Wind Direction Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Wind Direction Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Cheng Miaomiao and sixteen-year-old Cheng Yayao were born at the Lin Qi Oilfield Extraction Factory No. 1, where their family has worked for three generations. Their father, Cheng Pengfei, is an otolaryngologist, and their mother, Jia Daiyu, works in the vehicle fleet logistics. The family relocated from the northwest to the coastal base of He Ping Town.
In the late 1990s, Cheng Miaomiao, eager to explore the outside world, planned an adventure to "welcome Hong Kong's return" during the summer vacation of her first year of high school. She dragged her childhood friend Li Si and her best friend Hu Qiumin along, but their plans hit a snag. Meanwhile, her younger brother Cheng Yayao, aged sixteen, went to the back mountain for archaeology and was almost mistaken for a tomb raider.
Their mother, Jia Daiyu, is quite troubled by these issues, and the siblings' high school life begins in chaos. Cheng Miaomiao faces a crisis in her relationship with Li Si, while Cheng Yayao stands up to defend Yuan Shanqing, the daughter of a wanted criminal who has transferred to his class, against hostility from all sides. Through these changes, the children experience growth.
Wind Direction Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Seventeen-year-old Jia Daiyu was deeply in love with a man named Wu, and in a desperate attempt to elope with him, she secretly took a factory car. However, the car ran out of gas mid-journey, a deliberate act of sabotage by Wu himself, who then confessed. This made her realize that the person she loved did not genuinely care for her. Her elopement, driven by a desire to explore the world, created immense turmoil, all because of a "traitor."
Decades later, her daughter, Cheng Miaomiao, would also experience a similar chaotic situation involving "traitors" at the age of seventeen. The year is 1997, in Heping Town, buzzing with the festive atmosphere of Hong Kong's return to China. Cheng Pengfei was meticulously preparing pour-over coffee at home. His high school daughter, Cheng Miaomiao, rushed home from school, eagerly drank the coffee, and immediately regretted it, finding it scalding hot and bitter.
Soon after, Jia Daiyu returned, carrying a heavy amplifier she had borrowed from her workplace. Only their son, Cheng Yaya, was still out. Miaomiao, quick to accuse, claimed Yaya was at the arcade, but her parents were too engrossed in setting up the amplifier to pay her any mind. Meanwhile, Li Si was engrossed in a game at the county farmer's market arcade when his teacher, Xiao Wan, appeared, grabbing his collar.
Xiao Wan's crackdown extended to all students from No. 2 Secondary School. A sudden power outage provided an opportunity for the students to escape. Back home, Cheng Miaomiao reiterated that Yaya must be at the arcade. Jia Daiyu, however, was dismissive, reminding Miaomiao of a previous false accusation where Yaya was actually at a bookstore.
She scolded Miaomiao for trying to frame her brother, asserting that Yaya, a talented student who consistently ranked top in his class, would never go to an arcade. Just as she finished, the phone rang; it was Yaya’s homeroom teacher. Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei immediately rushed out, horrified to learn that Yaya hadn't been at the arcade at all, but had been caught exploring an old tomb in the back mountain.
Upon their return, a cheerful Cheng Miaomiao, unaware of the recent events, was singing happily. Her friend, Hu Qiumin, called her out, informing her that Li Si was once again trying to run away from home. Li Si explained that Xiao Wan had ordered him to write a 5,000-word self-reflection for a school assembly, threatening to call his father if he failed.
Back home, Miaomiao, upset by her mother's perceived favoritism towards Yaya despite his misconduct, tried to persuade Li Si to be a "tainted witness." She proposed that he tell her mother that Yaya frequently went to the arcade, offering to help him write his reflection in return. Li Si staunchly refused, declaring that such an act would be a betrayal and he would rather face a beating.
During a subsequent family meeting about Yaya’s misdeeds, Cheng Miaomiao sarcastically taunted Yaya, prompting an exasperated Jia Daiyu to scold both her children for their increasing naughtiness. At the school assembly, Xiao Wan announced Li Si's punishment: a major demerit and a public 5,000-word self-reflection. Li Si, equipped with the reflection Miaomiao had helped him write, delivered a hasty and disorganized speech. Following this, Xiao Wan publicly commended Cheng Miaomiao for "bravely reporting Li Si's misbehavior."
Enraged, Li Si immediately denounced Miaomiao as a "traitor," comparing her to infamous historical figures. Miaomiao frantically tried to explain that she hadn't intended to report him, but Li Si refused to listen, convinced of her betrayal. Realizing his sister's plot had been to frame him, Cheng Yaya informed their mother. This revelation enraged Jia Daiyu, whose own past gave her an intense hatred for traitors. In the ensuing argument, Miaomiao deflected by calling Yaya a traitor for snitching.
Daiyu retorted that Yaya’s action was merely "timely reporting" to prevent irreversible mistakes, unlike Miaomiao's "moral corruption." She then punished Miaomiao by canceling her dinner and pocket money for the month, ordering her to write a lengthy self-reflection to be displayed in the living room. Meanwhile, other families dealt with their own issues. Li Si's mother, Niu Lingling, and father, Li Dahai, returned home carrying a Caishen statue, their interaction a comedic display of nagging and playful defiance.
Hu Qiumin, Miaomiao’s friend, expressed her desire to move to Shenzhen, but her mother flatly refused, criticizing Hu Qiumin's brother for not returning to the oil field. Hu Qiumin retorted by calling her mother "petty." Her stepfather, Yang Songbai, then called to inform her mother that he would not be able to return home for several days due to a critical equipment malfunction at work.
The next morning, Cheng Yaya left home early, skipping breakfast, to help his teacher print high school final exam papers. Seizing an opportunity, Cheng Miaomiao quickly followed him, securing what she believed was a copy of the high school math exam answers. She presented them to Li Si, hoping this gesture would mend their fractured friendship. Li Si, though wary, decided to trust her one last time.
However, after the exam, a horrified Li Si discovered that the answers Miaomiao had given him were for a completely different test. Consumed by anger, he declared their friendship over and, in his emotional state, tumbled down a flight of stairs. Cheng Miaomiao realized she had been deliberately tricked by Yaya, who was seeking revenge. Li Si, sprawled at the bottom of the stairs, despaired, asking why he was always the one caught in the middle of their sibling quarrels.
Episode 2 Recap
Jia Daiyu met Cheng Pengfei after her mother introduced them. He introduced himself as Cheng Pengfei, explaining the characters. He mentioned his past as a military medic, having served in the Nanjing Military District before transferring. Jia Daiyu immediately disclosed that she had dated someone before, noting that a man with his good standing didn't need to get involved with her.
Cheng Pengfei, however, reciprocated, revealing that he, too, had a past relationship, though it only involved holding hands and one kiss. Overcoming their pasts, they naturally came together. Years later, with two children, Jia Daiyu was captivated by a newspaper article about Hong Kong, admiring its name and the sight of its towering skyscrapers. Her husband, Cheng Pengfei, remarked that visiting Hong Kong was out of their reach.
Jia Daiyu challenged this, prompting Cheng Pengfei to suggest that their children could take her when they grew up. However, Jia Daiyu dismissed the idea, joking that she'd be lucky if her children didn't hold her back. Gazing at the image, she firmly declared her intention to visit Hong Kong, no matter what. One evening at dinner, Cheng Pengfei announced it was payday and they were having stir-fried chicken. Cheng Miaomiao deliberately snatched a piece of meat from Cheng Yaya.
In retaliation, Cheng Yaya announced that test results were out and he needed their parents' signatures. His mother, Jia Daiyu, praised his excellent mathematics score of 115, proclaiming him first in his class. When asked about her own results, Cheng Miaomiao claimed they weren't released yet because senior students' papers were harder to mark. Cheng Yaya quickly exposed her lie, stating that the results for her class were already public.
Annoyed, Jia Daiyu chastised Cheng Miaomiao for her poor academic performance and threatened to disown her. Cheng Miaomiao retorted that Jia Daiyu wasn't her mother but only Cheng Yaya's. As Cheng Pengfei tried to mediate, Jia Daiyu received an urgent call from the Emergency Room, forcing her to leave immediately, grumbling about the inconvenience and remarking, "you reap what you've sown."
After rehearsing for an oilfield performance, Cheng Miaomiao, Li Si, and Hu Qiumin were exhausted but proud, even though Li Si had made a few mistakes due to a recent injury. Li Si excitedly shared rumors that the selected acts would perform at Qingdao Stadium on July 1st, confident their group would be chosen.
However, the Director, Xiao Wan, soon announced the shortlisted programs: "The Same Old Song" by the Little Choir, a folk dance called "Young Lady," and the musical "I am the next proud roughneck." Their group was not among them. Cheng Miaomiao immediately confronted Xiao Wan, suggesting Li Si's injury was to blame.
But Xiao Wan sharply rebuked them, revealing that their participation in the preliminary round was already a special concession due to their recent "group cheating in final exams," for which they would face disciplinary action. Feeling humiliated and upset, Li Si complained about his zero score and suggested they forge their parents' signatures.
Hu Qiumin lamented that they couldn't even perform at the local oilfield, to which Li Si retorted that performing in Qingdao was nothing special; with Hong Kong's handover approaching, they should go to Hong Kong instead. Just then, Cheng Yaya arrived, overhearing their defiant talk. Cheng Yaya, upon hearing their talk, inquired if they truly intended to go to Hong Kong.
Cheng Miaomiao confessed that she had been stewing over how to retaliate against their teacher, Xiaofang, who had publicly humiliated them. She then wholeheartedly embraced the idea of going to Hong Kong, imagining them on July 1st at the crossroads of Hong Kong Central, witnessing a historical moment and even meeting the Four Heavenly Kings and shaking Zhou Huimin's hand, while their rivals performed in Qingdao. This, she believed, would earn them respect from the entire Linqi Oilfield.
Cheng Yaya dismissed their ambition as "sick" and tried to leave, but Li Si and Hu Qiumin physically ushered him into a restaurant. Li Si quickly apologized for his earlier remarks, offering to make amends. Cheng Miaomiao declared the formation of the "Linqi four-man group" for a "special operation" to Hong Kong, naming Cheng Yaya as their team leader, hoping to flatter him into joining.
They appealed to Cheng Yaya's empathy, highlighting Cheng Miaomiao's fragile mental state if they failed, and emphasizing Cheng Yaya's own experience traveling for competitions. Li Si even offered a year's worth of arcade tokens as an incentive. Despite their combined efforts and enticing offers, Cheng Yaya firmly refused to join. The trio walked away dejected, with Cheng Miaomiao refusing to eat, convinced their Hong Kong dream was dead without Cheng Yaya. She feared public humiliation for the cheating scandal.
Li Si, trying to lighten the mood, boasted he could handle any public self-criticism, which only embarrassed the girls further. Later, Cheng Yaya found Cheng Miaomiao still sulking and offered her a bowl of noodles he had specifically bought for her. Cheng Miaomiao initially feigned indifference about Hong Kong, but Cheng Yaya's quiet meal provoked her into another outburst, accusing him of deliberately tormenting her and declaring them sworn enemies.
Cheng Yaya calmly explained that while he acknowledged his role in the exam incident, the Hong Kong trip was too significant for him to easily agree. Seeing his sister's fierce determination to prove herself and "make everyone's jaws drop," Cheng Yaya softened, agreeing to help with the trip to prevent her from spiraling into further trouble.
Cheng Yaya meticulously outlined the daunting itinerary: taking a bus to Linchuan Train Station, then train 235 at 11:15 AM to Qingdao, arriving at 2:27 PM. From Qingdao, they would take train 3726 at 8:17 PM to Shenzhen, a journey of over 38 hours, arriving on the third day at 10:41 AM.
The most challenging part, he explained, was crossing the border from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, which required joining a tour group and submitting identification documents, including their household registers. Cheng Miaomiao asked if this meant they had to steal their household registers, to which Cheng Yaya confirmed. The biggest hurdle, however, was funding. Cheng Yaya estimated the total cost for train tickets, accommodation, and tour agency fees at a staggering 2421 yuan.
Hu Qiumin was stunned, suggesting the amount was impossible to acquire and proposing they settle for a trip to Qingdao instead. Cheng Miaomiao, however, refused to back down, declaring that difficulties only made the endeavor more interesting. Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya agreed to tackle the immediate obstacles. Cheng Yaya knew their household register was in the locked bedroom cabinet, much to Cheng Miaomiao’s surprise. While they bickered good-naturedly, they committed to mutual trust.
To create a diversion, Cheng Miaomiao convinced her mother, Jia Daiyu, whose own performance program was rejected, to practice a lively dance with her. This allowed Cheng Yaya to covertly retrieve the household register from the master bedroom. Jia Daiyu, upon returning home earlier than expected and finding her children diligently studying, was initially suspicious but eventually pleased. Meanwhile, Li Si easily found his family's household register at home, as his parents were often away.
Hu Qiumin orchestrated a plan amidst a heated argument between her mother, Hu Yue, and her stepfather, Yang Songbai, over a mysterious phone call and Yang Songbai’s messy habits. Capitalizing on the tension, Hu Qiumin feigned curiosity about their family's household register, citing a misunderstanding from her grandmother.
Hu Yue, wanting to prove they were a unified family, produced the household register, confirming that the three of them were on one document, while her stepson Yang Tao, who was in college, was on a separate one. Hu Qiumin subtly secured it. With the household registers in hand, the next challenge was funding.
Li Si contributed by selling his father’s hidden cigarettes and alcohol, brazenly claiming it was for his father’s health and the trip’s expenses, despite Hu Qiumin’s protests about his past escapades. Next, they began their "homework" by immersing themselves in Cantonese films, diligently studying the language and culture of Shenzhen and Hong Kong. They found Hong Kong movies engaging but coffee perplexing.
Hu Qiumin contacted her brother, who was in Shenzhen, to arrange a travel agency for their trip and informed him of her intention to stay for a few days after visiting Hong Kong. For a significant boost to their funds, Li Si sold his father's old car, presenting the substantial stack of banknotes to the group under the guise of merely "tidying up the household waste." Despite these efforts, Cheng Miaomiao still worried they might not have enough money.
As they continued their Cantonese studies, a confident Li Si, citing his financial contribution and Cheng Yaya's extensive planning, grandly declared that Cheng Miaomiao and Hu Qiumin would serve them both on the train journey. The following morning, Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei left early for their rehearsal, with Cheng Pengfei donning a suit. They instructed Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya to make instant noodles for themselves, reminding them to ensure they had everything they needed before leaving.
As soon as their parents were gone, Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya left a note, grabbed their large bags, and embarked on their journey to Hong Kong. They traveled in a van towards Linchuan Train Station. Li Si, optimistic despite the potential repercussions, reassured everyone that their trip was not running away from home but merely a "vacation internship," driven by their desire to explore the vast world beyond their familiar surroundings.
However, en route, Li Si suddenly declared an urgent need to use the toilet. Despite being urged to hold it until the train station, he couldn't wait, forcing the driver to pull over by a tree. There, an unforeseen mishap occurred: Li Si unwittingly urinated on a hornet's nest, setting off a chaotic start to their ambitious adventure.
Episode 3 Recap
In a childhood flashback, Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling took young Li Si and Cheng Yaya to the bathhouse. The boys adamantly refused to enter the women's section, declaring the clear distinction between boys and girls and even rejecting Jia Daiyu's bribe of ice cream. Years later, seventeen-year-old Li Si’s youthful rebellion abruptly ended on their journey to Hong Kong. While stopping to relieve himself by the roadside, he inadvertently disturbed a hornet's nest.
Cheng Miaomiao sat crying, lamenting their misfortune and the shattered dream of visiting Hong Kong. However, Li Si felt an increasingly sharp pain in a sensitive area and urgently insisted on going to the hospital. Cheng Yaya tried to console Cheng Miaomiao but also shared a bleak medical theory from a book about potential blood circulation issues and necrosis if the swelling persisted, further alarming Li Si.
Despite the urgency, Cheng Miaomiao remained fixated on her broken dream, still expressing her desire to go to Hong Kong, not the hospital. Meanwhile, Li Dahai, proud of his newly acquired car from Qingdao, was showcasing it to his superiors. He highlighted the vehicle's modern features, including its sleek door handles. His pride soon turned to fury when he later discovered that parts of his car were missing.
Determined to get Li Si medical attention, Cheng Miaomiao, Cheng Yaya, and Hu Qiumin managed to flag down a tricycle. Li Si, despite his discomfort, complained about the bumpy ride. The silent driver stopped at a large bridge, refusing to proceed further even after Cheng Miaomiao offered him twenty yuan. Perplexed, they debated if the driver was deaf-mute or simply unwilling to speak.
In their moment of helplessness, Xiao Wan appeared, recognizing them, and immediately noticed Li Si's swollen face, asking if he had been hit by a car. News of Li Si being "hit by a car" reached Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling during their performance, causing Niu Lingling to abandon the stage and rush to the hospital. In the doctor's office, Niu Lingling wept uncontrollably, expressing deep concern for her seventeen-year-old son's future marriage and ability to have children.
The doctor repeatedly assured her that the hornet sting was not severe and would not have any lasting consequences. Li Si lay on the hospital bed, utterly mortified by his injury. Still unconvinced, Niu Lingling insisted the hospital director conduct another thorough examination. Li Si adamantly refused to remove his pants, covering his sensitive area, but Niu Lingling's persistence eventually compelled him to comply.
Concurrently, Cheng Miaomiao continued to blame herself for Li Si's injury and the possible impact on his future, until Cheng Yaya revealed he had only been teasing Li Si with the severe medical prognosis. Back home, Jia Daiyu chased Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya, wielding a feather duster and scolding them for their attempt to run away.
At the same time, Yang Songbai called Yang Tao, sternly reprimanding him for instigating Hu Qiumin and accusing his college-aged son of disrespecting their family. Late that night, Li Dahai stormed into the hospital, enraged by the missing car parts. He confronted Li Si, beating him severely, prompting Niu Lingling to intervene, pleading that a tire was not worth her son's life and accusing Li Dahai of perpetually hitting their son rather than raising him.
Overwhelmed and terrified, Li Si abruptly fled the hospital. His parents, along with Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei, frantically searched for him in the darkness, while Cheng Miaomiao was consumed by guilt. Li Si was found hiding under a bridge by his friends. Still angry at his father, he declared his intention to remain hidden until morning to catch a train and run away permanently, humiliated that his injury was now common knowledge throughout the Linqi Oilfield.
Cheng Miaomiao worried that if he wasn't found, the police would be involved, making the situation worse. Li Si, however, remained defiant. Cheng Yaya, barely suppressing his laughter, then fabricated a story about a wanted gang of criminals at large in their area, which was overheard by and terrified the searching parents.
Pretending to be supportive, Cheng Yaya and the others advised Li Si to hide in the bridge's cave while they went to retrieve "weapons" for him, then quickly departed. Frightened by being left alone, Li Si swiftly followed them. He then concocted a plausible reason for his return, claiming he had reconsidered his parents' feelings and wanted to give them a chance to turn over a new leaf, to which Cheng Yaya sarcastically agreed, noting Li Si’s impulsive nature.
Later, Cheng Yaya surprisingly secured three spots in the grand performance’s finale by trading a game cartridge, offering the opportunity to Cheng Miaomiao. Energized, Cheng Miaomiao enthusiastically dragged Li Si and Hu Qiumin into intense rehearsals, despite their roles being merely background performers. Li Si, initially hesitant, emphasized the importance of performing well to honor Cheng Yaya's effort.
This performance was set to coincide with the historic July 1, 1997, Hong Kong handover ceremony, a momentous occasion for the Chinese nation. During an interview on the day of the Hong Kong handover ceremony, Jia Daiyu proudly spoke of her family’s legacy in the oilfield and her hopes for her children to continue as oil workers.
However, when her children were asked about their own dreams, Cheng Miaomiao declared her aspiration to move to a big city and leave the oilfield, while Cheng Yaya announced his ambition to study archaeology. Their unexpected pronouncements mortified Jia Daiyu, who jokingly disowned them before angrily chasing them with a prop red-tasselled spear from the performance. In a separate vignette, the friends were in the bathhouse after their showers.
Li Si was still complaining about his ruined vacation and humiliated reputation, while Hu Qiumin expressed sadness over her father, who had visited briefly but hadn't spoken to her. Li Si remained sensitive about his hornet sting. As they discussed the bathhouse's limited operating hours and the rumored installation of solar water heaters, several shirtless men suddenly erupted into a fight. Reacting quickly, Cheng Yaya and Li Si covered Cheng Miaomiao and Hu Qiumin's eyes, shielding them from the sight.
When a new steakhouse opened, Li Si excitedly roused Cheng Miaomiao and Hu Qiumin to accompany him. The trio, unacquainted with the etiquette of steakhouse dining, found the experience rather amusing. Li Si tried to project an air of sophistication, confidently ordering ribeye and requesting it "80% cooked." When the waiter informed him they only offer 70% or 90% cooked, Li Si confidently switched to 70% for everyone, later claiming to his friends that it had the proper "vibe."
Hu Qiumin, however, worried about eating partially cooked meat. Li Si then attempted to instruct them on using a knife and fork, only for Cheng Miaomiao to question his technique. Frustrated by the dull knife, Li Si eventually called the waiter for three pairs of chopsticks, and they happily savored their steaks with ease. As Cheng Miaomiao matured, she found herself feeling increasingly melancholic, sitting alone in the yard, pondering her worries.
Her father, Cheng Pengfei, noticed her somber mood and sat beside her. Cheng Miaomiao confided that she found growing up boring and felt less capable than she once did. Cheng Pengfei empathized, admitting he sometimes felt equally capable and helpless as a father. He explained that such emotional shifts are natural, and that his enduring presence in the oilfield stemmed from finding fulfillment in his family: her mother, her brother, and their home.
He advised Miaomiao that despite her intelligence and numerous ideas, she had yet to discover her true passion, much like her mother in her youth, who had countless dreams but realized none. Cheng Miaomiao, however, expressed frustration with her mother’s lack of support for her ambitions and criticized other parents for their flawed approaches. Cheng Pengfei gently clarified that adults, having navigated similar paths, offer guidance out of love, even if teenagers insist on learning from their own mistakes.
He shared his childhood dream of becoming a doctor, inspired by a heroic figure in a Soviet film, a path that led him to join the army before he eventually settled in the oilfield. He emphasized that dreams are profound and demand persistent effort, regardless of setbacks, urging her to find her true calling and pursue it relentlessly.
As Cheng Miaomiao enthusiastically declared her renewed commitment to her dreams, she stumbled, a small incident that underscored Cheng Pengfei's point about life's unexpected obstacles. The narrator reflects that though they never made it to Hong Kong or shone brightly in the performance, and had much to learn about adulthood, nothing ultimately surpassed the vibrant and lively spirit of their youth.
Episode 4 Recap
In June 1979, newly married Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei were distributing wedding candies at the hospital. While greeting colleagues like Dr. Qin, Jia Daiyu noted the generous gift from Xu Fang, the Head Nurse and wife of the Hospital Director. Jia Daiyu urged Cheng Pengfei, a doctor with a college degree at the staff hospital, to network with the leaders. Suddenly, Jia Daiyu’s foot cramped in her high heels.
Cheng Pengfei, anticipating her discomfort, immediately produced a pair of slippers he had prepared. Outside the hospital, they encountered Pei Dawu, Jia Daiyu’s former colleague. Seeing him, Jia Daiyu quickly changed back into her high heels and, instructing Cheng Pengfei to hold her tightly, called Pei Dawu a "traitor." She introduced Cheng Pengfei as the chief surgeon of the Staff Hospital while belittling Pei Dawu's current role as a driver for a leader.
She made cutting remarks, sarcastically asking if the leader trusted him not to "leak secret documents or information again," referencing a past betrayal. Jia Daiyu then boasted about Cheng Pengfei's "real education background" compared to Pei Dawu's driver status. As they left, she promised to congratulate Pei Dawu's future wife on the "blessing" of marrying a driver, still clearly harboring resentment.
Later, Jia Daiyu and other mothers attended an education lecture where "education expert Dr. Jiang Dacheng" emphasized the importance of children's success, quoting Sukhomlynsky. He promoted a package of books, VCDs, health products, and tutoring materials as a shortcut to success. The children, however, were dismayed, complaining that their summer vacation was ruined and their pocket money gone, wishing adults had their own experts to guide them. Back home, Cheng Pengfei vehemently opposed Jia Daiyu's purchases.
He pointed out misspellings in the educational materials and deemed the health products "unqualified" due to a lack of manufacturer details, calling them a "fraud." Jia Daiyu defended them as internally developed by the expert, dismissing Cheng Pengfei's concerns about the expert’s credibility and English pronunciation by recalling Cheng Pengfei's own low English scores. Despite his objections, Jia Daiyu insisted their son drink double the recommended dose of a "high protein brain supplement." Similar arguments erupted in other households.
Yang Songbai confronted Hu Yue for buying the items without consulting him, leading to old financial disputes about their son's expensive college choice in Shenzhen and lavish trips. He, too, called the oral liquid a "fraud." Hu Yue retorted that she spent her own money for their daughter's improvement, accusing Yang Songbai of "hypocrisy" and of always lecturing without providing practical solutions.
She implied he wanted their children to remain in the oil field, while she pushed for big city success. Yang Songbai defended the oil field as their livelihood and accused Hu Yue of projecting her "unfulfilled ambitions" onto the children. Asserting her financial independence, she stated she didn't need to cater to his moods as she had her own job and salary. Meanwhile, Niu Lingling and Li Dahai also argued.
Li Dahai joked about their son inheriting his genes, which Niu Lingling took as an insult, believing he was calling their son "useless." She defended their son, claiming he was better than Li Dahai at his age. During the disputes, Hu Yue even compared her daughter unfavorably to Li Dahai's son, noting that his son was interning in Hong Kong while her daughter had been caught trying to run away from the oil field.
The argument between Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei escalated over the children's future. Jia Daiyu, frustrated, accused Cheng Pengfei of failing to support her in the past against Pei Dawu, which she felt trapped her in the "stupid hospital" for over a decade. She called him overly intellectual, lacking ambition, and content with a meager salary, mockingly questioning his intellectual status as he merely read "rotten English books" and drank coffee.
In a fit of anger, Cheng Pengfei retorted that he wouldn't be there if he hadn't married her, though he immediately tried to retract the statement. Jia Daiyu, deeply hurt, interpreted this as him regretting their marriage. Cheng Pengfei clarified he simply wanted them to live within their means and allow their children to forge their own paths. Convinced his true feelings had surfaced, Jia Daiyu declared she was going to divorce him and stormed out.
Cheng Pengfei tried to apologize, but she was resolute. Their son, Cheng Yaya, witnessed the scene, and when he asked what was happening, his father simply told him to "let her go." Cheng Yaya quickly informed Cheng Miaomiao about the impending divorce, detailing how their mother had declared it and their father resignedly said "let her be," even breaking the remote. Concerned about her father's long-suffered grievances, Cheng Miaomiao brought Cheng Pengfei home from a snack stand.
She offered him two bottles of wine, encouraging him to express his bottled-up feelings and promising to stand by him. After one bottle, Cheng Pengfei became emotional. He complained about Jia Daiyu's "arrogance," recalling how she had used a feather duster on him when he was 17, crushing his dreams.
He mocked her inability to understand his "intellectual" pursuits like reading English books and drinking "hand-ground coffee," given her "logistics and greenery" job, which he described as "just a farmer" whose flowers were "just so-so." He even boasted that he knew the factory manager better because he had cured his father's ears. Cheng Miaomiao wholeheartedly supported her father, suggesting they "fight for him" and demand a divorce. Alarmed, Cheng Yaya pulled her aside, reprimanding her for exacerbating matters.
