When We Were Young Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> When We Were Young 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.
