Episode Summary
Xie Wanghe shows signs of maturity, prompting a heart-to-heart with Xia Fenghua. Zhou Yanlin is affected by his son's words and reaches out to Luo Zhimei. A prank on Xia Fenghua involving a fake Li Yuchun QQ account backfires, leading her to vow to see the star perform live. Ma Siyi considers a modeling opportunity, while also revealing her plans to attend a local university to care for her grandmother.
Spoiler Alert
This episode sees a shift in dynamics and some major character development. One night, Xia Fenghua takes a walk with Xie Wanghe, reflecting on his growth. She notes he's less impulsive than before, acknowledging that smashing the car (as he almost did) would have hurt him and his family. Xie Wanghe admits he wasn't thinking that far ahead, but he's turning eighteen soon and wants to change his ways. Xia Fenghua praises his intelligence, encouraging him to believe in his potential for greatness. This heart-to-heart significantly boosts Xie Wanghe's spirits.
Meanwhile, Shao Bingyi is struggling with feelings of unfulfilled potential, finding solace only in brief chats by the river. Grandma Ma, ever perceptive, calls Luo Zhimei, asking when she'll return. Luo Zhimei says she'll be home after finishing her current work. However, Luo Zhimei's absence has taken a toll on Zhou Yanlin, who is usually composed but has become short-tempered with his employees. Grandma Ma visits the restaurant, offering Zhou Yanlin advice and urging him to pay more attention to Luo Zhimei.
Later, Zhou Yanlin overhears his son, Zhou Haikuo, talking with Xie Wanghe and their friends. Xie Wanghe believes Zhou Yanlin is primarily responsible for his parents' problems, as it's natural for people to want to advance and explore opportunities. Zhou Haikuo reveals his worst-case scenario: if his parents divorce, he'll stay with his father, fearing he won't be able to cope.
Deeply affected by his son's words, Zhou Yanlin returns home, reflecting on his past with Luo Zhimei while gazing at the stars. He sends her a caring text message and a photo of the night sky. Luo Zhimei replies, finally easing Zhou Yanlin's worries. Similarly, Shao Bingyi shows care for his wife, Liu Yuling, by massaging her injured waist. Xie Wanghe brings home some money, relieving some financial strain on his family. The episode showcases the everyday joys and struggles of the courtyard families, with Xia Fenghua imitating Li Yuchun's concert performance, and Ma Siyi playing her father's guitar.
The next day at school, Xia Fenghua is drawing a picture of Li Yuchun while listening to music, which leads to teasing from Shao Xingchi and a subsequent physical altercation. After school, Sun Sanliang shows off his new motorcycle, only to crash it immediately. Shao Xingchi, seeking revenge on Xia Fenghua, teams up with Xie Wanghe and others to play a prank. They post a fake Li Yuchun QQ number on the school's online forum. Xia Fenghua, believing it's real, adds the QQ number and is thrilled when "Li Yuchun" accepts her friend request. She excitedly tells her mom.
Over the weekend, Ma Siyi works part-time at Yunhe Renjia restaurant, delivering food. Chen Rui, hospitalized and drawing Ma Siyi's portrait, discovers his mother interfered in their relationship and angrily spills his food. Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe and his friends wait at an internet cafe, monitoring Xia Fenghua's messages to "Li Yuchun." They reply to her, pretending to be the star, and invite her to a concert in Chengdu.
Xia Fenghua spots Xie Wanghe and the others, realizing their deception. Furious, she declares that one day, Li Yuchun will perform in the biggest stadium, and she'll be in the front row. On her way home, she sees Ma Siyi working at the restaurant and looking downcast. She then encounters a photographer who takes her picture.
That evening, Xia Fenghua picks up Ma Siyi from work, suggesting she could make quick money as a model. Ma Siyi is skeptical, but Xia Fenghua shows her the photographer's pictures and proposes they visit the studio. She eventually convinces Ma Siyi.
Liang Haihong returns to the courtyard with a delivery. Ma Siyi helps him, revealing her plan to attend a less prestigious university to better care for her grandmother. Liang Haihong is touched by her selflessness but reminds her that she's capable of attending a top-tier university and that being too considerate can lead to a difficult life.