As the siblings argued, the drunken singing of Jia Daiyu, Hu Yue, and Niu Lingling drifted in from the yard, leaving them stunned. Later, Cheng Miaomiao put her inebriated father to bed. Jia Daiyu, also drunk, was put to bed, muttering about divorcing tomorrow. The discord extended to other households: Hu Yue argued violently with Yang Songbai, feeling excluded by his family after being denied attendance at his nephew's wedding.
Li Si further fanned the flames, telling Hu Yue's daughter to advise her mother to divorce if unhappy, and then encouraging Niu Lingling to divorce Li Dahai, calling him an uncultured "country boy" and urging her to "uphold half the sky." Niu Lingling, however, felt no such grievances. Before the divorce was certain, Cheng Miaomiao had already drafted an "Asset Division Form," clearly stating her intention to stay with Cheng Pengfei.
When Jia Daiyu discovered it, she confronted Cheng Miaomiao, demanding she explain how their family should be divided, as rumors of their divorce were circulating at the factory. Cheng Miaomiao eventually launched into a scathing critique, declaring her parents "unsuitable." She highlighted Cheng Pengfei's impressive background—a college graduate, military veteran, and a life-saving doctor—contrasting it with Jia Daiyu's incomplete technical school education and her boiler team job, calling it a "mismatch."
She criticized Jia Daiyu's drinking, heavy makeup, loud voice, and bad temper, asserting that their living habits were opposite, a fact she and Cheng Yaya had observed for years. Cheng Yaya quickly denied seeing anything. Cheng Miaomiao concluded that Jia Daiyu bullied Cheng Pengfei despite his devotion to the family and that two "opposites" in an unhappy marriage shouldn't stay together "just for the children."
Overwhelmed, Cheng Pengfei finally interjected, unequivocally stating that he was "not" divorcing and had never intended to. Later, the parents, who were meant to discuss educational issues, were sidetracked when Jia Daiyu, Niu Lingling, and Hu Yue started discussing the oil field's impending reform, which involved adjusting 30% of its workforce, particularly in logistics and greenery departments.
Realizing their jobs might be at risk, the three women immediately decided to approach their respective department leaders to secure their positions, leaving the husbands to contemplate the "unreliability" of women and the burdens of parenthood. On a different day, Jia Daiyu encountered Pei Dawu, her first love, now a Secretary. She invited him to their home.
Before his arrival, Jia Daiyu meticulously prepared, dressing exquisitely and wearing high heels, claiming this was her usual habit due to Cheng Pengfei's sophisticated tastes. She offered Pei Dawu "Italian hand-ground coffee," which he politely declined, preferring tea, and subtly pointed out the coffee didn't look Italian. When Pei Dawu complimented their spacious "cadre building" house, Jia Daiyu boasted about Cheng Pengfei's high status.
Pei Dawu corrected her, stating he heard she had volunteered for the Greenery Department specifically to secure the larger house for their two children. Irritated, Jia Daiyu pressed him on what else he knew. Pei Dawu explained his visit was to catch up and, having heard about her "marital difficulties," offered his assistance.
Jia Daiyu fiercely refuted any suggestion of marital problems, proudly proclaiming their family a "model family" with "promising children," citing her son's supposed archaeological discovery and her daughter's supposed return from an internship in Hong Kong. She adamantly claimed she and Cheng Pengfei had "never had a fight." Cheng Pengfei then arrived home. Jia Daiyu stopped him from changing his shoes, keen to maintain appearances.
When Pei Dawu commented on Cheng Pengfei's casual attire, Jia Daiyu interjected, boasting about organizing a volleyball match where she held the "highest position" as referee. Cheng Pengfei, in turn, offered to check Pei Dawu's pulse, diagnosing him with a poor liver from too much rich food and social engagements. Feeling remorseful, Pei Dawu finally apologized to Jia Daiyu for his past betrayal.
Surprisingly, Jia Daiyu expressed gratitude, stating that his betrayal led her to meet Cheng Pengfei and have their wonderful children. She declared herself a satisfied "commoner" and forgave him. They shook hands, burying their past grievances. As Pei Dawu left, he asked if Jia Daiyu had noticed that Cheng Pengfei was starting to look "more and more like him," leaving her perplexed.
Later that night, Cheng Pengfei confessed to Jia Daiyu that he felt he had worked hard for the family and regretted that if it weren't for him, she might have become a Secretary's wife. Their daughter, Cheng Miaomiao, then entered without knocking, and Jia Daiyu immediately scolded her for spreading news about their divorce, which she felt had embarrassed her in front of Pei Dawu, before chasing her around the house.
Episode 5 Recap
The autumn of 1997 marked a new beginning for many students. For Qiang Xiaowa, living on a fishing boat with his grandfather, it was his first day of high school, a path his grandfather dearly hoped would lead to a better future. His grandfather urged him to hurry, stressing that school was his best option and not to cause any trouble. He insisted Xiaowa dress appropriately for the oil field school, which was more prestigious than those in the county.
As Xiaowa left, his grandfather, still anxious, reminded him to be a good boy and not stir up trouble. Meanwhile, at the Cheng household, it was also a bustling morning. Dr. Cheng Pengfei called out to his children, Miaomiao and Yaya, for breakfast. Miaomiao, however, was in a frantic search for her summer homework. Her brother, Yaya, quickly pointed out that she likely hadn't even started it.
Cheng Pengfei eventually found the missing homework tucked behind the sofa, ending the morning chaos before school. At school, in Grade 11, Class 1, Li Si burst in with exciting news, claiming their new homeroom teacher looked exactly like the famous actress Qiu Shuzhen. His classmates, including Miaomiao, were skeptical, reminding him of his notoriously unreliable eyesight. During their playful banter, Miaomiao noticed a familiar yet unfamiliar face enter the classroom.
In Grade 10, Class 1, Yaya and his classmates were less enthusiastic about a new girl, Yuan Shanqing, who entered with a bewildered expression. Whispers of discontent quickly spread among the students. Director Xiao arrived in Miaomiao's class to introduce Gao Feiyang as their new Chinese and homeroom teacher. Gao Feiyang, handsome and a high-achiever from Shanghai, instantly captivated the girls. Mr. Gao then introduced Qiang Xiaowa, the new transfer student.
Xiaowa remained silent and looked down, so Mr. Gao assigned him a seat next to Li Si. In Yaya's class, the new English teacher, Han Shu, was introduced as their homeroom teacher – the very "Qiu Shuzhen" Li Si had raved about. However, the students' attention quickly turned to Yuan Shanqing, openly rejecting her because her father was a wanted criminal. Director Xiao then arrived, reprimanding the students for their disruptive behavior.
When Ning Jiahe, Yuan Shanqing's deskmate, stood up and refused to sit with her, even threatening to drop out, Director Xiao bluntly told him he could leave. At that moment, Cheng Yaya stepped forward and bravely offered to sit with Yuan Shanqing. The arrival of Qiang Xiaowa, perceived by many as a "village kid," sparked curiosity among the students in Miaomiao's class, who wondered why the elite oil field school would accept someone from outside their community.
Despite Li Si’s attempts to engage him in conversation, Qiang Xiaowa remained unresponsive. Meanwhile, Han Shu, troubled by the class’s hostility towards Yuan Shanqing, sought advice from Gao Feiyang. Gao Feiyang reminded her that school was for students and teachers, not criminals, and that Yuan Shanqing’s ability to continue her education rested on Han Shu's leadership.
Cheng Miaomiao also tried to connect with Qiang Xiaowa, reminding him of when he helped her, Li Si, and Hu Qiumin by giving them a tricycle ride. Yet, Qiang Xiaowa still gave her no response, leaving Miaomiao wondering if he was deaf-mute. Outside the classroom, Yaya’s friends, Zhong Ruitao and Wang Fuqiang, discussed the shocking news that Yuan Yong's daughter was in their class.
They shared the tragic detail that Luo Zheng’s grandmother had tragically jumped into the river and died due to Yuan Yong’s fraud. They strongly advised Cheng Yaya to distance himself from Yuan Shanqing, but Yaya passionately argued that a child should not be held responsible for a parent’s crimes. After class, Yuan Shanqing quickly departed, seemingly to avoid further confrontation.
Later, Li Si tried to offer Qiang Xiaowa ten yuan as a belated thank you for the tricycle ride, but Qiang Xiaowa silently refused the money, much to Li Si's annoyance. Cheng Miaomiao, seeing this, defended Qiang Xiaowa, reminding Li Si that he had once saved them. Back home, Jia Daiyu was furious upon learning that Cheng Yaya was in the same class as Yuan Yong’s daughter.
She declared her intention to confront the teachers, reminding Cheng Pengfei that Yuan Yong was a fraud who had stolen from their factory. Cheng Pengfei, however, stood firm, arguing that children should not be punished for their parents' misdeeds and criticizing Jia Daiyu for gossiping like others. Jia Daiyu countered, describing Yuan Yong’s actions as "murder for money," and asserted that Yuan Shanqing must have benefited, thus deserving the backlash.
Later, Cheng Miaomiao tried to talk to a visibly frustrated Cheng Yaya, who, tired of everyone's judgment, snapped at her. Yaya recounted how Yuan Shanqing had been verbally attacked in class, with classmates refusing to sit with her and demanding her expulsion. He angrily told Miaomiao to leave him alone. Meanwhile, at home, Jia Daiyu also expressed her anxieties to Cheng Pengfei about a fraudulent oral liquid, containing tranquilizers, that Li Si had consumed.
She was worried about its impact on the children’s health and the money they had lost. She also reiterated the tragic death of Luo Zheng's grandmother due to Yuan Yong's scam and hoped the police would recover their stolen money, even wondering aloud if Yuan Shanqing knew where it was hidden. Cheng Pengfei tried to reassure her, saying the police would handle it. The next morning, Yuan Shanqing arrived late to class.
Qiang Xiaowa, still without a school uniform and with his long hair, drew the attention of Director Xiao. Despite Gao Feiyang’s attempts to mediate, Director Xiao firmly instructed Qiang Xiaowa to acquire a uniform and cut his hair, also noting that his poor Mandarin was an issue. Gao Feiyang promised to address these concerns. Soon after, some classmates approached Yuan Shanqing, urging her not to return to school, citing Luo Zheng’s grandmother’s suicide due to her father’s actions.
They warned her that Luo Zheng, known for his temper, would likely confront her. Yuan Shanqing, however, steadfastly refused, stating that her father's actions had no bearing on her and that skipping class would be a disciplinary violation. Observing Qiang Xiaowa's struggle, Gao Feiyang offered him further support, reiterating the school’s rules while assuring him that learning Mandarin was achievable and that he and other classmates would help. Qiang Xiaowa acknowledged the help.
Cheng Miaomiao, having overheard their conversation, proactively offered to help Qiang Xiaowa integrate and improve his Mandarin, a proposal warmly welcomed by Mr. Gao. Separately, Cheng Yaya approached Yuan Shanqing, offering words of encouragement, telling her to protect herself and ignore the others. Later, Cheng Yaya extended an ice lolly as an apology to Cheng Miaomiao, and they reconciled. Miaomiao shared how proud she was that their new homeroom teacher had asked her to help Qiang Xiaowa.
Just before class, Zhong Ruitao and Wang Fuqiang, seeking to mend fences with Cheng Yaya, also offered him an ice lolly. Despite the prior warnings, Luo Zheng arrived at school and, upon seeing Yuan Shanqing, angrily overturned her desk. Cheng Yaya quickly stepped in to right the desk and defuse the situation, reminding Luo Zheng that fighting in school would lead to expulsion and further legal trouble. Other students also urged Luo Zheng not to hit a girl.
Enraged, Luo Zheng accused them all of being "in cahoots with the wanted criminal." In Miaomiao's class, when Li Si and Cheng Miaomiao again tried to help Qiang Xiaowa with his Mandarin, he reacted by throwing away the practice tape. Li Si, angered by his perceived rudeness, cursed at him, which unexpectedly provoked Qiang Xiaowa to suddenly attack Li Si. The oilfield base was a close-knit community where everyone knew each other, and transfer students were unheard of.
The sudden arrival of Qiang Xiaowa and Yuan Shanqing, a girl burdened by the stigma of her father’s notorious fraud, sent ripples through their insular world. At the time, none of them could have foreseen how profoundly these two newcomers would become intertwined with the long trajectory of their lives.
Episode 6 Recap
In the summer of 1997, Cheng Yaya suffered an injury to his forehead after a fight with other children. His sister, Cheng Miaomiao, called him useless for getting into a fight, while their parents had differing views; his father, Cheng Pengfei, advocated for reasoned discussions over physical altercations, but his mother encouraged Yaya to fight back if bullied. Meanwhile, a conflict between Li Si and Qiang Xiaowa escalated to their teacher, Gao Feiyang.
Li Si tearfully claimed that Qiang Xiaowa kicked him first. Qiang Xiaowa remained silent until Gao Feiyang questioned him, then quietly stated he had no parents before offering an apology. Cheng Miaomiao rushed in, asserting it was merely a misunderstanding and a playful Shaolin kung fu demonstration gone awry, and dismissed Li Si’s complaints, saying he was prone to exaggeration.
Gao Feiyang, aware of their true intentions, sternly warned them against future incidents, emphasizing that character was paramount and fighting was a low-class way to solve problems. He threatened both Li Si and Qiang Xiaowa with expulsion if it happened again. Leaving the office, Li Si felt betrayed by Cheng Miaomiao, arguing that she had not supported him, the true victim. Miaomiao, however, was preoccupied; she saw Cheng Yaya heading to the office with bruises on his face.
She discovered that Luo Zheng had sought revenge on Yaya after school for Yaya's defense of Yuan Shanqing, and Yaya had fought back. When Luo Zheng and Yaya appeared before Han Shu and Gao Feiyang, Luo Zheng still showed no remorse, declaring that a "wanted man's child" had no right to attend school and accusing Yuan Shanqing and her family of being accomplices.
Yaya clarified that he intervened because Luo Zheng intended to harm Yuan Shanqing, and he retaliated when Luo Zheng attacked him later. Han Shu reprimanded Luo Zheng, stating the school was not a place where he could apprehend "bad guys." Luo Zheng remained defiant, questioning who the real "bad guy" was. After seeing Yaya had been beaten, Cheng Miaomiao expressed her desire to immediately confront Luo Zheng.
Yaya, however, insisted it was a mutual fight and urged her to stay out of it. Later, Li Si confronted Qiang Xiaowa by a small bridge, demanding an explanation and challenging him to a one-on-one fight. Qiang Xiaowa's large, imposing dog, Babao, appeared, frightening Li Si, who backed away. Cheng Miaomiao’s arrival further deterred Li Si from initiating a fight.
Miaomiao told Li Si that fighting wouldn't solve anything, but she vowed to help him, promising to bring two more dogs from their compound next time to ensure victory. Li Si scoffed at the idea of using the fat dogs, and Miaomiao complained that both he and her brother Yaya were hopeless at fighting. After school, Li Si was playing at an arcade when Daguo, his father Li Dahai’s colleague, approached him.
Daguo borrowed eighty yuan from Li Si, promising to return it soon. He then went into an inner room. Later, Daguo emerged and returned one hundred yuan to Li Si, sparking Li Si’s curiosity about the game played in the inner room. Cheng Yaya came home with more bruises, but claimed he fell while walking. Cheng Pengfei, being a doctor, easily saw through the lie, and Yaya eventually admitted he fought "for justice."
Cheng Pengfei, though upset by Yaya's fighting, acknowledged his son's noble intention. Yaya and Li Si were assigned duty together. Yuan Shanqing consistently arrived late for class, looking lost, prompting Yaya to share his book with her. Meanwhile, Qiang Xiaowa, unaware of the rule, entered the computer lab without shoe covers. When reprimanded by the teacher, he turned to leave, declaring he wouldn't attend the class.
Cheng Miaomiao, armed with a dumbbell, stormed into Yaya's classroom, intending to avenge her brother, but Yaya quickly spotted her and sent her away. Xiao Wan, a teacher, was frustrated with Qiang Xiaowa's disregard for school rules, noting his unkempt hair, un-uniformed attire, lack of shoe covers, and poor Mandarin. Gao Feiyang arrived and intervened, deflecting Xiao Wan's complaints and sending Qiang Xiaowa back to class.
Cheng Pengfei received a call that his brother-in-law, Jia Baoshan, had been involved in a car accident. He rushed to help, only to find Jia Baoshan in a physical altercation with the other driver, feigning severe injuries to extort compensation. Jia Baoshan claimed he inherited his "bandit's luck" from his birth, when a rainbow appeared after a week of rain. Cheng Pengfei’s wife, Jia Daiyu, arrived, relieved that Baoshan was not seriously hurt.
She scolded him for always being troublesome and relying on their parents. Baoshan revealed he was staying in the hospital for a "full check-up" to get compensation from the driver. Li Si later joined Baoshan, and the two, finding common ground, decided to seek out "something fun" to do. At the office, Niu Lingling and Li Dahai discussed an opportunity for promotion to Petroleum Bridge.
Niu Lingling advocated using her father’s connections, but Li Dahai firmly refused, stating that being accused of riding on his father-in-law's coattails was his biggest regret. Niu Lingling, despite his objections, went to great lengths for his career, drinking until three in the morning with the Petroleum Bridge leaders to secure his opportunity. Yang Tao sent numerous cassette tapes to Hu Qiumin.
Cheng Miaomiao was preoccupied with becoming class monitor, hoping her role in diffusing the Qiang Xiaowa incident would help her win. Jia Daiyu, Hu Yue, and Niu Lingling went to get their hair permed. While waiting, they discussed famous actors, with Jia Daiyu expressing a preference for Alex Man. Suddenly, they recognized a man as a scammer who had sold fake medicine, nearly harming Hu Yue's son.
A chaotic street chase ensued, culminating in them cornering the scammer and discovering his hideout. Dressed in his father's oversized suit, Li Si joined his uncle, Jia Baoshan, who was also dressed for the occasion, outside a casino. Li Si, curious about the inner room Daguo mentioned, wanted to go inside, but Baoshan, boasting about his experiences in Macau and Las Vegas, forbade him, insisting he wait outside while he handled the "serious matters" within.
Li Si, unable to control his curiosity, eventually sneaked into the casino. There, he surprisingly encountered Qiang Xiaowa. Recognizing the casino as a dangerous place, Qiang Xiaowa intervened, physically restraining Li Si and preventing him from entering the inner room to deliver money to his uncle, just as the police raided the establishment.
Episode 7 Recap
In the winter of 1987, Li Si promised Jia Daiyu and Hu Qiumin that he would protect them from anyone who dared to bully them. He even gave Jia Daiyu his precious "Skillful Star, Wanderer Yan Qing" hero card. The three children made a pinky swear, sealing their bond as an inseparable trio, and Li Si's uncle captured the moment with a photograph.
Years later, a police raid swept through a gambling den, and Jia Baoshan was among those arrested and cuffed as a prime culprit. Meanwhile, Jia Daiyu, Li Si, and Hu Qiumin arrived at the police station, having apprehended a swindler. To their surprise, they found Jia Baoshan there. When asked, Jia Baoshan claimed he was innocent and had been trying to stop criminals, not gamble himself, adding that he was there to give money to his uncle.
Li Si tried to explain to Cheng Miaomiao that he was a victim, falsely arrested after being robbed, and blamed Qiang Xiaowa. Cheng Miaomiao, however, quickly pointed out that Qiang Xiaowa had saved Li Si twice. Li Si's mother, Niu Lingling, was furious, comparing Li Si negatively to Cheng Yaya and wishing the police would lock him up. Present with his family, Cheng Yaya intervened, urging Niu Lingling to calm down, noting that the full story wasn't clear.
Li Si recounted his punishment at home, but Cheng Miaomiao insisted that he should repay Qiang Xiaowa's kindness, despite Qiang Xiaowa's reserved and often unfriendly demeanor. Cheng Miaomiao believed Qiang Xiaowa was self-conscious about his Mandarin skills. She also revealed that she had promised their teacher, Mr. Gao, that she would help Qiang Xiaowa integrate, and her upcoming class monitor election depended on it.
After leaving the police station, Qiang Xiaowa, speaking in his local dialect, confided in Li Si that many people in his village had lost everything in that gambling house. He highlighted the stark difference between the paved asphalt roads of Li Si's oilfield community and the muddy slush of his own village. Li Si, however, did not grasp the gravity of Qiang Xiaowa's words.
Back home, Jia Daiyu harshly reprimanded Jia Baoshan for gambling and, worse, for involving a student like Li Si. She forbade him from ever returning to her house. Jia Baoshan insisted he hadn't gambled and showed her his untouched money. He agreed to pay back the 500-yuan fine the following month, but Jia Daiyu still threatened to break his legs if he gambled again.
Li Si also faced consequences, receiving a family punishment from Niu Lingling that included losing his pocket money and spending the night squatting with a basin on his head. The next morning, Jia Baoshan quietly left early, Jia Daiyu's anger still unresolved. Cheng Miaomiao was determined to succeed in her mission to integrate Qiang Xiaowa into the class, seeing it as crucial for her class monitor election.
She tried various approaches: offering him Maltesers, tempting him with delicious meat buns, trying to help with his homework, and even sweeping around his desk. She invited him to play soccer, but Qiang Xiaowa mostly avoided her or dismissed her attempts. Li Si and Hu Qiumin noticed Cheng Miaomiao's intense focus on becoming class monitor.
Cheng Miaomiao later discussed Yuan Shanqing's constant tardiness with her friends, also mentioning her attempts to talk sense into her own brother, Cheng Yaya, to stop him from causing trouble at school. During a long-distance run in PE class, Qiang Xiaowa initially led the pack, but Li Si, fueled by competitiveness, surged ahead to take first place. Li Si boasted about his "usual performance" and ability to deliver at "critical moments."
Meanwhile, the school director, Xiao Wan, pressed Gao Feiyang again about Qiang Xiaowa's failure to wear his school uniform and get a haircut. Xiao Wan threatened to send Qiang Xiaowa back if he didn't comply, putting immense pressure on Gao Feiyang. Gao Feiyang tried to explain Qiang Xiaowa's unique background, suggesting a gradual approach, but Xiao Wan insisted on equal treatment for all students at the Oilfield Children's School.
After class, Gao Feiyang approached Qiang Xiaowa, offering him a free haircut and mentioning arrangements with the school's logistics department for his uniform, but Qiang Xiaowa remained unresponsive and unchanged. Later, at a bookstore, Li Si and Cheng Miaomiao were supposedly researching for exams but soon found themselves engrossed in martial arts novels.
They debated the meaning of "Ice Palm" and Zhang Wuji's feelings for Zhao Min, with Li Si humorously stating he'd marry Zhao Min for her wealth, beauty, and the protection of the Xuanming Elders. The conversation shifted to Linghu Chong and Ren Yingying, leading Li Si to declare that a man's first love is paramount and he would marry his.
Cheng Miaomiao, intrigued, pressed him about his "first love," which led Li Si to accidentally reveal a deep family secret: he once saw his father, Li Dahai, drunk and weeping in the stairwell, clutching a photograph of a woman named Bai Shuang. This revelation made Li Si suspect that his father had abandoned Bai Shuang to marry Niu Lingling solely for her father's influential position, leading him to believe his father didn't truly love his mother.
Cheng Miaomiao, hearing this, likened Li Dahai to the infamous "Chen Shimei" from Chinese folklore, known for abandoning his wife. On the day of the class monitor election, Cheng Miaomiao sought out Qiang Xiaowa, reminding him of their friendship and subtly asking for his vote, promising to look out for him. Qiang Xiaowa offered no verbal response. During the election, Cheng Yaya was successfully elected as Study Monitor.
For the Sports Monitor position, Cheng Yaya unexpectedly nominated Luo Zheng, arguing that his athletic prowess and strong sense of justice made him a better candidate than someone chosen purely for academics. Luo Zheng was elected, much to everyone's surprise. When the votes for class monitor were tallied, Cheng Miaomiao received only one vote, leaving her utterly distraught. She was particularly upset that Xu Wenwu, who she felt had contributed less to the class, had received more votes than her.
She emphasized her leadership in past events, like the tug-of-war, and her current efforts to help Qiang Xiaowa. Li Si, trying to console her, suggested that her initial motivation to help Qiang Xiaowa was indeed tied to the class monitor position. Cheng Miaomiao denied this, insisting her actions stemmed from a genuine desire to repay kindness and prevent bullying.
Later, Qiang Xiaowa confronted Cheng Miaomiao, bluntly telling her that her single vote proved she was not suited to be class monitor and implying she cried over it. Gao Feiyang found Cheng Miaomiao upset and offered solace, drawing parallels to the martial arts hero Qiao Feng, who was revered for his deeds rather than titles. He encouraged her to look beyond the immediate goal of being class monitor and aspire to the "wider world."
Cheng Miaomiao, wiping away tears, eventually came to terms with losing the election but reaffirmed her commitment to continue helping Qiang Xiaowa. Li Si and Hu Qiumin agreed to support her, though Li Si expressed frustration over Qiang Xiaowa's stubbornness. Li Si then offered Qiang Xiaowa a free haircut, but Qiang Xiaowa mistakenly perceived it as an insult regarding his family's financial situation.
The trio found themselves at a loss, reflecting on their close bond as an "inseparable trio" and Li Si's past generosity in supporting his friends. As the oil field's sports meet commenced, Cheng Yaya was observed learning the ropes of refereeing from his father. Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si were suddenly summoned to the bridge area, where they received urgent news that something had happened to Hu Qiumin.
Episode 8 Recap
In the summer of 1987, Hu Yue and Yang Songbai, both divorced, formed a new family. Their home, however, was filled with constant bickering, planting a seed of sorrow in the heart of Hu Yue's daughter, Hu Qiumin. One day, Hu Yue presented Hu Qiumin with a new dress, but the 17-year-old refused to wear it, expressing a desire to cut her hair short like her mother. Hu Yue chided her for being willful, worried about Yang Songbai’s family’s opinion.
Hu Qiumin retorted that Yang’s family looked down on them from the bottom of their hearts. Later, a heated argument erupted between Hu Yue and Yang Songbai. Yang had returned late, not responded to his pager, and smelled of alcohol. Hu Yue confronted him, accusing him of seeing an old colleague named Ge Juan and threatening to report him to his superior. Yang called her crazy, exasperated. The escalating fight pushed Hu Qiumin to her breaking point.
She cut her long hair and sat precariously on the edge of a bridge. Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si rushed to persuade her, but Hu Qiumin was emotionally distraught. She confessed that her life had been a constant struggle, with her parents fighting daily since she could remember. When they divorced at six, she hoped for peace, but her mother remarried Yang Songbai, only for the fighting to continue.
Yang, her stepfather, rarely came home and treated her mother and her like subordinates. She wondered why two people who didn’t love each other would form a family and envied Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si’s warm families. Just then, Hu Yue and Yang Songbai arrived at the bridge. Instead of understanding Hu Qiumin's pain, they continued to argue publicly. In a desperate act, Hu Yue jumped into the river, prompting Li Si to jump in after her.
High school teacher Gao Feiyang and Qiang Xiaowa, another student, were the actual rescuers. Qiang Xiaowa quickly left the scene after bringing them to safety. At the hospital, Li Si, eager for recognition, asked for his school demerit to be cancelled and for praise on the factory’s TV station. Cheng Miaomiao corrected him, pointing out that Gao Feiyang was the true hero and revealing that Qiang Xiaowa had also helped.
