definition he refused to explain. Yang Xi later took Hua Biao to the office, where they overheard news of Mr. Kong’s impending departure.
Hua Biao, along with Li Yu, decided to apologize to Mr. Kong and try to convince him to stay by committing to a successful open class. While Li Yu spoke with Mr. Kong, Hua Biao listened as Yang Xi discussed the tragic endings of childhood sweethearts in Qiongyao novels, particularly in "Plum Blossom Scar," and compared it to "Yang Guo and Xiaolongnv."
She pointed out that these "childhood sweethearts" didn’t end up together, subtly igniting a spark of hope in Hua Biao regarding his own unspoken feelings. The students of Class 3, now united in their goal to keep Mr. Kong, dedicated themselves to preparing for the open class, which ultimately went smoothly. At the conclusion of the class, Mr. Kong delivered an emotional farewell speech.
He sincerely apologized to Li Yu for his insensitive remarks about the manga and to Yang Xi for publicly shaming her. He then expressed his deep affection for Class 3, affirming that they were the "first class of students I teach," and therefore, "the only first one," and wished them continued success. The open class was rated "excellent," and the school successfully negotiated Mr. Kong's return.
Mr. Kong announced his decision to stay, telling the students they could "forgive each other." That night, Hua Biao discovered the dumplings Yang Xi had left for him earlier and realized she had also brought the electric blanket, which his granny said she had carefully arranged on his bed. Feeling happy, he repeatedly called Yang Xi, making various excuses about homework, a clear sign of his developing feelings for her.
Episode 16 Recap
During a tutoring session, Hua Biao observed Yang Xi's impressive progress in her studies. As the evening progressed, Li Yu prepared to leave, and Yang Xi asked him to take her lunchbox and a leftover salted duck egg with him. They also clarified their keychain situation, confirming that Yang Xi had the Shizuka keychain and Li Yu had Nobita, a swap they had made the previous week because they frequently mixed up their keys.
Yang Xi even drank directly from Li Yu's water bottle, remarking that its insulation was broken. Hua Biao, witnessing these intimate interactions, felt a pang of discomfort. Later, as Hua Biao walked Yang Xi home, he asked what else she shared in common with Li Yu.
Yang Xi playfully replied that they had shared everything since birth, so much so that people might think they were twins, and that he shouldn't be surprised if he saw them wearing each other's clothes one day. She then questioned why he was asking, but Hua Biao dismissed it. He then brought up the upcoming final exams, promising Yang Xi a special present if she achieved a good score.
Intrigued, Yang Xi proposed a deal: if he got first place again, they could exchange gifts. Hua Biao agreed. Li Yu finally convinced his father to buy him a 486 computer. Li Yu eagerly invited Yang Xi upstairs to play, but Yang Xi was intensely focused on her studies, determined to get a good score to earn Hua Biao's promised gift. Even her mother's urging to take a break went unheard as Yang Xi declared that studying made her happy.
Meanwhile, Li Yu used his new computer to chat with his mother online, who confirmed she was returning, making him very happy. When the exam results were announced, Hua Biao indeed secured first place. Yang Xi had made remarkable progress, improving by 30 ranks, while Li Yu dropped by 30 ranks. Yang Xiaohemei also saw her score drop by 30 ranks, though Ertiao managed to move up from last place to second to last.
In preparation for his mother's return, Li Yu tried on his father's old tie, but it proved to be too short. His father gave him 300 yuan and suggested he buy a new suit, asking Yang Xi to accompany him. Li Yu immediately went downstairs, asking Yang Xi to teach him how to tie a tie and to go suit shopping with him. Yang Xi's mother complained about them making a mess on her freshly cleaned floor.
Yang Xi initially hesitated, as she had already promised Hua Biao and Ertiao to go roller skating with them. However, not wanting to disappoint Li Yu, she agreed to help him choose a suit. While Li Yu was excitedly trying on suits, Hua Biao and Ertiao were waiting for them at the roller skating rink. By the time Yang Xi finally arrived at the rink, it was already closing.
Meanwhile, Yang Chao, concerned about Yang Xiaohemei who had locked herself in her room after her poor exam results, decided to cheer her up. He showed her his latest invention, an "imaging device" that used prism reflection to project a star-filled sky. He encouraged her to close her eyes and then open them to behold the stars.
Yang Chao gifted her the device, emphasizing that she shouldn't let her parents' views limit her world or allow a single exam to define her destiny. He urged her not to lock herself away in self-blame, reminding her, "Hemei, do your best. You are the best." That evening, Yang Xi called Hua Biao to apologize for missing their roller skating plans, explaining that she had gone suit shopping with Li Yu, who wanted to look formal for his mother's return.
She also sought Hua Biao's advice on a suitable gift for Li Yu's mother. Hua Biao offered to come over the next day to help. He almost confessed that he had a gift for her too, but stopped short when he heard Li Yu calling for Yang Xi in the background.
The next morning, as Li Yu went to pick up his mother, he was met by Huang Chengcheng, who presented him with a pair of meticulously knitted gloves since she couldn't find the gloves he wanted to buy for his mother. Back at Yang Xi's house, Yang Xi and Hua Biao were assembling a memorial photo album for Li Yu's mother.
Yang Xi's mother joined them, nostalgically showing old photos of a young Yang Xi and Li Yu, remarking on how well-matched they looked. This made Hua Biao increasingly downcast, and the hairpin he had intended to give Yang Xi remained in his pocket. In the evening, Li Yu's mother hosted a dinner for the group at a hotel.
Her open affection for Yang Xi and her subtle suggestions of a match between Yang Xi and Li Yu, coupled with Ertiao and Yang Xiaohemei's playful teasing about the two, further dampened Hua Biao's spirits. He noticed Li Yu's mother praising Yang Xi for choosing his suit. The next day, Yang Xi went to Hua Biao's house, intending to study together.
