Episode Summary
Chen Mo avoids Xiao Han. New student Lu Yao sparks interest from Ka Men. Chen Xiu'e quits her job over unfair pay, then faces job search challenges. Ka Men tries to impress Lu Yao. Mao Tou shows surprising dedication to studying with Qian Jiayue. Qian Kang injures his back after Chen Xiu'e loses her job.
Spoiler Alert
In Episode 16 of "Reopen My Journals", Chen Mo is trying to avoid spending time with Xiao Han. She used to go to school with both Xiao Han and Qian Jiayue, but now she's dragging her feet and leaving for school only after they've already gone.
After the New Year holiday, a new transfer student joins Qian Jiayue's class. Ka Men is shocked to see that it's Lu Yao, the handsome young reporter she met during the New Year's Eve fireworks show. Ka Men had a crush on him even before he transferred, and now they're in the same class. She tries to find ways to get close to him after class, but the class monitor keeps stealing the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiu'e, who had been working diligently at the supermarket for years, discovers that new employees are being hired at a salary of 1000 yuan, while her salary remains at 800 yuan. She confronts her boss, Cao Debao, about the unfairness, but he dismissively claims that her salary was always 800 yuan and tells her to take it or leave it. Furious, Chen Xiu'e quits her job.
Ka Men's mother and Ai Ping feel that Chen Xiu'e was too impulsive. They point out that supermarkets prefer to hire younger women, and it's difficult for women in their forties or fifties like Chen Xiu'e to find work. Despite their decades of experience in the factory, they lack other specialized skills, putting them at a disadvantage in the job market. Chen Xiu'e starts to regret her decision and begins actively searching for a new job, buying several newspapers to look for openings.
Ever since Lu Yao was assigned to sit next to Ka Men, she's been trying everything to get his attention. When the class monitor brings a sign-up sheet for a school speech competition to Lu Yao, Ka Men notices that he's clearly not interested. She steps in and reminds the monitor not to force others, pointing out that their homeroom teacher emphasized focusing on academics rather than extracurricular activities.
Mao Tou wants to get into the No. 2 High School, so he frequently asks Qian Jiayue to tutor him. Strangely, Mao Tou, who usually can't sit still in class, is incredibly focused and enthusiastic when Qian Jiayue is teaching him. Even Qian Jiayue is puzzled by this sudden change, wondering if the usually sleepy Mao Tou has had some kind of awakening!
Chen Xiu'e regrets her impulsive decision to quit. She brings gifts to the supermarket and apologizes to her boss, but he condescendingly berates her. Qian Kang, who happens to be at the supermarket to use the restroom, overhears the exchange and learns that his wife was fired days ago. A devoted husband, Qian Kang comforts his wife, telling her she doesn't need to work and that his earnings are enough to support the family.
With his wife out of a job, Qian Kang works even harder. However, he injures his back while helping a customer with their luggage. The doctor diagnoses him with a herniated disc and orders him to rest for at least a month, or he'll need surgery. Chen Xiu'e rushes to the hospital and is heartbroken to see her husband with a bandaged head.
