Episode Summary
Xie Wanghe's startup dreams are crushed after learning about the harsh realities of the internet business from Qiang Ge. He returns home after Ma's health scare, re-evaluates his priorities after a talk with Mr. Xu, and commits to his studies. Family tensions rise as Xie Tiancheng resists change, while Liang Haihong pursues a truck driving license and supports a new business idea. Xie Wanghe defends Xia Fenghua from Brother Hai.
Spoiler Alert
Xie Wanghe's entrepreneurial dreams hit a major roadblock in this episode. Seeking advice, he approaches Qiang Ge, only to discover that Qiang Ge was once the founder of China's first pet-focused website. Despite initial success in securing funding, the company burned through its cash in just two years, leaving many employees in debt. Qiang Ge bluntly tells Xie Wanghe that the internet startup scene is incredibly competitive. Millions try, but few succeed. He emphasizes that without significant resources, passion and a clever idea aren't enough.
A sudden message from Xia Fenghua about Ma's illness, a stroke, jolts Xie Wanghe. He decides to return home immediately. Before leaving, he makes a last-ditch effort, asking Qiang Ge about the potential of an online question bank. Qiang Ge shows him a similar project created by an MIT graduate, which also ultimately failed.
Discouraged and missing his bus, Xie Wanghe sits dejectedly on the street, his broken computer case beside him. Meanwhile, Ma, surrounded by loved ones, is recovering and returns to the Flower Street Courtyard, welcomed warmly by the neighbors.
Xie Wanghe rushes back to the courtyard, relieved to find Ma is okay. His mother, Liang Haihong, scolds him fiercely. However, Mr. Xu, Xie Wanghe's teacher, arrives for a home visit and surprisingly defends Xie Wanghe, telling Liang Haihong that he believes Xie Wanghe is intelligent and capable of getting into university if he applies himself.
Xie Wanghe is taken aback by Mr. Xu's words. The teacher uses Google and Yahoo as examples, encouraging Xie Wanghe to build a strong foundation to maximize his potential. Mr. Xu reframes Xie Wanghe's previous self-comparison to "yin chen mu" (a type of dark, ancient wood), saying that to become valuable, he first needs to be a tree – to grow and develop.
Mr. Xu's pep talk deeply impacts Xie Wanghe. After the teacher leaves, Xie Wanghe meets with Shao Xingchi and Zhou Haikuo in the courtyard. He admits that his trip to Beijing made him realize how little he knew. Zhou Haikuo urges him to focus on his studies, emphasizing the benefits of a university education.
Xia Maotian is upset about Xie Tiancheng's plan to sell the boat. Xia Fenghua suggests opening a floating supermarket, but Xie Tiancheng is resistant to change. He gets drunk and argues with his wife about Xie Wanghe dropping out of school. The couple's fight escalates until Xie Wanghe apologizes to his father, acknowledging his past immaturity.
The next day, Liang Haihong prepares to start driving a large truck, instructing Li Yan to keep it secret. Li Yan suggests the floating supermarket idea to Liang Haihong, who fully supports it. The neighborhood kids chat at Ma's stall, and Ma jokingly tells them they have to marry into the family to learn their secret sauce recipe. Xie Wanghe readily agrees, annoying Xia Fenghua.
Xie Wanghe starts studying diligently in class, declaring his intention to attend a top university, much to Xia Fenghua's surprise. Liang Haihong, meanwhile, faces ridicule from the men at the driving school but is determined to prove them wrong, vowing to get her license. They bet her ten yuan each if she succeeds.
After school, Brother Hai confronts Xia Fenghua. Xie Wanghe steps in, warning him to stop harassing her or face the consequences. Brother Hai, wary of the photo album incident, backs down. Xia Fenghua is touched by Xie Wanghe's protectiveness, but her mood sours when she returns home to find her grandmother and aunt criticizing her in the courtyard.
