Episode Summary
Ma Siyi's arrival sparks new friendships and challenges in the close-knit community. The children rally around her, facing school bullies and financial worries related to the family businesses. A plan to switch to a larger boat is set in motion, and the episode culminates in a time jump of seven years, revealing a tragic event that impacts the community.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Liang Haihong, visibly stressed, standing at her stall. Other mothers from the courtyard gather around, curious about her worries. Liang Haihong expresses her concerns about the financial risks of switching to a larger boat for their business, as it will significantly increase their operating costs, especially for hiring help.
Meanwhile, Ma Siyi, a new student, transfers to the elementary school attended by Xia Fenghua and Xie Wanghe. Her unique appearance and demeanor immediately draw the attention of the other students. Xie Wanghe attempts to pass a note to Ma Siyi, but Xia Fenghua tattles on them, resulting in both being punished by the teacher.
The neighborhood mothers, upon learning that Ma Siyi is staying, gossip about Ma Siyi's mother, criticizing her for being irresponsible and neglectful. Later that evening, the courtyard is filled with the lively sounds of families having dinner. In stark contrast, Ma Siyi's home is quiet and empty, making her long for her mother. She sits alone in her room, tears streaming down her face.
The next day, the courtyard is bustling with activity again. The mothers help Grandma Ma with her breakfast stall. Xie Wanghe asks his mom for five yuan to buy ice cream, and Xia Fenghua also begs for some. The four children later spot Ma Siyi secretly calling her mother, hoping to live with her. However, her mother is cold and dismissive, quickly ending the call. Xia Fenghua, Xie Wanghe, and the others witness Ma Siyi's distress and feel sympathy for her.
Ma Siyi's distinct appearance continues to attract attention at school. A boy named Sun Sanliang persistently tries to befriend her. Xie Wanghe, wanting to protect Ma Siyi, gets into a fight with Sun Sanliang, which is thankfully broken up by the teacher. During their punishment, Xie Wanghe notices that Ma Siyi doesn't have a proper schoolbag, only an old cloth bag. He discusses with Shao Xingchi and Zhou Hai to pool their money to buy Ma Siyi a new schoolbag.
Xia Fenghua helps Ma Siyi sneak out of the house through a window, taking her to get a treat made of malt sugar. Recognizing Ma Siyi's academic excellence and writing skills, Xia Fenghua proposes a deal: Ma Siyi will help her with her essays, and in return, Xia Fenghua will protect her from bothersome boys. Ma Siyi agrees, and a friendship blossoms.
Xie Wanghe and his friends count their money, realizing it's not enough to buy a schoolbag. They resort to catching clams in the river and selling them to Shao Bingyi for eighty yuan. Ma Siyi is deeply touched when her friends present her with a new schoolbag, further strengthening their bond.
Around lunchtime, Zhou Yanlin's "Canal Family" restaurant is bustling. He sets up a small table specifically for the children. District Chief Gu Alian arrives with her son, Chen Rui, hoping to enroll him in the children's lunch group due to her busy work schedule. Chen Rui, who is also a classmate of Xia Fenghua and the others, quickly integrates into the group.
Shao Bingyi, passing by on his bike, spots Gu Alian and enthusiastically greets her, sharing his ideas about cultural development. The children eat and listen to Zhou Yipu tell stories. Zhou Yipu mentions an Italian foreigner who came to the area and made significant contributions. Xie Wanghe assumes he's talking about Ma Siyi's ancestor, but Ma Siyi denies it.
Sun Sanliang harasses Ma Siyi again, provoking Xia Fenghua, Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Hai to attack him. The children, covered in dirt, sneak back into the courtyard, worried about being scolded by their parents. Liang Haihong catches them. She scolds Xie Wanghe, but upon learning he was protecting Ma Siyi, she realizes her mistake, apologizes to her son, and encourages him to protect Ma Siyi like an older brother. Ma Siyi, overhearing this, is deeply moved.
With her new friends, Ma Siyi's life becomes more vibrant. She asks her grandmother about the families in the courtyard, and Grandma Ma assures her that they are all good people. The four families then gather to discuss switching boats. Grandma Ma is the first to contribute money, followed by the others. Finally, Xie Wanghe successfully acquires a thousand-ton ship, which arrives at Flower Street adorned with red silk and flowers.
The children's friendship deepens, and they often swim in the river together, their childhood unfolding in these lively times. Seven years later, the five friends are now in high school. Xia Fenghua refuses to go into the river and takes everyone else's clothes. Suddenly, cries are heard from next door. The five rush over to find that Lao Wu, a boatman from Flower Street, has attempted suicide by jumping into the river due to overwhelming debt.