However, Hua Biao was still visibly upset about Li Yu and seemed disengaged, simply telling her his finished homework was on the table. Yang Xi, sensing his mood, left the group photo from the previous night's dinner on his table before departing. After she left, Hua Biao picked up the photo. He noticed Yang Xi's eyes were looking directly at him in the picture and recalled her looking at him during the photo taking.
A realization dawned on him: Yang Xi actually liked him. Without a moment's hesitation, Hua Biao raced after her, finding her by the riverbank. There, he finally presented her with the hairpin he had prepared long ago for her exam success, saying that he had held back so she wouldn't get too proud of her improvement. Yang Xi was absolutely delighted with the gift, especially since it was pink, her favorite color. Seeing her happiness, Hua Biao's spirits lifted, and they walked back together to finish their compositions.
Episode 17 Recap
Li Yu brings his mother home, noting the renovated bathroom and dining table, though the TV remains unchanged. He mentions contacting Yang Xi by ringing the bell and offers to cook for his mother, recalling Yang Xi's compliment about his cooking. However, his mother suggests they talk downstairs, where she reveals that she feels disconnected from the home and is marrying a divorced Chinese man with a five-year-old son next month.
Li Yu is devastated, questioning if she will be "that boy's mum," to which she assures him she will always be his mother. She invites him to Japan for a few days, wanting him to see her life there, but Li Yu declines, questioning why she lied about her marriage. Li Yu then locks himself in his room. His father informs Yang Xi's family that Li Yu's mother is waiting for him at the airport and even changed her flight.
Yang Xi's parents, along with Yang Chao, Yang Xi, and their neighbors, try to persuade Li Yu to say goodbye. Hua Biao arrives and climbs up to Li Yu's window, smashing it open and declaring he will "stick Li Yu up no matter what happened." Inside, Hua Biao finds Li Yu holding a photo of himself with his mother and crying.
Yang Xi's parents are surprised by her newfound diligence in studying, particularly after Mr. Kong's compliment on her history performance. Li Yu's father tells Yang Xi’s parents that he has been sleeping in his factory as Li Yu refuses to talk to him or let him in, asking Hua Biao to send lunch to Li Yu as Hua Biao is unable to properly care for him. He believes Li Yu must persuade himself to come out.
Hua Biao tells Li Yu that his mother was forced to leave and has indeed gone to Japan to get married, prompting Li Yu to tear up his photo with her and tell Hua Biao to leave. The mystery of the "special day" is solved when Hemei visits to deliver new textbooks, revealing that she told the teachers Yang Xi had taken sick leave for the first day of school.
Hemei tries to give Yang Zhao a scarf as a thank you, but he refuses, explaining that scarves from anyone other than a girlfriend signify a "hookup." Despite Hua Biao’s attempts to make Li Yu eat, Li Yu rejects the food, remembering his mother when seeing sweet and sour pork ribs. He tells Hua Biao to leave him alone. Everyone tries calling Li Yu, but his line is busy.
Yang Xi finds Hua Biao, and they see Li Yu online in chat room 7785 with the username "Hermit Woodcutter," seemingly waiting for his mother. Yang Xi asks Hemei to anonymously chat with Li Yu, guessing his preferences such as his love for green, his aversion to sugar/vinegar in pork ribs, his interest in English, Toriyama Akira, and autumn, and his dislike for physics and rainy days.
When Li Yu asks who she is, Hemei, prompted by Yang Xi, claims to be a fortune-teller and proposes a bet: if her next guess is true, he must meet her outside. Li Yu refuses to come out, and their final guess—that he likes basketball—is incorrect, foiling their plan. Auntie Du expresses her frustration that Li Yu rejects her food, fearing he might be "against all the mums" because of his own mother’s marriage.
Hua Biao cooks for Li Yu, creating a mess in the kitchen but managing to prepare a meal that Li Yu eats. Hua Biao realizes he has lost his small stone necklace, cherished by his grandmother. Li Yu finds it for him. Hua Biao then finds Li Yu's collection of Raccoon instant noodle cards.
Li Yu reveals he had been trying to collect all 108 "Stars of Destiny" cards to win a 1000 yuan prize to visit his mother in Japan without asking his father for money. Hua Biao insists they must collect all the cards, using math to calculate they need 570 packs of Raccoon instant noodles. They spend the afternoon eating noodles and collect 107 cards, missing only "Yi Zhou Tong," and are exhausted.
That evening, Yang Xi helps Hua Biao care for his grandmother and learns the story behind Hua Biao's stone necklace: his parents died in a bus crash when he was three months old, before they could finish carving his name on a jade they bought for him.
Yang Xi has Hemei share the story anonymously with Li Yu through the chat room, emphasizing that "no one's life is perfect" and one must "accept the unfairness of life" to "value its beauty." Li Yu realizes the story is about Hua Biao. He emerges from his room to find Hua Biao sleeping outside, reassuring him he feels "much better" and agreeing to go to school with them the next day. Huang Chengcheng is absent during this time, busy with ballet tryouts.
Episode 18 Recap
Following his mother's departure to Japan to remarry, Li Yu continues to isolate himself. One morning, he discovers a football on his bicycle and concludes it was placed there by Yang Xi as the answer to the final question from their anonymous chat. Later at school, Mr. Kong announces that Hua Biao has once again won first prize in the municipal physics competition and that the results for Huang Chengcheng’s application to the Hong Kong Ballet are available.
He then reveals that the first mock exam will be held in three days to assess the students' true abilities and provide a reliable reference for their university applications. Li Yu calls his mother to offer help with her wedding preparations. She advises him to focus on his studies for the upcoming mock exam, but he reveals he has already taken leave and will fly to Japan right after the test.
He asks if his mother's fiancé will mind his visit, and she assures him that as her son, his presence requires no special permission, wisely advising him that one must accept life's imperfections to value its good moments. That evening, the friends gather at Hua Biao’s house to study. Afterwards, as they sleep in the yard, Yang Xi asks Hua Biao if they can be happy forever, to which he firmly replies, "We must be."
