Episode Summary
Shen Xifan discovers He Suye has been hiding her mother's cancer diagnosis. After an emotional confrontation and reconciliation, Xifan learns her mother's prognosis is good, but she grapples with the decision of studying abroad while her mother undergoes treatment. She receives her passport but is filled with conflict, realizing the weight of her choice.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 26 of "The Best Thing" is packed with emotional turmoil and difficult decisions. It begins with He Suye finding Shen Xifan resting at home. He gently smooths her hair, a tender moment amidst the unfolding drama. Xifan has officially resigned from her hotel job, said her goodbyes to colleagues, and successfully submitted her visa application. Because the visa center is near the hospital, she decides to surprise Suye at work and pick him up, only to stumble upon him with Shen's Mother, who is about to be discharged.
This encounter confirms Xifan's suspicions. Instead of confronting them directly, she messages Suye, asking him to meet her in the garden. Suye, realizing he can no longer hide the truth, confesses everything about Shen's Mother's illness. Xifan, overwhelmed by the fear of potentially losing her mother, breaks down in tears, blaming Suye for keeping her in the dark.
Despite Suye's apologies and attempts to reassure her about Shen's Mother's prognosis, Xifan is inconsolable and leaves. Suye is left feeling remorseful. He tries calling her later, but she doesn't answer. Eventually, with Xu Xiangya's help, he finds Xifan.
Suye explains that he respected Shen's Mother's wishes by not revealing the truth to Xifan directly. Xifan, having calmed down, realizes she was harsh earlier and that Suye isn't entirely to blame. The couple reconciles with a hug.
Later that evening, Suye walks Xifan home. Shen's Father and Mother initially try to maintain the pretense, but Xifan reveals that she knows the truth. She comforts her mother, urging her to focus on treatment. Seeing the drainage bag attached to her mother, Xifan is deeply saddened but tries to remain strong, supervising her mother taking medicine.
After a period of rest, Yu Liren checks Shen's Mother's pulse and finds her condition much improved. He teaches the couple some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) exercises for health maintenance, which they diligently practice. Meanwhile, Xifan is in her room, researching breast cancer and feeling torn about her upcoming study abroad, worried about leaving her parents.
Suye and Liren have dinner at the He family home. Liren suggests they eat out sometime, recommending a good restaurant. The topic of studying abroad comes up, and Liren asks about Xifan's visa. Xifan, hesitant because of her mother's illness, pretends she's only just submitted the application and that her family wants her to learn to cook first, fearing she won't adapt to foreign food.
Soon after, Shen's Mother's checkup results are in, and they're positive. Suye immediately sends photos of the report to Xifan and explains the details in person after work. He assures them that Shen's Mother has early-stage cancer, and based on the molecular subtype, the prognosis is excellent, with a 95% recovery rate with the planned treatment.
Shen's Father and Mother are relieved, but Xifan still has concerns. The next day, Xifan accompanies her mother to the hospital for treatment and starts learning to make soup based on online tutorials. During this time, she receives her passport from the visa center, but the usual joy of such an event is completely absent.
After work, Suye helps Xifan clean the kitchen and finds the torn-up shipping label for her passport in the trash, instantly understanding her internal conflict. He accompanies Xifan to her family's home for dinner. Xifan is hyper-focused on her mother's condition, ensuring she's comfortable, which deeply touches Shen's Mother. Suye, observing this, is filled with mixed emotions, seeing Xifan's devotion and the unspoken dilemma she faces.
