Wind Direction Episode 28 Recap
> Wind Direction 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.