Li Yu, feigning sleep, silently wishes for Yang Xi’s happiness above all else. The mock exam proves incredibly difficult for Yang Xi. Afterwards, her mother gives her warm milk and encouragement. As Li Yu prepares to leave for Japan, Yang Xi gives him a pencil box and draft paper from her mother for his trip, and he promises to take her to Japan with him next time.
Later, Mr. Kong informs the class that their mock exam scores were very low and that all parents, except for Hua Biao’s, must attend one-on-one consultations. Yang Xiaohemei's mother, furious over her daughter's poor grade, berates her and ignores her complaints of a stomachache. Similarly, Situ Ertiao is scolded by his father, who threatens to inform his mother about the bad results. Yang Xi’s father attends the consultation in place of her mother and also inquires about Li Yu.
Mr. Kong reports that Li Yu’s overall performance was good but his math was a weakness, making entry into Peking or Tsinghua University difficult. Regarding Yang Xi, Mr. Kong acknowledges her recent improvement but notes her analytical approach was flawed, resulting in a low grade. He suggests that vocational college might be a more realistic option, a comment that a heartbroken Yang Xi overhears.
Meanwhile, Hua Biao finds a stack of returned packages at home—New Year's desserts his grandmother sent to relatives who have either passed away or moved. When questioned, his grandmother seems confused, denies sending them, and repeatedly mentions someone named "Hui," deeply concerning Hua Biao. That night, Yang Xi argues with her mother, wanting to apply to an easier university, but her mother refuses to listen.
Feeling misunderstood, she runs out and meets a crying Yang Xiaohemei, who confesses she can no longer bear her mother’s suffocating control. At the same time, Hua Biao receives a devastating diagnosis for his grandmother at the hospital: mid-stage Alzheimer's disease. Upon returning from Japan, Li Yu gives Yang Xi a blue bow, explaining he couldn't find the hat with a bow she wanted.
He thanks her for correctly guessing his preference for football, a sport he has loved since childhood. To his surprise, Yang Xi reveals that she wasn't the one who sent the football. The mystery is solved when it's revealed that before her ballet audition, Huang Chengcheng had called Mr. Kong, who informed her that Li Yu’s mother was remarrying and he had been absent from school for a week.
Distraught, Huang Chengcheng performed her dance while recalling tender moments with Li Yu. After the audition, she sought out Yang Xi. She challenged Yang Xi, admitting that despite being better in many ways, Li Yu still didn't like her. Huang Chengcheng asserted that while Yang Xi knew Li Yu's habits from their shared childhood, she understood his true feelings. When pressed, Yang Xi admitted Li Yu was more than a childhood friend but could only call him a "relative."
Yang Xi then asks if Li Yu likes basketball, and Huang Chengcheng clarifies he has always loved football, implying she was the one who left the ball for him. Despite achieving an excellent result in her audition that grants her direct entry into the Hong Kong Ballet without taking the Gaokao, Huang Chengcheng insists on staying. She explains to her mother that Li Yu’s words in a past class had given her a new perspective on her dreams.
She wishes to finish her final year and take the Gaokao with her classmates, especially Li Yu, viewing it as a final shared experience. She reveals her true dream is to become a diplomat, with ballet as an advantage rather than her ultimate career. Her mother relents. Back home, reflecting on Huang Chengcheng's words, Yang Xi seems to finally understand the depth of Li Yu’s feelings for her. However, she puts away the blue bow from Li Yu and picks up a pink hair clip, a gift from Hua Biao.
Episode 19 Recap
Hua Biao rose early and, fearing his grandmother might wander off due to her condition, subtly retrieved her keys and locked the main door. He then took her place at the family's bun stall, where he began to study traditional Chinese medicine, researching ancient herbal remedies. Meanwhile, at Yang Xi’s home, Yang Chao arrived for breakfast, announcing exciting news.
Due to his exceptional academic performance in electronic engineering, he had been accepted into an exchange program at MIT with a full scholarship. His parents were overjoyed and embraced him, ready to sell everything to support him. However, Yang Chao then revealed his true ambition: he wanted to start a technology company with his classmate, He Xiaoming. Despite having over a hundred small inventions, his parents dismissed them as useless and flatly refused to lend him money for his venture.
Yang Chao was frustrated, as only his sister, Yang Xi, understood and supported his entrepreneurial dream, playfully choosing "Starting a company" over MIT for him. Back at school, Hemei was distraught over a particularly difficult physics problem, vowing to master it after the teacher threatened punishment for repeated errors. She even cut a lock of her hair as a symbol of her resolve.
During class, Yang Xi, learning that the string for Hua Biao’s cherished stone had broken, started braiding a new one with colorful threads. Hua Biao, noticing her distraction, urged her to focus on her studies, offering to tutor her. Yang Xi, feeling defeated by her recent mock exam results, was dismissive, expressing her belief that it was too late for her to improve.
Hua Biao wondered why she was so fixated on the small stone, while Yang Xi wondered why he was so fixated on her grades. They both realized the answer was the same: because it was important to the other person. After school, Ertiao enthusiastically invited his classmates to his home for karaoke. However, most declined, prioritizing their studies. Hua Biao insisted that Yang Xi come with him to study.
At Yang Xi’s home, Hua Biao, Li Yu, and Yang Xi gathered for a study session, with Yang Xi’s mother, Du Yuemei, supervising and actively participating. Yang Xi, however, remained uncooperative, much to her mother’s frustration. Simultaneously, at Ertiao’s house, his father, Situ Dongfeng, angrily confronted him for running a business using his connections, smashing the door to Ertiao's room and discovering his inventory.
A heated argument ensued, with Situ Dongfeng insulting Ertiao’s poor grades and disparaging his friends, the "Speeding Five." Enraged, Ertiao called his mother, exposing his father’s infidelity, and Situ Dongfeng slapped him. Ertiao then stormed out of the house. That night, Hua Biao returned home, where his grandmother questioned him about locking her in all day. Hua Biao tried to cover his actions, claiming he was afraid she might go out alone.