She also mentioned that Li Si’s father, Li Dahai, had gone to the front line to catch oil thieves. Niu Lingling, Li Si's mother, seeing an opportunity, tried to set up Gao Feiyang with her 23-year-old cousin, Yan. She highlighted Yan’s impressive family background: her father was a recently retired leader, and her mother was an oilfield cadre.
Niu Lingling implied that a marriage with Yan would secure Gao Feiyang's future, offering benefits like housing and career advancement, especially regarding teacher promotions. Gao Feiyang politely declined, stating he wasn’t in a rush and already had a good job and dormitory. He also noted a difference in their preferences, as he enjoyed spicy food while Yan did not.
Niu Lingling had to leave abruptly when she received a call about a family matter, urging Gao Feiyang and Yan to get to know each other better. Back at the hospital, Hu Yue, after being rescued, denied that her jump had anything to do with Yang Songbai, claiming she was just "pissed off by Min" and "acted on impulse." After Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling left, Hu Yue hid and cried alone.
When Yang Songbai entered, he scolded her for being irrational and impulsive, similar to Hu Qiumin. Overhearing this, Hu Qiumin burst in to defend her mother. She accused Yang Songbai of looking down on them, especially her mother, who served him "like a master" every day, only to be barked at and treated like a subordinate. Hu Qiumin declared that she had had enough of his domestic tyranny, saying he had little real ability but picked fights at home.
Yang Songbai was stunned by her outburst and left in a huff. Meanwhile, Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya discussed family dynamics and divorce with their parents, Cheng Pengfei and Jia Daiyu. Cheng Yaya questioned whether there were families that never fought and if divorce was good or bad. Cheng Pengfei thoughtfully explained that divorce was a life choice, neither inherently good nor bad, emphasizing personal responsibility.
Jia Daiyu, however, firmly declared that their family structure was unshakable, like a mountain that wouldn't change for a hundred years, and that she and Cheng Pengfei would never divorce. Niu Lingling, still worried about Li Dahai catching oil thieves, urged Li Si to burn incense and pray for his safety. At the factory office, Huang Lijuan confronted Li Dahai, holding him by the collar, furious that her husband, Liu Gang, had been fired.
She accused Li Dahai of unjustly firing Liu Gang and denied that Liu Gang had stolen oil, demanding proof. Li Dahai explained that Liu Gang had been reported for stealing oil with outsiders, had a history of violence, and had even sold tools like a pipe wrench to the thieves. He stressed that the decision to fire Liu Gang was made by the factory management, not him, and that not pressing criminal charges was a significant act of leniency.
Huang Lijuan tearfully pleaded her case, emphasizing their poverty, her parents’ illnesses, and Liu Gang being the sole breadwinner. She threatened to expose the factory’s actions. Niu Lingling tried to mediate, but Li Dahai remained firm, citing the factory’s zero-tolerance policy. At school, Han Shu, a teacher, called Yuan Shanqing into the office to discuss his repeated tardiness since the semester began.
Yuan Shanqing consistently denied any problems at home or school, and his student record was notably blank regarding parent information or contact details. Han Shu expressed concern and a desire to help, but Yuan Shanqing remained tight-lipped. In class, Luo Zheng wrote "Wanted Criminal" in large letters on Yuan Shanqing’s desk. Cheng Yaya, angered by this, swapped desks with Yuan Shanqing. Later, Liu Junbao, Liu Gang’s son, cried in class, blaming Li Si's father for his father's dismissal.
Other students sympathized, making Li Si feel like the "evil son of a landlord." Cheng Miaomiao suggested Li Si talk to his father. Cheng Yaya, deeply affected, retrieved sandpaper from home and meticulously erased the "Wanted Criminal" from Yuan Shanqing's desk. On his way to deliver food to Cheng Pengfei at the hospital, Cheng Yaya encountered a distressed Yuan Shanqing, who was desperately trying to pay for his sister’s medical treatment but lacked thirty yuan.
Cheng Yaya offered to lend him the money. Hu Qiumin's attempt to jump and her mother's desperate act made the children realize that adults also carried immense sadness, often silently enduring their burdens. It became clear that while many choices could be made in life, one's family and parents were not among them.
In that era, the term "original family" didn't exist, but it was understood that if parents couldn't be a shelter, every danger became a barrage of gunfire, leaving many to spend their lives healing the wounds inflicted by those early experiences.
Episode 9 Recap
In the autumn of 1987, a young Cheng Yaya woke up to find his father wasn't home. He set out alone to find him and accidentally fell into a large pit. Crying helplessly, a little girl came to his rescue but then fell into the pit herself. Unlike Cheng Yaya, she didn't cry. Instead, she offered him a steamed bun to comfort him. This girl was Yuan Shanqing.
Yuan Shanqing had a younger sister whom she cared for alone, often leading to complaints from neighbors about the noise. Their meals were simple, typically steamed eggs and buns. One evening, creditors, impersonating police, arrived at their home demanding to know Yuan Yong's whereabouts.
They overturned their dinner table, and despite Yuan Shanqing repeatedly insisting that Yuan Yong had absconded with all the money and she had none, the men ransacked the house and seized the small amount of money she had saved. When the creditors' dog bit her sister, Yuan Shanqing realized she didn't have enough money for treatment. She encountered Cheng Yaya and had to ask him for a loan.
Coincidentally, Cheng Yaya had also been bitten by the same dog but didn't have money for his own injection. After her sister received an injection, Yuan Shanqing prepared to take her home. Cheng Yaya urgently stopped her, insisting she get an injection too, reasoning that since money had already been borrowed, borrowing a little more wouldn't matter. Cheng Pengfei, Cheng Yaya's father, saw the two children and personally took them for their injections.
He was touched by Cheng Yaya's kindness and gentlemanly behavior. As they walked home, Cheng Yaya learned his new friend's sister's name was Yuan Shanzi. Meanwhile, Cheng Miaomiao was on the phone with Li Si, who was expressing his intention to confront his father, Li Dahai, about an issue. Their conversation was overheard by Jia Daiyu, Cheng Miaomiao's mother, who then scolded her daughter for not studying and talking on the phone late at night.
Cheng Pengfei arrived home, having returned to grab a tool book, and defended Cheng Miaomiao slightly, though he was surprised to hear Cheng Yaya was out late helping a classmate. Cheng Yaya eventually escorted Yuan Shanqing and her sister home, where he saw "Pay Back" painted in large characters on their door and found the house in disarray.
Later, Li Si confronted his father, Li Dahai, demanding to know why Liu Gang had been fired and explaining that all his classmates were now criticizing him. Li Dahai, infuriated, dismissed his son's concern about adult matters. The next day, Li Si arrived at class in low spirits. Liu Junbao approached him, pleading for help to speak to his father. Liu Junbao even knelt, to which a startled Li Si quickly knelt in return.
However, many classmates, unaware of the full story, continued to unfairly criticize Li Si for his perceived lack of empathy. Cheng Yaya noticed Yuan Shanqing was absent from class and, concerned, went directly to her home. Cheng Miaomiao, also worried about Li Si's predicament, sought him out to offer comfort. She argued that the situation had nothing to do with him, yet he was the target of all the blame, which she felt was unjust.
She compared his plight to Yuan Shanqing's, pointing out how their classmates unfairly judge her for her father's actions as well. Cheng Yaya arrived at Yuan Shanqing's house, knocking for a long time before she finally answered. He immediately noticed she had a fever and rushed her to the hospital. There, Cheng Pengfei reassured Yuan Shanqing that her younger sister, Yuan Shanzi, was doing well and was being looked after by Granny Chen.
A doctor informed them that Yuan Shanqing's fever was a typical vaccine reaction, but her overall health indicators were low due to prolonged malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of a nutritious diet. Cheng Yaya bought her steamed buns and milk, ensuring she ate and drank them. When Cheng Miaomiao voiced her concerns to Gao Feiyang, their teacher, about Li Si being unfairly targeted, Gao Feiyang listened thoughtfully. After class, he delivered an impromptu lesson to the students about "being yourself."
He acknowledged that factors like appearance, background, and family inevitably shape one's life, but stressed that one's destiny is ultimately in their own hands. He urged them that if they must voice an opinion, it should be a choice made from within, for which they are prepared to take responsibility, rather than merely echoing others. Later that evening, Cheng Yaya spent the night diligently painting over all the debt-related graffiti on Yuan Shanqing's front door.
To resolve Liu Gang's situation, Li Dahai personally paid three months of his own salary as compensation. Liu Gang's family subsequently left the oil field to return to their hometown. Li Si, feeling awkward, did not attend Liu Junbao's farewell. Some time later, Cheng Miaomiao and Hu Qiumin arranged to have dinner at Li Si's family restaurant. On their way, they unexpectedly saw Qiang Xiaowa selling fish at the market.
Observing his difficult circumstances, Cheng Miaomiao's determination to help him rekindled. She resolved to assist him at least one more time. Inspired by Gao Feiyang's message, Cheng Miaomiao later traveled to Qiang Xiaowa's village. There, she approached his dog, Babao, with a warm and open demeanor, offering it a sausage and trying to make friends.
She reflected that in a world of varying fortunes, where some face hardship and judgment, the important thing is to be true to oneself and make choices from the heart. Cheng Miaomiao affirmed her commitment to be someone who extends a helping hand, believing that despite the world's unfairness, one should never let the light within them fade.
Episode 10 Recap
In the autumn of 1987, Cheng Yaya drew a pink lake. His teacher corrected him, stating that lakes are blue and not pink. Yaya responded by saying that just because the teacher hadn't seen one, it didn't mean they didn't exist in the world. Cheng Miaomiao visited Qiang Xiaowa's home, which was a large boat in the village. Qiang Xiaowa initially tried to prevent her from entering, telling her to go home.
However, his Grandpa heard that a classmate had come to visit and warmly welcomed Miaomiao aboard, noting she was the first girl to visit since Xiaowa started school. Miaomiao expressed her fascination with living on a boat and explored the different sections, finding it all very cool and like something out of a movie. She asked Qiang Xiaowa about his life as a fisherman, including if he caught all the fish and if he could dive to the ocean floor.
She then enthusiastically shouted her name to the sea from the deck. Meanwhile, Cheng Yaya visited Yuan Shanqing and brought a new toy, Xiao Bai, for Zi. He was concerned to find that Zi, despite being over two years old, still couldn't speak. Yuan Shanqing explained that Zi might be a bit slow in development, sharing that she herself spoke late as a child, though she walked early. She reassured Yaya that children develop at different paces.
Xiaowa's grandpa prepared a delicious seafood dinner for Miaomiao. She enjoyed the food and shared that her parents' cooking was not to her liking. Grandpa asked about Qiang Xiaowa's performance in school and if he was fitting in. Miaomiao reassured him that Xiaowa was liked by teachers and students.
Grandpa also mentioned school rules about hair length and uniforms, explaining that Qiang Xiaowa was stubborn about haircuts because his older brother, who used to cut his hair, was away for work. When Miaomiao inquired about Qiang Xiaowa's parents, Xiaowa bluntly stated he didn't have any. Grandpa then explained that he had adopted Xiaowa, admitting he was uneducated and worried about Xiaowa's stubbornness leading to him being bullied at school.
Miaomiao promised Grandpa that she would protect Qiang Xiaowa and not let anyone bully him. As she left with a large quantity of seafood from Grandpa, she told Qiang Xiaowa that from then on they were "brothers" and she would teach him Mandarin, considering the seafood her "tuition fee." After Zi fell asleep, Cheng Yaya noticed Yuan Shanqing hadn't eaten. He offered to make scrambled eggs, but Yuan Shanqing revealed they had no eggs.
Yaya then produced milk powder from his bag, explaining that his mom used to make him drink it for nutrition, and he discovered a "new way" to eat it dry with a spoon. He shared the milk powder with Yuan Shanqing, who found it surprisingly tasty. That night, Cheng Yaya and Cheng Miaomiao returned home very late, much to Jia Daiyu’s anger.
Miaomiao, still carrying a bounty of seafood, was questioned by her mother about its origins, with Jia Daiyu suspecting theft. Miaomiao vehemently denied it, explaining that Qiang Xiaowa's Grandpa gave it to her, but his dog chased her, causing her to fall. Jia Daiyu then chided both children for eating at other people's homes instead of their own. Miaomiao then asked for Cheng Yaya’s old school bag and uniform, intending to give them to Qiang Xiaowa.
She described Qiang Xiaowa's family as extremely poor, living as if in the past on a boat, a discovery she had feigned excitement about during her visit so as not to embarrass him.
Miaomiao explained that as a class leader candidate, she felt responsible to help Qiang Xiaowa integrate by encouraging him to cut his hair, wear a uniform, and learn Mandarin, inspired by her teacher, Mr. Gao, who encouraged students to be good people and define their own dreams beyond high scores. Jia Daiyu scoffed at this. Cheng Pengfei intervened, gently advising Miaomiao that being a good person was a worthy goal, but she needed to be strong herself to achieve it.
He suggested that Qiang Xiaowa's reluctance stemmed from an inferiority complex due to his poverty, and true help would involve breaking down that shame. Meanwhile, Cheng Yaya was engrossed in books, researching Zi's developmental delay, wondering if it indicated a cognitive issue.
Jia Daiyu expressed extreme frustration, complaining that one child wanted to help a local child, and the other wanted to help the child of a fugitive, sarcastically asking if their home was to become a temple for saving all beings. Cheng Pengfei then suggested they take a walk together. During their walk, Jia Daiyu expressed her discomfort, stating that people from the oilfield disliked locals, especially after Yuan Yong's incident, making the children's acts of kindness complicated.
Cheng Pengfei then reminded her of a time when Yaya, at five or six, drew a pink lake, and how he had taken him to the library to research, discovering that such lakes, like Lake Retba in Senegal, Hillier Lake in Australia, and Rose Lake in Canada, actually exist due to Dunaliella salina algae. He explained that if he had dismissed Yaya’s imagination, he would have stifled his curiosity and love for reading, which now contributes to his academic success.
Cheng Pengfei then drew a parallel, arguing that if they stopped their children from helping others just because "those people are disliked by everyone" to avoid trouble, they would be crushing the children's inherent kindness and sense of justice. He urged that as parents, they should be their children's strongest support, giving them the confidence to help others.
He added that if their children faced unfairness or bullying for their good deeds, it was their duty as parents to step in and shield them, ensuring their hearts retained justice and kindness. Jia Daiyu, impressed, jokingly regretted not studying hard like him, while Cheng Pengfei deflected her praise with false humility. In class, Li Si noticed Cheng Miaomiao and Qiang Xiaowa's rapidly developing friendship, feeling a strong sense of crisis.
He observed Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing sharing a knowing smile across the classroom, which he also found unsettling. To reassert his close bond with Miaomiao, Li Si approached Qiang Xiaowa, detailing their shared history: born in the same hospital room, growing up together from infancy, attending the same schools, and never being apart for seventeen years.
He dramatically declared his importance to Miaomiao, likening it to a father-daughter bond, and stated that their marriage was decided when they were three years old, warning Qiang Xiaowa not to create conflict. Meanwhile, Yuan Shanqing discovered milk powder and eggs, presumably left by Cheng Yaya, in her desk, which brought a warm feeling to her heart.
Cheng Miaomiao, still enthusiastic about helping, arrived at Qiang Xiaowa’s home with a foldable desk, Cheng Yaya’s old school uniform, and a stack of review materials, including specialized Huanggang test papers from Wuhan. She explained that she noticed him doing homework without a proper desk and wanted to provide him with necessities and study aids, warning him about the difficulty of their school exams and the public posting of results on "the big yellow board."
However, Qiang Xiaowa quickly grew defensive. He confronted her about the items, accusing her of thinking he was too poor to afford things and of treating him like a charity case. He expressed his disdain for "oil-field people," claiming they were arrogant about their wealth and privileged background, born on the "fancy side of town."
He defiantly stated he wouldn't wear a uniform or cut his hair, challenging them by saying they wouldn't be "anything either" if they were born in his poor fishing village. Miaomiao, hurt and angry at his ingratitude, retorted that she wouldn't be so ungrateful even if she were born there, and told him to do whatever he wanted with the items. Hu Yue was reviewing Yang Songbai's expense reports and grew suspicious.
She found gasoline receipts even though he didn't own a car, and a restaurant bill for a day he was supposedly at home. Yang Songbai tried to blame these on his colleague, Wang. However, a hotel receipt from a day Yang Songbai was supposedly at sea completely exposed him. After further probing, Yang Songbai confessed that he had borrowed the receipt and lent three thousand yuan to his ex-wife, Feng Jing, whose family was in urgent need of money.
Hu Yue became enraged, accusing him of prioritizing his ex-wife over her, despite her sacrifices for his entire family. She tearfully offered to leave if he wanted to rekindle his relationship with Feng Jing. The heated argument was abruptly interrupted by the return of Hu Qiumin, prompting Yang Songbai and Hu Yue to quickly feign a harmonious atmosphere. Later that night, Hu Qiumin, still awake, heard noises from their bedroom.
When she questioned Yang Songbai, he quickly claimed to have accidentally knocked over a washbasin while going to the bathroom, dismissing her concerns and urging her to go back to sleep. The next day, Hu Qiumin confided in Li Si and Cheng Miaomiao about her lingering suspicion that her parents, Hu Yue and Yang Songbai, were still fighting, even if they were now hiding it from her.
Miaomiao offered encouragement, suggesting that hiding arguments meant they still cared about Hu Qiumin's feelings and that showing happiness about their "peace" might serve as positive reinforcement. Suddenly, a transformed Qiang Xiaowa entered the classroom with a new haircut and wearing a school uniform, causing a buzz. Gao Feiyang gave Miaomiao a subtle thumbs-up, acknowledging her efforts. However, Hu Qiumin observed that Miaomiao wasn't happy about Qiang Xiaowa's change and felt something was wrong between them.
Miaomiao admitted she had realized not everyone could be friends. Li Si questioned Qiang Xiaowa, sarcastically implying he only changed for Miaomiao, but Qiang Xiaowa dismissively walked away. Moments later, a student announced that the police were at school. Yuan Shanqing was then called to the office by a teacher and taken away by the police, leading to widespread commotion and rumors among the students.
Miaomiao reflected on her father's advice to always be a good person, but felt her kindness had met a wall with Qiang Xiaowa. She observed how both Qiang Xiaowa and Yuan Shanqing always kept people at a distance, seemingly hiding secrets, and how students like them were often unfairly labeled as "bad people" by others, with no one truly understanding their burdens.
Episode 11 Recap
Jia Daiyu prepared breakfast for her children, giving Cheng Yaya the egg yolks and Cheng Miaomiao the egg whites, as Yaya preferred yolks. However, Miaomiao immediately complained, accusing her mother of favoring Yaya. She insisted she wanted two egg yolks, even though Jia Daiyu reminded her that she usually found yolks dry and tasteless. Annoyed by Miaomiao's stubbornness, Jia Daiyu cooked two more yolks and made her eat them, warning her not to waste food.
Yaya kindly offered to eat them if Miaomiao couldn't finish. Meanwhile, Yuan Shanqing was taken to the police station. Ms. Han, her teacher, arrived and spoke with Mr. Jiang, the police officer. Mr. Jiang explained they needed to clarify some information with Yuan Shanqing and requested Ms. Han's cooperation. He asked if anyone had visited Yuan Shanqing at school recently, to which Ms. Han replied she hadn't seen anyone.
When asked about any unusual behavior, Ms. Han mentioned a few instances of lateness and a sick leave for a dog bite and fever after vaccination, supported by a hospital bill. She couldn't confirm if anyone accompanied Yuan Shanqing to the hospital. Ms. Han also admitted she didn't know much about Yuan Shanqing's father, Yuan Yong, only what she had heard from others, as she was new to the school.
She also noted Yuan Shanqing's introverted nature and reluctance for home visits. Ms. Han wondered if Yuan Yong was back, but Mr. Jiang only stated they were still investigating and needed Yuan Shanqing's confirmation. Back at school, the girls in class were discussing Qiang Xiaowa's new, handsome haircut. Cheng Miaomiao, however, was in a bad mood. Li Si informed Miaomiao that the police had come for Yuan Shanqing because of her father.
Soon, the entire class was buzzing with rumors, assuming Yuan Shanqing was complicit in her father's crimes. Cheng Yaya staunchly defended Yuan Shanqing, arguing that being questioned by the police didn't make her a criminal. Luo Zheng then publicly challenged Cheng Yaya, claiming he had seen Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing together at the hospital late at night with a "toddler." Cheng Yaya clarified that the child was Yuan Shanqing's younger sister, Yuan Shanzi, not Yuan Shanqing's child.
Luo Zheng continued to mock them, accusing Yuan Shanqing of making up stories. Enraged, Cheng Yaya almost got into a fight with Luo Zheng, declaring that only the police had the right to label Yuan Shanqing a criminal. The other students joined in, spreading malicious rumors and claiming Yuan Shanqing was a bad influence on the class.
Cheng Yaya passionately fought back, demanding they produce evidence that Yuan Shanqing had committed a crime or that the school intended to expel her. He accused them of making hurtful accusations without any basis. At the police station, Yuan Shanqing explained to the police that she had initially gone to the hospital alone and only later met Cheng Yaya. She admitted she had wanted to shield Cheng Yaya from the negative attention she received because of her father.
Ms. Han understood her reasoning but stressed the importance of telling the complete truth. Yuan Shanqing insisted she had not seen Yuan Yong again, revealing old scars on her arm as proof of the abuse her father had inflicted upon her and her sister. She expressed her wish for him to be caught soon, so she and her sister could finally live in peace.
She described how Yuan Yong, disappointed at having two daughters instead of a son, had taken out his frustration on them. Later, Gao Feiyang arrived at the police station to learn more about the case. Mr. Jiang showed him photos of Yuan Yong, describing him as a wanted criminal responsible for two violent robberies in other regions—one involving a brick and another a dagger—indicating his increasingly deranged state.
Police had received tips of someone resembling Yuan Yong near the oilfield's long-distance bus station, and other truck drivers reported Yuan Yong saying he was tired and wanted to get money from home. These clues suggested Yuan Yong was still lurking in the vicinity and might return to find his daughters. Ms. Han, understanding the gravity of the situation, assured the police of the school's full cooperation and emphasized the paramount need to protect Yuan Shanqing's safety.
Upon her release, Yuan Shanqing rushed to her neighbor's house to retrieve Yuan Shanzi, only to be told that Zi had already been picked up by an unknown person. The neighbor, clearly annoyed by her family's troubles, mentioned that Granny Chen had gone to the hospital. Worried, Gao Feiyang and Ms. Han followed Yuan Shanqing as she frantically searched for Granny Chen and Zi at the hospital, but found no trace of either.
Sitting in the hospital corridor, tears streaming down her face, Yuan Shanqing was found by Cheng Pengfei. She tearfully explained that her sister was missing and she didn't know who had taken her. Cheng Pengfei offered to contact the police. It turned out that Cheng Yaya had picked up Yuan Shanzi. He brought Zi to his room and gave her cookies to comfort her.
When Jia Daiyu returned home, Cheng Yaya and Cheng Miaomiao tried to hide Zi, but their attempt failed. Jia Daiyu questioned Cheng Yaya about his connection to Yuan Shanqing. Cheng Yaya explained that he had gone to Yuan Shanqing's house, found Granny Chen in a hurry to go to the hospital after losing the keys, and took Zi home.
While Jia Daiyu understood his good intentions, she was anxious about getting involved with Yuan Yong's problematic family and urged Cheng Yaya to have Yuan Shanqing take Zi away. Cheng Miaomiao then casually mentioned that Yuan Shanqing had been taken by the police that day, further alarming Jia Daiyu. Despite her concerns, Jia Daiyu lovingly prepared milk for Zi and sternly instructed her children to keep Zi's presence a secret.
Later, Cheng Pengfei returned home, accompanied by Gao Feiyang and Yuan Shanqing. Jia Daiyu warmly greeted Gao Feiyang, inquiring about Miaomiao's academic progress, while pointedly maintaining her distance from Yuan Shanqing. Cheng Pengfei tried to speak with Jia Daiyu about Yuan Shanqing, but Jia Daiyu remained firm in her conviction that associating with Yuan Yong's family would only bring trouble.
After leaving the Cheng household, Gao Feiyang walked Yuan Shanqing and Zi home, where they were met by a relieved Ms. Han, who had been waiting for them. The next day at school, Yuan Shanqing found her desk dumped in the hallway. Cheng Yaya immediately confronted the other students, challenging their bullying tactics. Overwhelmed, Yuan Shanqing started to cry and attempted to leave, but Cheng Yaya stopped her.
He warned her that leaving would only confirm the bullies' accusations, making her a "fraudster" in their eyes. He encouraged her to bravely face them and assert her innocence. Empowered by his words, Yuan Shanqing defiantly carried her desk back into the classroom. She declared that while her father, Yuan Yong, was indeed a fraudster who had harmed many families, she would not apologize for his actions because he didn't deserve it.
She stated that the police would punish him, but she had committed no wrong. Yuan Shanqing firmly stated that she only wanted to peacefully attend school, and while they could dislike her or spread rumors, they had no right to force her to leave. As long as the school did not expel her, she would continue to study there. During class, Yuan Shanqing wrote "Thank you" in her notebook.
Later, Li Si's mother, Niu Lingling, told him that his math mock test score was surprisingly good. Li Si felt a pang of worry, knowing he had copied all his answers from Qiang Xiaowa, which made him wonder if Qiang Xiaowa was secretly intelligent. For the Mid-Autumn Festival, Cheng Yaya thoughtfully placed several boxes of egg yolk mooncakes, which he remembered Yuan Shanqing loved as a child, outside her door.
When he returned home, he found an identical box of mooncakes at his own door. Yuan Shanqing and Zi had brought them, and inside, she had left the money she owed Cheng Yaya.
Episode 12 Recap
In the winter of 1987, Cheng Miaomiao took her younger brother, Cheng Yaya, out to play. After Yaya fell into an ice hole, Miaomiao scolded him for crying and warned him not to tell their parents, threatening not to take him out again. Ignoring her warning, Yaya immediately reported to their mother, Jia Daiyu, that Miaomiao had pushed him.
Miaomiao vehemently denied it, claiming Yaya fell on his own and she had jumped in to save him, even suggesting Li Si and Hu Qiumin as witnesses. Jia Daiyu dismissed her claims, noting Miaomiao's misbehavior at school, including leading students to say that being first wasn't important, and proceeded to punish her.
Meanwhile, Yuan Shanqing visited the social security department to collect her monthly allowance, facing whispered criticisms from others about her father, Yuan Yong, who had scammed everyone at the factory. She expressed concern about her younger sister Zi's household registration, which was still unprocessed due to the lack of her parents' marriage and birth certificates. A clerk explained the difficulties, also questioning how Yuan Shanqing would afford schooling for both girls on the meager allowance.
Later, an angry mob of creditors, led by Luo Zheng's mother, stormed the school, demanding Yuan Shanqing reveal her father's whereabouts and insisting she was hiding their money. Director Xiao Wan tried to calm them, asserting that Yuan Shanqing genuinely didn't know where Yuan Yong was and that the police had confirmed her innocence.
Luo Zheng attempted to intervene, reminding his mother they were at school and recalling his grandmother's death, but his mother, consumed by grief and anger over their ruined family, hit him and continued to incite the crowd. As the commotion escalated, Cheng Miaomiao rushed into Yuan Shanqing's classroom, urging her to hide. Yuan Shanqing initially refused, feeling she couldn't escape what she had to face.
