Episode Summary
Ma Siyi leaves Flower Street, marking the end of an era. The friends move to Beijing for new beginnings, pursuing different paths in education and work. Years later, in 2014, Xia Fenghua achieves success, Xie Wanghe rises in his career, and Shao Xingchi gets into trouble with the law. Tensions rise between the friends as they navigate adulthood and their changing relationships. The episode ends with a mix of nostalgia, disappointment, and hope for the future.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Ma Siyi back at the Courtyard, overwhelmed by the weight of everyone's concern and efforts to help her. Overcome with emotion, she breaks down, remembering the warmth of her home when Grandma Ma and Ge Siwei were still around.
The next morning, Siyi leaves Flower Street before dawn, leaving behind a letter for her neighbors and hand-sewn insoles for the children. Chen Rui also receives a note from Siyi, an IOU for the money she owes. Xie Wanghe and the others rush to find her, but Siyi is already gone, resolutely leaving on a bus.
Siyi's departure marks the end of their youth. The summer after their high school graduation feels incredibly long, and the friends learn to put on brave faces despite their inner turmoil. On graduation day, the entire school gathers for a group photo. Meanwhile, in Flower Street, the long-sunken boat is finally salvaged from the river, drawing the attention of the entire community.
A new year begins, and everyone in the Courtyard gathers to watch the Spring Festival Gala. Xie Wanghe, Xia Fenghua, and the others send messages to Siyi, but they receive no reply. After the New Year, the young people start their new lives in Beijing. Xie Wanghe excels in his economics studies at Renmin University. Zhou Haikuo studies computer science at Beihang University and meets his first love on the first day of school. Chen Rui, determined to keep his promise to Siyi, defies his family's wishes and studies archaeology at Honghuai Normal University.
Xia Fenghua and Shao Xingchi unexpectedly meet on a bus, thrilled to see each other. Neither of them went to college and are now working ordinary jobs. They reminisce about their carefree days in Flower Street and realize how much they were protected by their parents. Back in their hometown, the excavation of the canal continues. Chen Rui researches the history of Flower Street at university, and Zhou Yipu, Chen Bo, and Shao Bingyi form a research team. Everyone is embarking on a new journey.
The story jumps to 2014, the golden age of internet startups in China. Xia Fenghua, after years of hard work, finally owns her own courier station and receives her adult education degree. Xie Wanghe, after graduating, joins Honey Food Delivery and quickly makes a name for himself with his impressive performance. He's even approached by a headhunter offering a high-paying position, which he politely declines.
Meanwhile, Xingchi is caught selling fake certificates in an electronics market, part of a police sting operation. He tries to escape and calls Xie Wanghe and others for help, but they are all busy and miss his calls. He's eventually apprehended. Xia Fenghua, upon hearing the news, immediately contacts Chen Rui, who has bailed Xingchi out of jail several times before.
Xie Wanghe returns to the company and informs his boss, Meng Wei, about the headhunter's offer. Meng Wei, impressed by Xie Wanghe's loyalty, promotes him and sends him to the Haidian branch, tasking him with increasing Honey's market share in Haidian to over 50%. With Meng Wei's assurances, Xie Wanghe readily accepts the challenge.
Xia Fenghua personally bails Xingchi out of jail and scolds him for his reckless behavior. Xingchi, feeling misunderstood, throws a tantrum, smashing dishes and cups before storming out. Xie Wanghe's parents are relieved that their debts will soon be paid off thanks to the money he sent. Shao Bingyi, wanting a better future for his son, visits his friend Lao Du, asking him to teach Xingchi a trade.
That evening, Xie Wanghe and the others gather for dinner. Xie Wanghe angrily confronts Xingchi, expressing his disappointment. The atmosphere at the dinner table is tense. Xia Fenghua tries to lighten the mood by showing off her graduation certificate, and everyone congratulates her. However, Xingchi makes some pessimistic remarks, leading to another argument with Xie Wanghe.
The dinner ends on a sour note. Xie Wanghe and Xia Fenghua chat on the balcony, while Zhou Haikuo and Chen Rui comfort and encourage Xingchi. Xie Wanghe walks Xia Fenghua to the subway station, reminiscing about their shared past, while Xingchi returns to his basement apartment.