He then subtly tested her memory by asking about the Gaokao date and the current date, finding her answers surprisingly clear, which made him doubt her dementia diagnosis. The next morning, Du Yuemei told Yang Weiguo and Yang Xi about an upstairs neighbor whose son gained extra points for an art exam by practicing a single piano tune for a year. Inspired, she suggested Yang Xi take up an instrument like the violin.
Yang Xi, who claimed she couldn't sing a note, protested, leading to another argument with her mother. At school, Hua Biao noticed Yang Xi and Ertiao were both absent. That evening, as Hua Biao’s grandmother prepared buns, she gazed at her deceased son Junsheng's photograph and had a momentary hallucination of him returning, leading her to accidentally burn her hand on the pressure cooker. Hua Biao quickly tended to her injury.
The family then faced further hardship as Li Yu’s father and Yang Xi’s mother, Du Yuemei, both lost their jobs. Witnessing the grim reality, Yang Chao quietly put away his startup guide. Soon after, Yang Weiguo received a call from Mr. Kong, informing him that Yang Xi had skipped school all day. Frantic, Du Yuemei, accompanied by Yang Chao and Li Yu, immediately set out to search for her. They eventually found Yang Xi loudly singing karaoke at Ertiao’s house.
Yang Chao tried to persuade her to come home, but Yang Xi defiantly refused, saying she hated being home and felt like a fool who would ruin her family’s perfect image. Du Yuemei then addressed both Yang Chao and Yang Xi, acknowledging that she and their father had always tried their best for them. She conceded that they had grown up and were tired of their parents, but reaffirmed their unchanging love.
She stated that they accepted their children's choices—Yang Chao could go to MIT or start his company, and Yang Xi could choose a good university or a vocational school. However, if they ever regretted their choices and returned home, they must accept their parents' endless words. Before leaving, Du Yuemei quietly told Yang Chao not to reveal her job loss to Yang Xi. Following Granny's hand injury, the "Speeding Five" rallied to help her, tirelessly making and selling buns.
Friends, teachers, and students from both Yucai and Huiying high schools came out in full support, helping Hua Biao earn a significant amount of money for his grandmother. Li Yu presented Hua Biao with a good luck amulet he had brought from Japan for Granny's well-being. Yang Xi also gave Hua Biao a newly braided five-strand red string for his cherished stone, assuring him it was secure. Hua Biao expressed his gratitude, wishing for his grandmother's continued safety and health.
Episode 20 Recap
Yang Xi, feeling remorseful and wanting to apologize, brought baozi from Hua Biao for her mother's birthday. Li Yu advised her to apologize to her mother, emphasizing that her mother always thought of her, even if her methods weren't perfect. At dinner, Yang Xi apologized and wished her mother a happy birthday, but her parents appeared distant and troubled. After dinner, Yang Zhao told Yang Xi to go with Li Yu for revision.
Yang Zhao was then called into his parents' room. Yang Xi, left alone, started playing a new, brightly colored violin, but Yang Zhao criticized her for making noise. Later, Yang Xi received an angry call from Yang Zhao's business partner, who questioned Yang Zhao's sudden withdrawal from their product sales venture. Distressed, Yang Xi went to Hua Biao's house, seeking comfort and conversation. She believed Hua Biao was capable of anything and asked if he ever had worries.
Hua Biao confessed to having many, especially that year, admitting he had never known his parents and envied Yang Xi's lively family. When Yang Xi asked why he hadn't visited recently, Hua Biao explained that some worlds can only be admired, not truly joined, using the example of admiring good students without becoming one. He encouraged her not to dwell on admiration but to choose her own path.
He emphasized that while there is only one world for everyone, one can create as many personal worlds as they wish, encouraging her to strive for her own goals, just as he aimed to ensure his grandmother lived a long life. Meanwhile, Hua Biao convinced his grandmother to take a bitter Chinese medicine by exaggerating the seriousness of her minor scald, promising her more time to watch her favorite TV show character.
She later reported dreaming only of that character, indicating the medicine was working. Yang Xi returned home to find it in disarray. After tidying up, she took out the trash but accidentally locked herself out. She called Li Yu's father, Uncle Li, for the spare key he kept at the factory. Uncle Li then revealed to Li Yu that he and Auntie Du (Yang Xi's mother) had been laid off.
He explained that he was laid off because someone reported him for taking a piece of glass from the factory to fix Yang Xi's window. He added that Auntie Du was laid off two weeks prior and was now working as a cleaner at the factory after refusing to leave. Hua Biao, on his way to see Yang Xi, overheard this conversation.
As Yang Xi approached her mother, who was indeed cleaning a public toilet, Hua Biao quickly intervened, fabricating an excuse about boiling water at home to lead Yang Xi away before she fully processed what she saw. Heartbroken after seeing her mother, Yang Xi regretted her previous argument at Ertiao's house, feeling her immaturity had caused her mother pain.
Hua Biao tried to console her, but it was Li Yu who walked her home, listening to her pour out her sorrow. Back home, Yang Xi watched news reports about large-scale layoffs in state-owned enterprises. Motivated by her mother's sacrifice, she took out her violin and books, resolving to study hard and try for art exam bonuses to help her family. Concurrently, Li Yu's father decided to move to Guangzhou to start a business, seeking a new path.
Li Yu later told Hua Biao that a "fat deputy director" was behind his father's and Auntie Du's layoffs, having reported his father and humiliated Auntie Du for defending him. Li Yu expressed a strong desire to confront this man, a sentiment Hua Biao immediately echoed. Yang Xi, too, was determined to seek justice for her mother.