However, Miaomiao convinced her, reminding her about Zi and the unpredictable behavior of the agitated crowd. Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya then led Yuan Shanqing to the secluded astronomy room at the top of the school for safety. Downstairs, Luo Zheng's mother continued to search for Yuan Shanqing in the classrooms, ignoring the school security guards. Soon after, Gao Feiyang arrived at the astronomy room, having been informed of their location by Li Si.
He reassured the students that the angry crowd had been dispersed and that no students would be expelled. After the incident, Director Xiao Wan, with a visibly bruised face from the confrontation, addressed the class. She passionately declared that the parents' actions were unacceptable and that Yuan Shanqing was not to blame. She emphatically stated that no student would be expelled and that the school would adhere strictly to its regulations.
Director Xiao Wan also promised to increase security to prevent future intrusions, asserting that while the school's teachers were cultured and law-abiding, they were not to be bullied. Demonstrating her commitment to Yuan Shanqing's safety, she offered her a room in the teachers' dormitory, right next to her own, vowing to protect her from any further harassment. Following the turbulent events, Luo Zheng approached Yuan Shanqing, apologizing and explaining that he hadn't asked his mother to come to the school.
Luo Zheng's cousin then clarified that Luo Zheng had been the first to try and stop his mother, and Yuan Shanqing acknowledged that she had always known Luo Zheng wasn't a bad person. Meanwhile, Li Si was astonished to discover Qiang Xiaowa's excellent exam scores, realizing he was a true academic talent.
The upcoming parent-teacher meeting filled Li Si with dread, as his own unexpectedly high scores (a result of copying Qiang Xiaowa's answers) would surely raise his atheist father's suspicions of cheating. Cheng Miaomiao also confessed to having doctored her own test paper. Amidst these academic anxieties, Yuan Shanqing's grades suffered significantly due to the ongoing stress and public scrutiny related to her father. Later that evening, Li Dahai and Niu Lingling returned home to find Li Si diligently cleaning.
They immediately suspected he was in trouble, but Li Dahai was relieved upon hearing about the parent-teacher meeting, having grown accustomed to Li Si's consistently low scores. In another household, Jia Daiyu discovered Cheng Miaomiao had failed four subjects and attempted to alter her grades. Incensed, she declared she would not attend Miaomiao's parent-teacher meeting, claiming it would induce early menopause, and stated she would only go to Cheng Yaya's.
Yuan Shanqing informed Cheng Yaya that she would not move into the teachers' dormitory because she needed to remain at home to care for Zi. She expressed her resolve to prove her innocence by directly addressing the public. Despite Cheng Yaya's worries about facing hostile neighbors, he supported her decision, offering to accompany her and believing that even a small step towards clarifying the truth was worthwhile. The parent-teacher meeting ended surprisingly quickly, lasting only half an hour.
Li Dahai and Jia Daiyu were seen leaving with smiles, a "joyful atmosphere" that unnerved both Li Si and Cheng Miaomiao, who braced themselves for an unknown outcome. Yuan Shanqing and Cheng Yaya then embarked on a difficult journey, visiting neighbors to explain her situation and apologize. They were met with hostility and suspicion, with one elderly couple expressing sympathy but still inquiring about Yuan Yong, and Luo Zheng's mother even chasing them with a knife.
Despite the harsh reception, Yuan Shanqing found strength in having faced them, reflecting that while their efforts might have been naive, she was not discouraged. After the parent-teacher meeting, Qiang Xiaowa's illiterate grandfather, too embarrassed to ask about his grandson's performance during the assembly, later sought out Gao Feiyang. He was overjoyed to learn that Qiang Xiaowa had achieved first place in the class.
Gao Feiyang explained his decision not to publicly post rankings, emphasizing that genuine learning and sustained passion for knowledge were more important than mere scores. He praised Qiang Xiaowa's excellent conduct in school. Gao Feiyang then offered the grateful grandfather his personal meal tickets, inviting him to eat at the school cafeteria. In return, the grandfather offered Gao Feiyang a bag of freshly caught seafood, insisting it was a small token.
To subtly provide ongoing support and preserve the family's dignity, Gao Feiyang later asked Qiang Xiaowa to take money back to his grandfather, pretending he had forgotten to pay for the seafood, and arranged to buy 50 yuan worth of seafood from their family every month, claiming it was for his "sick younger brother." At dinner, Li Si remained terrified by his parents' unusually calm and pleasant demeanor, despite his fear of a lecture about his grades.
His father, while acknowledging "progress" in his scores, attributed it to "inherited intelligence" and stressed the importance of continuous effort. Similarly, Jia Daiyu embraced Cheng Miaomiao, tearfully apologizing for her past strictness. Back in class, Gao Feiyang addressed the students about their recent test results. He reiterated that while rankings were unimportant, failure would incur consequences. He mandated that all students who failed a subject copy their test papers ten times.
Singling out Li Si, who had claimed to "pass," Gao Feiyang revealed his cheating and imposed a harsher penalty: copying his deskmate's entire answer sheet ten times and the textbook once. Puzzled by their parents' calm reactions, Li Si and Cheng Miaomiao wondered what exactly Gao Feiyang had told them at the meeting. Gao Feiyang later explained his personal journey, from a single-income family with a sick younger brother to attending a tuition-free teacher's college.
He shared his educational philosophy: learning, though arduous, is a fair and rewarding process that fosters understanding and eradicates prejudice, revealing the world's diversity. He urged parents to support their children's dreams and guide their growth, emphasizing that "growth" is distinct from "success." He called for mutual trust between teachers and parents, promising to be a dedicated teacher and expecting them to be understanding parents, fostering a mutually supportive environment.
The students reflected on Gao Feiyang's profound influence, seeing him as their steadfast protector whose inspiring words reshaped their understanding of education and life, though they still harbored a deep fear of disappointing him.
Episode 13 Recap
Cheng Yaya approached the police, explaining her distress over the widespread belief that Yuan Shanqing was involved with her father, Yuan Yong, in his fraudulent activities. She conveyed that people at the factory were spreading rumors that Yuan Yong had hidden the swindled money with Yuan Shanqing, and that the previous police visit to the school had only exacerbated the misunderstanding, making it harder for Yuan Shanqing to clarify the situation.
Cheng Yaya emphasized that Yuan Shanqing was struggling, studying and caring for her younger sister, Zi, alone, and that her grades were declining. She hoped the police could intervene to clear Yuan Shanqing’s name. The next day, a police officer named Jiang Feng from the Wancheng Road Police Station arrived at Yuan Shanqing’s class. He made an official statement, clarifying that Yuan Yong was a fugitive and a primary suspect.
He explained that their previous visit to the school was merely a routine inquiry based on public tips to gather information from Yuan Shanqing, who had cooperated fully. Officer Jiang apologized for any misunderstandings or negative impacts this had caused, and firmly stated that Yuan Shanqing was not directly involved in her father’s case. He urged everyone to be supportive and friendly towards each other. Meanwhile, friends discussed their future aspirations.
Li Si excitedly told Cheng Miaomiao that if they didn't get into college, they could stay in the oil field, with him becoming a director and her working in publicity, then marry young and get a big house from his father before he retired. Cheng Miaomiao rolled her eyes at his grand plans. Hu Qiumin, however, yearned to go to Shenzhen with her brother to start a new life. Later, Qiang Xiaowa accidentally stepped on Cheng Miaomiao's medicinal plaster.
Li Si was annoyed when Qiang Xiaowa seemed oblivious, but then Qiang Xiaowa approached Cheng Miaomiao to apologize, not just for stepping on her plaster but also for his harsh words during their last encounter. This left Li Si feeling upset that Cheng Miaomiao had kept this incident from him. Cheng Miaomiao decided to talk to Qiang Xiaowa.
Li Si described Qiang Xiaowa as having a "fragile heart," which made Cheng Miaomiao realize that her well-intended help in the past might have been perceived as an insult. During their conversation, Qiang Xiaowa admitted that he felt Cheng Miaomiao had treated him like a beggar, although Cheng Miaomiao insisted she was only trying to be kind and helpful, just as she and Li Si would share things.
They clarified their mutual appreciation for small gestures like school supplies and seafood, eventually reconciling their friendship. Yuan Shanqing later expressed her gratitude to Cheng Yaya, acknowledging that she had asked the police for help. Cheng Yaya, however, dismissed it as unimportant, stating that her real motivation was to prove her ability to help. Their lighthearted conversation was observed by Jia Daiyu, who immediately worried about Cheng Yaya getting involved in "puppy love."
Cheng Pengfei disagreed, believing it was simply his son's kindness being reciprocated. He advised Jia Daiyu to take a relaxed approach, reminding her of her own dramatic elopement at seventeen, which was far more serious than any possible early romance. Jia Daiyu remained unconvinced and called a family meeting before dinner to address the issue. However, Cheng Pengfei, Cheng Miaomiao, and Cheng Yaya united, skillfully deflecting her concerns and making it impossible for her to press the matter further.
Separately, Niu Lingling went to Hu Yue's home and then informed Yang Songbai that Hu Yue was in the hospital awaiting surgery. Yang Songbai rushed to the hospital, initially scolding Hu Yue for not informing him, but then inquired about her condition with the doctor. Hu Yue was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and needed full anesthesia for surgery. Yang Songbai and Hu Qiumin waited outside the operating room, while Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling left after ensuring everything was handled.
The next morning, Cheng Yaya took all the egg pancakes Cheng Pengfei made and brought them to school for Yuan Shanqing and Zi. Jia Daiyu complained about Cheng Yaya taking the food, while Cheng Pengfei offered to make more. Li Si was still bothered by Cheng Miaomiao's closeness with Qiang Xiaowa, but Cheng Miaomiao seemed unaware of his feelings. The school announced a singing contest. The class monitor initially disallowed Qiang Xiaowa from participating because he couldn't speak standard Mandarin.
Cheng Miaomiao protested, and Li Si also spoke up in Qiang Xiaowa's defense, arguing that the competition was about class honor and fun, not just perfect pronunciation. Li Si was left to look after Zi on the basketball court. Unsure how to handle her, he asked Qiang Xiaowa to take over so he could play. Zi remained unresponsive. Later, Cheng Miaomiao returned and was annoyed to see Li Si playing basketball instead of watching Zi.
She easily engaged Zi in fun activities. During the game, Li Si accidentally twisted his ankle, and Qiang Xiaowa promptly carried him to the hospital. Hu Qiumin brought food to Hu Yue and Yang Songbai at the hospital. This time, the couple, unusually, did not quarrel. Watching Yang Songbai feed Hu Yue, Hu Qiumin felt a rare sense of comfort.
Back home, Jia Daiyu continued to press Cheng Yaya about Yuan Shanqing, still suspecting puppy love despite his and Cheng Pengfei's earlier explanations. Cheng Yaya finally revealed that Yuan Shanqing had saved him from a large pit when they were children. Although Yuan Shanqing didn't remember the incident, it was a very important memory for Cheng Yaya and the reason for his loyalty and support. Cheng Pengfei affirmed the importance of repaying such a life-saving kindness.
Later, Cheng Yaya, Yuan Shanqing, and Cheng Pengfei took Zi to the hospital for a comprehensive examination. Everyone had previously assumed Zi had an intellectual disability, but the tests revealed that her problem was with her ears; she was deaf and non-verbal. Reflecting on these events, the narrator observed that many people had assumed Zi had an intellectual disability and had even accepted the idea of her being less intelligent.
Yet, no one had foreseen the true nature of her condition. The narrator also pondered why parents, like Jia Daiyu, were so apprehensive about discussing love with their children, treating it as a taboo subject. While society warned against "puppy love," it rarely explained why.
At an age where curiosity about love is natural but understanding is still naive, the narrator wished for open conversations about these feelings, recognizing that the first person one secretly likes in their mid-teens often represents love's purest form in their life.
Episode 14 Recap
In the winter of 1994, Yuan Shanqing was doing her homework when her father, Yuan Yong, returned home drunk with a woman named Lin Xiu. Yuan Yong displayed aggressive affection towards Lin Xiu in front of Yuan Shanqing, then demanded his daughter call Lin Xiu "Aunt." When Yuan Shanqing remained silent, Yuan Yong berated her, calling her a useless burden. Lin Xiu, upset by Yuan Yong's behavior, threatened to leave, stating that he was scaring her.
Yuan Yong pleaded with her to stay, and Lin Xiu subsequently told Yuan Shanqing to return to her studies. Lin Xiu eventually became Yuan Shanqing's stepmother. However, just three days after their daughter, Zi, was born, Yuan Yong disappeared with their money. Furious, Lin Xiu left to find him, and the two only returned after half a month. During their absence, a window was left open, and Zi developed a high fever that lasted three days, nearly costing her life.
Her parents were completely indifferent, leaving Yuan Shanqing to care for her baby sister alone. Later, Yuan Yong acquired a car, which he and Lin Xiu used to scam people out of money. They neglected Zi entirely and even considered selling her because she was a girl. Yuan Shanqing spent her days hiding with Zi, too afraid to go to school. Their fraudulent schemes were eventually exposed, prompting Yuan Yong and Lin Xiu to flee.
Their house was confiscated by the factory. Yuan Shanqing, with Zi in her arms, sat outside the factory's office building for three days until a manager arranged for them to have their current home. Yuan Shanqing confided in the Cheng family that she found a metal box containing over 10,000 yuan, which Yuan Yong had left behind, and she had handed it over to the police.
Yuan Shanqing believed that Yuan Yong and Lin Xiu fleeing was a blessing, as it allowed her and Zi to survive. Yuan Shanqing shared her traumatic past with the Cheng family. Jia Daiyu felt great sympathy for Zi. Yuan Shanqing questioned if Zi's hearing problem was caused by her fever and blamed herself for not returning home earlier that day. Cheng Pengfei, a kind ENT specialist, reassured her that he would arrange a more comprehensive examination.
Cheng Yaya enthusiastically supported this, highlighting her father's reputation as the best ENT doctor who had successfully treated many, including the factory manager and an elderly woman. Yuan Shanqing lamented the unfairness of life, feeling that Zi was suffering for her parents' misdeeds, but Cheng Pengfei advised her to remain resilient, promising that justice would eventually be served against Yuan Yong and Lin Xiu, and that Zi would get better.
On the way home, with Cheng Yaya holding Zi, Yuan Shanqing confided in her about her childhood. She recounted how Yuan Yong often beat her mother, who always insisted on keeping domestic troubles private, fearing shame. Yuan Shanqing's deepest regret was not knowing her mother's burial place, as Yuan Yong would beat her every time she dared to ask.
Despite the painful memories, Yuan Shanqing declared that Zi was her priority, vowing to do whatever it took to ensure her sister's recovery. Cheng Miaomiao specifically came to pick up Li Si for school. Li Si, using crutches after spraining his ankle playing basketball, had hoped to use his injury to get a day off, but his mother refused. He dramatically declared he would attend school on crutches, embodying a "strong will despite the injury."
Cheng Miaomiao playfully urged him to walk faster, and even try to run. Teacher Han Shu was greatly impressed by Yuan Shanqing's essay, expressing relief that the recent events had not negatively affected her psychological state. She noted Yuan Shanqing's newfound confidence and initiative in joining the poetry contest, which had also brought a new sense of peace and reduced bullying in the classroom.
To help Qiang Xiaowa participate in the upcoming poetry reading contest, Cheng Miaomiao diligently taught him Mandarin. Despite the class monitor's reservations about Qiang Xiaowa's proficiency and warning him not to "drag the class down," Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si defended him, with Cheng Miaomiao pointing out his noticeable improvement. After school, Li Si, Cheng Miaomiao, and Hu Qiumin visited Qiang Xiaowa's home by the sea. Hu Qiumin and Cheng Miaomiao were fascinated by the unique environment.
When Cheng Miaomiao accidentally stumbled, Qiang Xiaowa quickly helped her up. Hu Qiumin captured this "hero saving the beauty" moment with her camera, which visibly ignited Li Si's jealousy. Driven by his pique, Li Si then made Qiang Xiaowa practice reciting lines from "The Song of Youth," which Qiang Xiaowa struggled with. Cheng Pengfei confirmed that Zi's condition was sensorineural hearing loss, not an intellectual disability or congenital deafness.
He explained that a cochlear implant could be surgically installed to stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing her to hear like a normal person, citing successful cases in China. This offered Zi the prospect of a new life with sound. At Qiang Xiaowa's home, he treated everyone to a table laden with fresh seafood. Hu Qiumin and Li Si were curious about their unique way of life.
Qiang Xiaowa explained the challenges of living in a fishing village, where income was unstable and entirely dependent on fishing. He revealed that their area had no school, forcing children to either fish, seek work elsewhere, or, in his case, travel to town for education, making him the only one still enrolled. Hearing this, Cheng Miaomiao, who previously felt their oilfield base was lacking compared to big cities, realized how fortunate they were.
During their study sessions, with Cheng Miaomiao, Li Si, and Hu Qiumin helping Qiang Xiaowa with Mandarin and other subjects, Qiang Xiaowa's grandfather consistently brought them dried seafood. Cheng Yaya brought some of this seafood home, and Cheng Pengfei, pleased, suggested they offer Qiang Xiaowa's grandfather some medicinal patches for his leg and back pain, along with other essential medicines, as they were difficult to acquire in the village.
Cheng Pengfei revealed that his inquiries about cochlear implants through his Beijing comrades showed a successful case similar to Zi's, offering hope for her surgery. However, the procedure was estimated to cost 100,000 yuan, which could be reduced to about 50,000 yuan with a special grant from the Children's Foundation. This news initially extinguished Yuan Shanqing's flicker of hope, as she felt relentless misfortune despite her efforts.
Cheng Yaya comforted her with a story about her grandmother's faith, explaining that believing in a higher power wasn't superstition but a way to maintain a strong spirit and conviction that problems could be solved and things would improve. Inspired by this philosophy and with collective support, the school organized a donation drive for Zi.
Director Xiao Fang personally held the donation box, collecting contributions from students and teachers, including Luo Zheng, who asked if the surgery would restore Zi's hearing. The factory also rallied its workers to donate, emphasizing community solidarity and pledging support to any member facing hardship.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Yuan Shanqing penned a thank-you letter, expressing her profound appreciation to every kind individual from the school and oilfield who contributed to her sister, Yuan Shanzi, and promising to repay their kindness through her future endeavors. Teacher Han Shu announced that Yuan Shanqing's exceptional poem would be the class's entry for the poetry reading contest, and Yuan Shanqing herself would lead the recitation.
Before performing, students from various classes applied red blush to their cheeks as performance makeup, although Yuan Shanqing's class chose not to. Cheng Miaomiao led her class in reciting "The Song of Youth," and Qiang Xiaowa performed admirably, demonstrating his improved Mandarin. When it was Yuan Shanqing's class's turn, she delivered a powerful recitation of her poem, "The Seabird."
The poem eloquently depicted the arduous migration of Arctic Terns, drawing parallels to life's journey, overcoming obstacles, and the resilient spirit of youth. The performance resonated deeply, ultimately earning "The Seabird" first prize in the Red October Poetry Reading Competition. Cheng Miaomiao and her friends genuinely celebrated the victory.
An older Yuan Shanqing reflected on her youthful dreams of freedom beyond the oilfield, realizing later that their small base had always been home, and fondly remembering the simple joy of their red-painted faces on that memorable day.
Episode 15 Recap
Cheng Pengfei diligently made arrangements for Zi, successfully contacting his comrades in Beijing. However, Jia Daiyu expressed discontent, noting that they would have to cover the train ticket costs themselves. Cheng Pengfei reassured her that Yang Songbai, who was on leave, would accompany him. He described Yang Songbai as a bit rough around the edges but kind-hearted.
Jia Daiyu agreed but then launched into a general critique of men, emphasizing the importance of understanding women and deftly managing mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships, using Yang Songbai's family as an example. During dinner, their son, Cheng Yaya, asked his mother, Jia Daiyu, for a new personal stereo. Jia Daiyu refused, telling him to focus on his studies instead of "love songs," which she deemed inappropriate.
Her son argued that love is a timeless theme in art and that people should evolve their thinking. Jia Daiyu insisted he was talking back and acting beyond his age. Cheng Pengfei intervened, urging them to eat before the food got cold. Li Si took Cheng Miaomiao to a pizzeria, enthusiastically presenting a durian pizza named "Durian for the Rest of Your Life." He insisted it was delicious and best eaten hot.
Cheng Miaomiao, however, was repulsed by the strong smell. After trying a bite, she immediately disliked it, confirming her disgust, much to Li Si’s surprise. Yuan Shanqing felt deeply grateful for everyone's help with Zi's upcoming surgery in Beijing, but also overwhelmed. Cheng Yaya reassured her, explaining that the Beijing hospital director was his father's senior and the hospital head was once his teacher, ensuring Zi would receive excellent care.
He encouraged Yuan Shanqing to repay everyone’s kindness by focusing on her studies and making them proud. At home, Cheng Yaya thanked his father for his concern. Jia Daiyu, observing them, once again brought up her suspicion of "puppy love" between Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing. Cheng Yaya denied it, arguing that quantitative change doesn't always lead to qualitative change, citing Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si’s long-standing arranged marriage as an example of an unchanging relationship.
Cheng Miaomiao, entering at that moment, emphatically clarified that she and Li Si were "just good buddies." Jia Daiyu then gagged at the lingering durian smell on Cheng Miaomiao's breath, asking if she had "eaten poop." Miaomiao reiterated that her situation with Li Si was fundamentally different from Cheng Yaya's with Yuan Shanqing. Jia Daiyu then questioned Cheng Miaomiao about Qiang Xiaowa, implying more relationships, which Cheng Miaomiao also denied, insisting they were just friends.
Jia Daiyu jokingly threatened to "break their legs." Soon after, Cheng Pengfei and Yang Songbai carefully carried Zi and her belongings into a vehicle, beginning their journey to Beijing for her medical treatment. Meanwhile, Jia Baoshan arrived at Jia Daiyu's home, complaining that his latest relationship with Wang Chanchan had ended and his mother had kicked him out.
He dramatically recounted the breakup, claiming it was peaceful despite a scene at Wang Chanchan's workplace where a guard, "taking a chicken feather as an imperial sword," had prevented him from entering and threatened him with a mop, leading to Baoshan feigning a fall. Jia Daiyu scolded him for his irresponsibility, failed relationships, and workplace reprimands.
Jia Baoshan defended his character, proclaiming himself a law-abiding, optimistic, loyal, and filial "good young man" who was just undervalued at work and didn't aspire to be a leader. Jia Daiyu retorted that he struggled even as a regular employee. She told him to stay for two days and then leave, as her small home couldn't accommodate him. At school, Cheng Yaya and his classmate discovered that Yuan Shanqing had already mopped the classroom.
She had informed the class monitor that she would take over all class duties for the entire semester as a way to express her gratitude. Later, Yuan Shanqing brought Cheng Yaya a snack from Mr. Qiao, a gesture that reflected her increasing openness. A student named Zhu Chao mentioned to Li Si that he saw Qiang Xiaowa and Cheng Miaomiao laughing and chatting, implying they might be dating.
Li Si, a fellow class monitor, rebuked him for jumping to conclusions, emphasizing that he, Cheng Miaomiao, and Qiang Xiaowa were "best friends." When Qiang Xiaowa entered and laughed at Li Si’s ambition to be a factory manager, Li Si asserted that his marriage to Cheng Miaomiao was an "arranged union" and a "fact," not just an ambition, and that Qiang Xiaowa would be his groomsman. Qiang Xiaowa scoffed in disbelief.
Cheng Pengfei called home from Beijing, and Yuan Shanqing answered the phone. He informed her that if all went well, Zi's surgery might take place next week. Yuan Shanqing expressed her relief and conveyed her thanks to Cheng Pengfei and Yang Songbai. Jia Daiyu, listening in, praised Cheng Pengfei's effectiveness and again chastised Jia Baoshan for not having valuable connections like her husband.
Back at the Oilfield, Jia Daiyu rushed to the flower room after hearing about a theft, only to accidentally sprain her ankle. Her pregnant colleague, Xiao Ma, urged her not to panic. Jia Daiyu lamented that the afforestation team, with only two women and Xiao Ma pregnant, was vulnerable. She called her team leader, arguing that the lack of security measures was to blame. The leader threatened to deduct her salary.
Furious, Jia Daiyu pointed out the flower room's lack of security and declared she would take on all the night shifts herself. Later, Cheng Yaya visited Jia Daiyu, who was nursing her sprained ankle. Yuan Shanqing also arrived, bringing two cans of yellow peach preserves, knowing Jia Daiyu liked them. Jia Baoshan, also present, invited Yuan Shanqing to stay for dinner to celebrate Zi's upcoming surgery. During the meal, Jia Baoshan bragged about his cooking.
Annoyed by his presence, Jia Daiyu asked when he planned to leave. Jia Baoshan insisted on staying to see Zi after her surgery. Exasperated, Jia Daiyu sarcastically suggested he go on night duty at the flower room and just live there. She highlighted their dire situation, with Xiao Ma pregnant and herself injured, leaving no one to guard the flower room and putting their next month's salary at risk. Yuan Shanqing listened intently.
The next morning, Xiao Ma was surprised to find Yuan Shanqing already at the flower room, sweeping and preparing hot water. Yuan Shanqing proposed moving into the flower room to help out. Cheng Yaya initially objected, citing safety concerns. Yuan Shanqing explained that if someone lived there and kept the lights on at night, thieves wouldn't dare to come.
She passionately stated that she wanted to do something for the Cheng family and for everyone who had donated, as this would ease her conscience. Cheng Yaya was convinced. Yuan Shanqing subsequently moved into the flower room. That evening, she marveled at how she could see the stars from her new, simple room. The next morning, Xiao Ma praised her diligence. Yuan Shanqing hosted a dinner to thank everyone.
Hu Qiumin couldn't attend because her brother was calling, but she asked Cheng Miaomiao to give Yuan Shanqing a desk lamp as a housewarming gift. At the dinner, the friends marveled at Yuan Shanqing's cooking. She expressed her gratitude and invited them to visit often. Qiang Xiaowa reminisced about the flower room being their childhood "secret base." Yuan Shanqing then shared her plan to plant a flower with Cheng Yaya named "Qingya."
Inspired, Li Si suggested he and Cheng Miaomiao plant one named "Si'miao." Cheng Miaomiao jokingly dismissed the name but eventually agreed. One night, Yuan Shanqing was awakened by sounds and saw people stealing from the flower room. Instead of confronting them, she quietly followed them home and noted their address. The next morning, she reported it to the Security Department, who found the stolen items at the thieves' residence.
It turned out to be the nephew of a worker named Liang and an accomplice, and the nephew was trying to get a job at the Oilfield. Xiao Ma and her colleagues praised Yuan Shanqing's bravery. Jia Daiyu, vindicated, hobbled off to reclaim their deducted wages from the team leader. Jia Baoshan boasted that he could have easily caught the thieves, but Xiao Ma and another colleague mocked his empty confidence.
Director Xiao called Yuan Shanqing to her office to inform her that Zi's surgery was a success and she would be back in a few days. Overwhelmed, Yuan Shanqing cried and hugged Director Xiao, expressing her deep gratitude. Director Xiao encouraged her to focus on her studies and get into a good university, stating this would be the greatest way to repay everyone. Soon after, Cheng Pengfei and Yang Songbai returned with Zi.
Zi could now faintly hear sounds, but she needed time to get used to them and learn to speak. Cheng Pengfei explained that it was a gradual process requiring long-term rehabilitation, which he would help with. Meanwhile, Hu Yue expressed regret to her husband, Yang Songbai, that their long-ago promise to visit Tiananmen Square remained unfulfilled; on this trip, they only had time to pass by it.
