Episode Summary
Xia Fenghua signs a risky modeling contract, lured by quick cash, while Grandma Ma's health concerns prompt a stroke drill. Xie Tiancheng decides to sell his boat for the community's benefit, and Xie Wanghe faces academic challenges while trying to help his family.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Xia Fenghua and Ma Siyi stumbling into a whole new world – Brother Hai's photography studio. The girls are blown away by the professional setup. Brother Hai, a smooth-talking photographer, wastes no time in convincing them to sign with his modeling agency. He heads upstairs to grab the contracts, revealing his predatory nature to a colleague, bragging about landing two naive girls, one of whom is a virgin. Xia Fenghua, blinded by the promise of a quick 10,000 yuan, ignores Ma Siyi’s warnings about the hefty 50,000 yuan penalty for breaking the contract and eagerly signs her name.
Meanwhile, back at the courtyard, the neighborhood mothers are worried about Grandma Ma's health. Liu Yuling takes Grandma Ma to the hospital for a check-up. Gu Alian, hearing about the hospital visit, generously sends over some nutritional supplements from her son's hospital room, asking Liu Yuling to pass on her well-wishes to Grandma Ma.
On the way home, Ma Siyi expresses her concerns about Xia Fenghua's impulsive decision. Xia Fenghua opens up about her family history, explaining how her mother faced discrimination for having a daughter. She's determined to make her parents proud, and she sees modeling as her only shot at making quick money. Ma Siyi, touched by her friend's story, starts considering signing the contract next week to help her own grandmother.
After returning to the courtyard, Liu Yuling shares the concerning results of Grandma Ma’s check-up with Liang Haihong and Li Yan. They decide to stage a "stroke drill" to prepare for the worst. That night, Li Yan pretends to be an unconscious Grandma Ma, and Liang Haihong carries her from the courtyard to the bridge, planning for future emergencies with a stretcher and readily available transportation.
When Li Yan gets home, Xia Fenghua proudly shows off the 10,000 yuan and the contract, boasting about her newfound earning power. Li Yan, however, is uneasy about the dense contract. She seeks help from Xie Wanghe to review the terms. Xie Wanghe discovers the 50,000 yuan penalty clause, confirming Li Yan's fears that they might be dealing with a scam. Xie Wanghe promises to accompany Xia Fenghua to her next photoshoot to protect her.
Xia Fenghua, thrilled with her earnings, plans to buy her dad a new phone, her mom a new watch, and treat herself to a 100 yuan lipstick. At the same time, Xia Maotian and Xie Tiancheng share drinks by the river, discussing the declining prospects of the Grand Canal. Xia Maotian urges Xie Tiancheng to sell his boat and find a new line of work.
In contrast, Shao Bingyi returns home in low spirits, asking Liu Yuling about their savings because he wants to self-publish a book. Liu Yuling hesitates, thinking about their son's upcoming college expenses. Shao Bingyi, understanding her concerns, decides to ask Xie Tiancheng for his share of the profits.
Xie Tiancheng, initially hesitant about selling the boat, is swayed by the financial struggles of his neighbors, including Shao Bingyi. He assures Shao Bingyi to give him a week. Xia Maotian, after confirming the contract seems okay for now, tells Li Yan that the Grand Canal era is over, and it's time for them, who have lived on the water, to move ashore.
Xie Wanghe finds his father, Xie Tiancheng, alone on the rooftop, looking somber. Xie Tiancheng reveals his decision to sell the boat, prioritizing the community's well-being over his own interests. Xie Wanghe offers to help bridge the financial gap within a year, but Xie Tiancheng declines, asserting that the men of the Xie family are strong and can handle challenges.
The episode concludes in the classroom, where Xie Wanghe is caught writing a business plan by Mr. Xu, who confiscates it. After class, Xie Wanghe proposes taking a year off from school. Mr. Xu strongly advises against it, emphasizing that while a high school diploma might not seem like much, lacking one will significantly hinder his future prospects.