Yang Zhao, however, warned Yang Xi against impulsive actions, urging her to focus on cheering up their mother by achieving success and being obedient, especially since their family's income was now halved. He offered his company bonus if she needed money. Despite Yang Zhao's warning, Yang Xi and her friends, later identified as the Flying Car Five, decided to target the "fat deputy director" to vent their anger.
Li Yu had described the man as lazy and randy, and Yang Xi recalled her mother mentioning his past harassment of a female college student. They devised a "honey trap" using He Mei, who, posing as a new intern, asked the deputy director for directions to the "female bathroom." The deputy director, clearly smitten, offered to lead her. As they walked, another group member deliberately bumped into him, causing him to fall and break his glasses.
While he was disoriented, the group quickly swapped the male and female bathroom signs. The deputy director then entered what he thought was the men's bathroom, only to find himself in the women's and was subsequently beaten by angry women. After their mission, the group headed to a public bathhouse to change. Yang Xi, in a playful mood, burst into the men's changing room, grabbing some clothes and challenging Hua Biao to come out.
Hua Biao emerged, using a blackboard to cover his lower half. Yang Xi then noticed the red string she had braided for him tied around his pants, which brought a smile to her face. News later spread that the deputy director was sued by the women he had offended and was likely to be laid off. The next day, Yang Xi went to Hua Biao's family altar, lit incense, and solemnly promised his deceased parents that she would study diligently.
After this, she asked Hua Biao, despite admitting her complete lack of musical talent, to teach her music. She explained that her mother had lost her proud job and possibly hope for the future, and even if she couldn't help her with anything substantial, she didn't want to worsen her mood. Hua Biao agreed, and they began with basic music theory and the song "The Curved Moon," with Hua Biao patiently guiding her through the notes and rhythm.
Episode 21 Recap
In the morning, Yang Xi tried to hide from her mother but eventually ran into her. Their relationship was strained, and Yang Xi’s mother avoided her, choosing to wait until Yang Xi finished her meals before eating and meticulously scrubbing the floor rather than engaging in conversation. Li Yu offered to mediate, but Yang Xi felt she had her own plan. At school, the atmosphere grew tense as the Gaokao countdown began.
Yang Xiaohemei struggled with her studies and was constantly preoccupied with a beeper her mother had given her. Yang Xiaohemei explained that her mother demanded detailed reports after every class and immediate calls home after school, threatening endless messages if she didn't comply. Meanwhile, Ertiao, having fought with his father, Situ Dongfeng, who had returned from Russia, pleaded with Li Yu to let him stay at his house, even attempting to bribe him with rare Kuban hats.
Li Yu initially resisted but eventually relented. That evening, as Hua Biao walked Yang Xi home and Li Yu headed back with Ertiao, Li Yu gave Yang Xi two bowls of red bean soup—one for herself and one for her mother—suggesting she use the opportunity to reconcile with her mother. At home, Yang Xi tended to her father, who was recovering from hemorrhoids, and they had a heartfelt conversation.
Her father confessed that while he once only wished for her happiness, her mother's recent layoff made him realize the increasing importance of education and social status in society. He admitted that he had to push her to ensure she could navigate a rigorous world and maintain her dignity. Hearing his words, Yang Xi understood her parents' sacrifices and resolved to study harder.
Later that night, Yang Xi’s mother found the red bean porridge and a note from her daughter, deeply touched by the gesture. The next morning, Yang Xi approached her mother, acknowledging her inability to play the violin but demonstrating that she had learned to sing a musical tune.
She used her own unexpected achievement to encourage her mother, suggesting that if a tone-deaf person like herself could learn something new, her mother could also seek new opportunities, much like Li Yu’s father, instead of clinging to a job for self-esteem. After Yang Xi left for school, her mother, Du Yuemei, was overcome with emotion and wept openly, her neighbor praising Yang Xi’s unexpected singing talent.
Back at school, Hua Biao received a troubling call from his grandmother, who was suffering from worsening Alzheimer's and had called the police, believing her son, Junsheng, was lost. The police dispatcher confirmed the severity of her condition, urging Hua Biao to take her to the hospital. In class, Huang Chengcheng diligently practiced her English, with Li Yu patiently assisting her.
Yang Xi frequently coaxed Yang Xiaohemei to the playground to study, but Yang Xiaohemei noticed Yang Xi's eyes were always drawn to the basketball court. Yang Xiaohemei pressed Yang Xi about her feelings for Hua Biao. Yang Xi, though initially denying it, confessed her affection but admitted feeling unworthy of him and too afraid to ask about his feelings. Yang Xiaohemei, convinced Hua Biao liked Yang Xi, advised her to simply ask him who "he" liked.
Meanwhile, Li Yu grew concerned about his father's situation in Guangzhou after observing details in a photo he sent, and he expressed a desire to find a part-time job to earn money. Hua Biao, burdened by his grandmother's medical needs, also needed money. Ertiao, Hua Biao, and Li Yu joined forces with Yang Chao, who proposed selling a batch of Russian Kuban hats from Ertiao's father.
Yang Chao, posing as a prominent hat merchant from Hongxing Market, and Ertiao approached Situ Dongfeng for the goods. However, Situ Dongfeng quickly saw through their ruse, recognizing Yang Chao's false claims about his shop number. Despite this, he offered them a chance, introducing them to a client, Boss He, who needed many Kuban hats, and proposed a profit-sharing deal.
Hua Biao, Li Yu, Ertiao, and Yang Chao then set off for Boss He’s house, unaware that Yang Xi and Yang Xiaohemei were discreetly following them, suspicious of their secretive venture. At Boss He’s dilapidated residence, Yang Chao tried to negotiate through the gate, listing off their group, including Hua Biao and Li Yu as "bodyguards." To their shock, the person who opened the gate was none other than their school director.
Panicked, Hua Biao, Ertiao, and Li Yu abandoned their bikes and ran. Yang Xi and Yang Xiaohemei, who had been observing, rushed out to distract the director, buying their friends time. As the director chased them, Hua Biao found a hidden alcove and pulled Yang Xi in, where they crouched together in secret. In the confined space, their close proximity intensified the unspoken feelings between them. Yang Xi, gathering her courage, finally asked Hua Biao who he liked.