She lamented that since a "blowout" incident years ago, they had never traveled anywhere. The narrator reflected on Yuan Shanqing's transformation; she no longer felt unfortunate and was diligently repaying everyone's kindness like a "busy bee." Meanwhile, Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si attempted to plant their flower. When Li Si clumsily handled the task, Cheng Miaomiao, frustrated, commented that "nothing can be grown" and left in a huff.
Episode 16 Recap
When Hu Qiumin woke up, she found a new Walkman on the table. Believing it was a gift from her mother, Hu Yue, she thanked her, but Hu Yue denied buying it and confirmed that her brother hadn't sent any package. Hu Qiumin then wondered if Yang Songbai had bought it for her, but Hu Yue quickly dismissed the idea, stating that he would never spend so much money.
Hu Yue then criticized Yang, saying he went to sea for a supposed meeting just because he didn't want to stay home. Hu Qiumin retorted that her mother was being sarcastic. Hu Yue shot back, accusing Hu Qiumin of siding with Yang because of the gift. Hu Qiumin then escalated the argument, accusing her mother of deliberately creating factions and being the reason their family was falling apart. Upset, Hu Yue left for school.
Later that morning, Yuan Shanqing prepared to take her younger sister, Zi, to Granny Chen’s house before school. Jia Daiyu intervened, explaining that Granny Chen’s son did not treat Zi well. She offered to have herself and a pregnant colleague, Aunt Ma, look after Zi instead, considering it payment for Yuan Shanqing’s work. Yuan Shanqing gratefully accepted.
Meanwhile, Qiang Xiaowa, talking to his grandpa, revealed he had reserved a large amount of unsold seafood to invite his friends over for dinner that night. During a casual chat with Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si, Hu Yue showed them the new Walkman, reiterating her suspicion that Yang Songbai was the mysterious benefactor. Cheng Miaomiao was impressed by its sound quality, while Li Si complained about not getting a turn to listen.
In gym class, Yuan Shanqing repeatedly accidentally hit Luo Zheng with a volleyball. Each time, she apologized profusely, but Luo Zheng, instead of getting angry, playfully remarked that her aim wouldn't be so accurate if she were doing it on purpose. Cheng Yaya suggested he and Yuan Shanqing switch positions, but Luo Zheng continued to play. After class, Qiang Xiaowa invited Cheng Miaomiao to his home to share the crabs he had prepared.
However, Cheng Miaomiao informed him that Jia Baoshan was hosting a barbecue for everyone that evening. Qiang Xiaowa initially hesitated, feeling unfamiliar with Jia Baoshan, but Cheng Miaomiao insisted that he join, stating that Jia Baoshan was family and it was a group activity. At the barbecue, a drunken Jia Baoshan started delivering a rambling "life lesson" to the children, lamenting his childhood experiences of compulsory "big noodles" in kindergarten and the pressures of school.
He expressed his bitterness about being compared to others and being called a "loser" by his own father. He then recounted his past heartbreak, claiming he and Wang Chanchan were "separated by force" due to her parents disapproving of his job, but also admitting Wang Chanchan herself eventually dumped him. He complained about spending eighty yuan on a watch and giving her two gold necklaces, feeling like a "sucker."
He dramatically declared that he, who had "fought tigers and caught turtles," was ultimately "knocked down" by Wang Chanchan. Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si listened intently to his stories. Later, Jia Daiyu, Niu Lingling, and Hu Yue went to a dance hall. Hu Yue was visibly upset, confiding in her friends that she felt Yang Songbai was now favoring Hu Qiumin because of the Walkman.
She recounted how touched she had been by Yang’s care during her appendicitis surgery, believing he had changed, but now that she had recovered, he had reverted to his old ways, leaving her to lament her "fate." Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling advised Hu Yue to assert herself more in her marriage. They encouraged her to stop catering to Yang, reminding her of her own value and contributions to the family.
Niu Lingling even suggested that divorce was not illegal and offered to set her up with a better man if she chose to leave Yang. Feeling a mix of emotions, the three women eventually drank themselves into a stupor, deciding not to go home until the party ended. Back home, Hu Yue stumbled in drunk, demanding more wine and proclaiming her right to drink as a mother.
Yang Songbai tried to coax her to bed, but she insisted the house and floor were hers to do with as she pleased. Hu Qiumin, peering from her room, secretly smiled and then laughed at her mother’s drunken antics. Meanwhile, Cheng Miaomiao, Cheng Yaya, and Cheng Pengfei faced a similar challenge with Jia Daiyu and Jia Baoshan.
Jia Daiyu, also heavily intoxicated, kept asking Cheng Pengfei who held more power in their marriage and if he was afraid of her, to which he reluctantly agreed. Niu Lingling, at her own home, also caused a drunken scene with Li Dahai, demanding alcohol and accusing him of still pining for his "ex-girlfriend."
Despite his reassurances that she and their son were his priority, she called him a liar and bemoaned her past divorce, shouting, "An unpleasant marriage is not a good marriage!" Li Dahai, attempting to soothe her, listened as she called their son "not handsome" and criticized his parenting, blaming it on his own father's strict upbringing. The next morning, both Jia Daiyu and Jia Baoshan called their mother to complain about each other’s drunken behavior.
Hu Yue, nursing a hangover, received an encouraging word and a new lipstick from Hu Qiumin. Feeling empowered, Hu Yue refused to make breakfast for Yang Songbai, telling him to buy food outside and that she would be busy with work and dance practice after. Yang Songbai was bewildered by her sudden change in attitude. At school, Cheng Miaomiao’s English teacher, Han Shu, expressed extreme concern over Cheng Miaomiao's consistently poor English grades and incomplete assignments.
Han Shu insisted that English was a critical subject affecting her college entrance exams and, despite Cheng Miaomiao’s pleas for an "internal" resolution, threatened to call her parents. Desperate, Cheng Miaomiao sought out Jia Baoshan for help. Jia Baoshan, recalling his own childhood trauma from teachers calling his parents, promised to go to the school and "teach the teacher a lesson," but warned Cheng Miaomiao not to tell her mother.
That weekend, Cheng Yaya announced his upcoming birthday and invited his friends, including Yuan Shanqing and Luo Zheng, to go roller-skating. Luo Zheng confidently declared himself superior to everyone else in roller-skating. The following day, Cheng Miaomiao, brimming with confidence, informed Cheng Yaya that Jia Baoshan had arrived at school and was headed to the office.
Jia Baoshan, dressed in a suit, mistakenly burst into the school office and began berating Director Xiao, who was eating Shepherd's purse dumplings, for eating during class and neglecting her duties, believing her to be Cheng Miaomiao’s English teacher. When the real English teacher, Han Shu, entered, Jia Baoshan was immediately smitten by her youthful beauty. He abandoned his "crusade" and, to Cheng Miaomiao’s dismay, completely switched sides.
Inside the office, Jia Baoshan turned on Cheng Miaomiao, scolding her fiercely in front of Han Shu for her abysmal 30-point English score. He pompously declared his family's emphasis on foreign language education, bragging about his own supposed talent in languages (mistaking dialects for "less common languages"). He then publicly blamed Cheng Miaomiao's lack of talent on his sister (Cheng Miaomiao’s mother), claiming she had a lisp as a child.
He then assured Han Shu that he would personally supervise Cheng Miaomiao’s English studies. Enraged by his betrayal, Cheng Miaomiao called him a "traitor" and threatened to tell their grandmother about his smoking habit. Jia Baoshan desperately tried to appease her, calling it an "internal family conflict."
Director Xiao, the one Jia Baoshan had initially insulted, intervened, declaring that Jia Baoshan was not a legitimate parent and ordered Uncle Zhang, the guard, to remove him from the premises, strictly prohibiting unauthorized personnel. Cheng Miaomiao, utterly defeated, was then sent back to class.
Episode 17 Recap
Jia Daiyu, heavily pregnant, was picked up by her younger brother, Jia Baoshan, on his tricycle. He jokingly asked where she had been and if she was worried about being kidnapped, to which she retorted, "Who would kidnap someone as pregnant as me?" He offered her a seat, dismissing her concern about the bumpy ride by saying rural women often delivered babies after riding bumpy tractors.
He then surprised her with a box of imported white chocolate, a rare treat he obtained from a classmate whose father was a deputy factory manager. He told her not to share it, not even with their parents. Cheng Miaomiao angrily confronted Jia Baoshan, demanding to know when he would leave. She berated him for offending Director Xiao Fang at school, calling his actions rebellious.
Jia Baoshan defended himself, claiming he merely "criticized" the director, whom he called "short" and compared her square face to a TV. Cheng Miaomiao corrected him, stating the director's name was Xiao Fang, and that the students had affectionately nicknamed her 'Little Fang'. She then accused him of being infatuated with Ms. Han, their English teacher, and the real reason he was staying.
Jia Baoshan admitted Ms. Han was pretty but insisted his actions were a "strategy" to get the teachers to pay more attention to Cheng Miaomiao. He then revealed his "big plan": Ms. Han was not only Cheng Miaomiao's English teacher but also Cheng Yaya's homeroom teacher, and he hoped she would become their uncle's wife. Jia Daiyu, overhearing this, asked when he planned to leave.
Jia Baoshan formally announced he "wouldn't be able to leave for the time being," intent on pursuing Ms. Han. Cheng Miaomiao scoffed, saying other students believed Ms. Han and their male homeroom teacher (her senior from school) were a more suitable match. Jia Daiyu warned Jia Baoshan to stop "messing with people," referring to his past flirtations. Undeterred, Jia Baoshan insisted his intentions were sincere and for the children's benefit.
Jia Daiyu, realizing his determination, bet him a month's salary if he managed to win Ms. Han over. Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si added thirty and fifty yuan to the wager, respectively, and Cheng Pengfei bet a hundred, all confident in Jia Baoshan's failure. Jia Baoshan, however, confidently accepted the challenge, certain of his charm. Later, Cheng Pengfei and Jia Daiyu surprised Cheng Yaya with a new computer for his birthday. Jia Baoshan added that he had carried it.
Jia Baoshan, ever the matchmaker, suggested Cheng Yaya invite his friends and even Ms. Han to a birthday dinner. Cheng Yaya questioned inviting his teacher to a birthday party, but Jia Baoshan insisted on showing respect to teachers. Cheng Yaya, however, already had plans to go roller skating with his friends that evening.
Jia Baoshan encouraged them to go but urged them to invite their classmates and teachers to his homemade lamb leg feast afterward, explaining that he wanted to make up for his and Jia Daiyu's childhood birthdays that were never celebrated. Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya headed to the roller skating rink, where they met Yuan Shanqing, Li Si, Qiang Xiaowa, and another friend named Luo Zheng.
Qiang Xiaowa presented Cheng Yaya with a unique pen holder made of shells as a birthday gift. Yuan Shanqing was hesitant to skate, admitting she had never been to such a place and feared embarrassing herself because she didn't know how. Cheng Yaya encouraged her, helped her put on her skates, and assured her that his family was looking after her younger sister, Zi. Li Si playfully asked Cheng Yaya to help him with his skates too.
On the rink, Yuan Shanqing struggled, but Cheng Yaya and others supported her, telling her to relax and keep her feet in a V-shape. Qiang Xiaowa, unexpectedly, showed off impressive skating skills, surprising everyone. This led Luo Zheng to comment that Yuan Shanqing was quite pretty, prompting Cheng Miaomiao to ask if he had ever truly looked at her before. Li Si, meanwhile, clung to the railing, proving clumsy.
Qiang Xiaowa offered to pull Cheng Miaomiao along, but Li Si stumbled over, pulling her back and asking her to help him instead. Cheng Miaomiao agreed and paired up with Li Si. Qiang Xiaowa mentioned that where he came from, they used to skate on frozen rivers with homemade skates.
That evening, Jia Baoshan prepared a lavish BBQ feast for the children, but couldn't help but lament Ms. Han's absence and subtly tried to gather information about her from the kids, asking who was close to her. The children mentioned that Mr. Gao was rumored to be dating Ms. Han, and then brought up a PE teacher and a history teacher who also seemed interested in her.
Jia Baoshan, frustrated by the competition, promised another lamb leg meal to anyone who could gather intelligence on Ms. Han. Luo Zheng offered that his aunt knew a music teacher living next door to Ms. Han. Jia Baoshan tasked Luo Zheng with collecting more information. After the dinner, Cheng Yaya helped a tipsy Jia Baoshan get settled.
Later, Yuan Shanqing presented Cheng Yaya with her birthday gift: a jar containing three hundred sixty-five folded paper stars and a homemade steamed egg cake. Cheng Yaya was delighted by the cake. He then learned that Yuan Shanqing's birthday had been the day before, November 7th, but she hadn't celebrated since her mother passed away. Cheng Yaya lit candles, they made wishes, and sang "Happy Birthday" to her, promising to celebrate their birthdays together from then on.
Yang Songbai called home, but Hu Yue, relaxing on the sofa, instructed Hu Qiumin to tell him she wasn't there. Hu Qiumin relayed the message to Yang Songbai, who then asked Hu Qiumin if she had eaten. Hu Qiumin confirmed she had, then told Hu Yue to continue watching her show. Cheng Yaya opened the folded stars from Yuan Shanqing, discovering each one contained a philosophical quote or inspiring message.
Meanwhile, Jia Baoshan woke up early and was in the kitchen, stewing soup. Jia Daiyu, surprised, asked who the soup was for. Jia Baoshan hinted it was for Ms. Han, promising to make soup for Jia Daiyu the next day. Jia Daiyu warned him to be careful not to interfere with the children's school life, but Jia Baoshan insisted his actions were to ensure the children received better care.
Jia Daiyu then inquired if Yuan Yong had been caught, and Jia Baoshan replied he hadn't, to which Jia Daiyu simply stated, "Evil deeds will eventually meet their punishment." Jia Baoshan then jokingly asked Jia Daiyu if she would care for his and Ms. Han's future children, eliciting a firm "In your dreams!" from his sister. At school, a student informed Ms. Han that someone was waiting for her at the gate.
Ms. Han, accompanied by Mr. Gao, went to investigate. Jia Baoshan, waiting there with a container of soup, greeted Ms. Han, explaining he was "just passing by" and wanted to discuss Cheng Miaomiao's studies, but the guard wouldn't let him in due to Director Xiao Fang's "unauthorized visitors" rule. Jia Baoshan insisted he was "family," and Ms. Han allowed him in. In the office, Jia Baoshan offered Ms. Han the chicken soup, praising her hard work and downplaying Miaomiao's intelligence.
Ms. Han was reluctant, concerned about other teachers or Director Xiao seeing them, but Jia Baoshan dismissed her worries, claiming the director herself "sneaks dumplings." Just then, Director Xiao Fang arrived, demanding to know who the "unauthorized visitor" was. Jia Baoshan immediately launched into a flurry of flattery, proclaiming himself a "representative of student parents" bringing warmth and expressing "boundless awe and adoration for the people's teachers," attributing the strength of the youth to dedicated educators like her.
Flattered, Director Xiao Fang accepted the "chicken soup with reverence" and drank it all, declaring it "not bad," though she found the meat "a bit salty" as she preferred a lighter taste. Ms. Han, claiming a stomach ache, discreetly declined the soup. When Mr. Gao arrived, Director Xiao Fang mentioned rumors that he and Ms. Han were dating. Both quickly denied it, clarifying they were merely schoolmates. Jia Baoshan then chimed in that dating a colleague wasn't "appropriate."
Director Xiao Fang then dismissed them, telling them to return to class or go home. Back home, Hu Yue put on lipstick. Hu Qiumin, seeing her, complimented the color and encouraged her to go dancing, teasing her about losing her fierce attitude when sober. Hu Qiumin insisted she go out and have fun, promising to back her up.
At the dance hall, a man asked Hu Yue to dance, but she shyly refused, claiming she didn't know how and was waiting for a friend. When Jia Daiyu arrived, she teased Hu Yue for being so shy, saying she "still got it." Hu Yue explained it felt inappropriate to dance with a stranger, to which Jia Daiyu teased her for being shy at her age. Hu Yue retorted that it was a matter of propriety, not age.
Jia Daiyu then asked Hu Yue to dance with her, and Hu Yue agreed, though she worried about her turns. Meanwhile, Cheng Miaomiao noticed Qiang Xiaowa's absence from school and went to his home to check on him. Qiang Xiaowa explained that he was visiting their old principal, who was ill. Worried she was cold, he put his coat on her.
He then noticed her face was red and asked if she had a fever, but she attributed it to the strong wind outside. In a separate conversation with Cheng Yaya, Jia Baoshan sought advice on how to tell if a girl liked a boy. Cheng Yaya explained that if a girl was overtly affectionate, she likely didn't like him.
However, if she deliberately maintained distance but showed subtle care and became flustered when their names were linked, then she probably did. Jia Baoshan, reflecting on Ms. Han's polite demeanor towards him, felt his prospects were "not optimistic" and declared the situation "all over," abandoning his plans to go to the arcade.
Episode 18 Recap
Qiang Xiaowa vividly recalled his difficult journey through education to Cheng Miaomiao. He had always excelled academically, ranking first in both elementary and middle school. His family made immense sacrifices for his schooling; his older brother left school after junior high to work, and his grandpa toiled tirelessly despite his age and declining health, all to ensure Xiaowa could continue his studies. Xiaowa explained that for some, like Cheng Miaomiao, going to school was a given, an automatic next step.
But for him, it was a desperate struggle where even his best efforts might not secure a place. His hopes were dashed the day he graduated from junior high as the top student, proudly holding his award. It was then he discovered that his village had no high school, and since high school wasn't part of the compulsory nine-year education, he couldn't continue. Other village children simply went off to work after junior high.
Unwilling to give up, Xiaowa's grandpa sought help from his former elementary school principal. The principal knew of high schools in the Hexi oil field and offered to help. Xiaowa waited anxiously. When the school year began, the principal took him to three different high schools, but all rejected him, stating they were "oil field internal high schools" that did not admit outsiders.
Xiaowa felt immense unfairness, questioning why education depended on location rather than academic merit, especially after consistently achieving first place. Defeated, he spent two months sitting by the beach, his hair growing long, feeling all hope draining away. The old principal brought him high school textbooks and urged him to study independently. Xiaowa initially refused, seeing no point in learning when he could earn more money selling fish fry.
The principal firmly told him not to give up, stressing that knowledge, once acquired, is always one's own, and that education would undoubtedly change his destiny. He encouraged Xiaowa to fight for this opportunity himself. Inspired, Xiaowa began to self-study diligently, carrying his books everywhere, buying study materials with his earnings, and practicing English with tapes, though his pronunciation was imperfect. Cheng Miaomiao was impressed by his dedication, wondering how he eventually got into their school.
Xiaowa recounted that one day, the old principal excitedly informed him that he had contacted the newly appointed principal of No. 2 Middle School in the oil field, Principal Qin. This new principal had then arranged a meeting with the factory leadership, who, after deliberation, offered Xiaowa an entrance exam. If he passed, he would be given a spot. Principal Qin himself praised Xiaowa's excellent grades.
However, Xiaowa still felt uneasy, burdened by the thought of his grandpa selling everything and the old principal humbling himself to countless people for his sake. Cheng Miaomiao, realizing the depth of his struggle, apologized for her earlier misunderstandings, assuring him that his admission was based on his own merit. Xiaowa, in turn, told her that he knew she always meant well. During their conversation, Hua'er arrived.
Cheng Miaomiao was shocked to learn that Hua'er, only sixteen, had been sent by her parents to work and earn money for her brother's wedding dowry. Xiaowa added that their town no longer had any high schools, leaving Hua'er with no educational path. Deeply moved by Hua'er's desperate longing to escape oppression through education, Cheng Miaomiao immediately suggested Hua'er could attend their school. Later, Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si were not speaking.
Hu Qiumin quickly deduced that Li Si was jealous, pointing out his petty nature and how he couldn't stand Miaomiao getting along with other boys better than him. Ignoring Li Si, Cheng Miaomiao brought Qiang Xiaowa to discuss Hua'er's situation with their teacher, Gao Feiyang. Li Si, left behind, muttered in confusion, "Who is Hua'er? What's all this about going to school?"
After class, as Cheng Miaomiao and Qiang Xiaowa walked together, a sad melody played in Li Si's mind, reflecting his growing unhappiness. Meanwhile, Hu Yue called her mother, asking if she had inquired about the Walkman. Her mother confirmed that Yang Songbai had bought it randomly in Beijing after seeing others buy one. Hu Qiumin interjected that the Walkman was quite expensive, but Hu Yue casually dismissed it, remarking, "How expensive could something bought randomly be?"
Cheng Miaomiao and Qiang Xiaowa took Gao Feiyang to meet Hua'er. Hua'er earnestly expressed her strong desire to study, explaining that her grades were good before, but her parents forced her to work. She mentioned that many children in her village were in similar situations and that she was the only one still attending school. Hua'er pleaded with Gao Feiyang, believing that only through studying, as Qiang Xiaowa had taught her, could she change her destiny.
Gao Feiyang, touched by her determination, promised to speak with the school leadership the next day. At the Cheng family home, Yuan Shanqing brought a large batch of homemade buns, which Jia Daiyu praised. Jia Daiyu then chided her children, Cheng Miaomiao and her brother, for being "useless" and only knowing how to eat, implying they were spoiled. Her son jokingly agreed. Jia Daiyu wondered where Miaomiao was, and her son mentioned she was likely at Hu Qiumin's house.
Later, as Qiang Xiaowa walked Cheng Miaomiao home, Li Si ambushed them, demanding to know where they had been. Xiaowa ignored him, but Miaomiao retorted. Li Si accused her of being out late and suggested she might as well live in the fishing village. Miaomiao shot back with insults, sparking a heated argument. Li Si stormed home and slammed the door, which enraged his father, Li Dahai, who threatened to discipline him.
Seeing the escalating conflict, Niu Lingling cleverly feigned a sudden dizzy spell and a severe headache, diverting her husband's anger and successfully defusing the tension between father and son. The next day, Gao Feiyang met with Director Xiao Fang to request a transfer student quota for Hua'er. Xiao Fang, however, was already annoyed with Gao Feiyang, complaining about his class's constant troubles and his decision to abolish academic rankings, which she believed removed student motivation.
She likened teachers to shepherds who must "crack the whip" to keep students on track. Gao Feiyang desperately used her own metaphor, pleading that if she didn't grant the transfer slot, Hua'er would be "snatched by the wolves." Xiao Fang remained unyielding, stressing that the school was for oil field children only and that Qiang Xiaowa's admission was a rare exception. She complained of rising blood pressure due to these unusual requests and dismissed Gao Feiyang, refusing the transfer.
This news left Cheng Miaomiao and Qiang Xiaowa deeply disappointed. Miaomiao, refusing to let Hua'er suffer like Xiaowa had, decided to approach Xiao Fang herself, convinced that the director, though outwardly tough, had a soft heart and could be persuaded. Meanwhile, Jia Baoshan approached Han Shu under the pretense of seeking advice on Cheng Miaomiao's English grades. He insisted on discussing it over dinner at Xiaoshudu Restaurant.
Xiao Fang, unexpectedly appearing, invited herself along, stating that student matters were her responsibility. At the restaurant, Jia Baoshan tried to impress Han Shu by offering to order special Shanghai dishes, even urging her to call him "Baoshan." However, the restaurant owner, Ling, who was clearly familiar with Xiao Fang, chided Jia Baoshan for trying to order Shanghai cuisine in her Sichuan restaurant, then humorously suggested her signature dishes, which Xiao Fang also favored.
Han Shu, feeling uncomfortable with Jia Baoshan's obvious advances, found an excuse to leave early, claiming she had papers to grade. This left Xiao Fang to dine alone with Jia Baoshan. Later that night, Cheng Miaomiao and Qiang Xiaowa waited outside Xiao Fang's dormitory. They soon saw Jia Baoshan helping a heavily intoxicated Xiao Fang home.
Xiao Fang, in her drunken state, loudly proclaimed her dedication to the school, declaring she was "married to Linqi No. 2 High School" before lamenting her desire for a home. Miaomiao recognized the familiar figure as her uncle, Jia Baoshan, as he struggled to get Xiao Fang into her room. Jia Baoshan, startled to see them, stammered that "it's not what you think."
Li Si then arrived, confronting his uncle about his supposed change of heart from Han Shu to Xiao Fang, and even referencing a past interest in Wang Chanchan. He dramatically accused Jia Baoshan of having been "lying on Director Xiao's bed" and questioned his uncle's integrity. Jia Baoshan, flustered, vehemently denied the accusations. Li Si then handed Jia Baoshan Xiao Fang's bag, which she had left at the restaurant.
Miaomiao, trying to ease the situation, promised not to tell anyone, especially Han Shu. This only made Jia Baoshan more anxious. Li Si confidently declared that a match between Jia Baoshan and Han Shu was "simply impossible." Observing the comical scene, Cheng Miaomiao boldly suggested to her uncle, "Why don't you pursue Director Xiao? I think you two might be a good match." Reflecting on the day's events, Cheng Miaomiao mused that no one truly lives a perpetually sweet life.
While some might fret over unmet desires or unrequited love, others, like Hua'er and Yuan Shanqing, faced profound struggles, trying to overcome poverty and difficult educational paths. Their hardships made her own worries seem trivial, starkly highlighting the difference between her straightforward path to school and their arduous "journey from the mud to an unreachable place."
Episode 19 Recap
When Yang Songbai visited Beijing to accompany Zi for medical treatment, he also went to purchase the portable music player Hu Qiumin had been longing for. Initially, he intended to buy a cheaper cassette player, but after some deliberation, he changed his mind and opted for the most expensive CD player available. The following morning, Xiao Fang awoke in her dorm room with a face covered in red rashes, still disoriented from a hangover.
Startled by her reflection, she was then visited by Gao Feiyang, who brought her breakfast and wished to discuss Hua'er's school enrollment. Embarrassed, Xiao Fang repeatedly declined the breakfast and stated that the matter was complicated and beyond her immediate control, advising him to wait for the principal's return. Later, Cheng Miaomiao, Li Si, and Qiang Xiaowa were discussing Jia Baoshan and Xiao Fang.
Li Si dismissed the idea of them being serious, but Qiang Xiaowa disagreed, pointing out Jia Baoshan's history of fleeting affections. Cheng Miaomiao then enthusiastically highlighted Xiao Fang's significant influence in their school, likening her status to that of a vice-principal. She believed that if Xiao Fang were to become their aunt, they would hold immense power and easily secure Hua'er's enrollment. Determined to help Hua'er, Cheng Miaomiao went to Xiao Fang's office.
Noticing Xiao Fang's rash, Cheng Miaomiao tactfully brought up the previous night's events, mentioning Jia Baoshan had taken Xiao Fang back to her dorm. She then showered Xiao Fang with elaborate praise, recounting her heroic actions in the oilfield, her successful fundraising for Zi, and her three decades of dedication to education. Finally, she delicately hinted at the "special relationship" between Xiao Fang and Jia Baoshan while pressing for Hua'er's enrollment.
Xiao Fang agreed to "look into it" but sternly warned Cheng Miaomiao not to speak of what happened last night. Shortly after Cheng Miaomiao left, Gao Feiyang arrived for the same reason. He passionately pleaded Hua'er's case, emphasizing the girl's love for learning and the school's duty to provide equal opportunities. Xiao Fang then proposed an entrance exam for Hua'er. If Hua'er met the standard, Xiao Fang vowed to present the results to the principal and fight for her admission.
