Episode Summary
Qian Jiayue wins a competition and gets accepted into No. 2 High School, her dream school, which she wants to attend with her crush, Xiao Han. However, her mother's loud announcement and broken promise of a computer, along with her habit of reading Jiayue's diary, cause tension. Jiayue makes three wishes: diary privacy, an end to her mother's cheapness, and a computer. Meanwhile, Xiao Han's single mother struggles financially, highlighting the contrast between the families, but also the support of their community.
Spoiler Alert
The series kicks off with a bang! Qian Jiayue, a bright and diligent student, just scored big – she won first place in a major digital competition. While her mom and grandma are thrilled (secretly wishing their kid had won, of course), they play it cool to avoid upsetting Jiayue. The real excitement e xplodes when a delivery arrives: Jiayue's acceptance letter to the prestigious No. 2 High School! Her mom, Chen Xiu'e, practically broadcasts the news to the entire neighborhood with her booming voice.
Jiayue is ecstatic. Her biggest dream is to attend No. 2 High School with her crush, Xiao Han, a super-smart and sunny guy who's already been guaranteed a spot. She rushes to tell him the good news, only to find that her mom's big mouth has already spread the word. Jiayue's a little bummed that Xiao Han didn't hear it from her first.
That evening, Xiao Han comes over for dinner at Jiayue's. During the meal, Jiayue pointedly asks her mom if she'll keep a promise. A confused Chen Xiu'e is reminded that she vowed to buy Jiayue a computer if she got into high school. Back then, computers were a huge deal, a major expense. Chen Xiu'e, caught off guard, suggests Jiayue can use the neighbor's computer for now, much to Jiayue's annoyance.
The family digs into dinner, and Chen Xiu'e asks Jiayue if she has any other wishes. Jiayue lays out three: First, she wants her diary to be off-limits to prying eyes (hint, hint, Mom). Second, she wants her mom to stop being so cheap and embarrassing the family. And third? You guessed it – that computer!
Chen Xiu'e is clearly in a tight spot. The first two wishes are obviously directed at her, and the third is a financial stretch. To smooth things over, she offers to take Jiayue on a trip – a destination that, surprise, surprise, Jiayue had written about in her diary. Jiayue is furious. Her mom has been reading her diary since last year!
Later, Jiayue's dad, Qian Kang, talks to his wife about maybe getting that computer after all. But it would mean using up three months of their household expenses. Money is tight. The next morning, Chen Xiu'e wakes Jiayue up, promising a reward. Jiayue's hopes soar – is it the computer? Nope. Mom takes her shopping for clothes.
Jiayue tries on a beautiful white dress, and she looks stunning. But then Chen Xiu'e goes into full-on bargaining mode, haggling the price down to half. Jiayue is mortified, even though her mom saves a bundle. It's just not the point.
Meanwhile, Xiao Han's mom, Ai Ping, is struggling too. She can't even afford new shoes for her son. A single mom, Ai Ping works tirelessly at a wonton shop and as a cook for another family. Luckily, their neighbors are kind. The owner of the restaurant next door gives Ai Ping her wages, and Chen Xiu'e has even bought shoes for Xiao Han. This highlights the close-knit, supportive community they live in, even as everyone faces their own challenges.