Hua Biao was about to answer when Li Yu discovered their hiding spot. Li Yu, having followed them out of concern, quickly offered to take responsibility for the entire situation at school. The moment was lost, leaving Yang Xi deeply disappointed as Hua Biao's answer remained unsaid. As Li Yu left to explain to the school, Yang Xiaohemei, spotting Yang Xi, teased her about her crush on Hua Biao.
Back at home, Ertiao confronted Situ Dongfeng, furious that his father had seemingly set him up by introducing them to the director. He threatened to call his mother, but Situ Dongfeng responded with a poignant confession, calling Ertiao his son and his treasure, and promising eternal protection. However, these words, though heartfelt, did not bring comfort to Ertiao.
Episode 22 Recap
Yang Chao's father was sternly disciplining Yang Chao and Li Yu over their attempt to sell hats. Yang Chao then announced that he had decided to go to America, having received a scholarship from his university. He explained that he had initially wanted to do something good for his mother and father before leaving, and to set a good example for Yang Xi and Li Yu, but he realized his competence was insufficient.
He added that he had learned from Yang Xi to do something he was capable of. At Yang Chao's request, his mother lovingly prepared to sew a hidden pocket in his underwear to keep his money safe. Meanwhile, Li Yu anxiously inquired about his father's true situation in Guangzhou. Yang's parents assured him his father was doing well, but Li Yu remained unconvinced.
Later, Yang Xi headed to Hua Biao's house, intending to study with him and bring some food for his grandmother. However, Hua Biao was about to leave, stating he was unavailable and suggesting "maybe next time." Yang Xi noticed his feet looked peculiar, and Hua Biao explained they were itching because he hadn't worn socks for three days. He then had to rush off. Yang Xi was disappointed and returned home, encountering a worried Li Yu on the way.
Li Yu asked if Yang Xi had received any calls from his father. Yang Xi confirmed she had, though her parents had answered. To ease Li Yu's worries, she revealed that his father had sent her 200 yuan, which she then gave to Li Yu, suggesting he keep it as a "mysterious fund for a rainy day." She reassured him that his father must be doing very well if he was so generous. The intense review sessions continued at school.
Teacher Kong announced the new one-on-one tutoring groups for the upcoming mock exam. Hua Biao and Yang Xi were once again paired together, as were Li Yu and Huang Dengdeng. However, when Situ Ertiao's name was called, it took a long moment for him to respond. Everyone then noticed Ertiao was hunched over his desk, crying. He tearfully revealed that his parents had just divorced, making his recurring nightmare of his mother driving away from him a painful reality.
He questioned why she left and if the outside world was so attractive that she wouldn't come back. Yang Xi tried to comfort him, telling him not to overthink things and that his phone call during a fight with his father wasn't the sole reason for their divorce.
After school, Yang Xi intended to find Hua Biao for their tutoring session, but he quickly said he was unavailable that day and hurried away, promising to make it up on the weekend. Curious, Yang Xi followed him and discovered him meeting a girl at the school gate before they rode off together. Yang Xi cycled after them but was soon spotted by Hua Biao.
When he confronted her, she directly asked if the girl was his girlfriend and if she was the one he loved. Hua Biao then asked Yang Xi if she had someone she loved, and when she confirmed, he simply affirmed that he too was in love with someone. Misinterpreting his words as a confirmation about the girl, Yang Xi, visibly heartbroken, cycled away in tears. Distraught, Yang Xi rode her bike home, her mind preoccupied, causing her to fall.
It was then that she saw her mother by the river, trying to sell beef balls from a small stall, calling out to passersby with little success. This sight deepened Yang Xi's sorrow. Later that evening, Hua Biao returned home and asked Xiao Hu to look after his grandmother, then hurried to Yang Xi's apartment building. He called her name repeatedly from downstairs until she reluctantly came out.
Seeing her tear-stained face, Hua Biao understood she was upset and realized she was jealous. He immediately explained that the girl she saw was Yang Ming's aunt, not his girlfriend, and he didn't have feelings for her. This explanation finally brought a smile to Yang Xi's face. She then asked Hua Biao again who the person he loved was. Instead of answering directly, Hua Biao leaned in and gently kissed her forehead, a gesture that silently conveyed their mutual feelings.
Yang Xi also shared her sadness about her mother struggling to sell her delicious beef balls, prompting Hua Biao to listen intently and encourage her. The next morning, Hua Biao awoke to find his grandmother dressed neatly by his bed, calling him "Junsheng" and urging him to get ready for his wedding to "Hui." She excitedly showed him a hairpin Hui had bought for her.
Moments later, her memory faltered, and she forgot about the wedding, begging "Junsheng" not to leave her, clinging to him as her "only child." As Hua Biao tried to comfort her, she suddenly grew agitated, accusing everyone of wanting to leave her alone. Hua Biao realized his grandmother's Alzheimer's was worsening, filling him with deep concern.
On the way to school, Hua Biao's friends noticed that his bun shop had been closed for several days, and they found his recent behavior quite strange. At the school gate, they encountered Yang Ming, who, seeing he couldn't hide it, admitted he was there to deliver shoes to Hua Biao. Yang Ming then explained that his aunt worked at a hair-regrowth medication factory and had helped Hua Biao get a job cleaning the waste pool there.
He elaborated that the chemical residue in the pool caused foot irritation, which was why Hua Biao's feet had been itching. Hearing this, Hua Biao's friends immediately headed to the factory. Upon seeing Hua Biao working in the pool, they took off their shoes and joined him, offering their support and singing together. Hua Biao explained that he had closed the bun stall due to his grandmother's worsening Alzheimer's.