Gao Feiyang expressed his profound gratitude. Meanwhile, Jia Baoshan, having diligently researched Shanghai cuisine, prepared an Eight-Treasure Duck intending to deliver it to Han Shu at the school. However, at the guardhouse, he was intercepted by Xiao Fang, who, assuming the dish was for her, enthusiastically led him to her office. Xiao Fang devoured the entire duck, praising his culinary skills despite its sweet Shanghai flavor, while Jia Baoshan watched in silent frustration.
When Han Shu arrived to inquire about exam schedules, Jia Baoshan tried to offer her some of the dish, but Han Shu declined. Xiao Fang quickly intervened, preventing Jia Baoshan from insisting and promptly sending Han Shu on her way. Gao Feiyang shared the good news about Hua'er's entrance exam with Cheng Miaomiao, Li Si, and Qiang Xiaowa, providing them with textbooks and practice papers. He asked Qiang Xiaowa to help Hua'er prepare for the test.
Qiang Xiaowa readily agreed, confident that Hua'er would pass. While Qiang Xiaowa focused on helping Hua'er, Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si began to worry about their own upcoming final exams. Elsewhere, Li Dahai visited Cheng Pengfei, complaining of a stomachache. Cheng Pengfei, an ENT specialist, scolded his friend for excessive drinking to curry favor at work and refused to use his connections with a gastroenterologist for a "backdoor" diagnosis.
At home, Hua'er expressed her self-consciousness and fear of being judged by city children, admiring their expensive clothes and two-layer birthday cakes. Qiang Xiaowa, understanding her feelings, reassured her by recounting his own experience of giving a handmade gift to Cheng Miaomiao's younger brother. He explained that despite his initial worries about the humble present, the boy had genuinely appreciated it. He emphasized that Cheng Miaomiao and her friends were kind people who wouldn't look down on her.
Still fuming over Xiao Fang's gluttony and misinterpretation, Jia Baoshan returned home and angrily prepared another Eight-Treasure Duck. He then drove his motorcycle back to the school dormitories, heading directly for Han Shu's room. Xiao Fang, hearing the familiar sound of his motorcycle, quickly primped herself, certain he was coming for her. Her hopes were dashed when he went to Han Shu's door instead.
Waiting in vain, Xiao Fang overheard Jia Baoshan explaining to Han Shu that the first duck was always meant for her, but Xiao Fang had "self-deludingly" taken it. Han Shu firmly rejected Jia Baoshan's advances, closing the door on him. As Jia Baoshan turned away, he spotted a furious Xiao Fang. He attempted to lie, claiming admiration for her, but Xiao Fang unleashed a torrent of accusations, labeling him "two-faced" and "despicable."
She angrily reminded him of her thirty years of dedication to education and ordered him to leave immediately, threatening to call security. A dejected Jia Baoshan returned home with the untouched duck. Cheng Miaomiao noticed his mood and asked if he was heartbroken. She tried to lift his spirits by recounting Xiao Fang's supposed compliments about him from earlier that day, but Jia Baoshan remained unconvinced.
Cheng Miaomiao, however, remained optimistic, reiterating her belief that despite the sorrows of love, they would soon have Xiao Fang as their aunt. The next day, Cheng Miaomiao delivered Xiao Fang's bag to her. When she mentioned Jia Baoshan, Xiao Fang's demeanor shifted dramatically. She harshly reprimanded Cheng Miaomiao, telling her to instruct her uncle to stay away from the school, which was not a place for just anyone.
Xiao Fang's sudden change in attitude made Cheng Miaomiao fear for Hua'er's chances. However, Gao Feiyang later reassured Cheng Miaomiao, Li Si, and Qiang Xiaowa that Xiao Fang was still committed to Hua'er's exam. He confirmed that Xiao Fang had discussed the exam details that very morning and would even supervise it herself, indicating she was not one to let personal grievances interfere with her professional duties.
In the following days, Qiang Xiaowa diligently tutored Hua'er, confident she would pass her entrance exam. Meanwhile, Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si anxiously contemplated their own looming final exams. Jia Baoshan, in a sudden change of heart, decided to actively pursue Xiao Fang. He sought out Li Si to uncover the secret to his family's Boiled Sliced Pork recipe. Convinced of his own "excellence" and Xiao Fang's, Jia Baoshan believed a misunderstanding had occurred and could be resolved.
He prepared the Boiled Sliced Pork and presented it to Xiao Fang, hoping to mend fences. However, Xiao Fang remained unappeased. She questioned his motives, denied any misunderstanding between them, and pointedly suggested his "misunderstanding" was with Han Shu, before telling him to deliver the dish to Han Shu while it was still hot. On the day of Hua'er's entrance exam, neither Hua'er nor Qiang Xiaowa appeared.
After a long wait, Qiang Xiaowa arrived alone, with visible injuries on his face. He revealed that on their way to the school, Hua'er's parents had intercepted them, demanding she return to Guangdong to work and earn money for her brother's wedding. When Qiang Xiaowa tried to intervene, they physically assaulted him. Hua'er, not wanting to cause further trouble, reluctantly agreed to go with her parents, feeling powerless against her predetermined "fate." Everyone present was heartbroken.
Cheng Miaomiao reflected on the harsh reality that not every child has the opportunity to receive an education, realizing that what she considered ordinary was an unattainable dream for others. The narrator, expressing a profound sense of helplessness, concluded that despite everyone's assistance, they could not secure a school placement for Hua'er. She wished Hua'er peace and a good life, wherever she might go.
Episode 20 Recap
As winter break approached, Yuan Shanqing, reflecting on the challenging circumstances of Hua'er, felt fortunate about her own life. She decided to dedicate the holiday to her studies to improve her grades. Walking home from school with Cheng Yaya, they discussed their plans for the break. Unbeknownst to them, Yuan Yong had been watching them from a distance. That night, Yuan Yong secretly went to the flower room.
Jia Baoshan had repeatedly tried to apologize to Director Xiao but was met with rejection each time. He called her, attempting a sincere apology for his rudeness, but Director Xiao curtly dismissed him and hung up, muttering about him trying to play with her feelings. Meanwhile, Yuan Yong settled into the flower room, explaining to Yuan Shanqing that he needed to stay there for a while because his previous rented house had been seized.
He warned her not to reveal his presence, threatening that if the police were alerted, neither she nor Zi would survive. Yuan Shanqing, cradling Zi, trembled and nodded in fearful agreement. The next morning, Cheng Yaya came looking for Yuan Shanqing. Yuan Yong, holding a knife, warned Yuan Shanqing to keep quiet. He only relaxed after Cheng Yaya left, having not found anyone. Elsewhere, Cheng Miaomiao felt deep sadness whenever she thought of Hua'er.
She suggested to Li Si that they go visit Qiang Xiaowa, but Li Si declined, claiming he had other commitments, so Cheng Miaomiao went alone. She found Qiang Xiaowa diligently carrying coal and offered to help, bringing grilled dried fish she had prepared for him and the others. Meanwhile, Jia Baoshan left a large basket of fruit at Director Xiao's door with an apologetic note, quickly leaving before she could see him.
As he departed, he ran into Gao Feiyang and Han Shu, who were moving textbooks. Han Shu, a Shanghai native with no intention of settling in the area, openly stated that Jia Baoshan was not her type. Jia Baoshan then sought out Gao Feiyang to inquire about Director Xiao's temperament. Gao Feiyang described Director Xiao as straightforward but kind, advising Jia Baoshan to make amends quickly before the Chinese New Year, when she would return home, making reconciliation more difficult.
Later, Yuan Yong discovered Zi's cochlear implant. Yuan Shanqing explained that Zi was deaf-mute due to a childhood fever. Yuan Yong, showing no sign of guilt, simply asked for wine. Li Si and Cheng Yaya later met near the flower room, which was dark, as Yuan Yong had turned off the lights to conceal his presence. Cheng Yaya was puzzled by Yuan Shanqing's absence.
Li Si confessed his irritation, admitting he felt petty because Cheng Miaomiao had been so preoccupied with Qiang Xiaowa since his transfer. Cheng Yaya reassured him, reminding Li Si that their compassionate nature was "in their genes," recounting how their families always stood up for their friends. Later, Yuan Yong confronted Yuan Shanqing about Cheng Yaya's frequent visits. Yuan Shanqing explained that Cheng Yaya's mother and an aunt usually visited daily.
Insisting he had nowhere else to go, Yuan Yong ordered Yuan Shanqing to ensure they did not return during his stay. Yuan Shanqing left a note saying she was taking Zi out for a couple of days. Cheng Yaya became frantic upon reading it, wondering why she had left so suddenly after being absent the entire previous day. Meanwhile, Li Si's low spirits continued.
When Cheng Miaomiao called for him, he instructed Aunt Ma to say he was sleeping, but Aunt Ma instead told Miaomiao that he had diarrhea and would call her back later. Cheng Pengfei then gently chided Cheng Miaomiao, remarking that she often considered everyone's feelings except Li Si's and urging her to reflect on it. Li Dahai was in a state of extreme anxiety.
His team, No. 2 Factory, was set to play against No. 3 Factory, which was led by his former lover, Bai Shuang. To make matters worse, his wife Niu Lingling, who normally disliked volleyball, insisted on attending the match to cheer him on. Worried his past would be exposed, he confided in his friends, Cheng Pengfei and Yang Songbai.
The tension carried over to his home life, where he was confronted by Niu Lingling for having promised both his mother and her mother that he would spend the Chinese New Year with them in Weihai and Qingdao, respectively. She accused him of being overly diplomatic to avoid conflict. As they argued, Li Si intervened with a simple solution: they should all spend the New Year separately.
Li Dahai quickly deferred to his wife, and Niu Lingling, appeased, agreed to handle the holiday plans and reaffirmed her intention to attend the match. Later, while driving with his friends before the match, Li Dahai's stress was still palpable. Yang Songbai, trying to reassure him, inadvertently revealed that Bai Shuang was now raising a child alone and had faced many hardships. This news visibly distressed Li Dahai, who anxiously pressed for more details, including the child's age and gender.
At the volleyball match, Niu Lingling arrived in an elaborate outfit, dressed more for a gala than a sports event, causing Cheng Pengfei to comment on it. During the team introductions, Li Dahai, as leader of No. 2 Factory, delivered a nervous speech about sportsmanship. When Bai Shuang was introduced as the leader of No. 3 Factory, she openly stated that she and Li Dahai were "old acquaintances," almost revealing more before catching herself.
The narrator reflects that Li Si, having read "Red Rose and White Rose," understood his father's affection for his "white moonlight" (Bai Shuang). He had intentionally avoided the match that day due to his ongoing argument with Cheng Miaomiao. He was unaware, however, that his mother, Niu Lingling, was preparing to decisively erase the "mosquito blood on the wall" of Li Dahai's past. The group was also unaware that a "knife that had cut flowers" now lay hidden within Yuan Shanqing's home, hinting at a darker turn of events.
Episode 21 Recap
During the summer of 1978, at Niu Lingling and Li Dahai's wedding, Niu Lingling's father's friends expressed their delight, referring to Li Dahai as "half our son-in-law" and offering their support. Niu Lingling, in turn, asked them to look after Li Dahai. Seizing the opportunity, Li Dahai requested assignment to the newly opened No. 0782 well, despite its challenging terrain and sparse workforce, promising high production and vowing not to return home for three months until the job was done.
Impressed by his ambition, the elders agreed, and Niu Lingling toasted to their acceptance. Years later, at a volleyball match, the No. 3 Factory team leader, Bai Shuang, gave a speech, reminiscing about how meeting Li Dahai at 19 inspired her to become an oil worker and join the volleyball team, emphasizing the values of teamwork and perseverance. Niu Lingling attended the match to support Li Dahai.
During the game, Li Dahai, seeing Niu Lingling, asked why she was ignoring him and urged her to cheer. After No. 3 Factory won, Niu Lingling insisted Li Dahai introduce her to Bai Shuang, who graciously complimented Niu Lingling's beauty. Niu Lingling then invited Bai Shuang to dine at her restaurant, but Li Dahai nervously tried to dismiss the idea by suggesting they needed to discuss game tactics.
Later, Niu Lingling questioned Li Dahai about Bai Shuang, asking if he was hiding something, but he denied it, claiming he was only focused on the game's champion. Cheng Pengfei and Yang Songbai cornered Li Dahai, stating they knew his unease wasn't just about facing his old flame. They pressed him to reveal what he was truly hiding. Li Dahai reluctantly confessed that, after calculating the timeline, he believed Bai Shuang's child might be his.
His friends, however, reacted with surprising nonchalance, making a bet on his revelation, which only infuriated Li Dahai further. Meanwhile, Yuan Shanqing, dressed cautiously, found her door locked and resorted to climbing out a window to leave. Alone in the house, Yuan Yong saw the young Zi and called out her name, "Shanzi," a hint of unspoken emotion on his face.
Yuan Shanqing later returned, bringing several bottles of wine, and urgently advised Yuan Yong to leave soon, fearing they would be discovered if he lingered. Concerned for Yuan Shanqing, Cheng Yaya stealthily climbed onto the roof in the middle of the night to peer into the house. Yuan Yong, brandishing a knife, quickly pulled Yuan Shanqing and Zi into hiding, narrowly avoiding detection.
Desperate to meet Bai Shuang alone and clarify matters, Li Dahai enlisted Cheng Pengfei and Yang Songbai to devise a plausible excuse to get Niu Lingling out of the house. They brainstormed several ideas, including a work emergency, a staged illness requiring hospitalization, or simply getting too drunk to come home. Li Dahai, however, found flaws in each suggestion, pointing out how easily Niu Lingling would see through them.
Cheng Pengfei then proposed a more drastic solution: simply getting Niu Lingling out of the house wouldn't be enough; getting rid of her, Jia Daiyu, and Hu Yue—all three—would be the safest option, even if it meant sending them out on a cold winter night. The difficult task of orchestrating the three women's departure fell to Yang Songbai.
That evening, feigning nervousness, he called his mother, discussing his brother Yang Tao's upcoming New Year's visit and promising to send a lamb leg for the celebration. He then turned to Hu Yue, informing her of his plans and casually asking her to call his mother on New Year's Eve. When Hu Yue initially refused, Yang Songbai deliberately provoked an argument, criticizing her lack of "normal courtesy" towards his mother and complaining about her brother still owing him 2,000 yuan.
Hu Yue defended her brother, citing his financial difficulties, and accused Yang Songbai of being selective with his sympathy, comparing his willingness to help his ex-wife to his refusal to help her brother. As the argument intensified, Yang Songbai instructed his daughter, Hu Qiumin, to call her "two aunts," Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling, claiming her mother was "very upset" and wanted to fight him.
Back at his own home, Li Dahai sat restlessly on the sofa, anxiously awaiting the call that would summon Niu Lingling away. Niu Lingling, however, was in no hurry, persistently questioning him about Bai Shuang. She mentioned hearing that Bai Shuang's husband had passed away young, leaving her to raise a child alone, and asked if Li Dahai had offered any help.
Li Dahai, flustered and visibly sweating, vehemently denied any contact or knowledge of Bai Shuang's current situation, desperately trying to distance himself. Soon after, Hu Qiumin frantically called Jia Daiyu, reporting that her mother and Yang Songbai were fighting. Enraged, Jia Daiyu immediately pulled Cheng Pengfei along and rushed to Hu Yue's house, making sure Niu Lingling was also informed. When Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling burst in, Yang Songbai was about to smash an expensive item.
Seeing them, he deliberately escalated the scene, shouting that their marital issues were none of their business and blaming them for the discord. Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling loudly reprimanded him. Jia Daiyu tried to take Hu Yue away, but Yang Songbai stubbornly blocked their path, his insults growing increasingly offensive, leaving Cheng Pengfei stunned by his behavior. He yelled, "None of you are any good!"
While Yang Songbai endured a combined assault from Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling, Li Dahai finally arrived at Bai Shuang's hotel. They had not seen each other in 23 years. Bai Shuang remarked on his numerous promotions, noting that his past hardships had not been in vain, and she had even heard he was "about to be promoted again." Li Dahai, visibly uncomfortable, eventually voiced his deepest concern, asking if the child was his.
(The scene intercut with Yang Songbai continuing to take a beating from the two women, as Cheng Pengfei helplessly tried to intervene. ) Bai Shuang showed him a picture of her daughter. Overcome with guilt, Li Dahai apologized, admitting he had wronged Bai Shuang and vowed not to fail the child.
He confessed his inability to admit his true motivations at the time: he desperately wanted a stable, formal position at the oil field because he was "terrified of being poor" and believed he had "no other chance." Bai Shuang acknowledged his past struggles, stating she understood and did not make it difficult for him to leave. However, Li Dahai, still burdened by remorse, expressed regret that he didn't know she was "pregnant" when she left.
Bai Shuang then revealed the truth: the child was not his. She explained that after their breakup, she returned to her hometown, where her brother and sister-in-law had tragically died in a mudslide. Her pregnant sister-in-law was rescued, but passed away after giving birth. Bai Shuang raised the orphaned baby as her own, bringing her back to the oil field and initially fabricating a story about being married to a man working out of town.
Later, to explain the absence of a father, she told the child that her father had passed away, thus becoming a "widow." She lovingly named her daughter Bai Qingyun, combining her brother's name, Qing, and her sister-in-law's name, Yun, noting the child's striking resemblance to them.
Bai Shuang reassured Li Dahai that they were doing well and he no longer needed to feel guilty, as he now had a wonderful wife and son, affirming that they had both made the right choices for their lives. Just as the chaos at Hu Yue's house peaked, Li Dahai rushed back, halting the escalating fight and apologizing profusely to Niu Lingling. The next day, his stepson, Li Si, confronted him by blocking his car.
He angrily accused his stepfather of abandoning Bai Shuang for a promotion to be with Niu Lingling, only to now "bring everyone back," causing trouble for his mother. Li Si mentioned that Yang Songbai and Hu Qiumin had disclosed everything. Li Dahai, furious, lashed out at Li Si, calling him a "disappointment" and a "failure at 17" who only wasted money, caused trouble, and got bad grades. Feeling even more dejected, Li Si sought out Qiang Xiaowa.
Li Si confided that while his parents weren't bad people, they were always busy—his mother with her business and his father as a leader at the oil field—leaving him feeling neglected, rarely even eating home-cooked meals. Qiang Xiaowa, who had no parents but a loving grandpa, expressed envy for Li Si's privileged life, believing he could never achieve such comfort.
Li Si, in turn, admitted feeling like a "loser" and wished he could prove himself by working in the outside world to earn his own money. Qiang Xiaowa cautioned him about the dangers of the world outside the oil field and encouraged him to appreciate his current comfortable life. Li Si confessed his shame, admitting he didn't want to "suffer" by working in the oil field as his father desired.
Qiang Xiaowa reassured him that it was natural not to want hardship, and while he used to find Li Si annoying, he now saw him as "nice," "sensible, responsible, and purposeful—like a real man" compared to himself. Li Si then playfully asked for more dried fish. Finally, Yuan Yong prepared to leave after staying for several days, leaving some money for Yuan Shanqing and Zi.
His departure was witnessed by Cheng Yaya, who immediately recognized him as Yuan Yong, the wanted criminal. Yuan Shanqing rushed to intercept Cheng Yaya, desperately pleading with her not to call the police and to pretend she had seen nothing. She tearfully explained that despite Yuan Yong being a criminal, he was still her father.
Episode 22 Recap
In the winter of 1987, the relocation of Linqi Oilfield's Second Oil Extraction Plant was successfully completed, marking the New Year. Families gathered to celebrate New Year's Eve. Hu Qiumin brought homemade chili sauce to Cheng Miaomiao's family, while Li Si delivered sausages from his mother. At a holiday dinner, the adults, including Li Dahai, Cheng Pengfei, and Yang Songbai, shared drinks.
This was the first time Yang Songbai and his son, Yang Tao, were celebrating with Hu Yue's family and friends. Cheng Pengfei extended a warm welcome to Yang Songbai, acknowledging his strength in raising a child alone, but also jokingly warned him to treat Hu Yue and Hu Qiumin well. Niu Lingling echoed the sentiment, praising Hu Yue and expressing her approval of Yang Songbai. Meanwhile, Yang Tao, Cheng Miaomiao, and Cheng Yaya were outside enjoying fireworks.
Cheng Yaya remained deeply concerned about his potential return, wishing he would stay away permanently. Yuan Shanqing, who had tearfully pleaded with Yaya not to report her father, observed the fireworks lighting up the night sky, remarking that the New Year was truly upon them. Shortly after, Jia Daiyu's mother, Grandma, unexpectedly arrived at their home, announcing her intention to spend the New Year there due to an argument with Grandpa.
Grandma immediately began recounting her grievances about various acquaintances, leading Jia Daiyu to humorously suggest her mother was "making enemies everywhere." Concerned about Grandpa being alone, Jia Daiyu promptly called him. The next morning, Cheng Miaomiao excitedly knocked on Li Si's door, finding him still in his cartoon long johns featuring an excavator, looking noticeably glum.
Li Si confessed to feeling useless, contrasting himself with his friends who had clear ambitions: Hu Qiumin aimed for university and studies abroad, Zhu Chao planned to take over his father's oil field job, Qiang Xiaowa hoped to attend a tuition-free teacher's college in Beijing to support his grandfather, and Wei Xue intended to study accounting. Li Si admitted his only plan was to follow Miaomiao wherever she went.
Miaomiao, who also hadn't settled on a path and simply wanted "to see what's out there," challenged his anxieties. She argued that dreams evolve, citing her own unfulfilled childhood aspirations and questioning why "success" was narrowly defined, emphasizing that all occupations contribute to society and constant comparison was unsustainable. Li Si, however, felt a persistent need to compare himself.
He expressed feeling like an "idiot" next to Qiang Xiaowa's talents and lamented his family's recent turmoil after his father's first love, Bai Shuang, reappeared, making him feel like the "worthless loser" his father sometimes called him.
Miaomiao, in turn, shared her own frustrations: her failed attempts to go to Hong Kong, her inability to become class monitor, her unproductive efforts to help Qiang Xiaowa and Hua'er, her academic struggles, feeling overshadowed by Cheng Yaya’s achievements, and her mother’s perceived favoritism towards Yaya. She also brought up the pain of her parents' near-divorce and her feeling of being a "traitor" for initially siding with her father, who then changed his mind.
Miaomiao then explained how observing Yuan Shanqing, Qiang Xiaowa, and Hua'er, who endured genuine hardships without complaint, shifted her perspective. She also reflected on Hu Qiumin's silent struggles at home, which had only become apparent during a crisis. She concluded that she and Li Si were "the luckiest ones," blessed with good lives, and should embrace their opportunities. She encouraged him to focus on their studies, assuring him that their dreams could be figured out over their long lives.
Li Si agreed, deciding that having no specific dream for the moment was perfectly fine. Later that day, Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya returned home and joyfully embraced Grandma. They playfully "tattled" on their uncle, Jia Baoshan, to her, which prompted Grandma to scold him. The family shared a lively and warm meal, with Grandma showering affection on her grandchildren and Cheng Pengfei.
Amidst the holiday preparations, it was noted that train tickets for the Spring Festival travel season were incredibly scarce. Many teachers from the oil field had already left, and Gao Feiyang was also departing the next day, leaving Director Xiao, whose family was not from the oil field, facing the prospect of spending New Year alone.
That night, Jia Baoshan left with bedding and a small stool, returning only the next morning with dirty bedding, offering no clear explanation for his overnight absence. Meanwhile, families continued their holiday preparations. Hu Yue arranged the sleeping quarters for Yang Songbai and her son, Yang Tao, who was expected home soon.
Niu Lingling meticulously prepared New Year's gifts for various leaders, carefully labeling each item to "maintain relationships," and helped Li Dahai concoct a story about being "on duty" to explain his absence from his own mother's celebration. Niu Lingling then had a heartfelt conversation with Li Si about Bai Shuang, describing her as a kind and generous woman and revealing that Li Dahai had carried years of guilt for "wronging" her.
Niu Lingling candidly discussed her marriage, dismissing rumors that Li Dahai married her for advancement. She explained that he had proudly refused her father's offer of an office job, choosing instead to work his way up from the grueling drilling teams, enduring hardships that resulted in chronic health issues. She emphasized Li Dahai's deep love for Li Si, assuring him that his father never truly considered him useless but simply wished for him to mature and find his own path.
Moments after this, Li Dahai returned home. Niu Lingling asked Li Si to serve him tea, but their familiar argumentative dynamic quickly resurfaced. Soon, loved ones began to arrive for the holiday. Yang Tao came home, bringing Hu Qiumin a delicate gift that she cherished, and Hu Yue welcomed him with his favorite lamb-filling dumplings. Cheng Yaya invited Yuan Shanqing to their home, and Yuan Shanqing decided to steam some buns to bring.
Separately, Qiang Xiaowa's older brother, Dawa, returned, delighting Qiang Xiaowa and their Grandpa as the family began preparing dumplings together. Jia Baoshan, after his overnight wait, finally revealed his purpose: he had secured a train ticket for Director Xiao, only to realize he had mistakenly bought one for Tongliao instead of Tonghua. Seeing Director Xiao still stranded, he offered her a place to celebrate with his lively family.
Director Xiao was hesitant, mentioning her messy apartment and unhung Spring Festival couplets, so Jia Baoshan volunteered to help her with the decorations. As New Year's Eve began, Jia Daiyu's father, Grandpa Jia Xikui, arrived, welcomed by Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei. Grandma, who had been hiding, soon joined them, and their usual bickering quickly resumed. Despite their squabbles, the family settled into the festivities. At Director Xiao's apartment, while she stepped out to dispose of trash, Jia Baoshan, assisting her in hanging an upside-down "Fu" character, accidentally fell from the stool.
Episode 23 Recap
In the autumn of 1980, an old grandpa found a crying, abandoned baby by the bridge and took him in. Now, this grandpa is blessed with two filial grandsons, Dawa and Qiang Xiaowa. During the Chinese New Year, at their home by the sea, Grandpa gives Dawa new knee pads he made. He encourages Dawa to marry soon so he can help raise his great-grandchildren, but Dawa admits that while his supervisor's daughter is nice, she has a bad temper.
Grandpa advises him not to rush, noting that their family is doing well, especially with Xiaowa soon heading to college, and expresses his deep attachment to their home. Meanwhile, the Cheng family home is bustling with activity. Grandma and Grandpa have come to visit, and Yuan Shanqing has brought Zi along.
Grandma expresses concern about Zi's illness, but Yuan Shanqing reassures her that Zi is already receiving effective treatment and showing good signs, gently deterring Grandma from suggesting traditional healers or priests. Jia Daiyu playfully mentions that her brother, Jia Baoshan, is out "pursuing love" at his director's house, making a "big step" in life. Just as he is mentioned, Baoshan arrives with the director, Xiao Fang.
Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei immediately greet them, as do the warmly enthusiastic Grandma and Grandpa. Xiao Fang appears somewhat reserved amidst the lively family. Pengfei, who had a minor fall while helping to hang spring couplets, is fine and is offered ice by Daiyu. In another home, Li Dahai is on duty for New Year's Eve, so their family dinner is simpler than usual. His son, Li Si, dissatisfied with the meal, loudly demands pork knuckles.
His mother tries to appease him with mutton dumplings she specially made, promising to have pork knuckles delivered and even liquor for Li Dahai, who had previously claimed he wouldn't drink while on duty. Li Dahai playfully laments that Li Si doesn't resemble him. At Yang Songbai’s home, his son Yang Tao demonstrates thoughtfulness. He toasts his stepmother Hu Yue, expressing gratitude for her hard work in managing the household and acknowledging any unspoken grievances she might have endured.
