When We Were Young Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
> When We Were Young Recap
Hao Tian explained to Chu Yinyin and Xu Konglin that she discovered Xia Er's existence online. She had seen a video of someone selling items in an unusual way and immediately thought it was Chu Yinyin due to their striking resemblance. When the person identified herself as Xia Er, Hao Tian watched more of her videos. Xu Konglin questioned why she hadn't come forward sooner.
Hao Tian confessed she was terrified of police questioning and felt responsible for Chu Yinyin's robbery and subsequent amnesia, which occurred after Hao Tian sent the text message leading her to New Southern. Chu Yinyin, however, reassured Hao Tian, stating she did not blame her and expressed gratitude for the crucial information, calling her amnesia an unforeseen accident. Xu Konglin then contacted Officer Chen to share this new development and help clear Xia Er's name.
Later, as Li Bai and Xia Er sat together, Li Bai informed her that Chu Yinyin's recovered memories and the evidence she provided to the police had fully exonerated Xia Er, with the suspect, Slippers, having confessed to covering for an accomplice and deliberately framing her. Xia Er, in good spirits, playfully attributed her escape from trouble to her own good character. Li Bai then brought up his earlier love confession and pressed her for an answer.
Xia Er responded that she planned to return to New Southern after the current semester to diligently prepare for her ideal university. She proposed a deal: if she successfully gains admission to her dream college, she will then give him her answer. Li Bai readily agreed to wait for her. Chu Yinyin joined them, reflecting on their shared journey and acknowledging the new life and happiness they had found with their adoptive parents, Chu Mingzhu and Xia Jianguo.
She expressed their deep gratitude, promising to live their lives well in return, and told Xia Er she felt truly fortunate to have their family. During a class, Teacher Lu announced that Chu Yinyin and Xu Konglin had both secured spots in the overseas study program, having tied for first place. Teacher Lu then shared more good news: Xia Er's innocence had been conclusively proven. Li Bai and Xia Er relaxed on the school track.
Li Bai expressed his reluctance for Xia Er to leave Qingteng, but Xia Er responded that she would feel more at ease returning to New Southern and reiterated her intention to return there after the semester to prepare for her ideal university. In the afternoon, Xia Er returned to New Southern and shared her intention to return to class next semester with Xiao Er and others, who were all very happy.
Xia Er observed the interactions between Xiao Er and Leng Shao, realized they were a couple, and sincerely congratulated them. Later, Chu Yinyin also arrived at New Southern. At the dormitory, Chu Yinyin and Xia Er returned to the dormitory they had shared. Chu Yinyin suggested they all take a group photo, wanting to carry these cherished memories with her when she studied abroad. Chu Yinyin, Xia Er, Xu Konglin, and Li Bai visited Xia Jianguo at an eldercare facility.
Xia Jianguo presented them with a baby photo of the twin sisters. On the back of the photo, they found a note detailing their birth date, that the elder sister Xiao Le had a mole behind her ear, and the younger sister was named Xiao Huan. Chen Jiao Jiao broke up with her boyfriend, deciding to pursue an independent life and no longer rely on others. Li Bai comforted his mother, promising to always be by her side.
Meanwhile, Teacher Lu agreed to be Teacher Lan's girlfriend, making Teacher Lan feel flattered and excitedly incoherent. Xu Konglin told Chu Yinyin about his part-time job, explaining his desire to earn money to lessen the financial strain on his parents. Chu Yinyin knew Xu Konglin wanted to go abroad for her, and she realized his efforts to study abroad were entirely for her, to ensure he could keep pace with her.
She then hesitantly asked if he would consider giving up the overseas study opportunity with her. Chu Yinyin revealed that after all the recent events, she had come to understand that the "pride and honor" she once pursued were no longer her true desires. Instead, she yearned for a peaceful life with him, her mother, and Xia Er. Xu Konglin, deeply moved, assured her she didn't need to explain further, pledging his unconditional support for whatever choice she made.
Li Bai and Xu Konglin found Yuan Ye, inviting him to rejoin the basketball team for their final basketball game. Following a training session, Yuan Ye met with Li Nike, who revealed her plans to study overseas, having received the opportunity after Chu Yinyin and Xu Konglin decided to forgo their spots. She presented him with a thoughtful gift of kneepads. Yuan Ye then surprised her by announcing that he was also going abroad, suggesting they could travel together.
The Qingteng basketball game commenced. With outstanding plays from Xu Konglin, Li Bai, and Yuan Ye, Qingteng secured a triumphant victory. The players looked towards Chu Yinyin, Xia Er, and Li Nike in the stands, exchanging smiles and marking a happy conclusion to the series.