He shared his newly found dream: to find a cure for his grandmother, hoping for a miracle despite knowing there was no known cure for her condition. Later, Yang Xi unexpectedly appeared at her mother's beef ball stall, announcing she wanted to buy all the remaining beef balls so her mother could close early. Yang Xi then offered suggestions for improving sales, proposing her mother set up a stall on the snack street near their school.
She mentioned that Teacher Kong could help secure a spot there, and recalled how popular Hua Biao's grandmother's bun stall used to be in that area, assuring her mother that her classmates would eagerly support her. As they packed up, the mother and daughter fondly reminisced about singing childhood jingles by the river, and their bond finally returned to its former intimacy.
That night, at home, Yang Xi listened to the "Music at Midnight" radio show, which announced a new segment for love songs and confessions. Inspired, she began writing what she described as the first love letter of her life, referring to the person she liked as "a miracle" she had met in her eighteen years.
Episode 23 Recap
Every day, everyone helped Hua Biao clean the waste pool, and they also reviewed their studies together. When Hua Biao received his first payment, he offered to treat everyone to popsicles, but his friends all went straight home. The next morning, Yang Xi helped her mother prepare beef balls, reciting her lessons while cooking, which pleasantly surprised her mother. After the beef balls were ready, Yang Xi secretly packed some to take to Granny Hua.
However, Granny Hua's condition had worsened; she mistook Yang Xi for Hui and Hua Biao for Junsheng, asking Yang Xi to bring Junsheng back from Xinjiang. Later, Yang Xi and Hua Biao studied on the rooftop. Yang Xi expressed her worry about Granny Hua's deteriorating memory and suggested telling the rest of their "Speeding Five" group so they could help care for her.
However, Hua Biao felt he had already bothered them by asking for help with the waste pool and didn't want to overstep their friendship. He told Yang Xi she was different, like "Hui," which puzzled Yang Xi. During their review, Hua Biao was surprised to see Yang Xi solve a challenging four-star problem from a Gaokao problem bank, a feat even excellent students struggled with.
Yang Xi modestly dismissed it as a fluke, but Hua Biao insisted it was due to her hard work and consistent study method. He promised she would continue to improve and told her that only those who believe in miracles can create them, encouraging her to be more confident. Hua Biao then gave Granny Hua an acupoint massage to comfort her. Meanwhile, Yang Xi's mother meticulously organized study notes for all subjects, calling them the "Essence of Gaokao by Yang."
She jokingly remarked that her job loss was worth it if it helped Yang Xi achieve academic breakthrough. Elsewhere, Yang Xi's father discussed university choices with Li Yu, specifically his second preference. Li Yu noticed several boxes of stomach medicine in their home and inquired about his father's well-being. Yang Xi's father assured him his father was fine and that the medicine was for Yang Zhao, who was leaving for America.
However, when Li Yu's father called shortly after, Yang Xi's father spoke evasively. Li Yu, knowing his father suffered from ulcers and recognized the specific medications, grew certain his father was not doing well. Determined, Li Yu decided to go to Guangzhou to see his father himself, despite Yang Xi's father offering to go on Sunday. Li Yu bought two train tickets, implicitly expecting Yang Xi to accompany him.
However, as boarding for the train was closing the next day, it was Huang Chengcheng who appeared at the station, not Yang Xi. Huang Chengcheng joined Li Yu, remarking that she was there for the same reason he was. Back home, as Hua Biao and Yang Xi prepared to go clean the factory waste pool, Granny Hua suddenly gripped Hua Biao tightly, refusing to let him leave.
She insisted on accompanying him to a "far and dark place" to protect him from a "scary monster," even offering to take his Gaokao test for him. For Granny Hua's safety, Yang Xi decided to stay behind and care for her, while Hua Biao left with Ertiao and He Mei for work. Midway, the three were intercepted by He Mei's mother, who was upset about her daughter's whereabouts.
He Mei tried to explain they were helping Hua Biao with his part-time job, but her mother accused her of keeping secrets and neglecting her studies. He Mei asserted her need for personal space and friends, but her mother dismissed it, telling her to be a "normal girl" and not dream of miracles. Yang Xi stayed home with Granny Hua, who alternated between moments of lucidity and confusion.
At one point, Granny Hua recognized Yang Xi and offered to make her buns. However, when she brought out a pot, Yang Xi lifted the lid to find it filled only with boiling water. Granny Hua, startled by her own confusion, accidentally dropped the pot, spilling hot water that scalded Yang Xi. Fortunately, Hua Biao returned just in time and rushed Yang Xi to the hospital.
In Guangzhou, Li Yu meticulously cared for his father, cooking him special meals, cleaning the apartment, and organizing his medications. He gave his father many health-related instructions, reminding him that health was paramount and that he should not over-exert himself for business. Li Yu's father then shared that Li Yu's mother wanted him to live with her in Japan. While his father hoped he would stay, he admitted he couldn't care for him properly at the moment.
However, Li Yu firmly refused the offer, stating he wouldn't leave and didn't want to burden Yang Xi's parents. He also added that he couldn't leave Yang Xi alone in a strange place. After settling his father, Li Yu went to the beach to meet Huang Chengcheng, who had been waiting for him. He then surprised her by producing a Hong Kong Ballet makeup registration form that he had filled out for her.
Huang Chengcheng was furious that Li Yu had acted without her permission and assumed he was trying to push her away. Through a flashback, it was revealed that Li Yu had previously met Huang Chengcheng's mother, who told him Huang Chengcheng had given up her chance to go to Hong Kong for her friends.
Huang Chengcheng then showed Li Yu a collection of English flashcards she had made, expressing her support for his dream of getting into Peking University and becoming a diplomat. Li Yu sincerely thanked her for her constant support, stating that he wanted to support her dream in the same way. He then presented her with a pair of red dancing shoes, a dream of hers.