Yang Tao adds that his sister, Hu Qiumin, despite not being a child anymore, is still the youngest and a "priority protection target" for them, vowing that she should never be made to feel wronged while he is away. The next day, Qiang Xiaowa arrives early to wish the Chengs a Happy New Year, bearing homemade wild vegetable dumplings. Miaomiao joyfully accepts them, noting that her grandmother would also love them.
Xiaowa then mentions he needs to leave to visit the old principal. Shortly after, Li Si makes a grand entrance with an armful of gifts, including wild ginseng for Grandma and Grandpa and a small doll for Zi. He showers the elders with compliments, earning a prediction from Miaomiao and Hu Qiumin that with his smooth tongue, he'll at least become a section chief, if not a factory manager.
Jia Daiyu then distributes red packets to everyone, including Yuan Shanqing, Zi, and a now-adult Yang Tao, whom she playfully teases about his height. At home, Hu Yue tries on a sweater Yang Tao bought her, but finds it prickly and realizes it’s not pure cashmere as he claimed. When Yang Songbai insists that Yang Tao earns more than her and it "should" be cashmere, his comment ignites a heated argument.
Hu Yue feels disparaged and lashes out, calculating her unpaid domestic work as a "free nanny." She accuses Yang Songbai’s mother of never treating her as family and defiantly declares Yang Tao to be his son, not hers. Yang Tao and Hu Qiumin, arriving home, overhear this painful exchange. Hu Qiumin, deeply upset, runs out of the house.
Yang Tao chases after her and is stunned to learn that she once pretended to jump into the river to scare their parents, a serious incident no one had ever told him about. Later, Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si go to visit Qiang Xiaowa, where they meet his older brother, Dawa. Cheng Yaya, Yuan Shanqing, and Zi are enjoying themselves at the market, looking at sugar figures. Xiao Fang, bringing her own New Year gifts, visits Grandma and Grandpa.
Grandma, ever the matchmaker, tries to foster a relationship between Xiao Fang and Jia Baoshan. She praises Xiao Fang's career success and then describes Baoshan as a "late bloomer" with a "good heart," despite his "carefree attitude," asserting that they are "destined to be together." Grandpa, secretly enjoying a cigarette, overhears Grandma's boast about almost marrying a factory manager and complains that her "fortune-bringing fate" actually "delayed" his own career.
He then privately asks Jia Baoshan about his feelings for Xiao Fang. Baoshan confesses that while he initially had no romantic intentions, he now feels a peculiar "fluster" when around her, which Grandpa humorously likens to "meeting a ghost," prompting Baoshan to redefine it as "love." Grandma, busy sewing in the house, dismisses Grandpa's complaint about missing socks. She proudly presents newly made vests for everyone, including Cheng Miaomiao, Cheng Yaya, Jia Daiyu, and Cheng Pengfei.
Miaomiao and Yaya tease Grandma, wishing her to live to be 100 or even 1000 years old, joking that she'd become an "old witch." Grandma also makes a small vest for Zi, explaining that it's important for Zi, who has no parents or grandparents, to feel loved. She reveals that she secretly sewed blessings—money, ingots, and rice—into each vest.
Wearing their vests, Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei reflect on the warmth of their mother’s love, with Pengfei noting, "as long as Mom is here, there is no hardship in life." Outside, Yang Tao waits for Hu Yue as she returns from shopping. Hu Yue quickly apologizes for her harsh words, explaining they were not her true intention.
Yang Tao acknowledges their rocky marriage and confesses that his excuses for not returning home from college were a way to escape the strained family atmosphere, for which he feels guilty for leaving Hu Qiumin to bear the burden alone. He recalls an eye-opening train journey where he witnessed a family handle lost luggage with humor and ease, making him realize the profound impact a harmonious parental relationship has on a child's sense of security.
He admits he longed to escape his family's tense environment. Yang Tao expresses deep gratitude for Hu Yue’s sacrifices, emphasizing that family life is about mutual responsibility, not competition. Overwhelmed, Hu Yue tearfully apologizes, and Yang Tao comforts her, assuring her that her efforts have been truly appreciated. Yuan Shanqing and Zi also don their new vests, feeling cherished. In a heartwarming moment, Zi surprises everyone by clearly calling Yuan Shanqing and Cheng Yaya "Sister."
As the Chinese New Year holidays conclude, loved ones depart. Qiang Xiaowa's older brother, Dawa, solemnly bows to Grandpa before setting off to pursue his own path. The year 1998 has arrived. The narrator reflects on love and family. Grandma, who married Grandpa at eighteen, often recalled being pursued by a deputy factory manager. Yet, despite their lifelong squabbles, she chose Grandpa, who, though not a man of great achievement, showered her and their children with unwavering kindness.
The narrator concludes that while parents believe their love is sufficient, a home filled with joy is what truly matters to a child, determining whether they return to a "safe harbor" or a "cellar," and shaping their desire to come home again and again.
Episode 24 Recap
Cheng Pengfei and Jia Baoshan were relaxing with their maternal grandfather in the yard when Pengfei noticed his grandfather smoking again, reminding him he had quit. The grandfather lamented his lack of freedom, feeling controlled whether his wife was present or not. Pengfei, recalling his grandmother's saying that a couple should divorce if they cannot live together, asked if their marriage was in crisis.
The grandfather dismissed it as his wife's bragging from decades past but admitted that it would be untrue to say he never entertained such thoughts, as no long marriage is without grievances. He reminisced about the hardships when Jia Baoshan was born, working tirelessly, and enduring his wife's harsh words and vanity, which he believed caused his coronary heart disease.
He even recounted running away from home for over half a month, thinking he wasn't afraid of divorce, only to realize he could no longer recall the specific reason for that major conflict. This forgetfulness, he concluded, signified his inability to live without his wife, his family, and his two children. He cherished memories of his children's first "Dad" and his wife fiercely defending him.
Most vividly, he remembered whispering to his wife on their wedding night that he hoped to die after her, unable to bear the thought of her living alone. They then shared a drink, and the grandfather reflected that life is a long road with many obstacles, all of which they had overcome. Meanwhile, an essay contest was underway. Cheng Miaomiao's entry, filled with excessive praise for her father, was returned, as was Li Si's kung fu story.
A rumor spread that the first-place winner would advance to a provincial competition in Qingdao. Back home, Jia Daiyu found Jia Baoshan sitting idle and criticized his lack of ambition. Regarding his interest in Xiao Fang, Jia Daiyu asserted that any attention from Xiao Fang, the esteemed Director of Teaching and Discipline, was simply an act of kindness from an intellectual.
Jia Baoshan, undeterred, declared he was a late bloomer, destined to establish a career after thirty, and revealed his intention to pursue a role in the education sector, specifically managing the school canteen. He argued this would further his relationship with Director Xiao and also allow him to look after Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya, ambitiously stating his desire to excel in both love and career.
In class, Gao Feiyang announced that Qiang Xiaowa had won first place in the essay contest with his work "The Ideal Country," earning him the honor to represent Linqi No. 2 High School at the provincial competition in Qingdao. During a class break, Yuan Shanqing presented Cheng Yaya with a hand-knitted scarf.
Cheng Yaya eagerly tried it on, admiring the color, but was disheartened to learn it was a gift for her maternal grandmother, a token of appreciation for the vests the grandmother had made for Yuan Shanqing and Zi. Yuan Shanqing then gave Cheng Yaya a book containing her own poetry from the contest, explaining that although it hadn't won, she wanted her to have it. The provincial competition was set for the May Day holiday in Qingdao.
Qiang Xiaowa initially expressed reluctance to go, but Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si insisted it was a team effort and a prime opportunity for them to travel. After some persuasion, Qiang Xiaowa agreed, though he still felt he needed his mother's permission. Miaomiao pleaded with her father, Cheng Pengfei, who, despite Jia Daiyu's warnings about past dangers, wholeheartedly supported the children's desire to gain experience.
To secure funds for the trip, Li Si recited a poem to his father, Li Dahai, who misinterpreted lines about a "deceased father" as Li Si wishing him ill. Upon realizing Li Si's true intention was to solicit money, Li Dahai angrily sent him away. Qiang Xiaowa called his elder brother to share the news of his win, and his brother, delighted, insisted he go to Qingdao, even offering to send money.
Hu Qiumin's plan to ask her mother, Hu Yue, about going to Qingdao was thwarted when Hu Yue received a call about Yang Songbai's mother visiting for the May Day holiday. Hu Qiumin then kept quiet about the trip. She later regretted this when Hu Yue clarified that the grandmother was already in town but staying at a guesthouse instead of their home. Seemingly unbothered, Hu Yue canceled her plan to buy a new TV and went out dancing.
Jia Baoshan arranged a romantic date for Xiao Fang in the school's astronomy room, treating her to homemade ribs and chicken wings. However, he ruined the mood by proposing to work in the school canteen, hoping to be closer to her. Xiao Fang misinterpreted this as a calculated move to use her for personal gain and left in anger. Disappointed by the rejection, Jia Baoshan abandoned that idea and approached Jia Daiyu with a new business venture, asking for money.
Recognizing his intention to borrow, she quickly ran off. In Qingdao, Cheng Miaomiao, Li Si, and Qiang Xiaowa got lost after exiting the train station. They arrived at the registration site for the essay competition only to find it closed. After they frantically explained their predicament, the sympathetic staff allowed Qiang Xiaowa to register. In their hotel room, Cheng Miaomiao was astonished by the card-activated electricity and a hairdryer she named "Monica." Li Si explained hotel amenities like complimentary tissues.
On a phone call, Miaomiao bragged about a past luxurious hotel stay in Shanghai to feign experience. While having a drink with Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling, Hu Yue stunned them by producing her divorce certificate, announcing that she and Yang Songbai had divorced that morning. The decision stemmed from a frank conversation the previous night, where they both revealed the true, painful reasons for their first divorces.
Hu Yue confessed that the real reason for her first divorce was domestic violence, detailing how her ex-husband had once thrown an ashtray, leaving her with a scar from shielding a young Hu Qiumin. Yang Songbai, in turn, confessed that his own first wife, Feng Jing, had cheated on him and left him for another man. He had never told anyone, not even his mother, which explained his mother's consistent disapproval of Hu Yue.
They realized they had both hidden their painful truths, leading to lives filled with grievances. They had always lived for their children, either divorcing or staying together for their sake, never truly for themselves. Resolving to finally live for themselves, Hu Yue declared she had taken annual leave to travel and see the world.
Episode 25 Recap
In the autumn of 1987, Hu Yue traveled alone to visit Yang Songbai, who was working on a boat. She brought him freshly made dumplings with leeks and several new shirts. Yang Songbai was touched by her gesture, suggesting she should spend money on herself and their daughter, Qiumin. However, Hu Yue insisted he try on the new clothes.
He handed over his entire monthly salary, including a bonus, totaling 75 yuan, to Hu Yue, explaining that he didn't need much money at work. He thanked her for her hard work raising their two children alone, to which she humbly replied it was a mother's duty. That night, Hu Yue decided to stay on the boat, as Yang Songbai assured her that their son, Tao, was old enough to care for his sister.
Yang Songbai proudly introduced Hu Yue to his colleagues and showed her around the boat, pointing out the beautiful clouds. Years later, Hu Yue and Yang Songbai divorced. Li Dahai and Cheng Pengfei helped Yang Songbai move, only to find that all his belongings fit into two small bags. Cheng Pengfei joked about needing a truck, but Yang Songbai assured them a bicycle would suffice. They lamented his situation, noting this was his second divorce where he left with nothing.
Meanwhile, Hu Yue, Jia Daiyu, and Niu Lingling gathered, toasting to Hu Yue's newfound freedom. Niu Lingling had even closed her restaurant for the day, and Jia Daiyu took leave from her job, all agreeing that an unhappy marriage was not worth it. Hu Yue felt incredibly relieved and happy. Hu Yue planned a trip to Beijing and invited her daughter, Hu Qiumin, to join her, even offering to arrange leave from school.
Hu Qiumin declined, citing other commitments, but her gaze lingered on her mother’s divorce certificate. She didn't ask about the reasons for the divorce, as she had overheard her mother and Yang Songbai's conversation about living for themselves and not just for their children. Hu Qiumin expressed her joy that Hu Yue was finally putting herself first, though she felt a pang of guilt that her mother had sacrificed so much for her sake over the years.
Hu Qiumin affirmed that despite the divorce, she and Yang Tao would always be family. She asked her mother not to tell Yang Tao about the divorce until after his grad exams. Hu Yue then confessed to her daughter that she blamed herself for not thinking about herself sooner, for enduring so many unhappy years, and for losing herself for Hu Qiumin's sake, to which Hu Qiumin responded that she blamed her mother for those very same reasons.
She encouraged Hu Yue to enjoy her trip and be happy. Showing great maturity, Hu Qiumin also visited Yang Songbai at his workplace. He began to explain, but she assured him she understood it was their own decision and they didn't need to tell the children. Yang Songbai promised her that Yang Tao would always be her brother, and she replied that he would always be her stepfather.
Meanwhile, Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si bought Qiang Xiaowa new shoes and a jacket, encouraging him to look sharp for his essay competition, whose topic was "Hometown." They told him to relax and have fun. After the competition, Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si noticed ballet dancers at the Youth Center. Cheng Miaomiao admired the variety of activities available there, unlike their oilfield.
They then spotted a recruitment notice for a performance class for art schools like the Film Academy, inspiring Cheng Miaomiao to dream of attending the Film Academy, despite Li Si's teasing about their local cinema closing down. At home, Zi began speaking, delighting Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing as she learned to say her name and age.
Jia Baoshan sought employment with Niu Lingling at Xiaoshudu Restaurant, explaining his ambition to eventually start his own business, perhaps by operating a long-distance bus service, and viewing her restaurant as a stepping stone. Niu Lingling, confident in his cooking skills, hired him as the lobby manager, not a cook. Jia Baoshan enthusiastically announced his new position to Jia Daiyu, who was unimpressed and threatened to call Niu Lingling. Jia Baoshan, however, was determined to prove himself a capable man.
He then revisited Xiao Fang, attempting to explain his earlier intentions. When she rebuffed him, accusing him of sweet talk, he clarified that he would now pursue his career at Xiaoshudu Restaurant and, after making a name for himself, would return to prove his sincerity. As a parting gesture, he gave her a sturdy water cup, leaving Xiao Fang bewildered. Qiang Xiaowa was thrilled to win third prize in the essay competition, receiving 300 yuan.
However, the boy who had earlier bumped into him and called him a "bumpkin," Qin Yuan, scoffed at his prize, remarking that it was just a certificate, unlike a trophy. Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si defended Qiang Xiaowa, emphasizing the prize money and the honor. To celebrate, they took Qiang Xiaowa to an amusement park. Unfortunately, Li Si overindulged in ice cream and lamb skewers, leading to a trip to the hospital with vomiting and diarrhea.
Cheng Miaomiao and Qiang Xiaowa stayed by his side, lamenting the wasted expensive tickets since they couldn't enjoy all the rides. Later, Xiao Fang was seen hesitantly lingering outside Jia Daiyu's house but quickly found an excuse to leave when invited in. Before their return to the oilfield, Cheng Miaomiao and Li Si presented Qiang Xiaowa with a homemade "Universal Talent Special Award" medal, as a trophy for his third prize wasn't available. Qiang Xiaowa was deeply moved.
Upon returning to the oilfield, they went to Hu Qiumin's house, and Cheng Miaomiao greeted her with a warm, silent hug at the door. As a heavy rainstorm descended, Li Dahai immediately put on his coat and headed to the rescue zone. Meanwhile, at Yang Songbai's work site, the pressure valve on an air tank malfunctioned despite a recent repair.
Frustrated by his colleagues' inability to fix it, Yang Songbai himself rushed out into the downpour to the work zone with the rescue team, knowing his experience was crucial to prevent flooding. While attempting to manually reduce the pressure, he accidentally fell from the drill tower. Cheng Pengfei received an urgent call, informing him of Yang Songbai's serious accident and that he needed to rush to the hospital to be on standby for the rescue.
The narrator reflected on how the prolonged rain brought disaster, and how the ordinary adults they had often underestimated displayed immense courage, protecting their children, homes, the oilfield, and their homeland, reminding them that while storms will come, they will also eventually pass.
Episode 26 Recap
Qiang Xiaowa wrote an essay about his homeland, describing his birth in a fishing village where his family lived in a boat anchored at the shore. For 17 years, his life was a struggle. His illiterate grandfather, who found him abandoned in an embroidered quilt, firmly believed that education could change their fate. He toiled for over ten hours daily, dedicating every penny to sending Qiang Xiaowa and his older brother to school.
However, it wasn't enough to support both children. So, his older brother made the sacrifice, giving Qiang Xiaowa the chance to study, and left for the south with just a quilt, saying that at least one of them needed to get an education. One day, a different kind of people, children of oilfield workers, moved across the river. Their side was always lit with thousands of lights and filled with laughter, a stark contrast across the bridge.
Qiang Xiaowa studied harder, hoping to escape his impoverished side of the river, but poverty seemed to stifle his only opportunity. Yet, he eventually found his chance to study and gained a group of cherished friends, realizing they were all nurtured by the same land and, in the end, were all the same. Hu Qiumin rushed to the hospital and, identifying herself as Yang Songbai's daughter, signed the surgery consent form for Yang Songbai, who was already in surgery.
Cheng Pengfei tried to comfort her, but the situation was dire as Yang Songbai’s injuries were severe. Jia Baoshan also hurried to the hospital after learning that Xiao Fang was injured while helping with flood relief at school. Meanwhile, Hu Yue called from Beijing. Cheng Yaya answered and excitedly called Jia Daiyu to take the phone, saying "something happened."
Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling tried to keep the seriousness of the situation from Hu Yue, assuring her that Hu Qiumin was fine and out playing with Cheng Miaomiao despite the heavy rain. Feeling uneasy, Hu Yue pressed them, and they quickly ended the call, claiming they were busy. Jia Baoshan finally located Xiao Fang in the treatment room.
He was relieved to find her injuries were not serious; she had simply fallen into a ditch while assisting in the flood. He light-heartedly scolded her for being careless, prompting Xiao Fang to jokingly accuse him of wanting her dead, which he promptly denied, admitting his heart pounded with fear when he heard she was hospitalized. She then received a tetanus shot. Outside, Yang Songbai's surgery concluded.
Dr. Wang informed Hu Qiumin that while his life was no longer in immediate danger, he had sustained a spinal injury and might never regain the ability to walk. Soon after, Li Dahai returned, exhausted from flood relief. Niu Lingling, immensely relieved to see him safe, tearfully recounted Yang Songbai’s severe spinal injury, fearing he might become a "vegetable."
Later, Hu Qiumin poured out her sorrow to Cheng Miaomiao, confessing her past annoyance with Yang Songbai and how much she had wanted them to divorce. Now, despite their divorce, she regretted seeing him in such a state. She recalled his commanding presence on an offshore platform and his promise that they would remain a family.
The burden of signing his consent form weighed heavily on her, as she felt she wasn’t legally his family anymore, yet there was no one else to sign. Hu Yue abruptly returned from Beijing and arrived at the hospital, finding Yang Songbai still unconscious in bed and Hu Qiumin sitting by his side, distraught.
Jia Daiyu and Niu Lingling tried to dissuade Hu Yue from getting involved, reminding her that her own life was finally moving in a positive direction and questioning why she would tie herself to such an "unknown" future. Hu Yue, understanding their concern, decided she would wait until Yang Songbai woke up before making any firm decisions.
Late that night, police officer Jiang Feng from Wancheng Road Police Station knocked on Yuan Shanqing’s door, stating they needed to ask her a few questions. Yuan Shanqing agreed to speak with him. Back at the hospital, Yang Songbai finally regained consciousness and immediately asked if Hu Yue was there. The doctors assessed his condition, noting that he couldn't move his toes.
Yuan Shanqing later informed Cheng Miaomiao that Lin Xiu, Zi's mother, had been arrested, and the police had inquired about Yuan Yong, but she had not revealed his return. Yang Songbai insisted that Yang Tao, who had upcoming exams, not be informed of his condition, nor should his mother or brother. He preferred to face his recovery alone. Cheng Pengfei assured him that he had fallen from a great height and that recovery would take time.
Niu Lingling and Jia Daiyu continued to advise Hu Yue that the factory and company would provide care, but Hu Yue expressed concern about Yang Songbai's temper if he realized he would never walk again. She decided to stay with him for the time being. Over a month later, Yang Songbai’s legs remained numb. In a fit of despair, he angrily jabbed his leg with a pen, demanding to know from Hu Yue if he would be permanently incapacitated.
Hu Yue remained silent. Soon after, the leaders from No. 3 Factory visited. They presented Yang Songbai with a medal and a substantial bonus, commending his heroic act of manually reducing pressure during the incident, which prevented a far greater catastrophe. They also announced that his promotion to deputy manager would take effect as soon as he recovered. Overcome by a mix of powerlessness and rage, Yang Songbai began to smash objects in his hospital room.
Hu Yue stepped outside to regain her composure before returning to clean up the mess. He then confronted her, tearfully acknowledging that he would never walk again and would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He screamed at Hu Yue to leave, accusing her of pitying him, and declared he needed no one. Hu Yue, unwavering, stood her ground.
She told him she was not leaving and that, from that moment on, he would listen to her. Finally, Yang Songbai broke down, sobbing that everyone had lied to him. Meanwhile, Jia Baoshan diligently cared for Xiao Fang, bringing her special meals like pig's trotter soup, claiming customers' requests come first. At the Cheng family's dinner, Hu Qiumin was encouraged to eat well and take care of herself while awaiting Yang Songbai and Hu Yue's return.
Cheng Yaya was asked to take some ribs to Yuan Shanqing later. At the hospital, Hu Yue continued assisting Yang Songbai with his rehabilitation exercises. She informed him that she had asked Hu Qiumin to move all his belongings from his dormitory back to his house.
Then, with a wry smile, she told him not to be sentimental, jokingly declaring her "motives": she intended to claim his salary, bonus, and promotion to deputy manager as compensation for the hardships she endured during their marriage when he had nothing and bought her no jewelry. She insisted she wasn’t taking care of him for free and expected double wages. Late at night, Yuan Yong, walking with a limp, arrived at Yuan Shanqing's home.
He was seen playing with Zi, but soon revealed his true intention: to sell Zi to a wealthy family. He believed this would secure Zi a better life and relieve Yuan Shanqing of her "burden." Yuan Shanqing desperately pleaded with him to surrender to the police, explaining that he would receive a lighter sentence. Yuan Yong scoffed at the idea, convinced that Lin Xiu would blame everything on him, leading to a death sentence.
When he reiterated his plan to sell Zi, Yuan Shanqing, horrified that he would sell his own daughter, scooped Zi into her arms, backing into a corner, and screamed for help. Yuan Yong lunged at her and began to choke her, but Cheng Yaya appeared just in time and tackled him. The narration concluded, reflecting on that dangerous early summer when everyone was on edge, uncertain of when the storm and floods would cease, or if their elders were safe. Although their homeland was protected, their youth faced its own disaster, and that summer changed their lives forever.
Episode 27 Recap
Lin Xiu, under police arrest, tried to deny any involvement with Yuan Yong. She claimed she was merely "looking for someone" when apprehended, but the police made it clear they were fully aware of her situation and urged her to cooperate or face dire consequences.
Lin Xiu insisted she had already disclosed all she knew and genuinely did not know Yuan Yong's whereabouts, having last seen him two months prior when he forcibly took her gold necklace from her massage shop. The police, however, accused her of deep involvement in Yuan Yong's fraudulent fundraising scheme in the Oilfield. Under pressure, Lin Xiu asked if she could "atone for what I did" by revealing everything about him, before finally admitting, "Yuan Yong. . .
He killed someone." Soon after, police received an urgent call regarding Yuan Yong and Yuan Shanqing. At the scene, Cheng Yaya was frantically trying to revive an unconscious Yuan Shanqing, while Zi cried nearby, and Yuan Yong lay dead. The chaotic scene had been discovered by a passing worker who heard screams for "help" and then called the police.
When Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei rushed to the location, they were informed that Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing, both injured, had already been taken to the staff hospital. They immediately departed for the hospital. At the hospital, Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei learned that Cheng Yaya had been stabbed in the stomach, though his internal organs were fortunately unharmed. Despite their pleas, the police declared Cheng Yaya a person of interest, preventing his family from seeing him.
They revealed that Yuan Yong was dead, and as only Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing were present, and a witness saw Cheng Yaya holding a knife to Yuan Yong, he was considered a suspect. Cheng Miaomiao vehemently defended her brother, but the police insisted that Yaya remained under suspicion until the investigation concluded.
As Cheng Yaya, still covered in blood, was wheeled out of the operating room, he briefly saw his family and murmured, "I'm sorry," before being taken for a private interrogation by Wang Dayong, Chief of Criminal Investigation Corps III. While Jia Daiyu, Cheng Pengfei, Cheng Miaomiao, Hu Yue (pushing Yang Songbai), Niu Lingling, and Jia Baoshan were all present and distraught, Cheng Yaya confessed, "I stabbed Yuan Yong."
He recounted finding Yuan Yong choking Yuan Shanqing when he went to deliver ribs. Upon his intervention, Yuan Yong, furious, stabbed him. Cheng Yaya claimed he fought back in self-defense, and when Yuan Shanqing tried to help but was knocked unconscious by Yuan Yong, he then stabbed Yuan Yong multiple times in the stomach before the police arrived.
Despite Niu Lingling’s worry about Yaya’s connection to Yuan Yong’s family, Jia Daiyu insisted on waiting for the legal process, convinced of her son's innocence. Later, in his room, Cheng Yaya questioned the police about whether his actions qualified as "self-defense," arguing that if he hadn't intervened, Yuan Yong, whom he called "crazy" for his brutality towards his own daughter, "would have killed us all."
The police assured him that while his statement was noted, the legal definition of "self-defense" was strict, promising a fair legal process. It was then announced that Yuan Shanqing had regained consciousness. Following Cheng Yaya’s interrogation, his family was allowed to enter his room. Cheng Pengfei sought reassurance from the police, who stated there was a "possibility of self-defense" but that further details were needed, emphasizing the trauma Cheng Yaya had endured.
Inside, Jia Daiyu and the others comforted a distraught Cheng Yaya, urging him to try not to dwell on the events and assuring him of their unwavering support. Cheng Yaya, overwhelmed, apologized once more. The police then proceeded to interrogate Yuan Shanqing. Upon confirming Yuan Yong’s death, she expressed profound relief, stating that she and Zi were finally free. After being reassured about Cheng Yaya's condition, Yuan Shanqing confessed, "I killed him."
She described how Yuan Yong had ordered her to go inside, prompting her to hide Zi under the bed for safety. Hearing Cheng Yaya's cries of pain, she rushed out, grabbed a knife from the ground, and stabbed Yuan Yong. Yuan Yong reacted violently, yelling that she was "just like your dead mother, who was despicable" and expressing regret for bringing her and Zi into the world, wishing them both to "go to hell."
Yuan Shanqing, seizing another opportunity, responded, "You should go to hell," and fatally stabbed him again. She reiterated that Cheng Yaya had no part in Yuan Yong's death. With both Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing claiming responsibility for Yuan Yong's death, the police faced conflicting accounts. Cheng Yaya, still weak from his injuries, attempted to get up to see Yuan Shanqing, but Cheng Miaomiao stopped him, promising to visit her in his stead.
