Episode Summary
Financial troubles and family concerns intertwine. Xie Tiancheng's desperate attempt to recover a debt from Sun Quezi goes awry, leading to injury and further complications. Xie Wang considers dropping out of school to help his family, while also pursuing a challenging business idea. Chen Bo navigates his son's romantic interests and gives advice. Ma Siyi faces pressure to work, and Grandma Ma's health becomes a major concern.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Li Yan confronting Xia Fenghua about her upcoming commercial shoot. Li Yan wonders if Fenghua is worried that the photographer will only want to sign Ma Siyi. Fenghua admits that Siyi's family struggles financially, so a contract would be good for her. Just as Li Yan asks Fenghua about a potential "either/or" situation in the future, Xie Wanghe and his buddies show up. They present Fenghua with a reimbursement receipt for a Li Yuchun concert, offering a sincere apology that instantly melts her anger. She happily accepts the receipt.
Meanwhile, Chen Bo takes Gu Alian out for a late-night snack. Alian repeatedly reminds Chen Bo to keep an eye on Chen Rui and prevent him from getting involved in any teenage romance. Chen Bo, however, thinks it's perfectly normal for a boy to like a girl at that age, and reminisces about his own youth. This sparks a bit of jealousy in Alian, forcing Chen Bo to awkwardly promise he'll complete the "mission."
Later, Chen Bo visits the hospital and is tasked by his son, Chen Rui, to deliver a letter to Ma Siyi. While Chen Bo supports his son's romantic interests, he advises Chen Rui that true happiness in a relationship comes from becoming exceptional. He emphasizes that actions speak louder than words, and if Chen Rui can't currently support and protect the person he cares about, it might not be the right time for a relationship.
On another front, Xie Wanghe discovers Ma Siyi working a part-time job. He confronts her, demanding she quit and focus on her studies. Ma Siyi refuses, leading to a heated argument. Frustrated, Xie Wanghe speeds off on his bike, nearly getting into an accident but narrowly escaping unharmed.
That night, Xie Tiancheng sneaks into Sun Quezi's office, intending to crack the safe. However, Sun Quezi returns with a woman, infuriating Tiancheng, who demands his debt be repaid. A scuffle ensues, and Sun Quezi hits his head, losing consciousness. Xie Tiancheng, panicked, initially flees but then has a change of heart.
Xie Tiancheng takes the injured Sun Quezi to the hospital, where he receives seven stitches. Sun Quezi, however, tries to use the medical expenses to offset the debt. Xie Tiancheng refuses, grabbing a screwdriver and urging Sun Quezi to stab him, an eye for an eye, desperately pleading for the money that his family needs. Sun Quezi, though, reveals his own financial troubles, explaining that his construction projects are unfinished and his car is about to be repossessed.
Unable to recover the money, Xie Tiancheng returns home dejected, his wife, Liang Haihong, sensing something is wrong. The next day, Grandma Ma and several other mothers are selling goods by the river, disheartened by the lack of customers. Grandma Ma tries to cheer them up with a song, but suddenly feels dizzy. The mothers, concerned, call a doctor, who suspects Grandma Ma might be experiencing the early signs of a stroke.
Xie Wanghe tells Liang Haihong about the situation and proposes taking a year off school to earn money. Liang Haihong strongly opposes the idea. Xie Tiancheng, burdened by his financial woes, finds it hard to confide in anyone. Father and son share a late-night conversation on the rooftop, with Tiancheng recounting his past glories. When Tiancheng learns the reason for Xie Wanghe's desire to leave school is to help Grandma Ma with medical expenses, Liang Haihong is comforted to see father and son sitting together, gazing at the stars.
The next morning, Xia Fenghua finally convinces Ma Siyi to accompany her to Brother Hai's photography studio. Meanwhile, Xie Wanghe seeks advice from Zhou Haikuo about his business plan. Zhou Haikuo expresses doubts about the feasibility of Xie Wanghe's online question bank idea, but Xie Wanghe is prepared with solutions.
