Episode Summary
Luo Zhimei returns home briefly but plans to go back to Beijing for work, causing conflict with Zhou Yanlin who suggests divorce. Grandma Ma convinces Ma Siyi to take in her half-brother. Zhou Haikuo encourages his mother to pursue her dreams. Xie Tiancheng sells his boat and joins the Xia family in their business venture. Liang Haihong becomes a truck driver.
Spoiler Alert
In episode 13 of "Northward," Xia Fenghua and Ma Siyi are walking home when they see Luo Zhimei returning with her luggage. Zhou Yanlin is overjoyed, thinking Luo Zhimei has decided to stay home for good. However, his hopes are dashed when Luo Zhimei reveals she's only back for a few days and plans to return to Beijing to work as a producer for a friend's film company.
This news upsets Zhou Yanlin, and even Zhou Haikuo can't understand why his mother is so determined to pursue a career outside their home. Zhou Yipu defends Luo Zhimei's right to chase her dreams, reminding everyone of the sacrifices she made for her husband and son. Zhou Haikuo recalls his mother confiding in Grandma Ma about feeling suffocated at home.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yanlin confronts Luo Zhimei, accusing her of being selfish for always being away. Luo Zhimei fires back, blaming him for not fulfilling his past promises. She points out that while he thrives in their current life, she, as an actress, needs a stage. Their conflicting desires have made their relationship a burden, leading a frustrated Zhou Yanlin to suggest divorce, a conversation overheard by Zhou Haikuo.
On another front, Grandma Ma approaches Ma Siyi about taking in her half-brother. Ma Siyi is initially resistant, as the boy has no blood relation to Grandma Ma. However, Grandma Ma, ever compassionate, explains that Siyi's mother's husband, Lao Ge, has been imprisoned for organizing gambling. With Siyi's mother planning to venture south, Grandma Ma worries about the child's welfare and believes having a sibling could provide Ma Siyi with a support system. Ma Siyi reluctantly agrees, swayed by her grandmother's persistence.
Luo Zhimei visits her son, finding him downcast. She assures him she won't leave immediately, at least not until his college entrance exams are over. Surprisingly, Zhou Haikuo encourages his mother to follow her dreams, asserting that everyone has the right to change their destiny. He emphasizes that even if his parents divorce, Luo Zhimei will always be his mother, moving her to tears.
Zhou Yanlin and Xie Tiancheng, two men facing their own struggles, share drinks at the Canal Family restaurant. Xie Tiancheng expresses concern for the Grand Canal's future. Zhou Yanlin explains that the Grand Canal is undergoing a World Heritage application process. If successful, it will receive national protection and be restored to its former glory.
Xie Tiancheng is initially encouraged, glad he didn't sell his boat. However, Zhou Yanlin advises him to sell it soon, as the successful heritage application will mean the phasing out of polluting diesel boats like his. This news crushes Xie Tiancheng's last hope. Zhou Yanlin acknowledges Xie Tiancheng's pain, emphasizing that despite Flower Street's decline, leaving has never been an option, as it's their homeland, their roots.
As time passes, the Xia family's floating supermarket thrives. Grandma Ma secures government assistance, ensuring her financial stability. Liang Haihong befriends her driving school classmates and passes her driving test on the first try, earning their respect. Coach Du, who initially doubted Liang Haihong, is impressed and gives her tips on long-haul trucking. She cuts her hair short, finds a reliable partner in Master Chen, and embarks on her career as a long-haul truck driver.
That evening, Xie Tiancheng sits by the river, drinking. Xie Wang confirms his father's decision to sell the boat and promises to help find a buyer. Xie Tiancheng takes Xie Wang on one last ride on the diesel boat along Flower Street, a bittersweet experience. The next day, Xie Tiancheng watches his beloved boat being taken away, running to the bridge to watch it disappear.
Later, Xie Tiancheng gathers the Courtyard residents for a meal. He distributes the 120,000 yuan from the boat sale among them, keeping nothing for himself. Li Yan and Xia Maotian invite Xie Tiancheng to partner with them in opening a floating supermarket, which he readily accepts. Xia Fenghua and Xie Wang, watching from the rooftop, reflect on the unfolding events.