The two shared a poignant moment, reflecting on their dreams and the "miracle" of that night. The second mock exam commenced, with Yang Xi's mother sending her and Li Yu off, appearing anxious yet hopeful. She reminded Yang Xi to relax, downplaying the importance of grades given Yang Xi's hand injury, which Hua Biao had fashioned a protective cover for to prevent scars. Yang Xi approached the exam with confidence and returned home smiling with her results.
Yang Xi's parents excitedly calculated her total score, arriving at 501 points. While this was generally enough for a first-tier university, they knew Peking University typically required around 520 points, according to past years. Just then, Yang Xi excitedly showed them a newspaper. It announced a new system for long-distance running in high schools, offering 20 bonus points. This meant Yang Xi's score, with the potential bonus, could reach 521, making her eligible for Peking University. This news overjoyed her parents, confirming that miracles often happen to those who are well-prepared.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Yang Xi diligently trained for the long-distance race, hoping to earn bonus points for her university application. Her parents, especially her mother Du Yuemei, expressed their worries to Mr. Kong, concerned she might overexert herself and become too reliant on the extra points, potentially neglecting her overall academic performance. Despite their doubts about her aiming for Peking University, her teachers encouraged her ambition. Meanwhile, Ertiao received disappointing news about his grades, which were insufficient even for a technical college.
His father, Si Tu Dong Feng, revealed the reason behind his divorce from Ertiao's mother. He explained that his wife, who had started from humble beginnings, had expanded their business to Russia and was now pursuing an MBA at the University of Moscow. This journey broadened her perspective, creating a significant gap in their worldviews. She had given him an ultimatum: join her in her academic pursuits, or they would divorce.
Si Tu Dong Feng admitted that he found contentment in an "ignorant" happiness, unlike his driven ex-wife. He then announced his decision to send Ertiao overseas, encouraging him to be a rare and ambitious individual like his mother, rather than settling for a normal life like himself. Yangxiao Hemei, overwhelmed by the pressure of the second mock exam, locked herself in her room.
Her brother, Yang Chao, approached her and used the analogy of a tossed coin, emphasizing that even if one avoids looking, the result still exists. He encouraged her to face the exam to avoid future regrets, urging her not to close her door on life again. Convinced, Hemei decided to confront her challenges with renewed determination. Later, Yang Xi, Li Yu, Hemei, and Ertiao gathered at Yang Xi’s mother’s noodle stall. Ertiao shared news of his impending departure overseas.
Hemei, now positive, declared her resolve to study wholeheartedly, regardless of the outcome. Hua Biao arrived, explaining he was heading home as top students were exempt from evening self-study. As they were eating, a sudden downpour began. Hua Biao rushed home, where the heavy rain and a power outage had left his grandmother, Shi Junfang, severely distressed and disoriented. She spoke frantically of floods and called out for "Xiao Hu".
Hua Biao went out to buy a flashlight, but upon his return, his grandmother's state had worsened. She tragically failed to recognize him, calling him a "bad guy" and ordering him out. He tried to show her a necklace she had given him long ago, but her confusion persisted. When their neighbor Xiao Lan arrived, Grandma’s agitation only worsened, forcing a heartbroken Hua Biao to step outside.
That night, Yang Xi went to buy batteries for her walkman, eager to listen to a specific radio show. Outside the store, she found Hua Biao sitting alone in the rain, crying. He confided in her that his grandmother no longer recognized him. Meanwhile, in the classroom, Li Yu listened to the same show as the host read a heartfelt letter from Yang Xi confessing her love for Hua Biao.
Deeply affected, Li Yu immediately called his mother in Japan and confirmed his decision to move there. The next day, the friends visited Hua Biao's grandmother, bringing gifts and performing for her to lift her spirits. Afterward, Yang Xi shared her dream of attending Peking University with Hua Biao, who enthusiastically encouraged her, stating that it "has to be possible." As the Gaokao neared, the students immersed themselves in preparations.
Yang Xi successfully won her long-distance race, securing the crucial 20 bonus points. On the night before the exam, Hua Biao's grandmother became distressed, crying out for him to take her home. On July 1, 1997, as the nation celebrated the return of Hong Kong, Huang Chengcheng, now the sole mainland dancer in the Hong Kong Ballet, was interviewed on television. After the three-day exam, Yang Xi emerged feeling confident.
Hemei admitted she hadn’t performed well, but her mother offered comforting words, prioritizing her effort over the result. An aviation school recruiter then presented Hemei with a new career path as a flight attendant. Ertiao, true to his independent spirit, left for overseas alone on his bicycle, bidding his friends a silent farewell from a distance and asking them not to see him off. When the Gaokao results were released, Yang Xi scored 500 points.
With her 20 bonus points, her total of 520 put top universities within reach. Eager to share the news, she found Li Yu, but he unexpectedly confessed his love for her. He then revealed his decision to move to Japan indefinitely to be with his mother. They shared a tearful farewell, with Li Yu encouraging her to apply for her dream university. While filling out her application, Yang Xi ultimately chose to apply to Peking University.
Just then, Hua Biao urgently called, asking her to come dressed in her Maruko costume. His grandmother was having another episode, demanding to officiate a wedding for "Junsheng" and "Xiaohui." Hua Biao had donned a suit to play Junsheng, and Yang Xi's arrival as "Xiaohui" helped calm his grandmother. Later, as he walked her home, Hua Biao confided that he would not be attending university.
Instead, he planned to use the time before his grandmother's memory completely faded to travel the world with her, fulfilling a promise. He urged Yang Xi to pursue her dreams and "never look back," and she began calling him "Hua Biao" instead of the teasing "Sad Biao." In the end, Yang Xi was admitted to Peking University, aided by an unexpectedly lower admission benchmark that year.
To provide Hua Biao with funds for his journey, Si Tu Dong Feng purchased his house. Before leaving, Ertiao told his father that he still wished to be a happy person just like him. Hua Biao and his grandmother began their travels, starting with her hometown of Guangyuan. Their new journeys began, a blend of beginnings and cherished memories of the youth that would forever link them.