Speaking with an officer, Cheng Miaomiao learned that while Yuan Shanqing's initial actions might be considered self-defense, the subsequent stabs could be classified as "intentional murder." The officer acknowledged Yuan Yong's monstrous character, including his plan to sell Zi, but stressed the necessity of uncovering the exact truth. Cheng Miaomiao tried to convey a message through the closed door to Yuan Shanqing, telling her to "protect yourself, don't talk nonsense. Zi only has you left."
The police, however, intervened, cautioning Cheng Miaomiao that such communication with a "key suspect" was illegal. Meanwhile, rumors of the incident had spread throughout the school, prompting Hu Qiumin, Li Si, and Qiang Xiaowa to visit Cheng Yaya. Later, the police returned to Yaya's room, asking his friends to leave, to conduct another interrogation. During this questioning, Cheng Yaya's narrative became inconsistent, particularly concerning the knife and who delivered the fatal blows.
The police then revealed the autopsy report, which indicated a stab wound on Yuan Yong's back. They confronted Cheng Yaya, explaining that he could not have inflicted that wound and that Yuan Shanqing was the one who stabbed Yuan Yong while Yaya was being held down, meaning Yaya "didn't see her at all."
Drawing on his extensive experience, the officer stated that "all truths can be traced" and "all lies have loopholes," confirming Yuan Shanqing's story was consistent with all evidence, including her fingerprints on the knife. He concluded, "Yuan Shanqing's story is the truth. And you lied to us." The officer then relayed Yuan Shanqing's message to Cheng Yaya: "Don't do anything stupid," acknowledging Yaya's protective intentions but reminding him that "the law is not a joke."
Cheng Yaya, speechless, could only apologize. After the true events were established, the police informed Yuan Shanqing that they had arranged for Zi to be placed in a welfare house. Yuan Shanqing was then formally placed under criminal detention for intentional murder, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Law, and signed her detention warrant.
Outside the ward, the Director of Teaching and Discipline from Yuan Shanqing's school attempted to intervene regarding Zi's care, asserting the school's guardianship responsibility as Zi now had no other family. Yuan Shanqing expressed her gratitude to Cheng Yaya, stating she "couldn't lie to the police" and had accepted her "fate."
When the welfare house arrangement for Zi was reiterated, Jia Baoshan immediately offered to take Zi into his home, noting it was "just a matter of having an extra pair of chopsticks" and reassuring Yuan Shanqing that she would return soon. Jia Daiyu also stepped forward, insisting that Zi would live with them, just as she had before.
A deeply moved Yuan Shanqing bowed to everyone, shared a tearful embrace with Zi, and then entrusted her to the family before departing with the police for the detention center. Cheng Yaya watched, his eyes red and filled with unshed tears, unable to speak. Years later, when Cheng Miaomiao asked Cheng Yaya why he had impulsively tried to take the blame for Yuan Shanqing, he simply replied that "it was not impulsive." Meanwhile, Yuan Shanqing faced an uncertain future alone in the detention center.
Episode 28 Recap
Yuan Shanqing shared with Cheng Yaya a photograph of her mother, Gao Xiaojuan, the only one she possessed and the sole memento her mother left behind. Shanqing spoke of her mother as the most gentle person she had ever known, recalling how her childhood, when her mother was alive, was the happiest period of her life.
She described her mother saving money for candy despite their poverty, warming her bed in winter with her own body, and shielding her from Yuan Yong's abuse, always telling her, "It doesn't hurt." Shanqing expressed a profound wish for her mother's continued presence. In a separate scene, someone comforted Cheng Yaya, saying that Shanqing's mother would want them to live well and that things would surely improve.
Later, while discussing Yuan Shanqing's arrest, Li Si wondered if they could visit her. Cheng Yaya explained that Shanqing was in a detention center, where visits are only allowed after sentencing and transfer to prison, and currently only her lawyer could see her. Others tried to reassure Cheng Yaya, believing that Shanqing, who was fighting against a bad person, would not be jailed, emphasizing that the law is clear and the police would uncover the truth.
Cheng Yaya mentioned that Li Dahai was already trying to find a lawyer. Everyone hoped that Zi, being so young, would not understand the gravity of the situation and would never learn about these events as she grew older, a sentiment Yuan Shanqing herself shared. Meanwhile, police officers discussed Yuan Shanqing's case, examining the evidence from the crime scene.
They found Yuan Yong, Yuan Shanqing, and Cheng Yaya's fingerprints on the knife, and Yuan Yong and Cheng Yaya's bloodstains on the ground. Yuan Yong had sustained five stab wounds. Based on Yuan Shanqing's testimony, she first stabbed Yuan Yong from behind, a non-fatal wound. The fatal stab, which ruptured his spleen, occurred while Yuan Yong was choking her, an act she claimed was instinctive self-defense.
However, the subsequent three stabs she delivered to Yuan Yong's chest happened after Cheng Yaya had already restrained him and he could no longer resist. An officer posited that, disregarding emotional factors, Yuan Shanqing had a motive, performed the act, and caused death, suggesting intentional homicide. Another argued that since the fatal wound happened during self-defense, and the later three stabs were to the sternum and not fatal, her actions should still be classified as self-defense.
The chief officer concluded that the final legal classification would come from the Procuratorate's review, urging them to remain impartial and trust the law to provide a just and objective outcome. Li Dahai, upon learning of the situation, rushed to Cheng Pengfei, dismayed that he had been kept in the dark. Cheng Pengfei explained that Cheng Yaya was recovering well from her injuries, but Yuan Shanqing had been taken by the police on suspicion of intentional homicide.
Li Dahai scoffed at the idea, calling Shanqing a good child who had merely brought justice to Yuan Yong. Cheng Pengfei clarified that the law's definition was beyond their control, and Shanqing was in a detention center where visits were restricted. Li Dahai quickly contacted his lawyer friend, Mr. Jin, to seek help. At home, Jia Daiyu suggested buying a small bed for Zi, concerned about inadvertently pressing on the child during sleep.
Cheng Pengfei agreed, remarking that it felt like they were reliving the days when Cheng Miaomiao and Cheng Yaya were little. Cheng Miaomiao then asked her father if Yuan Shanqing would truly go to jail, expressing worry that if so, her parents might not allow Zi to stay with them. However, both Jia Daiyu and Cheng Pengfei were resolute; they believed that no matter what happened, Zi was innocent and should not bear such burdens.
Jia Daiyu affirmed her promise to Yuan Shanqing that Zi would stay with them. Cheng Pengfei reinforced this, stating that they must ensure Zi remained unaware of the complicated matters and grew up happily in their home. Overwhelmed with joy, Cheng Miaomiao called her mother an angel and lauded her parents for their kindness, while Cheng Yaya watched them, her eyes welling up with tears on the stairs.
In school, Li Si pulled down a banner marking 30 days until the college entrance exam, claiming it was a jinx and added unnecessary pressure for the 12th-grade students. Their teacher, Xiao Fang, was displeased, criticizing their class for being unmotivated and undisciplined. She challenged them to articulate their ambitions, stressing the college entrance exam's significance as a life-altering event.
While other students gave unenthusiastic responses, Hu Qiumin clearly stated her goal was to attend university in Shenzhen, where her brother was, and if her grades weren't sufficient, she would find another university there. Xiao Fang encouraged her to solidify her ambition and avoid seeking a fallback. When asked, Cheng Miaomiao enthusiastically declared her aspiration to become an actress and study at a film academy, a sentiment Li Si eagerly echoed.
Yang Tao returned home and was left speechless by the sight of Yang Songbai in a wheelchair. He expressed his disappointment that his father had concealed so many family matters from him, though he admitted to sensing that something was amiss during his recent phone calls. Yang Songbai explained that he hadn't wanted to distract Tao from his postgraduate studies. Yang Tao felt estranged, asking why Hu Yue hadn't told him anything during the Chinese New Year.
Yang Songbai took responsibility, revealing that he had forbidden Hu Yue from disclosing the news. Yang Songbai then informed Yang Tao that he and Hu Yue had divorced before his injury, a decision they reached after reflecting on their past and unspoken feelings over a drink. Yang Tao thought that since they were divorced, Hu Yue no longer had an obligation to care for his father.
But Hu Yue emphasized that despite the divorce, their decade-plus of shared life meant they would always remain family, not strangers. She asserted her continued commitment to care for Yang Songbai, especially given his work-related injury, and even if his injury was from a fight. She also noted that neither Yang Tao nor Hu Qiumin would likely return to the Oilfield after university, stating that she and Yang Songbai would manage their own lives, always considering this place their home.
Yang Tao questioned if they planned to remarry, to which both Yang Songbai and Hu Yue clarified that they did not, as they were better suited as family than as husband and wife. Yang Songbai reassured everyone that he, as an engineer, could still support himself and the family, embodying a spirit of independence and hope for a better future.
Meanwhile, at the Cheng family dinner table, Cheng Miaomiao reiterated her desire to attend the Beijing Film Academy, having previously researched it during a writing competition trip to Beijing. Her mother, Jia Daiyu, was ecstatic, slamming her hand on the table in delight. She wholeheartedly supported Miaomiao's ambition, vowing to fund her education in Beijing even if it meant "selling everything they owned."
She enthusiastically encouraged Cheng Yaya to also aim for Beijing schools, envisioning Zi receiving a top-tier education close to Peking and Tsinghua universities. Miaomiao revealed she and Li Si planned to attend together, which Jia Daiyu approved of, relieved Miaomiao would have a companion. Separately, Li Si attempted to persuade Niu Lingling about pursuing the film academy, but Niu Lingling dismissed it as an unrealistic dream. Li Dahai, upon hearing of his son's ambition, furiously confronted Li Si.
He mocked Li Si's aspirations, citing his son's past as a bed-wetter and his habit of wearing socks inside out, stating that Li Si's only future after graduation was to work in the oil fields. Li Si, for the first time, openly defied his father, asserting his right to choose his own life path and accusing Li Dahai of being absent during his childhood and only present to inflict beatings.
The argument escalated, with Li Dahai threatening violence if Li Si did not comply. Niu Lingling intervened, reminding Li Dahai that he was the instigator of their physical altercation. Despite her efforts, Li Dahai, in a fit of rage, banished Li Si from the house, threatening to break his legs if he ever returned. Jia Baoshan, lamenting his romantic struggles, confided in Cheng Miaomiao about his unrequited feelings for Xiao Fang.
He was frustrated that despite his kindness, Xiao Fang hadn't noticed his affection. Cheng Miaomiao advised him to formally express his feelings. Inspired, Jia Baoshan later that evening went to Xiao Fang's dormitory, carrying a pot of flowers. From outside, he began a passionate recitation of Shu Ting's poem, "To the Oak Tree." However, he was startled to discover that several teachers were holding a meeting inside Xiao Fang's room. Embarrassed, he dropped the flowers and fled.
Xiao Fang, however, pursued him. Encouraged by her, and amidst the playful cheers of the other teachers who had also emerged, Jia Baoshan re-confessed his love for her. They shared a kiss, officially becoming a couple. Meanwhile, Li Dahai was suffering from stomach pain, which Niu Lingling attributed to his heavy drinking. She urged him to stop being unreasonable with Li Si and insisted he get a gastroscopy.
Niu Lingling had already scheduled an appointment for him for the day after tomorrow, with a visiting expert from Beijing, and had already paid for it. Li Dahai initially tried to decline, citing an important work inspection, but Niu Lingling insisted his health was more important. Li Dahai then complained about chest pain, blaming the stress from his son, and asked for quick-relief medicine. After being kicked out, Li Si eventually returned home.
In a highly unusual move, Li Dahai actively sought reconciliation with his son, expressing that both were at fault in their previous argument and suggesting they let bygones be bygones. His true intention, however, was to convince Li Si to undergo the gastroscopy in his stead. Li Dahai painted a picture of Li Si suffering from frequent diarrhea and subtly manipulated him into getting the examination. Li Si went for the gastroscopy.
During the procedure, the doctor found something that required a biopsy, and Niu Lingling was present and signed a consent form. The examination left Li Si in considerable discomfort for several days. He even called his mother, feigning continued illness, to secure additional days off from school, hoping to assert his importance in the family. Later, Mr. Jin, the lawyer Li Dahai had contacted, arrived to deliver good news regarding Yuan Shanqing's case.
He reported that the prosecuting authorities had not approved her arrest, which indicated uncertainty about classifying her actions as intentional homicide. Mr. Jin believed her actions leaned more towards justifiable self-defense. Li Dahai was overjoyed by this development. However, Cheng Pengfei could not share his happiness. After the lawyer departed, he pulled Li Dahai aside to convey another, more somber piece of news: Li Si's biopsy report had been released, and doctors preliminarily suspected intestinal cancer.
Episode 29 Recap
Li Dahai was overcome with grief after hearing the devastating news, his hands trembling as he drove. Meanwhile, his son Li Si was in class, boastfully claiming that Xiao Fang was his uncle's wife. However, Xiao Fang overheard him, reprimanded him for having his feet on the table, and made him mop the floor. Li Si playfully insisted he was doing it out of a patriotic heart for the school.
Li Dahai and Niu Lingling rushed to the hospital, where the doctor confirmed Li Si's diagnosis: intestinal cancer. Niu Lingling broke down in tears. The doctor explained that the oilfield hospital's resources were limited and advised them to seek treatment in a larger city immediately. He candidly revealed that the disease was already in an advanced stage, making surgery highly unlikely. Only conservative treatment could extend Li Si's life, likely for only three to six months.
That evening, Li Si returned home to find his father, Li Dahai, home surprisingly early and cooking dinner. Li Si sensed something was amiss, suspecting his parents had fought or were hiding a big secret, but his mother tried to reassure him. Elsewhere, Cheng Pengfei discussed Li Si's illness with Jia Daiyu, expressing concern for how Niu Lingling would cope. Jia Daiyu confirmed the diagnosis was accurate, based on the biopsy.
At the dinner table, Cheng Miaomiao recounted how Xiao Fang, who had recently become much gentler, had scolded Li Si for bragging about her being his aunt. Jia Daiyu admonished Miaomiao, reminding her of Li Si's kindness throughout their lives and urging her to treat him better, especially since they would soon part ways after high school. Miaomiao, however, declared they would never separate, as Li Si had promised to go wherever she went.
Later that night, Li Dahai and Niu Lingling cried silently in their bedroom, tormented by the knowledge of their son's illness. The next morning, they insisted on driving Li Si to school, much to his delight, telling him it was on their way. Li Si enjoyed the "young master" treatment and even offered Cheng Miaomiao a ride. Cheng Miaomiao came home to find Jia Baoshan and Xiao Fang at her house.
Her mother, Jia Daiyu, told her to go to Xiaoshudu Restaurant for dinner, explaining that they were discussing serious matters. Curiosity piqued, Miaomiao secretly listened in and overheard Jia Baoshan discussing Li Si's cancer diagnosis, even suggesting traditional Chinese medicine. Overwhelmed, Miaomiao shared the heartbreaking news with her friends. Amidst their tears, they made a solemn pact not to tell Li Si, vowing to protect him and ensure his remaining time was filled with happiness.
Li Dahai urged Niu Lingling to stay strong and not show any weakness, reminding her that a stable emotional state was crucial for Li Si, and they needed to act like "undercover agents." Niu Lingling despaired, questioning why this burden had fallen on her. To cover the high cost of treatment, Niu Lingling decided to sell Xiaoshudu Restaurant, hoping the proceeds would be enough. One day, Li Si playfully kicked Xiao Fang in the school hallway.
Instead of her usual sternness, Xiao Fang gently straightened his uniform, commented on his growing hair, and calmly advised everyone to be careful. Li Si observed that being in love seemed to have made her a lot softer. Later, Li Si's friends took him to an arcade to cheer him up, where he proudly demonstrated his "Arcade King" skills on "The King of Fighters."
However, Li Si began to notice unusual behavior, such as Qiang Xiaowa doing his cleaning duty for him and Cheng Miaomiao and Hu Qiumin waiting for him with breakfast in the morning. Qiang Xiaowa managed to borrow a boat, and the group of friends joyfully ventured out to sea on the "Windward." Li Si, ever the cheerful one, asked Xiaowa to teach him how to sail. They mused about Yuan Shanqing and planned another sailing trip upon her return.
Cheng Miaomiao reiterated her desire for them to never be apart, and Li Si, looking out at the vast ocean, promised that their bond would last a lifetime. They wondered about the "outside world" beyond the sea and vowed to explore it together. Later, Niu Lingling went to Li Si's room and asked him to take a leave from school to go to Beijing for a minor surgery to remove a polyp found during a previous gastroenteroscopy.
She reassured him it was a small issue and used Li Dahai's connections in a Beijing hospital as an excuse, also framing it as a long-desired trip. Li Si, worried about his upcoming exams, was reluctant. Niu Lingling then announced her plan to sell Xiaoshudu Restaurant, claiming she was tired. Li Dahai supported her, adding that he was also leaving the drilling team to work in an office due to age and fatigue.
Li Si, bewildered by these sudden, major family changes, joked about being left out of the decision-making process. His parents wished him sweet dreams, telling him they would arrange the Beijing trip soon. Cheng Miaomiao gave Li Si a handmade "little bell," revealing she had a matching one. Li Si teased her about being superstitious like his mother but admitted he liked the idea of matching items symbolizing good luck.
Then, one day, Li Si disappeared, leaving behind his lucky charms, a recorded message, and a letter. In his recording, he explained that he knew something was wrong when everyone started being overly nice to him. He had found the poorly hidden test report, realizing his condition was terminal. He tried his best to play along, putting on a brave face so as not to disappoint them.
However, he was deeply moved when he witnessed his father, Li Dahai, who had never believed in ghosts or gods, secretly praying for him, kneeling before a Buddha statue late at night. He confessed that he could no longer keep up the act. He revealed he was the one who spread rumors that Xiaoshudu Restaurant had bad feng shui, hoping to prevent his mother from selling it.
He then recounted secretly reading his father's work diary, which meticulously documented his life from infancy, including his first performance, his schooling, and his childhood wish to marry Miaomiao. The diary's final entry was a heartfelt prayer from his father: "God, can I exchange my life for my son's?" Li Si expressed his sadness at leaving his parents and friends.
He gave specific instructions: Hu Qiumin should take a photo of Central Crossroads in Hong Kong for him, and Qiang Xiaowa should look after Miaomiao and Yaya, especially Miaomiao, and help her to mature. He also asked Yaya to care for Miaomiao and assured them he would pray for Yuan Shanqing. Addressing Miaomiao directly, he acknowledged her fear and tears, reminiscing about his lifelong wish to marry her.
He apologized for breaking that promise and for not being able to accompany her to the places she dreamed of. Nevertheless, he vowed that she would always have him, promising to protect her from anyone who dared to bully her, even from the afterlife. Li Si concluded his message by asserting that he would decide when to leave this world, not wanting anyone to witness his suffering or mourn his passing.
He asked everyone to remember his carefree self and to bid him a happy farewell. He ended his message by saying, "I love you all. . . forever." Taking the little bell Miaomiao made for him, Li Si set sail alone on a small boat, heading towards the horizon. In the aftermath, Yuan Shanqing's act of killing Yuan Yong was ultimately ruled as self-defense. On the day of her release, Cheng Yaya was there early to greet her.
The narrator reflected on a bittersweet youth where no one's innocence was spared, and they experienced an incomplete farewell. She wished that time could be rewound, and none of these painful events had occurred. She prayed that Li Si, in another world, would never feel anger. She lamented that they couldn't have stayed in the oilfield forever, never to be separated. With Li Si's departure, their youth came to an end.
Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
In the autumn of 2017, Cheng Miaomiao embarked on a solo journey, fulfilling her earlier wish to explore the world. She had attended a women's vocational college, which she found quite cool. After graduating, she ventured to Yinchuan for a rock concert, then took a crowded minibus to Tibet, and later worked as a journalist for six years, interviewing many people and traveling extensively.
At thirty, she moved to Beijing, where life was challenging, but she truly saw the world beyond her hometown. On her 35th birthday, she quit her nine-to-five job to become a storyteller, using all her savings to buy a second-hand RV with the ambition of driving to see all the places by the sea. On her travels, an elderly woman flagged her down, asking for a ride to Dahua Town. Cheng Miaomiao agreed.
The woman explained she had been walking a long way and expressed gratitude for Cheng Miaomiao's kindness. When asked if she was going home, the woman declared she was "going to catch her cheating husband." She continued to rant about her husband's infidelity, even suggesting Cheng Miaomiao, as a writer, expose him, his biased mother, and the mistress in the newspaper with photos. Cheng Miaomiao, trying to calm her down, offered to help her find a lawyer instead.
Cheng Miaomiao, who was unmarried, still wore the safety rope Li Si had given her on her wrist. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, Hu Qiumin had become an auctioneer. During an auction, while presenting a cheongsam by Master Liu Qingchuan called "Ink and Mountain Residence," she suddenly fainted as bidding reached six hundred thousand. She woke up in a hospital, where she impatiently tried to pull out her IV, insisting she had important matters to attend to, despite a nurse's warnings.
The nurse then informed a shocked Hu Qiumin that she was pregnant. Qiang Xiaowa had become a teacher, embodying the qualities of a good educator like Gao Feiyang. He addressed his class, holding their disciplinary records, and offered them a choice: continue making mistakes, or leave their past behind and start studying diligently from that day forward, introducing himself as their new homeroom teacher.
Back home, Xiao Zi, the cherished adopted daughter of Cheng Pengfei and Jia Daiyu, had grown into a young woman. Her parents doted on her and were visibly concerned about her having an early romance when they saw her with a classmate, Liang Yicheng. Jia Daiyu, despite pretending to have just been grocery shopping, couldn't hide her protectiveness, commenting on Liang Yicheng's appearance and demanding to know if he was a local.
She adamantly declared she would not accept Zi marrying someone from out of town and threatened to confront anyone who dared to bully her daughter. Cheng Pengfei observed Jia Daiyu's favoritism, noting she couldn't treat Zi's older siblings, Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing, with the same partiality, but Jia Daiyu stated she was content with her youngest daughter. Yuan Shanqing had opened a flower shop and was in a relationship with Cheng Yaya.
One day, a little girl came into her shop and asked if a flower was for her mother. The girl then sadly revealed, "I don't have a mom." Yuan Shanqing compassionately gave the girl a flower. Yuan Shanqing was later seen on the phone, explaining that Cheng Yaya was at a work site and unsure when he would finish. The family was also grappling with the reappearance of Lin Xiu, Xiao Zi's biological mother.
Lin Xiu reached out to Yuan Shanqing, expressing a desire to see Zi. Cheng Yaya was furious and told Yuan Shanqing not to see Lin Xiu again, promising to get her a new phone number to cut off contact. Yuan Shanqing worried about how Zi would react if she discovered the truth, especially if Lin Xiu was the one to tell her.
Cheng Yaya insisted that they had worked hard for years to hide Zi's past to give her a complete family and life, reminding Yuan Shanqing it was a decision they both made. Yuan Shanqing countered that Lin Xiu was now in Qingdao and knew where Zi was. Cheng Yaya promised to take leave and handle the situation. Xiao Zi called Cheng Miaomiao on the phone, asking what she was doing.
Cheng Miaomiao jokingly recounted her encounter with the aunt on the road. Zi also told Cheng Miaomiao that her brother was coming back and their dad wanted to know when Cheng Miaomiao would return. Cheng Miaomiao said she was in Qinghai and would be back after her current trip. Zi then mentioned she had sent Cheng Miaomiao a photo of the boy she liked. It was Li Si's 37th birthday.
Cheng Miaomiao made a video call to Niu Lingling and Li Dahai, who were now in Australia. The connection was initially patchy, but they eventually talked, with Cheng Miaomiao showing them her RV and the night sky of Qinghai. Li Dahai and Niu Lingling were concerned for her safety traveling alone and expressed their sadness, acknowledging that Cheng Miaomiao called them every year on this day in remembrance of Li Si.
Cheng Miaomiao promised to visit them in Australia by the end of the year. After the call, alone in her RV, Cheng Miaomiao lit a candle on a small cake, looked at the night sky, and whispered, "Li Si, this is Qinghai's night sky. Today you turn 37. Happy birthday." Lin Xiu eventually found her way to Cheng Pengfei and Jia Daiyu's home. Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing returned to find her there, and Yuan Shanqing's hands clenched in tension.
Jia Daiyu, maintaining the pretense, introduced Lin Xiu as an old colleague, "Aunt Lin." Lin Xiu stated that she had come to see an old acquaintance and, having done so, would now leave. Xiao Zi, unaware, waved goodbye. After Lin Xiu left, Yuan Shanqing asked her mother if that was her.
In a later conversation between Jia Daiyu and Lin Xiu, Lin Xiu recounted her tragic story: how Yuan Yong had tricked her into an illicit massage parlor, where she was repeatedly beaten for attempting to escape. She eventually tried to take his life with a knife but failed, and was imprisoned while he escaped with her money, effectively ruining her life.
Jia Daiyu explained that after Yuan Shanqing's incident, the family had moved away from the oil field to prevent Xiao Zi from ever learning about her past, wanting her to grow up in a healthy and complete family. These events had left Yuan Shanqing deeply traumatized, causing her to fear blood and suffer from insomnia.
Jia Daiyu pleaded with Lin Xiu not to blame Yuan Shanqing for wanting to protect Zi, acknowledging that Lin Xiu had also paid a heavy price. Later, Jia Daiyu reassured Cheng Yaya and Yuan Shanqing that Lin Xiu had promised not to return, finding some closure in their brief encounter. Cheng Pengfei affirmed that he and Jia Daiyu found great happiness in Zi and would ensure her continued joy, and the family would keep her true parentage a secret.
In Hong Kong, Hu Qiumin had a prenatal check-up, where the doctor confirmed her baby was healthy. Soon after, having heard the news of Hu Qiumin's upcoming wedding, Cheng Miaomiao felt a complex mix of emotions and decided to return to her hometown of Linqi. Hu Qiumin also returned to Linqi, finding her father Yang Songbai watching her mother, Hu Yue, square dance.
During a family meal, Hu Qiumin revealed to her parents that Ming Xiao, who was currently filming, had asked her to invite them to Hong Kong for their wedding. Her parents were thrilled and promised to attend. At the Xiaoshudu Restaurant, now thriving under Jia Baoshan and Xiao Fang, the two proprietors were overjoyed to see Cheng Miaomiao, Hu Qiumin, and Qiang Xiaowa return.
The three friends later gathered by the sea, leaving an empty chair for Li Si, as they called out his name and declared, "We're back!" In a poignant flashback, a young Li Si comforted a crying Cheng Miaomiao, who had been bullied and had her candy stolen by other children. Li Si fiercely declared, "This is my wife. If you dare to bully her, I’ll beat you up!" Cheng Miaomiao reflected on the passage of time, narrating, "Hey, Li Si.
20 years after we parted, I finally reached adulthood. At 37, I can't be young yet not old. . . Time flies. Those clear faces and vibrant youth flow like water through the years. . . Many things have been forgotten. There are many people I'll never see again. Those regretful years of youth will eventually become the past. We are starting to age gradually. But the spring's glow continues to shine bright.
And the youthful spirit in my heart has never left. May we remain young. May we be brave. May we be sincere to love forever. May we always miss each other. In honor of my hometown and youth, with the wind at my back." In a final, contemplative scene, Cheng Miaomiao was seen writing. A young girl approached her, asking what she was doing. Cheng Miaomiao replied she was writing a story and offered to tell it.
She began the classic tale, "Once upon a time, there was a mountain. In the mountain, there was a temple. . ." When the girl eagerly asked "And then?" Cheng Miaomiao smiled and finished, "Then. . . I ate it. You are tempted. I've finished my story." As she spoke, a vision of Li Si appeared outside her window, smiling back at her.
